Church of God News

COGwriter

Got an email from GCI (Grace Communion International, the group that temporarily ran the new WCG) that stated the following:

Warm Christmas greetings to you from Grace Communion International. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!…Nathan Smith…

Speaking of Life, with Dr. Joseph Tkach

Christmas for Sinners

The story of Christmas can remind us that whatever trials we might face, whatever our lot in life, Jesus is with us and right there beside us.

Since Christmas is not a biblically-enjoined holiday, what is the history of Christmas and what is the reason for the season?

In his commentary today, Wyatt Ciesielka of the Living Church of God has the following:

Commentary: Not the reason for the season

By Wyatt Ciesielka | Saturday, December 24, 2011

Many people realize that Jesus Christ was not born anywhere near December 25 and that Christmas is rooted in ancient paganism, but will still proclaim that Jesus is “the reason for the season.” Is this true? Who is really being celebrated on December 25? Why the evergreen tree? And most importantly, is Jesus Christ really pleased?

Luke 2:1-8 tells us that Jesus was born during the time of the Roman census when the shepherds were still abiding in the fields at night. But, the shepherds were not out at night in the fields anywhere close to December 25th! In ancient Palestine, because of heavy winter rainstorms, the shepherds always brought their flocks in from the countryside by no later than mid October. As Ezra 10:9-13 makes clear, by December ancient Palestine was bitter cold and rainy! So, why is Jesus’ birth celebrated on December 25?

The fact is that winter solstice celebrations preceded Jesus’ birth by more than 2,000 years; all the way back to ancient Babylon and the Babylonish “mystery religion” devoted to worshiping Baal. To honor Nimrod, reborn as the infant Tammuz, Semiramis (Nimrod’s widow) claimed that a beautiful evergreen tree sprang overnight from a dead tree stump! The ancient Babylonians then began to utilize the evergreen tree during the winter-solstice to celebrate Nimrod reborn as the sun-god! This tradition lived through the centuries, manifesting in ancient Egyptian winter solstice festivals, Roman Saturnalia celebrations and Persian Mithras worship! And ancient Israel adopted this pagan custom thousands of years ago (Isaiah 57:5)!…

The vast majority of those who celebrate Christmas are friendly, sincere, but deceived people. But, it is no secret that Christmas is of pagan origin and was not celebrated by the early post-Apostolic church. The Catholic Encyclopedia admits these very facts! “Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church … the first evidence of the feast is from Egypt.”

Does it really matter? Yes it does! Jesus is not “the reason for the season” – Baal is. True Christians are forbidden from adopting pagan customs to honor God (Deuteronomy 12:29-32, Jeremiah 10:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:15) and are commanded to “come out of” this Babylonish system (Revelation 18:4)! God the Father and Jesus Christ are of the same mind (John 10:30), and in Their eyes these pagan celebrations are “abominations” (Jeremiah 10:3-4; Ezekiel 8:13-14)!

To learn about the Holy Days that Jesus Christ wants you to celebrate, please request The Holy Days—God’s Master Plan. And to better understand why celebrating Christmas does not please Jesus, please read the Tomorrow’s World article, “Christmas: Harmful to Children?”

Read more

The original “yearly Christian festivals” included Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day (see Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible?).

Notice a few scriptures that seem relevant right now:

2 You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations which you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3 And you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and burn their wooden images with fire; you shall cut down the carved images of their gods and destroy their names from that place. 4 You shall not worship the Lord your God with such things. (Deuteronomy 12:2-4)

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.  (John 4:24)

The truth is that pagan holidays were not part of the earliest traditions of the church.  Christmas reminds us that people are often unwilling to worship God as He intended, but instead often prefer pagan substitutes that they rationalize as somehow acceptable if they pretend the holiday is about Jesus.

Those who truly believe Jesus’ words, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) will not celebrate a compromised pagan holiday such as Christmas because it contains practices warned against in the Bible and was never enjoined upon true believers to practice.

Sadly, the real reason for the season is rebellion against the teachings of the Bible.

Some articles of related interest may include:

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
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?
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?

COGwriter

Vaclav Havel was still being mourned today:

PRAGUE — Mourners filled the historic St. Vitus Cathedral here on Friday and gathered outside by the thousands on a frigid December morning for the funeral Mass of the playwright, dissident and former president Vaclav Havel, an emotional outpouring of affection that largely eluded him in his later life…

Czechs’ conflicted feelings toward Mr. Havel can be difficult for foreigners to grasp. The gentle artist with the mustache and the shy smile was extremely popular abroad during the cold war — and at times even more famous than at home where his plays were banned — as a symbol of bravery and subversive humor in the face of Communist dictatorship. But as Mr. Havel’s role in the fight for freedom receded, his moral stances could verge on the didactic.

Turning to Havel the dissident conscience and essayist, rather than the public figure, is salutary. His constant theme is the crisis of what he called “the human spirit,” and of mankind’s need to rediscover its deeper resources and identity. Without a spiritual reawakening, humanity is at peril.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/world/europe/mourners-in-czech-republic-honor-vaclav-havel.html

Vaclav Havel is correct that humankind has a crisis of what he called the “human spirit” in the sense that the problems humanity is facing are really spiritual in nature.

I have reported almost nothing related to Vaclav Havel in the past, but did wonder if he played a role in getting the EU to approve the Lisbon Treaty.

On October 23, 2009, US Vice President Joseph Biden visited the Czech Republic, met with Vaclav Klaus, and gave it security reassurances (U.S. foreign policy aware of threats – Havel after meeting Biden. CTK, October 23, 2009. http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/zpravy/u-s-foreign-policy-aware-of-threats-havel-after-meeting-biden/404375). This could have possibly had some limited influence on some of the Czech leadership.  As a few days later, Czech President Vaclav Klaus’ signed of the Lisbon Treaty–and he had been opposed to that prior.  And on November 3, 2009, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported that USA President Barack Obama publicly expressed his support for Czech President Vaclav Klaus’ signing of the Lisbon Treaty and for now having a ‘strengthened’ EU (Obama welcomes ‘strengthened’ EU. AFP, November 3, 2009. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hJ8OzJSh0xfKow8z47RGCYQu1nsg).

This was perhaps partially brought about through Vaclav Havel’s influence.

But there are concerns.

While Vaclav Havel was correct that there are spiritual problems, European leaders, if they consider religion, are more likely to look to militaristic supporting churches for moral guidance.  This ultimately will result in a militaristic leader rising up in Europe (Revelation 13:4; Daniel 11:31-39).  This appears to be Europe’s political future.

However, irrespective of what government leaders do or advocate, individuals can and should turn to God.  They do not have to be part of the future that the Bible prophecies for their carnal nations.

The time to act is now.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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?
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? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?

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

COGwriter

While not publicly calling for what the Muslim Brotherhood wants, Saudi Arabia is concerned about what has been happening enough to call for a multinational Gulf-Arab union:

Unlike some commentators, I will not yet concede that Syria is that far out of Iran’s camp yet.  There is a real possibility that Syria will decide to support Iran in some type of attack involving Israel, which will result in Damascus being destroyed (Isaiah 17:1) and possibly Iran being made somewhat inconsequential–since Iran is not going to be the King of the South (PCG’s Gerald Flurry is in error on that point as he insists otherwise).  The fact that the Arab League is still trying to deal with Syria (which news reports still say almost daily) indicates that they would like Syria to move more away from Iran, but so far that does not seem to be happening.

We are getting closer for an Islamic confederation to form consistent with the biblical prophecies about the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40). However, somewhat like the final Beast/King of the North power (Daniel 11:41-42), it looks like the Bible teaches that there will be some fragility and lack of total cohesiveness as the King of the South will apparently not be totally unified (cf. Daniel 11:42; 11:26).  It would not surprise me if a group like the Muslim Brotherhood (who has significant support in Egypt) will make some type of deal with a Gulf-Arab union to support an Islamic confederation.

As Jesus said, “Watch” (Mark 13:37).

Jesus also said, “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching.” (Luke 12:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What is the “peace deal” of Daniel 9? 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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 20 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect by Bob Thiel Ph.D. (Kindle Edition – Aug 1, 2009) – Kindle eBook
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 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition) by Bob Thiel, Carolyn Madison and Adrian Käfer (Kindle Edition – Nov 28, 2011) – Kindle eBook
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 20 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 20 já começaram a acontecer.

World Currencies

COGwriter

Some believe that 2012 will economically be worse than 2008:

2012: Worse than 2008!

If you think 2008 was a bad year, wait till you see 2012!

The world’s largest banks have far less capital, the world’s largest governments have far less bailout power, and each is pulling the other into an abyss. Yet, BOTH bankers AND government officials seem mostly oblivious to the dire realities, sleepwalking through daily life as if nothing had changed. Full article at: http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/2012-worse-than-2008-48486

2012 may well be worse economically than 2008.  The fact that as of today the world really has not fully recovered from 2008 suggests that 2012 could be much, much, worse than 2008.  It may also have more natural disasters, weather problems, food shortages, civil unrest, and wars.

We will see.

Some expect hyperinflation:

Next: “Face-Ripping” Inflation?

Barrons – Dec 17, 2011

Some lines just can’t help but catch your eye. For example: “There will be global hyperinflation that peels the skin off your face.”

The colorful language was penned by Lee Quaintance and Paul Brodsky, partners in QB Asset Management, in their monthly letter…But the QB duo is convinced that central bankers will start printing money to pay off public debts and keep the banking system solvent. They expect a managed global devaluation of all major currencies in six months to a year… “A full deleveraging of the banking system could mean that the dollar and other currencies will lose 70% to 80% of their purchasing power,” Quaintance says, arguing that all major banks in developed lands will suffer because markets are so interconnected. http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424052748703911604577100333787498196.html

And while I do expect hyperinflation in the USA at some point, by my definition, I do not believe that we will have that in 2012 (my definition for hyperinflation is inflation over 1000%).

But I should add that though I believe it is reasonable to conclude that we are in the time period that Jesus called the “beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:6-8), I do not believe that the great tribulation can possibly begin in 2012–the end is not yet:

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “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.

There are certain world events, such as those needed to fulfill Daniel 9:27 before the end, that have not happened yet. Thus, the great tribulation itself cannot start before 2015, and I do not believe that it will start before 2016.

However, that does not mean that there will not be problems and sorrows in 2012.  Actually, I expect them as that is what Jesus taught.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

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?
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.
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 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, 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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 15-16 predictions in the book and many more will 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 16 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

In its announcement dated 12/24/11, COGWA has the following:

Having to start afresh a year ago required beginning with absolutely none of the “intellectual property” we were accustomed to having within easy reach at any time—no booklets, magazines, videos, classes, Bible courses, etc.—not even a communications system…

Building a website aimed solely at proclaiming the gospel to the world is our No. 1 priority this year. What is now the cogwa.org site will become our member site, internally-focused on “feeding the flock” in-house and providing spiritually deeper content.

Our greater challenge lies in taking the gospel to the world, and in this we face two hills to climb: 1) developing the content of the gospel message and 2) generating traffic—that is, making the content visible and easily accessible so people can find it. It is impossible to discuss in one letter all that is involved in these areas, so I want to focus on content development here, because content—the word of truth—is the “seed for the sower” (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23).

Officially, COGWA formed one year ago today.  Its main two accomplishments since that time seem to have been:

1. Getting much of the paid US based ministry of the United Church of God to leave and support it.
2. Not falling into the type of apostasy that happened in the Tkach WCG/GCI.

Although COGWA has claimed that public gospel proclamation was to be its top priority, it still has not been particularly effective with that.  And since the internet is the vehicle it said it would use, I will again comment that its internet effectiveness according to independent assessments like Alexa, is substantially less than the member website known as COGwriter.com, though it has made some progress in that area.  I do not believe that COGWA has displayed the type of Philadelphia-era fruits that a Philadelphian Church of God would have demonstrated by this time.

Some in COGWA seemed to think that I would be supportive of their split.  That is not quite the case.  I never felt that the United Church of God was truly united, and so when Ray Wooten left with his group, former UCG president David Hulme left and formed COGaIC, and others left in the past 15 or so years, having others leave to form COGWA was not really unexpected.  Nor was it something that I encouraged.

FWIW, the Wooten, COGaIC, and COGWA splits were claimed to be related to issues of church governance and direction.

Now an accuser of the brethren named James Malm has written a lot against UCG, and some against COGWA and LCG.  He has made false predictions, been proven wrong when he challenged me publicly on prophetic matters (see James Malm Admits Error, But Provides Another Wrong Date), called me names (“lap dog” was his false accusation on 12/12/2011), and seems to wish to stir up problems that do not always exist.  One of them has to do with LCG and COGWA, so here are some of his 12/12/11 speculations:

Further Doug Winnail who is the heir apparant, would never reveal or admit any thoughts along the lines of cooperating with COGWA, which would be a nonstarter [because of Larry Salyer] with Rod and might get him removed as heir apparant.

While heir apparant, Doug Winnail is still opposed by certain others, LCG is not nearly as united as they want to appear. There is still a behind the scenes struggle for power going on.

Rod and a good many in LCG still bear a huge grudge again Larry Salyer and would not want to cooperate with COGWA as long as Larry was around. Larry is supported by Doug Horchak and that would involve the politics in COGWA. Nothing along this line of cooperation could happen until Doug Winnail is in full control of LCG. Then Larry Salyer would have to be sidelined by COGWA, and Bob Thiel by LCG. If not stopped they would certainly be sidelined and muzzled. James

James Malm has never spoken to Dr. Winnail about any of this and should be careful not to make such accusations.  The heir designee in the Living Church of God at this time is Richard Ames, not Dr. Winnail.  Not only did Dr. Winnail deny any such COGWA plan with me this week when we discussed this in person in Charolotte (NC), he also stated that he supported the choice of Richard Ames.  Furthermore, he, in writing to me, also denied such a COGWA plan this week, mentioned COGWA-asked for cooperation (which disproves another of James Malm’s incorrect “speculations”), and wrote other statements consistent with what I have tended to report about these type of matters in the past.

Since pretty much everyone knows that I do not support a merger with COGWA (though I do encourage those part of it to look at the real fruits of it and consider supporting LCG instead), there is no way that Dr. Winnail would put his comments also to me in writing as I would likely post some of that information if I thought that he was being deceitful.  And no, I do not believe that Dr. Winnail has a secret plan and is deceitful–and his telling and writing me about that pretty much should tell everyone that he has no such plan.

On the other hand, this does not mean that he and others in LCG may not ever cooperate with those in COGWA, UCG, etc. on various matters–and we also discussed that.  I personally have contacts in various COG groups and while I do not support mergers per se (I want individual members to check out doctrine, priorities, and fruits and make the right decision), there are areas of cooperation that groups can have and that does not mean that mergers are to occur.

Anyway, COGWA formed a year ago, we in LCG do not intend to merge with COGWA, James Malm is an accuser of the brethren, and those in COGWA who hope to be Philadelphian should consider its fruits and real priorities.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

Got the following in an email today:

“Why the U.S. was downgraded…

“Let’s now remove eight zeros and pretend it’s a household budget…

The above should be very sobering and it does not take into account how bad the individual US states and other government entities are doing.

Serious budget cuts are needed unless the USA expects to continue to increase its debt (US federal taxes would have to go up about 50% to start to deal with it, and that would hurt the economy more than most tax-raising advocates realize.)

Without trying to get into the politics of this, I will simply state that the debt in the USA is much more dangerous than most realize.  Notice a prophecy from the Bible:

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

Now, the USA is not yet to the point that its creditors will rise up suddenly.  I suspect that may be over four years from now. Yet, by failing to make the changes necessary, the USA is certainly setting itself up for sudden destruction.

Let’s look at another warning in Isaiah 30:12-13:

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel:

“Because you despise this word, And trust in oppression and perversity, And rely on them, 13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you Like a breach ready to fall, A bulge in a high wall, Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant.

Of course, more and more, the Anglo-American nations are trusting in policies that encourage and trust perversity.

The Bible clearly warns that an indebted people (and the UK has possibly the highest per capita debt in the world, with the USA the highest total debt) will be destroyed by people whose language that they do not understand, and that the destruction will be fairly total:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52).

The debt situation and moral situation in the USA is serious.  They cannot continue indefinitely and will end in ways that most Americans really do not believe is possible.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled by him?
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?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
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?
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?

COGwriter

Here are excerpts from today’s and Tuesday’s LCG commentary:

Commentary: Green Trees and Jesus

By Gary F. Ehman | Thursday, December 22, 2011

Looking back over the years, it has become evident to me that the gap between what the Bible says to do, and what its alleged followers actually do, has reached near absurd proportions.

As an example, God carefully instructed ancient Israel to not seek after the ways of the pagan people they were replacing in the Promised Land, especially in the matter of worshiping their gods. He was painfully explicit about not adapting their perverse ways in terms of worshipping Him.

Notice His commands: “These are the statutes and judgments which you shall be careful to observe in the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you to possess, all the days that you live on the earth. You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations which you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. And you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and burn their wooden images with fire; you shall cut down the carved images of their gods and destroy their names from that place. You shall not worship the Lord your God with such things” (Deuteronomy 12:2–4).

They were instructed to get rid of pagan places of worship: mountains, hills and “under every green tree.” Interestingly the Bible uses this term in ten places. Each instance it is in reference to pagan rites, rituals and perverted acts of pagan worship in which the Israelites were practicing! (cf., 1 Kings 14:23; 2 Kings 16:4; 17:10; 2 Chronicles 28:4; Isaiah 57:5; Jeremiah 2:20; 3:6; 3:13; Ezekiel 6:13.)

What’s the big deal about this, in today’s modern, enlightened world? Does God really mind that the professing Christian church has sanitized pagan worship? After all, they are doing it to honor Jesus, aren’t they? We report, you decide…

God carefully outlined how He wants to be worshipped, but man under the sway of the god of this world perverted that worship, borrowing the name of Jesus Christ and creating a counterfeit religion. Please send for our free booklet Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity. It will open your eyes to what really is hidden in pagan holiday traditions.  Read more

Commentary: Tis the season – customs with a curse

By Davy Crockett | Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Tis the season … a time for beautiful music, lovely pageantry, parties, fun and family time, the annual bedlam in shopping malls, specialty stores, discount houses and now the Internet.

But, in reality, the customs of Christmas really have nothing at all to do with Jesus Christ, far from it. These familiar customs long predate the birth of the Messiah. The evergreen tree, the mistletoe, the giving of gifts, and the lighting of lights all spring from the pagan religions of ancient times spoken of in the Bible. They were appropriated by the apostate church which simply recast them and renamed them to appear to pertain to Christ.

In fact, this sort of thing was even beginning to occur in ancient Israel in the time of Moses. God told the nation of Israel in Deuteronomy 12.30-31 “Do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods… “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it” The warning was to not attempt to worship God in the way the idolatrous peoples worshipped their false gods.

Later on, in Jeremiah 10, the prophet Jeremiah was inspired to write, “Thus says the Lord: Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold. They fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple. They are upright, like a palm tree, and they cannot speak; they must be carried, because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor can they do any good.”

Even in ancient times, people were decorating trees and using the other symbols revered in their idolatrous practices. It was paganism and it has come down to us today in our modern Christmas symbols.

These behaviors and the failure of God’s people to obey his commandments brought about curses which are detailed in Deuteronomy 28. Consider verse 15, “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.”

It’s pretty plain that not following the instructions given by Almighty God carries with it curses, which are the very opposite of blessings.

How about you? Are you caught up in the grand merchandising scheme that springs from traditions, sights, sounds, and symbols from pagan peoples of long ago? If so, remember such celebrations are not pleasing to God and result in penalties being exacted on those who practice them.

More information is available on this interesting and vital subject in our reprint article on Christmas entitled “What’s Hidden by the Holidays”.  Read more

While most people equate the Christmas-New Year’s season with family gatherings, gifts, parties, and religious stories, a pagan worship season is its basis.

The early Catholic Church also did not celebrate Christmas. Furthermore, Tertullian (one of its leading 2nd/3rd century writers) warned that to participate in the winter celebrations made one beholding to pagan gods.  Notice what Tertullian wrote about winter celebrations, such as Saturnalia (from a pagan deity whose name meant plentiful):

The Minervalia are as much Minerva’s, as the Saturnalia Saturn’s; Saturn’s, which must necessarily be celebrated even by little slaves at the time of the Saturnalia. New-year’s gifts likewise must be caught at, and the Septimontium kept; and all the presents of Midwinter and the feast of Dear Kinsmanship must be exacted; the schools must be wreathed with flowers; the flamens’ wives and the aediles sacrifice; the school is honoured on the appointed holy-days. The same thing takes place on an idol’s birthday; every pomp of the devil is frequented. Who will think that these things are befitting to a Christian master, unless it be he who shall think them suitable likewise to one who is not a master? (Tertullian. On Idolatry, Chapter X. Translated by S. Thelwall. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

But, however, the majority (of Christians) have by this time induced the belief in their mind that it is pardonable if at any time they do what the heathen do, for fear “the Name be blasphemed”…To live with heathens is lawful, to die with them is not. Let us live with all; let us be glad with them, out of community of nature, not of superstition. We are peers in soul, not in discipline; fellow-possessors of the world, not of error. But if we have no right of communion in matters of this kind with strangers, how far more wicked to celebrate them among brethren! Who can maintain or defend this?…By us,…the Saturnalia and New-year’s and Midwinter’s festivals and Matronalia are frequented–presents come and go–New-year’s gifts–games join their noise–banquets join their din! Oh better fidelity of the nations to their own sect, which claims no solemnity of the Christians for itself!…Not the Lord’s day, not Pentecost, even it they had known them, would they have shared with us; for they would fear lest they should seem to be Christians. We are not apprehensive lest we seem to be heathens! (Tertullian. On Idolatry, Chapter XIV. Translated by S. Thelwall. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

But “let your works shine,” saith He; but now all our shops and gates shine! You will now-a-days find more doors of heathens without lamps and laurel-wreaths than of Christians. What does the case seem to be with regard to that species (of ceremony) also? If it is an idol’s honour, without doubt an idol’s honour is idolatry. If it is for a man’s sake, let us again consider that all idolatry is for man’s sake; let us again consider that all idolatry is a worship done to men, since it is generally agreed even among their worshippers that aforetime the gods themselves of the nations were men; and so it makes no difference whether that superstitious homage be rendered to men of a former age or of this. Idolatry is condemned, not on account of the persons which are set up for worship, but on account of those its observances, which pertain to demons (Tertullian. On Idolatry, Chapter XV. Translated by S. Thelwall. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

What Tertullian seems to be saying is that observing mid-winter celebrations make Christians appear to be followers of pagan gods, and since the pagans would not intentionally celebrate days considered by many to be Christian, Christians should not celebrate days that are honored by the heathen. Specifically, he felt that those who profess Christ should not celebrate Saturnalia, New Year’s, or other pagan days, as even the observance is a form of idolatry

Since the modern Christmas celebration is at the same time as the old Gentile Saturnalia holiday (and with many of the same elements, like wreaths and gift-giving), it is clear that Tertullian is condemning these practices by stating that those that keep it are of the pagan god Saturn. He also wrote against winter giving:

…gifts like those you have in the Saturnalia! (Tertullian. De Fuga in Persecutione, Chapter 13. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 4. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

So basically, those who teach “Jesus is the reason for the season” are in error. The reason for the season appears to be that those who professed wanted to have a party. And did not care if the party was related to pagan gods.

It is interesting to note that Tertullian objected to keeping a celebration lasting until the Roman New Years, putting up wreaths, and giving gifts.  Since most of these quotes come from his writing titles “On Idolatry” apparently he considered those practices as idolatrous.

Perhaps Jesus words here will give some pause for thought:

3 “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?…6…Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

8 “These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
9 And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'” (Matthew 15:3,6-10, NKJV

The Christmas season is not biblically enjoined for Christians and certainly is based upon doctrines and traditions of men. Traditions that are condemned in various parts of the Bible.

The Apostle John wrote, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (I John 5:21).  Will you listen to that or decide that green trees, wreaths, and other pagan symbols are acceptable to the God that inspired John to write that?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?

Is January 1st a Date for Christians Celebrate? Historical and biblical answers to this question about the world’s New Year’s day.

Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?

What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? What about the use of the cross, wreaths, green trees, etc.?

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.

COGwriter

The CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) found something new:

LHC reports discovery of its first new particle

BBC 22 December 2011

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) on the Franco-Swiss border has made its first clear observation of a new particle since opening in 2009.

It is called Chi_b (3P) and will help scientists understand better the forces that hold matter together…”The new particle is made up of a ‘beauty quark’ and a ‘beauty anti-quark’, which are then bound together,” he told BBC News…

Discoveries such as Chi_b (3P) are an important part of this quest because they add to the wider background knowledge, says Prof Jones, from Lancaster University, UK.

The CERN project continues to advance, and is apparently the biggest physics project in the world–and of course, it is a European, not American, project. Large physics projects tend to produce military weaponry. Now if the Large Hadron Collider does have military potential, which I have long indicated that it does, all should understand that it is likely that the Europeans and not the Americans will benefit from it:

Collider Sets Record, and Europe Takes U.S.’s Lead

By DENNIS OVERBYE

Published: December 9, 2009…

Those spinoffs now will invigorate the careers and labs of Europe, not the United States, pointed out Steven Weinberg, a physicist at the University of Texas in Austin, who won the Nobel Prize for work that will be tested in the new collider. Americans will work at CERN, but not as leaders, he said in an e-mail interview.

“There is also a depressing symbolism,” he added, “in the fact that the hottest new results in fundamental physics will for decades not be coming from our country.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/science/10collide.html

So, whatever technologies are spun-off from this project are expected to primarily benefit the Europeans and not the Americans.

My book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect points out that the Large Hadron Collider may be used to give the future European military power that the entire world will marvel at:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect

Bob Thiel
…the Large Hadron Collider…is apt to provide the Europeans with unique military capabilities in several years…The Bible is clear that the final “Beast power” (which will be primarily European) will have such unique military capabilities that the entire world will marvel (Revelation 13:3-4). (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 85)

My book also discusses the destruction of the USA and certain others by the Europeans sometime after 2012.

The Large Hadron Collider is discussed as one of the items that may provide the Europeans with the ability to overcome the USA’s military might. And while many think that this would be impossible, as the Europeans continue to uncover “impossible” aspects of physics, it is getting more and more technology that could be developed in that direction.

The understanding of the Living Church of God that the Europeans will be able to attack and takeover the United States and its Anglo-descended allies (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39) is correct and will come to pass. And it still appears, to me at least, possible that the successes of the CERN LHC may assist in the fulfillment of those prophecies.

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”? 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?
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?
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?
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. World events have already aligned with at least 17 predictions contained in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta Nuevo 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 17 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 17 já começaram a acontecer.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

Many in the German press have called what Karl zu Guttenberg has been doing lately a failed comeback.  Here is an interview that he was discussed in:

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble…talks about…the failed comeback of former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg…

SPIEGEL: When you recently congratulated (former Defense Minister) Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg on his 40th birthday, you added that if he were from (the southwestern German region of) Swabia, he would now become clever. Wasn’t that a nasty thing to say?

Schäuble: There’s a Swabian saying that goes: “You become clever when you turn 40.” You can interpret that in any way you want.

SPIEGEL: Did Guttenberg handle his attempt at a comeback cleverly?

Schäuble: I assume you’re asking a purely rhetorical question. I feel bad for him. I knew and liked his father, a conductor, and I saw a lot of potential in Karl-Theodor. It would be best for him to take a little break. (12/19/2011 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,804592,00.html)

It should be pointed out that Baron Guttenberg said himself that his recent acceptance of an advisory role in the EU was not yet his political comeback:

“This is not a political comeback. I went to the U.S. and I do not plan to return in the next few weeks or months” (see Guttenberg Appointed Advisor to EU Commission).

But he has been criticized and essentially been rejected by the press at this time.

Notice that the problems Karl zu Guttenberg is having seem consistent with Daniel 11:21. Here are three translations of that:

21 And there shall stand up in his place one despised, and the kingly honour shall not be given him: and he shall come privately, and shall obtain the kingdom by fraud. (Daniel 11:21, Douay-Rheims)

21 “‘His place will be taken by a reject, a man spurned and passed over for advancement. He’ll surprise everyone, seemingly coming out of nowhere, and will seize the kingdom. (Daniel 11:21 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

21 And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, ASV)

Interestingly, the Baron was considered to have had a major chance to become Chancellor of Germany before the plagiarism scandal. In a sense, he was “a man spurned and passed over for advancement” as THE MESSAGE version of Daniel 11:21 indicates.

Also interestingly, even though many have rejected, ridiculed, and despised him for plagiarism, after the Baron resigned, some have suggested that he should rise up again as Germany needs him:

“I hope that we keep him as a politician and see his return as soon as possible,” Hans-Peter Uhl, the domestic affairs spokesperson of the conservative Union bloc in parliament, said in the Wednesday edition of the daily Mitteldeutsche Zeitung…

Peter Altmaier, parliamentary chief of the Union bloc, also said he can imagine Guttenberg returning to politics in the foreseeable future.

According to political scientist Gerd Langguth from the University of Bonn, Guttenberg will not likely stay out of the public eye for long. He told the Wednesday edition of the Thüringer Allgemeine newspaper that he sees a comeback in about three years…Langguth said Guttenberg’s “honorable statements” on Tuesday had made such a return feasible. (Talk begins about a Guttenberg comeback. The Local, 3 March 2011. http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20110302-33437.html)

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, Germany’s Defense Minister, resigned Tuesday amid pressures related to plagiarism in his doctoral dissertation. Apparently, more than 20% of his dissertation was copied without attribution. Mr. zu Guttenberg was one politician whom many Germans still trusted. The scandal has changed that view for many.

Mr. zu Guttenberg is considered by many as “Germany’s most promising politician.” Although Chancellor Merkel tried to protect him, his action of essentially “lying” in an academic setting is forcing people to question his integrity in other areas and responsibilities. Thousands of graduate students across Germany also wrote an open letter to Mrs. Merkel calling for zu Guttenberg to step down.

An article describing the scandal ended with the observation: “As for Mr. zu Guttenberg himself, it would be unwise to write him off. By stepping down now, he hopes to preserve much of the goodwill he has accumulated over the past few years. His resignation may be a prelude to resurrection rather than the end of a brilliant career” (The Economist, March 1, 2011).

Even though plagiarism appears to be a “minor” sin in relation to other horrendous abuses by public officials, it breaks the 8th and 9th commandments and results in consequences. Mr. zu Guttenberg may reemerge in politics in the future (and this bears watching), yet his actions and their ramifications reinforce the biblical principle, “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). (TW News & Prophecy, LCG, March 4, 2011).

Could Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg make a comeback? Perhaps if he does a stint in the European Parliament first, as some suggest. It is unlikely, however, that he could ever be chancellor—Germans do not take lightly to academic fraud. Guttenberg is still popular, however. There is a Facebook fan page entitled “Against Going After Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg” which boasts more than 400,000 fans. (Alles (not) in Ordnung Weekly Standard, Washington DC – April 4, 2011 http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/alles-not-ordnung_556221.html)

According to a latest poll by German public television ARD, some 72 percent of respondents thought Guttenberg should make a comeback in the future. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-03/03/c_13758223.htm

It should be noted that both biblical and non-biblical prophecies suggest that a major European leader will be have problems before he rises up.

The final Beast, the final King of the North, will ultimately become the political leader of Europe. And according to the Bible, he will have military abilities (Revelation 13:1-4), have problems (Daniel 11:21-22), will be apparently be popular and charismatic (cf. Daniel 7:20,11:21-24,31; Revelation 13:3-5), and be able to attain economic control (Revelation 13:15-18).

Baron Guttenberg has displayed confirming characteristics.  And he was clever in stating that his current comeback, was not really his comeback as he seems to be biding his time.

He is one we all should watch (cf. Mark 13:37).

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”?
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?
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? How will Europeans be involved in this?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 18 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache. 2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Should Scientific Journals Describe How Researchers Made a Killer Flu? TIME – ‎21 December 2011 In an unprecedented move, the US government has asked scientific journals not to publish the details of experiments on the deadly H5N1, for fear that the information may be used with malice.

Now the fact that how to produce a deadly flu has apparently been written up suggests that it is possible that some terrorist group may somehow end up with it.

Some groups of terrorists believe that causing death and mayhem furthers their goals, even if it risks the lives of the terrorists themselves.  The fact that some scientists wanted to publish how to produce a deadly flu indicates that some simply do not have a clue about what some could try to do with their research.

Infections, possibly including deadly flus, may be part of the pestilences that the Bible warned about for the end times.  Jesus taught:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-8)

We seem to be in the time Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows.”  And some of the sorrows will be at least partially caused by direct human action–actions which are increasingly making the news.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Three articles of 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?
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 happens in the “beginning of sorrows”? What is the Day of the Lord?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilence? What will it bring and when?