Church of God News

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

COGwriter

Some have been upset by the following:

‘Homosexuality is a disease’ says Indian health minister

‘Homosexuality is a Western disease’ says Indian minister

Speaking at a HIV/Aids convention in New Delhi, Indian health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad sparks outrage after labelling gay sex a “disease” most commonly found in the West.

Indian health minister slams gay sex, draws criticism

CNN International – ‎5 July 201

New Delhi (CNN) — India’s health minister Monday derided homosexuality as an “unnatural disease,” two years after a court in New Delhi struck down a law banning consensual sex between adults of the same gender.

While the Bible does not label homosexuality a disease, it teaches that homosexuality is an abomination:

22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. (Leviticus 20:13)

The India Health Minister, after receiving a lot of international press, somewhat changed his position:

NEW DELHI — India’s health minister said Tuesday that he had been misquoted…

“I know as health minister that men having sex with men is not a disease,” he said.Televised footage of a national meeting on Monday of district and mayoral leaders on H.I.V./AIDS prevention showed him appearing to say that homosexuality was “unnatural and not good for India.”

“It is a disease which has come from other countries,” he said in his speech, which he delivered in English and Hindi.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/06/world/asia/06delhi.html

Fine, he knows that homosexuality is not a disease like MRSA, but seems to realize that it has negatively affected India, and this is at least partially from outsiders.

As one who speaks Hindi, it is unclear if he knows what happened in some towns known for their homosexuality between three thousand and four thousand years ago:

24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. (Genesis 19:24-25)

Here is part of what that happened?

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Why mention this example in the 21st century? Because God turned:

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6,
NKJV)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did.  Including in the 21st century.

Of course, not everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah were homosexuals as those that strictly practice that could not reproduce. Yet, notice that the destruction that hit their cities destroyed all that were there and notice that something like this is to happen again according to Jesus:

26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:26-29)

The West can pretend that increasing “homosexual rights” is acceptable, but the Bible suggests otherwise.  Of course, homosexuality is not limited to the West (see for one example, LCG: Nepal leads the world in gender reform)–but the West has been the major force trying to push the “gay agenda” for the past couple of decades.  It is also interesting that a Hindu, as opposed to nominally Protestant or Catholic, nation’s health minister initially condemned homosexuality in such strong terms.  Western leaders almost always shy away from condemnations–and contrary to scripture, often approve of sins that the Bible condemns, not truly realizing that approving such sins is also condemned by God (Romans 1:18-32).

These scriptures in Romans, written nearly two thousand years ago, essentially predicted resurgences of homosexuality, explain why this tends to happen, and teaches that God judges those who approve of it:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)

Many of those in the top governmental positions in the West do not wish to retain the word of God in their knowledge and endorse evolution instead of creation as the origin of life, so it is little wonder that increasing societal acceptance of homosexuality is occurring. Also notice that God warned that many would “also approve of those who practice” various forms of sin. This is what more and more government leaders are doing.

Keeping the Ten Commandments reflects love. Breaking them and/or condoning those that do is evil. This should be clear to those who believe the God of the Bible.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).

“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”

COGwriter

Although inaccurate “prophets” such as Ronald Weinland and Harold Camping have declared that the biblical period known as the “great tribulation” began some time ago, the reality is that this biblically prophesied event cannot begin prior to 2015.

Why?

Mainly because Jesus taught that the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21) would begin shortly after “you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (Matthew 24:15).

Notice that the Daniel the prophet wrote:

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

Without going into all the details, the above is understood by many (including the Living Church of God and the Arroyo Grande, California book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect) to mean that a seven year (one prophetic week) Middle East peace deal is confirmed. Of course, the sacrifices must start before they stop, and they have not started yet (and may not start until after the peace deal is in place).

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).

Although he has several events out of sequence in his book, 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)

One other reason that now is not quite the time, is that I have traveled to Europe many times in the past few years (my last trip was just a few weeks ago), and can state that the Europeans are simply not unified enough to be ready to fulfill their role as the supporters of the King of the North – the Final Beast power, yet. But they are looking at proposing peace deals in the Middle East (http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-11-13-voa26.cfm).

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).

This peace deal is to be violated in the middle of it and the abomination will be in the old temple area (“the holy place” of Matthew 24:15). This is also consistent with another of Daniel’s writings:

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

The “him” mentioned about is the final biblical King of the North.

So, what does any of this have to do with 2015?

According to reports coming out of the Middle East in the past couple of days, there is still no Middle East peace deal in place that could possibly fulfill Daniel 9:27. And even if there was one announced later today, if one adds 3 1/2 years to today, that brings one to 2015.

Great Tribulation Cannot Begin in 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014

Now I have been criticized in the past for pointing out that the “great tribulation” could not begin in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, etc.

But I was correct then, and am now.

Why?

Well in addition to the fact that there is no Middle East peace deal that fulfills Daniel 9:27, there still is not yet in place the final leader known as the King of the North. Nor is there a leader yet in place who is the final King of the South (and both of those leaders need to make their own deceitful deal per Daniel 11:27). And while these leaders could be in those positions relatively soon, several of the events that Jesus also said would occur first (Matthew 24:4-14) have not yet been completely fulfilled.

Additionally, the Europeans are not yet ready militarily nor economically to fulfill their role as the final Beast power. It is likely that Europe will need to see “signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9) to get fully ready and unified amongst themselves–but that is expected.

That is not to say that world events leading up to the “great tribulation” are not occurring (they are as I report about them frequently, notice Might Kurt Koch become or support the coming “antipope” antichrist? to cite just one example), but without the peace deal being made yet, the final 3 1/2 year countdown has not yet began, hence the great tribulation will not possibly start prior to 2014.

The end is coming. It is coming soon. But the end, meaning the “great tribulation” in this case, cannot possibly begin prior to the year 2015.

Some articles of related interest may include the following:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping teaches that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world will end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 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?
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? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
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 related to 2012. The book is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events.

“Sunday Church”, Naxos Greece

COGwriter

Many in Europe are trying to take steps that would promote additional Sunday restrictions:

A new alliance promoting fair and balanced work conditions in Europe asked the European Union’s Economic and Social Committee last week to declare Sunday a “work-free day” in its new working guidelines for member states…

“We support the notion that people need a day of rest to achieve a life/work balance to maintain the health and safety of workers,” said Raafat Kamal, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northern Europe, adding that the idea was first modeled by God, who rested following the biblical creation week.

“At the same time, we want to be sure that those who don’t have Sunday as a designated religious day of rest will be respected and tolerated,” Kamal said.  http://news.adventist.org/2011/06/religious-liberty-ad-2.html

This European advocacy of Sunday is not a surprising move. Future Sunday laws have long been considered likely by those of us who observe the seventh-day Sabbath.  And of course, those of us who observe the biblical Sabbath (which is on Saturday and not Sunday) do not consider that Sunday laws are “fair and balanced”.

Sunday has been considered as “the mark of the Beast” by many.

Almost ironically, a group that, in a sense, both the Seventh-day Adventists and the Church of God trace their 18th century history through, the Seventh Day Baptists no longer seem to think that Saturday is that important:

Associated Baptist Press – June 29, 2011

National staff leadership for Seventh Day Baptists say “Baptist” is more important than “Seventh Day” in their identity.

They are from left, Nick Kersten, Gordon Lawton and Rob Appel, executive director….The Conference has issued no statement on ordination, although it has accredited some female pastors…“We’re Baptists first,” Kersten said. “When I send kids off to college, I encourage them to keep the Sabbath and find a good Sunday Baptist Church.” He said there are “so many theological problems” in other Sabbatarian groups that “Baptist” is more important than Saturday worship. http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/6526/53/

I would have thought that the SDBs would have declared that it was important to be Christians first and to walk as Jesus walked.  And as was the case, Jesus kept the seventh-day Sabbath (Luke 4:16,31; 6:6; 13:10).   The “theological problems” that the SDBs have with groups like the Living Church of God include the fact that we have retained historical Christian beliefs on matters such as the Godhead (see Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?) as well as others that the SBDs have abandoned (see also The Sardis Church Era and The Philadelphia Church Era).

It was Jesus who declared Himself:

Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28)

The Apostle Paul was clear that the seventh-day rest was still something that real Christians should observe:

Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.'” And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience…There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NIV).

He did not say such things about Sunday (which is the first, not seventh, day.  Nor did Jesus nor any writers of the New Testament.

The Europeans and Seventh Day Baptists may wish to consider what the Bible itself actually teaches.

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”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Sunday and Christianity Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? How clearly endorsed Sunday?
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
SDA/LCG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. Did Ellen White make prophetic errors? Did Ellen White make false prophecies?
Seventh-day Adventist President Ted Wilson’s Comments on the Remnant Church Ted N. C. Wilson spoke on the SDAs striving to be the “remnant church”, but what do the related scriptures actually teach?
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.

Crown of the “Holy Roman Empire”

COGwriter

Otto von Habsburg died today:

BERLIN (AP) — Otto von Habsburg, the oldest son of Austria-Hungary’s last emperor and the longtime head of one of Europe’s most influential families, died Monday, his spokeswoman said. He was 98…

He settled in Poecking in the 1950s and went on to become a member of the European Parliament for Bavaria’s conservative Bavarian Christian Social Union.  He also served as president of the Pan-European League from 1979 to 1999.  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/jcfloridan/obituary.aspx?n=otto-von-habsburg&pid=152380187

The late Herbert W. Armstrong used to believe that Otto von Habsburg was one to watch as a leader in Europe.  Otto von Habsburg was quite influential in helping put together what is now the 500,000,000 person empire called the European Union.

Here is something reportedly from the Plain Truth magazine in September 1979:

“On the United Nations, he [Otto] has declared that the organization is dominated by ‘anti-European illiterates, despots and cannibals.’… “Possibly von Habsburg’s most controversial suggestion has been his recipe for dealing with national emergencies. In the April 1978 issue of his conservative publication Zeitbühne, he suggested that in certain emergency situations (such as nuclear blackmail or other major acts of terrorism) governments should let a strongman take over for a period of nine months, allowing him to suspend laws and ‘take all measure necessary for the maintenance of the life of the population.’… Interestingly, von Habsburg counts Bavarian leader Franz Josef Strauss among ‘the few full-blooded politicians’ who ‘in the case of serious national crises are able to accept responsibility because of their clear-sightedness and indomitableness.’ Von Habsburg says he is ‘personally pretty close to his [Strauss’s] ideas in many ways on the European unity subject”… The zenith of Habsburg power came in the 16th century under Emperor Charles v. Chosen by electors in 1519 at the age of 20, Charles was crowned Holy Roman emperor by Pope Leo x in October 1520. He ruled until 1556 and is considered to have been the greatest monarch to bear the imperial crown since Charlemagne. He was the last emperor to vigorously attempt to realize the medieval idea of a unified empire embracing the entire Christian world… Christopher Hollis, in the foreword to von Habsburg’s book The Social Order of Tomorrow, points out that Otto ‘would like to see Europe resume her essential unity, and in the symbolism of that unity he thinks that the imperial crown of Charlemagne and of the Holy Roman Empire might well have its part to play.’ “Inter-European unity has long been a quest of the Habsburg dynasty. Otto himself often speaks of the similarities between the Holy Roman Empire of the Middle Ages and his view of a coming United States of Europe. In this regard, Otto has stressed the importance of religion in the formation of a united Europe. He regards Christianity as Europe’s bulwark: ‘The cross doesn’t need Europe, but Europe needs the cross.’

In the 21st century there are Habsburg’s with political influence in at least Austria, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Ukraine, and the European Parliament. Perhaps I should mention that many of the queens of France and Portugal were daughters of Habsburgs (as well as some in other lands as well) (see also Habsburg Family Still Influential in and Near Europe for more details).

All the emperors of the old “Holy Roman Empire” were part of what has been known as the Habsburg line. Charlemagne was crowned the first Holy Roman Emperor, reputedly with the crown shown above, by Pope Leo III in Rome on Christmas Night, 800 AD. And now, over 1200 years later, the descendants of that family are still influential in and near Europe.

Although he does not have the word “Habsburg” in his incredibly long name, Baron Karl Theodor Maria Nikolaus Johann Jacob Philipp Franz Joseph Sylvester Freiherr von und zu Guttenberg’s mother was a Habsburg which means that the Baron is a descendant of that line too. He is one to watch in European politics as I have often written. He, for example, may just become the final one that the Bible refers to as the King of the North (Daniel 11:21-45) and Beast (Revelation 13). If the Baron is the one, Having influential distant relatives may assist his attainment to power.

The legacy of Otto von Habsburg is likely to be favorable towards Karlzu Guttenberg.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?

Has the USA Chosen the Wrong Path?

COGwriter

In his latest commentary, LCG’s William Bowmer reported:

Christians understand that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). In one sense, it is absurd to proclaim personal or national “independence” when human beings are utterly dependent on God.

But this does not mean we should not observe national holidays. Indeed, we can often learn important lessons from them. For example, the Old Testament book of Esther introduces a Jewish national holiday known as Purim, honoring virtuous Queen Esther who saved her people from the plotting of the king’s chief servant, Haman.

Scripture also alludes to Hanukkah (John 10:22-23), which commemorates the Maccabees’ successful struggle against Syria’s King Antiochus, and is also associated with the tradition that God kept a ceremonial lamp burning eight days with just one day’s oil. Jesus Christ Himself came to the temple on that national holiday, also called the Feast of Dedication, showing by example that Christians can give proper honor to their nations without dishonoring God.

Like the Jewish people at Hanukkah, Americans on July 4 can thank God for what He has done for them. America’s expansion and prosperity, properly understood, is not a sign of righteousness, but rather of God’s fidelity to His promises. God told the Israelites that He would withhold His promised blessing as punishment for their sins, for 2,520 years after they went into captivity in 721bc. His promise, however, was unconditional—so, beginning around 1800ad, the United States and Britain began to receive this long-withheld blessing, and these nations entered into a period of unprecedented wealth, expansion and world leadership.

Today, more than 200 years later, the British-descended nations have fallen from the heights of their wealth and prominence, and the U.S.—though still the world’s only “superpower”—is no longer the unchallenged moral, political and economic leader of the “free world.” Much of the world sees the U.S. as a corrupter of youth and an exporter of culture-destroying filth, not as the paragon of democracy and freedom so many celebrate every July 4.

Even so, millions across the U.S. will rejoice on July 4. In stark contrast, on August 9 this year, millions of Jews will soberly observe Tisha B’Av—the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av. On that date, over the centuries, the Jewish people have suffered many tragedies. Both the First Temple and the Second Temple were destroyed on Av 9; the first in 586bc by the Babylonians and the second in 70ad by the Romans. Those tragedies alone would justify a national day of mourning. Yet Av 9 has gained further sad significance. In 1492, King Ferdinand of Spain demanded that all Jews leave his kingdom. Their deadline was Av 9. More recently, World War I began on Av 9 in 1914, setting in motion a time of European turmoil leading to the Holocaust.

The U.S. and British-descended nations still enjoy many God-given blessings. But how have they handled them? Have we carried out a Holocaust of our own? Fifty million aborted babies would say “yes”—if they could. Bible prophecy shows that the English-speaking nations will, sooner rather than later, reap what they have sown, as they become pariahs in world affairs and many true Christians face horrific persecution—even martyrdom—for their faith.

So, while America is enjoying its Independence Day celebrations this weekend, thankful for its blessings, we may also want to reflect, by contrast, on the sober anniversary of Tisha B’Av. God does not guarantee that America’s times of remembrance will always be joyous, and Scripture warns that the English-speaking nations face severe trials ahead. As we rejoice, let us also remember the Source of our blessings, and our need for repentance—nationally and individually—before Him.

To learn more about God’s role in the rise and fall of nations, read our booklets The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy and Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs.

Those who live in the USA may wish to re-read its Declaration of Independence as its current government not only seems to have a disdain for more of the law of God, it also is probably more guilty than the old British rule for committing many acts that caused the colonists to revolt in the first place.

A few years ago, I read my family much of the Declaration and commented upon how the current USA federal, state, and local governments had committed most of the same actions that the USA’s revolutionary leaders objected to from the British king against our family (directly and/or indirectly) within that year or so.

Interestingly, if it was written today and adopted, I suspect that the USA Supreme Court would probably rule the Declaration unconstitutional as it starts out with the following statements:

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

And the Declaration ends with the following statement:

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

And while simply restoring practices consistent with the Declaration will NOT stop the USA from going down the path that will lead it to destruction, ignoring God as well as documents like the Bible and the ten commandments will insure its destruction.

National repentance is the only way to prevent it, and that does not look likely. The advocacy of homosexuality, abortion, and increased indebtedness that we have seen in 2011 suggests that national repentance is about the furthest thing on the minds of the national political leaders and most of the mainstream media in the USA.

Personal repentance, however, is still possible. If you are an American, your personal future can still be much brighter than that of your country.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article gives 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”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled if he is elected president?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) 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?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
Were the Ten Commandments in Effect Before Mount Sinai? Some have said not. This article provides biblical quotes to answer this important question.
Job and the Ten Commandments Was Job written prior to Mount Sinai? Did Job know about the ten commandments? This article provides biblical answers to those questions.
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments Nailed to the Cross? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

In its latest TW News & Prophecy, LCG reported:

Britain can do “nothing” to prevent Argentina retaking Falkland Islands

Britain can do “nothing” to prevent Argentina retaking Falkland Islands read a recent headline in the British Telegraph. “The head of the Naval task force in the Falklands War has warned that defense cuts mean Britain can now do ‘precisely nothing’ to prevent Argentina retaking the islands…. a substantial task force of two aircraft carriers, a dozen frigates and destroyers, four submarines and a total of 100 surface ships along with 25,000 servicemen were to retake the Falklands in 1982. But the Royal Navy no longer has aircraft carriers, has lost its force of Harrier jump jets and seen its warship fleet cut in half over the last decade” (Telegraph, June 12, 2011). British Prime Minister Cameron recently commented on how the Falklands are unquestionably British. In response, Argentina’s president reprimanded Mr. Cameron for his “mediocrity and stupidity” while also labeling Britain a “crude colonial power in decline&qu ot; (Telegraph, June 17, 2011).

God promised to give the Israelite-descended nations the “gates of their enemies”–which would include the sea gates that Britain and the U.S. once possessed. Now, not only does it appear that Britain will soon lose its two remaining sea gates (Falklands and Gibraltar), but also that the pride of their power is truly broken (Leviticus 26:19)–all due to a rejection of God and His ways.

The Falkland Islands are one of the last sea gates (Gilbraltar is the other) that the UK still has. Many decades ago, the late Herbert W. Armstrong warned that he felt that the major sea gates would be taken from the USA and the UK.

Ultimately, when the UK is no more (if not before), I suspect that Argentina will end up with the Falklands.

Some articles of possibly related 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?
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?
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”?
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?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
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 Argentina and the rest of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?

COGwriter

Today, military jets are to fly over the Philadelphia Church of God’s Armstrong Auditorium:

Armstrong Auditorium’s 2011-12 performing arts series will kick off July 3 with the screaming thunder of F-16s from the 138th Fighter Wing of the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

According to OANG’s Capt. Chris Wells, the 138th will perform the maneuver at 7:20 p.m. when four F-16 Fighting Falcons fly over the campus of Herbert W. Armstrong College at Bryant and Waterloo in north Edmond.

Armstrong’s marketing director Shane Granger said he received confirmation of the fly-over from the Pentagon on Saturday.

“We’re thrilled to have such a distinguished fighter wing from Oklahoma as part of our Independence Day celebrations at Armstrong,” he said. http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x349137729/F-16s-to-launch-Armstrong-Auditorium-Independence-Day-celebration

Now, there are several ways to look at this.  One is an American view that all publicity is good publicity.

Another is does God want His people to glorify war?

As a former member of the military, and as am member of the Living Church of God, I would think not.

While the observance of national holidays is not biblically prohibited (Jesus seemed to do so, John 10:22-23), and often can serve as a time of reflection, displays of military aircraft seem, to me at least, to directly glorify the pride of war and military conquest (and yes, I realize that others may see this differently).

Of course, like many groups that came out of the old WCG, I have long believed that PCG has wrong doctrines and priorities. And while having publicity can be nice, being “thrilled” about military aircraft flying around its campus and other church facilities is not quite how I think God will view this F-16 display (or other public displays of military hardware by other nations).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which claims to be faithful.
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains who he was and how he should be viewed today.

Pope Benedict XVI

COGwriter

At least one Episcopal church is becoming Catholic:

Episcopal Church in Maryland to Convert to Catholicism

Fox News – ‎2 July 2011

Mark Lewis now offers a prayer every Sunday morning that centuries ago would have been considered an homage to the enemy. It’s a prayer for the bishop of Rome, the pope and all the Catholic bishops and priests…St. Luke’s Church in Bladensburg, Md., will become later this year the first American Episcopal Parish to convert to Catholicism, Anglicanism’s one-time nemesis.

Pope Benedict approved a change in October 2009 that has made conversion of Protestant churches (particularly Anglican, but also others) to be part of Roman Catholic Church easier.  He has also made many making positive overtures towards the Orthodox. His goal remains ecumenical unity under the Vatican for all he can get.

While many in the Church of Rome wish ecumenical unity with others, Biblical, Catholic, and Orthodox prophecies seem to have parts that warn against such ecumenical unity (though some Catholic/Orthodox prophecies look forward to it).

Notice carefully the following Catholic prophecy:

Frederick William Faber (died 1863):…Antichrist…Many believe in a demonical incarnation—this will not be so—but he will be utterly possessed…His doctrine as apparent contradiction of no religion, yet a new religion…He has an attending pontiff, so separating regal and prophetic office (Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 87).

That prophecy, which is in a book with an official imprimatur from a Catholic bishop (as well as others), suggests that there soon may be a change to the “Catholic” religion that will make it the religion of the final Antichrist.

Also notice the following warning from a Catholic nun:

Anna-Katarina Emmerick (October 1, 1820): The Church is in great danger…The Protestant doctrine and that of the schismatic Greeks are to spread everywhere. I now see that in this place (Rome) the (Catholic) Church is being so cleverly undermined, that there hardly remain a hundred or so priests who have not been deceived. They all work for the destruction, even the clergy. A great destruction is now at hand…

(April 22, 1823): I saw that many pastors allowed themselves to be taken up with ideas that were dangerous to the Church. They were building a great, strange, and extravagant Church. Everyone was admitted in it in order to be united and to have equal rights: Evangelicals, Catholics, sects of every description. Such was to be the new Church (Dupont, pp. 66, 71).

Various events around the globe suggest that people of many faiths are getting to the point where they are likely to accept some type of ecumenical religion.  And while the changes to attract the Anglicans in October 2009 are considered to be minor, other changes are coming.

Here is a warning from a Roman Catholic priest:

Priest Paul Kramer (21st century): The errors of Orthodoxy and of Protestantism will be embraced by that false church, it will be an ecumenical church because the Anti-Pope will be recognized by the world—not by the faithful, but by the world—by the secular world and the secular governments. (Kramer P. The Imminent Chastisement for Not Fulfilling Our Lady’s Request. An edited transcript of a speech given at the Ambassadors of Jesus and Mary Seminar in Glendale, California, September 24, 2004.THE FATIMA CRUSADER Issue 80, Summer 2005, pp. 32-45 http://www.fatimacrusader.com/cr80/cr80pg32.asp viewed 4/15/08)

Some Orthodox look forward to this, but also expect an antipope near then:

Helen Tzima Otto (20th century): We have been told time and time again through the prophets that the Great Monarch and Papa Angelorum…will convene the 8th Ecumenical Council, which will reunify all Christians…The Emperor will spend three years waging wars against the non-Christian nations…{later will be} the end time schism of the Roman Catholic Church of the End Times and the rise of an antipope. (Tzima Otto, pp. xxv, 103, 122)

Apparently the “non-Christian nations” will be those that do not desire to be part of the ecumenical church that is to form.

Notice information from a Roman priest:

Father O’Connor quotes from Holy Scripture, the stunning prophecies of St. Vincent Ferrer, Pope St. Pius X, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John Eudes, Sr. Lucy of Fatima, Pope Pius XII and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. Father explains how God will and is punishing the world for sin, and that the Fathers of the Church all wrote that the False Prophet would be a Catholic Bishop who will become an invalid anti-pope while the real Pope dies a cruel death in exile. (REIGN OF THE FALSE PROPHET. Catholic Treasures. Audio ITEM #20104. http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/20104.html 03/02/09)

Now there is an Orthodox understanding of the last false religious power coming from Rome:

Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos (20th century): The army of Antichrist is made up of the worldly powers, mainly the Roman Empire, symbolized by the two beasts and the harlot woman (Rev. 11:7; 13:1-17; cf. Dan. 7:11-12)… The final confrontation with evil is presented in chapters 19 and 20…The war is waged by the beast and the false prophet. Both of these are organs of Satan, representing the political and religious authority of Rome (Rev. 13:1-18). (Gerasimos, Bishop. At the End of Time: The Eschatological Expectations of the Church. Holy Cross Orthodox Press. October 5, 2004, pp. 28-29)

So, there are both Roman and Orthodox Catholic writings that warn against some type of future unifying developments.

Some type of global religious unity is prophesied in scripture before Jesus returns (Revelation 13:4,8) and not in a favorable light. All should be cautious about where current ecumenical hopes and talks will lead.  The fact that an Episcopal church is making the switch simply shows that others likely will ignore the biblical warnings about what will happen as well.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
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.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?

Tribal Girls in Thailand

COGwriter

Thailand voted to change its government leadership:

BANGKOK | Sun Jul 3, 2011…

(Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva conceded defeat in a national election on Sunday after exit polls showed the opposition Puea Thai Party winning a majority of parliament’s 500 seats.

He congratulated Yingluck Shinawatra, Puea Thai’s candidate for prime minister and sister of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, on her victory.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/03/us-thailand-election-idUSTRE76013T20110703

“We choose a party which political party can make Thailand better,” Wisut said. “Make the people more alert that they have the power to decide which way or which direction Thailand can go in the future.”

Others were more skeptical about all of the politicians in the running.  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Opposition-Forecast-to-Win-Thai-Election-by-Landslide-124936164.html

Thailand will have some ups and downs.  It likely will prosper for a while during the reign of the European beast power, but may ultimately support the 200,000,000 man army that will oppose it.

Of course, what Thailand needs now is not a new female prime minister, but the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Kingdom.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”?   What is Thailand’s likely role? 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?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
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?
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.

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

COGwriter

The following is in the July 2011 edition of CG7-Denver’s Now What? written by Kimberly Davidson (who may or may not be in a COG):

Rapid deterioration

As I grew into adulthood, my self-esteem continued to deteriorate…Then my body started desiring and needing alcohol… Everyone else is sleeping around. It was a way to fill the hole in my heart. But it only deepened the wounds of shame, humiliation, and abandonment.

Choosing abortion

I eventually got pregnant and chose to have an abortion…

There was no doubt in my mind that abortion was the answer. After all, I wasn’t married. I had an established lifestyle, and I would have brought embarrassment and shame upon my parents… I didn’t value myself, so how could I value my baby’s life?…

Finding Christ

…Jesus walked into my messed up life and a couple months later, I confessed my sins and received His salvation. The Bible says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NIV).

Jesus pronounced, “Daughter, you’re free to go. I’ve done the time for you (see 2 Corinthians 3:17). Now go and tell the world what you have experienced.” The shackles released; evil evaporated.

Changed identity

Through my experience, I learned that I don’t have to be good enough, smart enough, or religious enough to earn an audience with God. I can have a personal, intimate relationship with the God Almighty.

Of course, salvation is not just for ourselves.  As Evangelist Richard Ames has written:

How would you answer the question, “Are you a Christian?” What, in fact, is a Christian? Most people in the world would simply say, “It is someone who accepts Christ.” But is that the Bible’s definition? Notice: “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:9). In other words, unless Christ is in us—unless we let Him guide us to live His way—we are not Christians. Remember Christ’s admonition, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46). And: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

A true Christian, of course, will be found doing the Work that Christ commissioned the Church to accomplish. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20)

A Christian will attempt to walk as Jesus walked, and would no longer agree to sins such as abortion.

And of course, all sin, except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, can be forgiven.  Including abortion, as well as the related sins of performing and/or encouraging abortions.

But what, one may ask, is the unpardonable sin?

A couple of portions of scripture basically explain what the unpardonable sin is:

31 Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come (Matthew 12:31-32)

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame (Hebrews 6:4-6).

1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Hebrews 2:1-4)

Notice that the only sin not to be forgiven in the age to come is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which seems further defined as knowing and willingly rejecting/neglecting the Holy Spirit which is received after repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38).

This is further implied later in Hebrews:

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:26-29)

Of course, abortion is wrong and it is a sin.  But Christians are forgiven sinners.  Notice some of what the Apostle Paul wrote:

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.  (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Furthermore, notice what the Apostle Peter said to do:

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”  (Acts 2:38-39)

Repentance would not be necessary if people had not sinned–and Peter even stated that they needed to be baptize to forgive their sins.  All should repent.  And yes, even having, performing, or encouraging abortion can be forgiven.

Some 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?
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it?
Born Again: A Question of Semantics? Many Protestants use the term born-again. Do they know where the concept came from or does it matter? Are you born or begotten upon proper baptism?
Baptism and the Early Church Was it by immersion? Did it include infants?
Did Real Christians Practice Nude Baptism? This is not a joke. Find out what was taught in the second and later centuries.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.