Church of God News

COGwriter

Unusual weather has caused disasters in many places this year.   In today’s, TW News & Prophecy E-Zine, the Living Church of God (LCG) reports:

Rain and flooding.

January witnessed devastating floods across Australia. Colombia has been and is currently experiencing “some of the heaviest rains” in its history–with hundreds dying, more than 140,000 homes damaged or destroyed, and more than three million affected (Seattle Times, April 29, 2011)! The central U.S. is flooding too.

One recent headline reads: “Forecast: Almost half of the USA at risk for spring flooding” (USA Today, March 18, 2011). As a result of snow melt and powerful spring storms, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently “blew a hole in a Mississippi River levee in a bid to save several towns in Illinois and Kentucky….” One government official estimated that this action will “cause $1 billion in property damage” as the river floods over a hundred thousand acres of farm land and destroys hundreds of homes (Reuters, May 3, 2011). Officials still expect a flood surge not seen since 1927 (Associated Press, May 3, 2011). More than 12 million people live along the Mississippi–the backbone of commerce for the central U.S. And, the region is responsible for more than $7 billion of agriculture and forest products (www.visitbemidji.com, May 4, 2011).

Forecasters predict continued “extreme” global weather conditions for this year, with major flooding and severe rains in some regions, while other regions continue in intense drought (Guardian.co.uk, February 4, 2011).

God predicted long ago that one of the signs of the end of the age would be droughts in some cities while other cities experience severe rains and flooding (Amos 4:7-9). In addition, because of Israel’s sins, God promises plagues of blight, mildew and devastating hail (Haggai 2:17).

Texas fires roaring.

While Australia, Colombia, and the American Midwest are suffering from catastrophic flooding, much of the state of Texas is experiencing some of its driest conditions in history. Additionally, vast portions of the state are ablaze! Since the fire season began in November 2010, more than 9,100 fires have been responded to, 2.5 million acres have burned, and hundreds of homes have been destroyed (Reuters, April 20, 2011; Texas Forest Service, May 4, 2011).

Aside from the devastation to real estate, tens of millions of dollars in damage has been experienced by Texas agriculture–crops and cattle (Statesman.com, May 4, 2011). Many of the homes burned so far have been very large–and would be considered small “palaces” by many around the globe, and even in the U.S. Forecasts predict the dry conditions will continue across much of Texas for the foreseeable future.

God promised that, due to the sins of the Israelite-descended nations and their rejection of Him, He would “send fire upon his cities, and it shall devour his palaces” (Hosea 8:14). Watching destruction and suffering is sobering and sad. Yet God predicted this destruction as long as humanity continues to reject Him (Hosea 7:13-16).

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Texas has had major drought conditions (see Drought Affecting USA Wheat and Beef Supplies and Droughts Affecting Russia and Parts of USA).

LCG has long had a booklet of possibly related interest titled “Who Controls the Weather? ” that is available for those interested in more on the weather and Bible prophecy.

While Jesus foretold on a time of natural disasters as part of “the beginning of sorrows”, the Book of Revelation (16:8-11) tells of a time of even greater disturbances during “the Day of the Lord”. These will go beyond what normally have occurred in the past century. World events are aligning towards the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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 and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?

UCG’s Logo for its Beyond Today television program

COGwriter

In its May edition of United News, Victor Kubik of the United Church of God (UCG) wrote the following (which was posted today at the United News website):

Forward! Now is Not the Time…

We have glimpses into the identity of the Beast, the False Prophet, the King of the North and the King of the South. We know that things will get really bad before the end of this age.However it grates on me when at a time of great calamity, terrorism, natural disaster or loss of life that some are quick to pontificate, “There it is! Prophecy is being fulfilled!” Lively discussion ensues as speculation of what exactly in the Bible this particular catastrophe might refer to while we simultaneously watch televised reports of horror, misery and grief in the lives of thousands and even millions of people.

The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for all things. There is an appropriate time to proclaim. There is a time to mourn and weep. As Christians we need to be sensitive to how we act and react…

An important aspect of our Christianity is to know when to proclaim and when to be like Jesus, who knowing that Jerusa- lem would be destroyed, wept because of what was going to happen: “He saw the city and wept over it, saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes” (Luke:19:41-42[41]And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,[42]Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.).

A Christian is not noted for his intel- lectual prowess—it’s his love that carries meaning.

While Victor Kubik is correct that love is important, I would suggest that the Book of Daniel shows that the wise (who presumably would be certain Christians in the end time) would understand what is happening.  Daniel 12:10 specifically states, “the wise shall understand” (NKJV).

And while love is important (and the most important element for Christians), I believe that those of us who have the “love of the truth” (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:10) will want to include the truth about Bible prophecy to help warn the world (Matthew 24:14).  It is not that I do not believe that UCG in general or Victor Kubik in particular are opposed to that, it is just that I feel that articles with titles such as “Now is Not the Time” indicate that we are not as far along prophetically as we seem to be.

Previously, in its World News & Prophecy, UCG published the following:

It is midsummer and there seems to be a lull in the news as I write. No big event or crisis has erupted. You can tell this by the headlines on the Internet—there are none…

When you look at the flow of events in the Bible, from creation forward to today, you see a lot of high points such as the time of Abraham, the Exodus, David and Solomon, and Christ and the apostles. But these events are separated by at times hundreds of years when not much seems to be happening.

But something is happening in those in-between years. Everyday life is taking place. People are “marrying and giving in marriage.” Babies are born and families grow. People rejoice and mourn within the normal cycles of life and death. Life goes on, and sometimes it is no more exciting than sitting on a front porch and watching the hours slip by.

But that’s okay. God did not determine that we would always be hyped up in alert mode. Prophecy is not to be used that way. Prophecy is a compass that helps us see our world for what it is, from God’s point of view. We can understand the high points of history and know that God is guiding the world to a point where He will completely take over with the appearance of His Kingdom.

…Enjoy the life you have and make the most of it within the framework of God’s way of life. Understand that at times life is experienced while sitting on a “front porch.” (McNeely D. Restoration: View From the Front Porch. World News & Prophecy. August 2007).

UCG and the Living Church of God (LCG) seem to have a different perspective on this.  While we in LCG have not dogmatically declared anyone the Beast or the False Prophet (groups like TPM come to mind for that type of thing) we never-the-less do suspect that the beginning of sorrows has begun (see LCG: Beginning of Sorrows May Have Begun) and that many world events are consistent with Jesus’ teachings about what would happen then.  Notice some of what Jesus taught:

“Take heed that no one deceives you.  5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.  6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.  10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.  11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.  12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come….42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. (Matthew 24:4-14, 42)

Jesus repeatedly told His followers to watch (Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:9; 33-37; Luke 21:35; Revelation 3:3).  And He meant events such as those in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21–events related to the beginning of sorrows, as well as the Great Tribulation.

UCG Reports on Spring Holy Days

On other UCG related news, I have just received the following from UCG:

Days of Unleavened Bread Holy Day Attendance and Offerings Reported

The totals for the attendance and offerings for the 2011 Days of Unleavened Bread season have been tabulated and reported by the business office. Those figures are as follows:

First Day of Unleavened Bread

Attendance:  8,225

Offering:     $544,408.14 *

(* Once all offerings are processed, which were individually mailed to the home office by those who did not attend a service, the actual amount should reach approximately $560,000.)

Last Day of Unleavened Bread

Attendance: 7,553

Offering: $547,662.84 **

(** Once all offerings are processed, which were individually mailed to the home office by those who did not attend a service, the actual amount should reach approximately $565,000.)

Gerald Seelig

The attendance is less than last year because of the COGWA split, but it is not as bad as perhaps it could have been.  I state this based upon some reports from COGWA, as COGWA seemed like they would have reduced UCG Holy Day attendance more, based upon the numbers of supporters they claimed prior to the Holy Days (COGWA has not published Holy Day attendance figures that I have seen).

As a side point, it should be noted that UCG’s Holy Day offerings are substantially higher than COGWA’s for this Spring (for more information, see COGWA and LCG Report on Spring Holy Days).  So while UCG seemed to lose a majority of its USA ministry to COGWA, apparently it has not lost a majority of its income to COGWA.

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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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.
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?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?

Angela Merkel

COGwriter

After meeting with the Palestinian President today, Germany’s Chancellor came out and said to wait for recognition of Palestinian statehood:

21:10 05.05.11

Merkel warns against unilateral recognition of Palestinian state

German chancellor pushes for an ‘urgent’ return to negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians after meeting with Palestinian President Abbas, who said peace process will continue despite Palestinian reconciliation.

By DPA…

“We do not think that unilateral steps are helpful,” the chancellor said, while encouraging an “urgent” return to peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/merkel-warns-against-unilateral-recognition-of-palestinian-state-1.360065

So, Germany wants a peace deal (like my previous post implied) soon, but does not want Palestine to declare itself a state yet.

Israel is probably pleased by these public statements from Chancellor Merkel.

The prophecies in both the books of Daniel (9:26-27; 11:20-44) and Revelation (13;17;18) point a power to be based out of Europe (there are also European pointed prophecies in other books of the Bible, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.) that will fulfill many end-time prophecies.  And Chancellor Merkel’s comments suggest, to me at least, that Germany intends to take steps which (probably inadvertently) will fulfill many end-time prophecies–including a European leader’s involvement in a temporary peace deal per Daniel 9:26-27.

For details on those prophecies, check out the following:

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”? 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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
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?  Why does Daniel 9:26-27 seem to be referring to a peace deal confirmed by a European leader.

Jerusalem

COGwriter

At least one top Israeli and one top Palestinian leader are meeting with different European leaders today to lobby for what they want for a peace deal:

In Paris, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to meet President Nicolas Sarkozy while the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, was expected in Berlin to talk with Chancellor Angela Merkel. The encounter in the German capital will come just 24 hours after Mr. Abbas, the leader of the Western-backed Fatah movement that holds sway in the West Bank, joined forces with Khaled Meshal, the leader of Hamas.

Speaking of the unity pact, Mrs. Clinton said there were “many steps that have yet to be undertaken in order to implement the agreement” when asked if it closed the door on negotiations for an Israeli-Palestinian peace for the foreseeable future.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/06/world/middleeast/06mideast.html

And while the deal make take a while, in an update last month LCG reported:

A Palestinian State by September?

“For years, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has been a technocrat shaping institutions to be ready for a future Palestinian state. Now he is crisscrossing the West Bank like a prophet, telling his people the dream of sovereignty is about to be fulfilled.” Since 2007, Mr. Fayyad has put into place a western-style security force, restoring a semblance of order to the West Bank. Goods now flow more freely between the territory and Israel, and the Israelis have loosened their own security. Last year the reliance on foreign aid decreased by almost half, tax revenue increased, and the territory’s economy grew by almost 9%. Fayyad and Mahmoud Abbas are both working to create a situation where an independent Palestinian State will be seen as a legitimate option by the international community, despite internal opposition by Hamas–the controller of the Gaza Strip. Critics abound, but some say the Israeli president may concede to “provisional statehood” of Palestine this Fall, until a more permanent solution is found (Wall Street Journal, April 2-3). Scripture shows that near the time of the end, Jewish sacrifices on the Temple Mount will resume (Daniel 11:31, 12:11). For this to happen without igniting a war, some type of peace between Israel and the Palestinian territory might be reached. Could that temporary peace happen this September? This situation will be very interesting to watch.

The Bible indicates that a peace deal, likely involving Jerusalem, is expected prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (scriptures on that deal are in the article Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013?)–and while 2012 makes more sense, it is possible that it could happen as early as the Fall of 2011 (though a war involving Iran may happen first).

In the book of Daniel there is a prophecy related to the end times that states:

26 And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).

There are several reasons that this “prince” is referring to the leader of the developing European empire (see King of the North and Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation). But perhaps the main one is that it was the people of the Roman Empire of the 1st century that fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. And it is the “prince” coming from that people that verse 27 is referring to. Hence, this prophecy tells us that a leader will start to rise up about 3 1/2 years before the great tribulation (and yes, according to Jesus, some “tribulation” does happen prior to the start of the Great Tribulation).  Another reason that it is believed to involve Jerusalem is that Zechariah 14:1–4 indicates that Jerusalem will be divided near the time of the end.

While there have been various understandings of the passages in Daniel 9 (and many falsely believe it requires a third temple to be built, please see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?), notice what two commentators somewhat correctly state (bolding/italics in source):

Shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself (or, and shall have nothing, ASV): and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. It is agreed by almost all evangelical interpreters that these two events, the cutting off of the Messiah (Anointed One) and the destruction of the sanctuary refer to the crucifixion of Christ and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. These two events were separated by a period of nearly forty years (29-70 A.D.). Yet, in the literary order of the passage, they are both after the sixty-ninth week and before the final “one week” mentioned in the next verse. Thus the very syntax, grammar, and word-meaning indicate a gap in the succession of the seventy weeks.

Other important reasons for supposing a gap here are: (1) Jesus placed the culminating week, with its “abomination” in the times of final Antichrist, just before His second advent (Matt 24:15). (2) Dan 7:25, which describes what appear to be the very same events as those of 9:27, the seventieth week, is certainly a prophecy of the times of final Antichrist. (3) The period of three and one-half times or years (the second half-week of v. 27) is often mentioned elsewhere in Scripture and always in an eschatological setting (Rev 11:2-3; 12:6,14). (4) The six things to be accomplished in the seventy weeks (see Dan 9:24 and comments) require the second advent of Christ, and the restoration and conversion of Israel.

These considerations show that the idea of a gap in the weeks at this point is a matter of exegesis. Considerations of theology are not primarily involved. It is not this author’s opinion that the Church is a mere provisional consideration thrust into this hiatus or gap. Both ‘dispensational’ and ‘covenantal’ theologians, doubtless, find more in this prophecy than is properly there. Let us stay by what the passage says. C. F. Keil (Comm., in loco) is correct in asserting that the prince is said to be coming (habba’), because he has already been introduced and discussed in the prophecy of chapter 7 as the final Antichrist. The Romans who destroyed Jerusalem (A.D. 70) were his people because they and he belong to the fourth stage (the Roman) of world empire (chs. 2; 7)…

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (make a firm covenant, ASV). The language higbir from gabar, “be strong”) does not signify confirmation of a covenant but causation of a firm covenant. And he shall cause to prevail is an excellent translation. The most natural antecedent for he, the subject of the clause, is the wicked “prince” of verse 26. This is the nearest noun in grammatical agreement, and it fits the sense. The many here, as elsewhere, is a reference to the Hebrew people, the subject of discussion throughout chapter 9 (cf. vv. 2,12,18,19, esp. 24, “thy people … thy holy city”). Evidently the covenant is to be made between Antichrist and Israel when the Jews are back in their homeland in the last days. The exact nature of the covenant is unknown.

The evil and destructive events described in the remainder of this verse should be interpreted as summary information concerning the final “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer 30:7 and context) set forth rather more fully in Dan 12:1 ff; 2 Thess 2:1 ff; Rev 13; 14; and other passages (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press).

The final revelation in Daniel 9:27 states, “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven,’ but in the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to the sacrifice and offering…”…the covenant of Daniel 9:27 is not the covenant of grace…this refers to the coming world ruler at the beginning of the last seven years…He will make a covenant with Israel for a seven-year period. As Daniel 9:27 indicates, in the middle of the seven years he will break the covenant, stop the sacrifices offered…and become their persecutor instead of their protector (Walvoord JF. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook. Victor Books/SP Publications, Wheaton (IL), 1990, pp. 256,257).

And the portions cited above appear to be the case. A prophetic week is generally understood to refer to seven years. And half a week is 3 1/2 years (approximately 1260 days).

A Peace Deal is Expected

The idea of this being a seven-year end-time deal was also understood by the Catholic theologian Hippolytus (died 235) in the third century:

…the iron and the clay shall be mingled together. Now Daniel will set forth this subject to us. For he says, “And one week will make a covenant with many, and it shall be that in the midst (half) of the week my sacrifice and oblation shall cease.” By one week, therefore, he meant the last week which is to be at the end of the whole world of which week the two prophets… will take up the half. For they will preach 1,260 days clothed in sackcloth, proclaiming repentance to the people and to all the nations…(Hippolytus. On Christ and Antichrist, Chapter 43. Online edition Copyright © 2008 by Kevin Knight).

While the leader in Daniel 9:27 is only referred to as a prince when he confirms the one week covenant, he probably will not be known as the “King” until shortly before he breaks the covenant at the mid-week point (most likely he will be considered simply one of several leaders negotiating a treaty when this deal in Daniel 9:27 is initially made). The two witnesses (who are prophets) rise up around the mid-point of the week. The iron and clay mingled together refers to a power (like Europe) that is not totally cohesive.

(It may be of interest to note that within Islam, there does exist the idea that an Islamic leader, Imam Mahdi, will be part of a seven-year golden age and will make a peace deal with the Europeans, that the Europeans will break–for details, please see The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy).

Although he has several events out of sequence, even the famed, late, Protestant theologian John Walvoord understood the importance of the deal in Daniel 9:27:

The seven-year peace treaty with Israel; consumated seven years before the second coming of Christ (Dan. 9:27; Revelation 19:11-16). (Walvoord J. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook. Victor Books, 1990, p. 551)

Why is this believed to be a peace deal? There are several reasons, but notice some other scriptures that discuss this leader:

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

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

So this leader gives people the impression that there will be “peace” and is involved in some type of deal. Term is translated as “peace” in Daniel 8:25 is from the Hebrew term shalvah and essentially means security. In other words, this leader will destroy “many” who are under the impression that they are secure because of some type of security arrangement. Such arrangements are now commonly referred to as peace deals.

And today, leaders from both Israel and Palestine are meeting with European leaders to get them to support their differing versions of a peace deal.  And while I doubt that either leader went to Europe to intentionally attempt to fulfill Bible prophecy, their actions certainly suggest that some in the Middle East want a peace deal with confirmation/support from Europe.

World events continue to align with Bible prophecy. A peace deal will come (Daniel 9:27), a European leader will confirm it, the will likely involve Palestine and Israel, and it may involve the enforced dividing of Jerusalem.

To learn more about what will happen to the descendants of Israel and the Arabic peoples, please check out the first four articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? 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? 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?
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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic 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? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch 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? What does he do in the Middle East and Jerusalem? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? Why do people think the Bible teaches about a peace deal? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?

The 220 kg Gold brick displayed in Taiwan

COGwriter

The US dollar has been dropping and some in Mexico are trying to do something about it:

Bank Of Mexico Buys 100 Tons Of Gold In February, March

Wall Street Journal – May 4, 2011

Mexico’s central bank purchased almost 100 metric tons of gold in February and March, another signal that emerging markets are likely to steadily raise their gold reserve holdings, industry participants say…The Bank of Mexico traditionally holds most of its reserves in U.S. dollar-denominated investments. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110504-722917.html

Mexico ramps up gold reserves at dollar’s expense

Mexico massively ramped up its gold reserves in the first quarter of this year, buying over $4 billion of bullion as emerging economies move away from the ailing U.S. dollar, which has dipped to 2-1/2-year lows…

Sergio Martin, chief economist for HSBC in Mexico, said the government probably saw gold as a highly liquid asset that would reduce exposure to the falling greenback.

“They’re probably thinking that getting out of dollars and into gold makes sense because we know that the dollar has some trend to depreciate in the near future at least,” said Martin. “I don’t think they’re going to lose money with this.”   http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/04/mexico-gold-idUSLDE7431OZ20110504

Notice that the belief is that since the trend for the US dollar is to depreciate, the Mexicans are realizing that it is to risky to own.  Eventually, foreigners are going to dump the US dollar completely (cf. Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).  But before they do that, certain steps need to be taken–and Mexico has taken some steps itself.  BTW, although gold has dropped in value in the past week, it still is worth more in US dollars than the Mexicans would have paid for it in February and March.

The idea of gold could be accumulated, 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. Increase interest gold (and silver) suggest decreased interest 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.
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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.

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat depicting a demon performing an ancient abortion.

COGwriter

This is an interesting development because about a month ago, the House agreed to a spending bill that did allow some of the types of abortion funding that it now is trying to restrict:

House passes restrictive antiabortion package

Los Angeles Times – Kathleen Hennessey – ‎19 minutes ago‎

The so-called No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act is approved along party lines and would make into law current policies that prohibit federal money from paying for abortions through Medicaid and some other federal programs…The measures stand little chance of approval by the Senate, but again demonstrated the key role social issues still play in unifying the Republican Party.

Abortion is wrong and no government, USA or otherwise should pay for it.

The Bible says:

1 Cry aloud, spare not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)

This potential law will likely not make it.

I suspect that despite the House’s move, that the Obama Administration will try to work around this, even if the Senate would approve it (unlikely), and will not want this signed into law.  And based upon what the Republicans did last time see USA Government Budget Deal Allows Abortion Group Funding), I suspect that many of them will compromise on this point again.

While stopping government funding of abortion by a government that is in debt makes perfect logical and moral sense, the majority of politicians in the USA do not tend to consider those points more valid than certain political ones.  Hence, the USA government will likely continue to at least indirectly fund abortions.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? What do the Living Church of God and the Church of Rome teach?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
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?
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?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter

The European Union has finally got the United Nations to formally increase its influence:

EU wins super-observer status at UN

The European Union on Tuesday secured super-observer status at the United Nations after overcoming objections from small states that they could see their influence eroded.

Telegraph – May 3, 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/8490946/EU-wins-super-observer-status-at-UN.html

UN votes to give European Union special rights

BBC – May 3, 2011

The European Union has won the right to speak at the United Nations on behalf of its 27 member states.

The largely symbolic change means the EU can address UN meetings through its own officials, rather than the country holding its rotating presidency, but does not give it voting rights…Diplomats say the decision opens the door for other blocs such as the Arab League and African Union to seek similar enhanced status.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13276053

The reality is that, according to Bible prophecy, the EU is destined to temporarily be the most dominant force in the world.  It is also of interest to note that the Arab League is hoping to get the same status as the EU in the UN.  The Islamic King of the South does not wish to have a lower status than the European King of the North.

While certain prophetic signs seem to be tarrying, others are lining up.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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”?  Using the Tower of Babel and “Beast” images suggests it is not concerned about its role as being part of the future Babylon of Bible prophecy.
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? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
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?
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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic 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? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
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?
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, including information about Europe, the USA, the King of the North, and the King of the South. 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.

Neodymium Magnet on a Hard Drive

COGwriter

The world is starting to become upset by the fact that China controls 95% or so of certain “rare earth elements”(like neodymium ) and has dramatically reduced their export:

Rare earth prices are reaching rarefied heights.

World prices have doubled in the last four months for rare earths — metallic elements needed for many of the most sophisticated civilian and military technologies, whether smartphones or smart bombs.

And this year’s increases come atop price gains of as much as fourfold during 2010.

The reason is basic economics: demand continues to outstrip efforts to expand supplies and break China’s chokehold on the market.

Neodymium, a rare earth necessary for a range of products including headphones and hybrid electric cars, now fetches more than $283 a kilogram ($129 a pound) on the spot market. A year ago it sold for about $42 a kilogram ($19 a pound).  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/business/03rare.html

China may need all it produces so stopped exporting much of any of its rare earth metals.   Its control over rare earth metals (China controls about 95% of the world’s supply) gives China a lot of power and influence.  Including diplomatically.

The USA recognizes a problem here and has taken several steps, including hopefully having a mine open in California in 2012 (see Rare Earth Elements, China, and 2012).

But despite the steps by the Americans, the Chinese still have major control and expect to for the foreseeable future. This does not bode well for the USA.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? 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?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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.
Large Hadron Collider may result in military applications The Europeans have the largest physics project on the planet. Some scoff, but might it result in military applications? May the Large Hadron Collider help fulfill Revelation 13:4?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This page contains some concepts and prophecies related to 2012 and a book. This also has YouTube videos related to 2012 and beyond.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

COGwriter

Canada is changing:

The news from Canada that Monday’s national election brought Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper “his coveted majority government,” means the country’s political landscape has just undergone “a dramatic and unpredicted realignment,” CBC News reports.

As Toronto’s Globe and Mail puts it, the election “decimated the Bloc Québécois and humbled the Liberals. For the first time in history, the New Democratic Party will form the Official Opposition after an extraordinary breakthrough that propelled the party to more than 100 seats.”  http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/05/03/135949822/in-canada-election-brings-dramatic-realignment-of-political-landscape

How might Stephen Harper help fulfill Bible prophecy?  But here are some key points to consider:

1. We are getting close to the end of God’s 6.000 years for humans to rule themselves their way in Satan’s world.
2. Canada will experience the great tribulation (Matthew 24:21, the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).
3. Because of the timing of him being in office, Stephen Harper’s very presence (as well as his planned and unplanned actions) should be enough to enable the fulfillment of various end-time prophecies.
4. Getting the majority government he wanted, means that he will have more influence than he has had so far in office.

Despite having natural resources and many overseas international trading partners, because of its geographic location, its economic history, and what is recorded in biblical prophecy, Canada is tied in with the United States of America.

To a great degree, Canada is expected to share the fate of the USA, which ultimately will not be good.

Some articles of possibly related biblical interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What will happen to the nation of Israel?
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?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradaumus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
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 will happen?

KJV Bible

COGwriter

The King James Version, translation of the textus receptus into English happened four hundred years ago.  Here is some of what Fox reported:

Happy 400th Birthday to the King James Bible

— The Most Influential Book in the English Language

FOX News – May 2, 2011

The poetic power of the King James Bible is part of our heritage. Around the world people have been comforted by the words, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” They have been challenged by, “Be strong and of good courage.” They have celebrated with the proclamation, “Fear not . . . For unto you is born in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The early 16th century was a tumultuous time in Britain.

Fifty-four scholars labored nearly seven years. In spite of its title page saying that the KJV was “newly translated,” the committees were instructed to follow the Bishops’ Bible when possible. Because the Bishops’ Bible depended on the work of Tyndale, more than 80% of the KJV is Tyndale’s wording. The KJV was published in 1611 and within 50 years it was the dominant English translation of the Bible—a position it held for 300 years. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/05/02/happy-400th-birthday-king-james-bible-influential-book-english-language/

Of course, early Christians never celebrated their own birthdays, but I kept the headline because the KJV Bible probably was the most influential book in the English language.

It should be mentioned, that the KJV is simply a translation (though a fairly decent one) of the original Hebrew and Greek.

People should read the Bible.  Preferably a literal version in the language that they best understand.  For several centuries, the KJV was that for English speakers.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.
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?