Church of God News

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

But a week earlier, April 17, members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses will celebrate their most important date, the annual memorial of Jesus’ death known as “the Lord’s Evening Meal.” Although Easter is observed by many more people and ingrained in our society by such customs as the Easter bunny, Easter egg hunts and candy treats, Jehovah’s Witnesses hold firm to their belief that the celebration of Easter is a mistake based on paganism rather than a close reading of the Bible.  http://www.gilroydispatch.com/lifestyles/274419-some-christians-shun-easter-celebrations

Early Christians observed Passover.  After compromise set it, Passover from the Greco-Roman related faiths became switched to a Sunday.  Then, over time, it became a Sunday resurrection holiday as opposed to mainly the Christian Passover observance.

Over time, especially in the Western world, customs associated with pagan worship became incorporated into the Easter observances.  Easter itself is not a biblical term, but instead is a reference to a pagan goddess.

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes:

The English term, according to the Ven. Bede (De temporum ratione, I, v), relates to Estre, a Teutonic goddess of the rising light of day and spring…Easter is the principal feast of the ecclesiastical year. Leo I (Sermo xlvii in Exodum) calls it the greatest feast (festum festorum), and says that Christmas is celebrated only in preparation for Easter…The connection between the Jewish and the Christian Pasch explains the movable character of this feast. Easter has no fixed date, like Christmas, because the 15th of Nisan of the Semitic calendar was shifting from date to date on the Julian calendar. Since Christ, the true Paschal Lamb, had been slain on the very day when the Jews, in celebration of their Passover, immolated the figurative lamb, the Jewish Christians in the Orient followed the Jewish method…For this observance they claimed the authority of St. John and St. Philip.

In the rest of the empire another consideration predominated. Every Sunday of the year was a commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ, which had occurred on a Sunday. Because the Sunday after 14 Nisan was the historical day of the Resurrection, at Rome this Sunday became the Christian feast of Easter…

Men and women…In the Neumark (Germany) on Easter Day the men servants whip the maid servants with switches; on Monday the maids whip the men. They secure their release with Easter eggs. These customs are probably of pre-Christian origin (Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Das festliche Jahr, 118)…

The Easter Rabbit The Easter Rabbit lays the eggs, for which reason they are hidden in a nest or in the garden. The rabbit is a pagan symbol and has always been an emblem of fertility (Simrock, Mythologie, 551)…

The Easter Fire The Easter Fire is lit on the top of mountains (Easter mountain, Osterberg) and must be kindled from new fire, drawn from wood by friction (nodfyr); this is a custom of pagan origin in vogue all over Europe, signifying the victory of spring over winter

(Holweck F. G. Transcribed by John Wagner and Michael T. Barrett. Easter. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume V. Copyright © 1909 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, May 1, 1909. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Thus, Catholic scholars have long understood that there were pagan connections with many symbols associated with Easter celebrations.  And those pagan elements were not observed by early Christians–they were NOT early traditions of the church.

And while the Jehovah’s Witnesses have many doctrinal misunderstandings, they basically are correct that Christians did not keep Easter and that it has pagan element.

Jesus, Himself, kept Passover (Luke 22:7-13) and told His followers to do so (Luke 22:14-20).  Do you follow Jesus?

Articles of related interest may include:

Similarities and Differences Between the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to represent the original Christian faith. Do you know much about them? Both groups have some interesting similarities, but many major differences. Would you like information on how to deal with Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
TPM: Passover on the 14th or 15th? While the LCG observes Passover on the 14th, some observe it on the 15th. Why is the 14th correct?
The Night to Be Observed What is the night to be much observed? When is it? Why do Jews keep Passover twice and emphasize the wrong date?
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Is Lent a Christian Holiday? When did it originate? What about Ash Wednesday? If you observe them, do you know why?
What Happened in the Crucifixion Week? How long are three days and three nights? Was Palm Sunday on a Saturday? Did Jesus die on “Good Friday”? Was the resurrection on Sunday? Do you really know? Who determined the date of Easter?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter? If not, when did this happen? What do scholars and the Bible reveal?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?

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

COGwriter

Saudi Arabia is so upset with the USA it is seeking closer ties with China and Russia:

NBC’s Brokaw: Saudis ‘So Unhappy’ With Obama

They Sent Emissaries to China, Russia Seeking Enhanced Ties

CNS News – April 6, 2011

Reporting from Baghdad, Iraq yesterday, NBC’s Tom Brokaw said the Saudi Arabian monarchy is “so unhappy with the Obama administration for the way it pushed out President Mubarak of Egypt” that it has sent senior officials to the Peoples’ Republic of China and Russia to seek expanded business opportunities with those countries. http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/nbc-s-brokaw-saudis-so-unhappy-obama-adm

White House actions pushing Saudi Arabia toward China and Russia

DigitalJournal.com – Michael Krebs – 7 April 2011

Saudi Arabia is reported to be so dissatisfied with the Obama administration over its dealings in Middle East affairs that it has sent high-ranking representatives to China and Russia to establish greater trade relations with them…Protests raging in Yemen and Bahrain, and the uneasy prospect of more organized popular demands emerging in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, reflect environments where key American allies are seeing their governments under siege and crumbling. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/305430#ixzz1IqOQkdDb

Essentially, the Saudis have learned that they cannot trust the USA.

This has many ramifications.

Perhaps the one of most immediate concern is that it is mainly because of Saudi Arabia that oil is priced in US dollars.  And while that may not change for a while, the reality is that Russia and China have repeatedly called for the replacement of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency.

Furthermore, the Gulf Arab states have been working on coming up with their own replacement currency for the US dollar for some time, and perhaps Saudi Arabia may wish to speed up the process now.

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 planned for nations in the Gulf Co-operation Council, including Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Qatar.… 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).

Once oil is not priced in US dollars, this will cause even greater inflation in the USA.  It will have major ramifications on the American economy which most in the USA will not find good.

The Bible tells of  a confederation that will rise up with a leader that it calls the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).   The Bible also foretells of an Arab-Turkish confederation (apparently to be led by the King of the South) that will go against the descendants of Israel (which include the USA):

3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people,
And consulted together against Your sheltered ones.
4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation,
That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”

5 For they have consulted together with one consent;
They form a confederacy against You:
6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites;
Moab and the Hagrites;
7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek;
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8 Assyria also has joined with them;
They have helped the children of Lot.  (Psalms 83:3-8, NKJV)

And as the above indicates, the Assyrians (an end time European power) will decide to go along with the Arabs and apparently Turks (anciently called Edom).

The move by Saudi Arabia away from the USA and towards nations that tend to be hostile to it (Russia and China) suggests that Saudi Arabia may not be too far away from also deciding to make a deal with the final European power to do away with the USA.  Turkey, which used to be a relatively closer USA ally, has also been moving away from the USA.

Events are aligning with biblical prophecy.

For more information, here are three articles of possibly related interest:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
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 Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.

Temple Institute Altar

COGwriter

There are calls for animal sacrifices this month:

Rabbi calls for sacrifice on Temple Mount

Ynet News – April 5, 2011

The annual attempts to resume the Passover sacrifice received a first significant rabbinical backing recently. Safed’s Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, a prominent religious Zionism leader, has called on the public to perform the sacrifice mitzvah on the eve of the Jewish holiday, in about two weeks.  http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4051918,00.html

The Temple Institute produced a sacrificial altar and many of the associated implements (Temple Institute Completes Altar of Unhewn Stones), which in theory could be used.

Though many feel that the Jews must have a physical temple prior to the arrival of the final Antichrist, the reality is that the Jews do not need temple to perform animal sacrifices (Ezra 3:6), only an altar–which they already have, plus governmental permission–which they do not have.  The first Passovers in the Bible were done well prior to the construction of any temple.

Israeli courts have agreed that Jews have the right to perform animal sacrifices, but have repeatedly denied this right as the timing would have excessively negative consequences. And to rebuild a temple in the area that the Muslims consider sacred would be even more problematic politically–especially at this instant.

Of course, in a nation as politically fragmented as modern Israel, the time may come when a ruling coalition will itself have in it some members of a small religious group that will insist on the resumption of sacrifices for it to remain in office. And allowing sacrifices on a small altar certainly would seem politically more plausible than the construction of a Jewish temple on the dome of the rock or otherwise next to the al-Aqsa Mosque. While this may not be seen as viable in every possible Israeli administration, it certainly is a possibility for a future one.

The Bible is clear that sacrifices will be stopped by the final King of the North (Daniel 9:27; 11:31). And in order for them to be stopped, they must start first. And while a temple could be built for that purpose, politically and biblically, the idea that sacrifices will start on an altar outside a rebuilt temple is more likely. But the fact that almost half of Israelis support the idea of a temple being rebuilt strongly suggests that a significant amount of them would support the idea of sacrifices–with or without a rebuilt temple.

An article of related interest would be:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times? The Bible teaches that the sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), but do Jewish sources or the Bible mandate a completed temple for those sacrifices? What did Ezra do when there was no temple?
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?
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.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel What will happen to 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? What about the modern nation of Israel and Jerusalem?

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

COGwriter

While Saudi Arabia attempts to quell protests in Bahrain, many in Iran are upset about it:

Iran clerics condemn Saudi intervention in Bahrain

By Najmeh Bozorgmehr in Tehran and Abeer Allam in Riyadh

Published: April 6 2011 15:01 | Last updated: April 6 2011 15:01

Iranian clerics and religious students abandoned their classes and staged protests inside their seminaries to show solidarity with Bahrain’s mainly Shia opposition and to denounce last month’s Saudi military intervention in the archipelago…

Gulf Arab states, meanwhile, have officially condemned Iran for its alleged interference in neighbouring Bahrain.  http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/57d2362a-6029-11e0-abba-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=rss#axzz1IkpTYGBR

Essentially, the Sunni (Arabs) are concerned that support by Shia-dominated Iran for the protests in Bahrain could make the problems worse.  Yet the Iranians want more influence in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states are part of the Arab League.  It appears to me that Saudi Arabia, with its interventions in Bahrain, is telling the Muslim world that Iran is not the only military power and that Arabs should cooperate amongst themselves militarily.  On the other hand, Iran, according to a recent video, seems to wish to tell the Muslim world that it is the primary military power in the Middle East and it hints that all Muslims should follow it (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).

Of course, most of the Arabs do not see it quite that way.

While it is interesting that the Arab League has supported the intervention in Libya, it may be because they believe that they will be more unified (against, perhaps Iran) if Colonel Gadhafi was no longer in power.

Ultimately the Bible tells of an Arabic confederation that will rise up with a leader that it calls the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).  And it may be that Iran may be dealt with militarily before all of Daniel 11:40-43 is fulfilled.  While I doubt that Iran intends to directly attack any Arab nations at this time, it seems to want to provoke war with Israel in order to get Muslim support for a religious leader, that it calls the Imam Mahdi (who, to a degree, could be the final king of the south) to rise up (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).  Yet, I do not believe Iran will get quite what it wants, based upon my understanding of biblical prophecy.  A leader will rise up in the Middle East/North Africa, but the final King of the South will not fill all the predictions from Iran for the Imam Mahdi as some appear to be in conflict with Bible prophecy.

For more information, here are three articles of possibly related interest:

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

UCG’s Logo for its Beyond Today television program

COGwriter

Last night the United Church of God (UCG) reported the following:

April 5, 2011

Beyond Today Posts Dramatic New Record-High Response on WGN America

A stunning new record-high response was received for the United Church of God Beyond Today program…hosted by Steve Myers.This episode, which aired on Sunday, March 27, 2011, received 1,460 responses at a new record low of $8.22 cost per response (CPR). These results top the former record-high 1,275 responses of $9.41 CPR for the program “Get to Know Your Bible,” which aired just three weeks earlier, on March 6, 2011. This is a 15 percent jump from one record to the next.

The Living Church of God (LCG) also reported a record response a few days ago to its telecast.  Here is an announcement from its World Ahead Weekly Update by Dr. Winnail:

This has been a very encouraging week for the Work! Mr. Wayne Pyle reports that Mr. Meredith’s Tomorrow’s World telecast last weekend, program #379, “How to Watch World Events” broke all previous records with more than 6,700 responses. It was also exciting to see that last weekend’s Tomorrow’s World Special Presentations drew 226 new people. Mr. Meredith spoke to more than 200 brethren last Sabbath in Kansas City, and on Sunday 114 visitors attended his Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation there. We had 59 visitors for the TWSP that I made in Lansing, Michigan and 44 visitors for the TWSP in Valparaiso, Indiana. Mr. Ron Poole had nine visitors for the follow-up TWSP in Asheville, North Carolina. This coming weekend, I will be in Jackson and Hattiesburg, Mississippi for two more TWSPs that will focus on the topic “What’s Ahead for America?” It is very inspiring to see God’s people working together to make these presentations possible. Mr. Mario Hernandez left yesterday to visit members and congregations in South America. Thank you for your prayers and support for God’s Work and these Special Presentations—they are needed and appreciated. Please remember to pray fervently that God will intervene for many of our brethren who are facing trials and serious health problems.

So, the weekend of March 27th was a record for both UCG and LCG telecasts.

It may be of interest to note that UCG has indicated that it plans to have something like LCG’s TWSPs later this year.

As far as television goes, LCG seems to have the greatest COG presence on television.  PCG is probably second, UCG now probably third, and ICG is probably fourth.  The other COGs do not have a significant television presence to the best of my knowledge.

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 Known as COGWA, this seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it. UCG’s former president Clyde Kilough and UK CEO Pater Hawkins are part of 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.

The 220 kg Gold brick displayed in Taiwan

COGwriter

The price of gold hit an all-time record today, while silver hit a 31 year high:

PRECIOUS METALS: Gold Futures Hit Record High On Haven Buying

Wall Street Journal – ‎1 hour ago‎

By Matt Whittaker Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES NEW YORK (Dow Jones)–Gold futures surged to a record high Tuesday and silver hit a new 31-year peak Tuesday as investors’ desire for safe havens trumped news of a Chinese interest rate increase.

“The gold price traded as high as $1,455.50…Silver prices closed up 68 cents at $39.18 an ounce” (http://www.thestreet.com/story/11072388/1/gold-silver-prices-drift-lower.html).  (To see a more up-to-date price, please click Financial Information.)

Why ever report any of that here?

Because continued increases in the value of them supports Bible prophecy.

Why?

Because the Bible indicates that gold and silver will have value into the Great Tribulation (Daniel 11:43; Revelation 18).  (but hints that the US dollar will not,  cf. Habakkuk 2; Daniel 11:39).  Notice some verses related to precious metals:

40… the king of the North…43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt (Daniel 11:40-43).

If gold and silver were of no value then, they would not be precious at the time of the end (see also Zechariah 14:13-14) to the King of the North. Gold is also shown in scripture to be of value into the time of the final Babylon (Revelation 18:11-16).  Yet, the Bible is clear that those who amass gold at the end time will find it is not the answer (James 5:1-5; Revelation 18:9-17)–Jesus is.

The idea of gold could be accumulated by an end time leader to support a European-backed currency while the US dollar tanks is discussed on page 333 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. And this appears to be what will happen, as well is what is starting to happen now.

The financial world is somewhat starting to understand some of this–but few really know how bad it will get.  The biblical reality is that US dollar will ultimately be worthless and the USA ultimately taken over because of its sins and debt.  Increases in the price of gold and silver suggest a decreased value in the US dollar.

For additional information, check out the following articles:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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?
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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

Hiroshima After the Atomic Bomb Was Detonated

COGwriter

The Japanese are admitting that their radiation problem is serious:

Japan’s ocean radiation hits 7.5 million times legal limit

Los Angeles Times – 5 April 2011

High readings in fish prompt the government to establish a maximum level for safe consumption. The operator of Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear plant said Tuesday that it had found radioactive iodine at 7.5 million times the legal limit in a seawater sample taken near the facility, and government officials imposed a new health limit for radioactivity in fish.

The reading of iodine-131 was recorded Saturday, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said. Another sample taken Monday found the level to be 5 million times the legal limit. The Monday samples also were found to contain radioactive cesium at 1.1 million times the legal limit.

The world is changing. Radiation will cause problems in the future, and apparently is causing some now.  The Japanese eat a lot of seafood and having it contaminated with radiation will affect Japan’s food supplies and probably force it to import more seafood, and thus contribute to rising food costs (which already are starting to happen around the world).

One massive earthquake is having a lot of ramifications.

Jesus warned about a time with such issues:

8 … And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be…troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.  (Luke 21:11)

Japan had a great earthquake, is having troubles,  and having radiation levels this high seems to qualify as fearful sights.  We may also start to see famines this Fall.  Though not necessarily in Japan.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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.
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?

COGwriter

It the latest edition of its Vision magazine, COGaIC’s Peter Nathan has the following on 2012:

If we are to believe the latest hype, December 21 or 23, 2012, is when the world will really come to a climactic end. This time the fear has been sparked by an interpretation of the ancient Mayan calendar, furthered by numerous books and documentaries. And it has spawned, perhaps predictably, yet another Hollywood disaster movie…

And let’s be realistic: not all end-time scenarios are completely far-fetched. For example, one of the phenomena that have been linked to 2012 is a polar shift, and astronomers say that this could certainly occur in the foreseeable future. But with our current knowledge, such an event can’t be linked to any specific date…

Come December 2012, the proclaimed end will most likely turn out to be just like all the other ends of the world that people have predicted over the centuries. Meanwhile, aren’t our energy and attention better devoted to caring for what we have been given and to treating one another as we would treat ourselves and as God treats us?

2012 will be different than past false dates for the end of the world for one or more reasons.  And one is that there are people who believe that since the world will not end by December 22, 2012, that this means that all who predicted something about 2012 really meant to predict that a new age of peace will dawn for humankind.  Many will be hopeful that this is what the 2012 predictions represented.  And while we in the Living Church of God do believe in an age of peace to come (Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?), we also recognize that the Bible warns several times of false declarations of peace (cf. Ezekiel 13:8-16).

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. I have noticed that world events seem to be supportive of at least 15 of the predictions that the book discusses.

FWIW, I noticed last month a tremendous interest once again in my article End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?

Now as Peter Nathan indicated, prophecies are coming to pass and some associated with 2012 will as well (even if the timing is off).

Major world sources reported (though have often not emphasized) many of significant events. Yet, most of the public has NOT learned how most of these events align with end time prophecies and predictions.

Prophecies are coming to pass and the groundwork is being shown in significant world events. Those who consider themselves Christians should heed Jesus’ and the Apostle Paul’s admonitions to watch world events (Mark 13:33-36; 1 Thessalonians 5:3-6). Christians and non-Christians should ponder that since some predicted events are coming to pass, that it is highly likely that others will as well.

If world prophecies made over the past 3,000 years are coming to pass, perhaps all may wish to understand them and the aligning world events. Those who know can better help themselves and their loved ones.

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, Amazon, 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.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

Tonight at sunset begins the first month in God’s annual Holy Day season.  While most Greco-Romans believe that the “new year” begins January 1st, this is not when God began the months for the year.

Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. declared that January 1st would mark the beginning of the new year. January was named after Janus, the god of gates and doors in Roman mythology. People prayed to Janus when they wanted something new in their lives (such as resolutions). Janus is normally represented with two faces, one looking to the past and the other looking to the future. The first day of the month of January was sacred to him.

But not to God.

Concerning the month of Abib/Nisan God declared,

2 This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you (Exodus 12:2, NKJV).

The Bible also teaches:

7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan (Esther 3:7).

That month is also called Abib in the Bible (cf. Exodus 13:4).  It occurs in March or April each year based upon the lunar cycle.

Now perhaps it should be mentioned that other cultures also accept that the new year begins in the Spring. And while those cultures have various non-biblical practices, it is certainly possible that because God’s year begins in the Spring that perhaps anciently these people were aware of it, and retained the correct season, but not the practices.

Not all have followed the practices of Julius Caesar (called “Julie” below):

For some thousands of years before Julie and the Roman Senate got involved, the new year was celebrated with the first edible crops of the season or the first new moon.

In much of India, Nava Varsha is celebrated in March or April, just as in the most ancient civilizations.

Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla in March; ditto for Persian Nowruz.

As celebrated in China and southeast Asia, Lunar New Year still has a floating date, the first day of the first lunar month. (Shore R. Pagan Party: New Year’s traditions that hail from the depths of antiquity The Vancouver Sun, Canada – Dec 26, 2008, http://www.vancouversun.com/Pagan+Party+Year+traditions+that+hail+from+depths+antiquity/1116320/story.html viewed 01/22/09)

From a biblical perspective, the new year begins in the Spring, and hence not January 1st. And it also begins with a new moon.  The fact that even many non-Christian cultures realize that should make it easier for Christians to realize that they too, do not need to heed the later practices of the Romans.

God Determines Seasons by the Moon and Other Lights

Notice what the Bible shows that God declared in Genesis:

14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:14-18)

Hence, the movement of the moon  and the sun were important to mark the religious seasons for those wishing to follow the God of the Bible–they were partially created to mark when God’s Holy Days would appear.  Days such as January 1 are not part of the way that God marked time for the seasons.

It should be noted that the Hebrew word transliterated as mowed`, but translated as “seasons” in Genesis 1:14 likely refers to religious seasons.

This can be verified by noting that the same word mowed` (Strong’s 4150) is used four times in the following two passages and the KJV English translation for them will be bolded below:

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts…
4 These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. (Leviticus 23:2,4, KJV)

There are also many other passages in the Old Testament that support this understanding.  Yet, most people are unaware of the connections between the creation and God’s plan for holy day seasons.  And because most do not, they do not keep God’s Holy Days, nor understand many aspects of the plan of salvation that they depict.

The new moons were brought in with a trumpet in ancient Israel:

3 Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon,
At the full moon, on our solemn feast day.
4 For this is a statute for Israel (Psalms 81:3-4, NKJV)

The biblical Feast of Trumpets begins on a new moon (Leviticus 23:24), and the First Day of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6) and the first day of the Feast of  Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34) begin on a full moon.  Lunar cycles were prepared for this at the creation.

Anyway, in 2011, the first day of the first month is April 5th, which technically begins at sunset on the 4th, based essentially on the calculated expectation of the sighting of the new moon from Jerusalem.

Passover, is April 18, 2011, and will be observed on April 17th after sunset.

Additional details about God’s Holy Days and calendar can be found in the following articles:

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG 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.
Hebrew Calendar and “Postponements” This John Ogywn writing explains why we in the Living Church of God use the calendar that we do and answers such questions as “Did Jesus Observe the Postponements?”
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
TPM: Passover on the 14th or 15th? While the LCG observes Passover on the 14th, some observe it on the 15th. Why is the 14th correct?
The Night to Be Observed What is the night to be much observed? When is it? Why do Jews keep Passover twice and emphasize the wrong date?
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues”?
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂

Patriarchate of Moscow

COGwriter

The nation of Belarus seems to be looking towards Moscow, and not Europe, economically:

Economic crisis in Belarus forces tough decisions, looks to strengthen Russia’s Hand

Washington Post – Nataliya Vasilyeva – ‎4/4/2011  AP

Belarus is running out of cash, with people waiting in day-long lines to exchange rubles as they prepare for another devaluation.  But since the country known as Europe’s last dictatorship alienated the West, Russia now has a free hand to set its own terms in exchange for a lifeline.

As Moscow draws up the papers to give as much as $3 billion to the government of President Alexander Lukashenko, it will be eyeing Belarus’ most lucrative assets, particularly its oil refineries and chemical plants.

Belarus is realizing that perhaps it needs to look West and not East for its future.

Interestingly, the Bible identifies the ancient ancestors of the Russians and some of its northern allies as traders in the future:

13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They bartered human lives and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. 14 Those from the house of Togarmah traded for your wares with horses, steeds, and mules (Ezekiel 27:13-14).

Today, Belarus is trading of commodities such as oil and chemicals with Russia.  Belarus is nation of those that primarily support the Russian Orthodox Church, whose Patriarch Kirill is based out of Moscow.  Hence, there are religious, cultural, and economic ties between Russia and Belarus.

Various prophetic books (Daniel 11:44; Ezekiel 38:1-6) suggest that those in the North (including the far north) will unite with powers in the East and turn on Europe, the “daughter of Babylon” (Jeremiah 50:41-43).

So, if Belarus continues to move towards Russia, it will likely be part of that alliance (Daniel 11:44) of the far north (cf. Ezekiel 38:14-15) and the kings of the east (Revelation 16:12).

World events continue to align with biblical prophecy.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?