Archive for January, 2012

India and Iran Ditch Dollar for Gold

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

COGwriter

India has made a deal with Iran:

Gold for Oil: India and Iran Ditch Dollar – Report
Jan 23, 2012 excerpts…
According to a new and yet unconfirmed report, India bought oil from Iran using gold. India certainly has the gold resources to fund the oil, while Iran is under pressure by the West, due the continuation of its nuclear program. http://www.forexcrunch.com/gold-for-oil-india-and-iran-ditch-dollar-report/

Iran may feel that moving gold is easier in the case of sanctions than US dollars.  Furthermore, this switch to gold from the US dollar or even the Euro indicates that gold is starting to rise up as the back-up reserve currency for many in the world (which is something the COGwriter.com website has warned about for years).

Iran itself continues to be in the news with major concerns about it:

How Iran Could Trigger Accidental Armageddon

Jan 24, 2012…

An outright attack on Israel – – a country possessing as many as 200 nuclear weapons and sophisticated delivery systems — would lead to the obliteration of Tehran, the deaths of millions, and the destruction of Iran’s military and industrial capabilities.

The mullahs know this…Here’s one possible scenario for the not-so-distant future: Hezbollah, Iran’s Lebanese proxy, launches a cross-border attack into Israel, or kills a sizable number of Israeli civilians with conventional rockets. Israel responds by invading southern Lebanon, and promises, as it has in the past, to destroy Hezbollah. Iran, coming to the defense of its proxy, warns Israel to cease hostilities, and leaves open the question of what it will do if Israel refuses to heed its demand.

Imagine that Israel detects a mobilization of Iran’s rocket force or the sudden movement of mobile missile launchers. Does Israel assume the Iranians are bluffing, or that they are not? And would Israel have time to figure this out? Or imagine the opposite: Might Iran, which will have no second-strike capability for many years — that is, no reserve of nuclear weapons to respond with in an exchange — feel compelled to attack Israel first, knowing that it has no second chance? http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-24/how-iran-may-trigger-accidental-armageddon-commentary-by-jeffrey-goldberg.html

The situation with Iran is tense, and it is certainly possible that it will use others, such as Hezbollah and/or Syria to start or be involved in a conflict with Israel on its behalf.

Much in the world is changing.  We should all watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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).
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
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?

Strongest Solar Storm in Seven Years Expected Tuesday

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012


Depiction of solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere

COGwriter

A strong solar storm is expected today:

Strong solar storm expected Tuesday

January 24, 2012

A strong solar storm could impact the power grid, GPS and radio transmissions and make an aurora visible over much of North America Tuesday and early Wednesday.The forecast was issued by the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  The storm is expected to be the largest solar radiation storm since May 2005.  http://www.wqad.com/news/wqad-strong-solar-storm-expected-tuesday-20120124,0,1395964.story

Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued

Blast of radiation to hit Earth

Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012

A blast of solar radiation called a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is expected to hit the earth around 9 a.m. CME’s are caused when strong magnetic fields surrounding the surface of the sun suddenly release bubbles of gas and magnetic fields, according to NASA.

The Goddard Space Weather Center says the solar flare is speeding towards Earth at 1,400 miles per second.

Solar storms can cause disruptions in high-frequency radio communications and GPS navigation.  Equipment on spacecraft can experience malfunctions as well.  NOAA says that passengers in high-flying aircraft are also at risk for slightly higher radiation risk.  http://www.nbcwashington.com/weather/stories/Geomagnetic-Storm-Watch-Issued-137955988.html

I personally suspect that the USA itself is liable to be hit by a significant solar flare and/or some type of electronic magnetic pulse bomb (emp bomb) before it is gone.  And one worse than what is expected today.

The following was reported in November 2011:

NASA officials warned that the solar flare could disrupt an increasingly technological world. National power grids could overheat and air travel severely disrupted while electronic items, navigation devices and major satellites could stop working after the Sun reaches its maximum power in a few years.  http://www.thestatecolumn.com/science/nasa-solar-flares-do-not-pose-a-threat-to-planet-earth/#ixzz1dWi7ui4c

As far as solar flares go, they were also discussed in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Here are a few passages related to them:

Some scientists believe that there will be an increase in sunspot activity that will affect the earth in 2012. Notice the following from N.A.S.A.:

Solar Storm Warning: Researchers announced that a storm is coming—the most intense solar maximum in fifty years. The prediction comes from a team led by Mausumi Dikpati of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)…

Solar physicist David Hathaway of the National Space Science & Technology Center (NSSTC)…has confidence in the conveyor belt model and agrees with Dikpati that the next solar maximum should be a doozy. But he disagrees with one point. Dikpati’s forecast puts Solar Max at 2012… a storm is coming.

Solar outbursts have been proposed that could essentially wipe out modern civilization.

Notice a scenario that is based on a report from the U.S. National Academy of Scientists (although the precise date seems to be speculative):

IT IS midnight on 22 September 2012 and the skies above Manhattan are filled with a flickering curtain of colourful light…Within 90 seconds, the entire eastern half of the US is without power.

A year later and millions of Americans are dead and the nation’s infrastructure lies in tatters. The World Bank declares America a developing nation. Europe, Scandinavia, China and Japan are also struggling to recover from the same fateful event – a violent storm, 150 million kilometres away on the surface of the sun…

According to the NAS report, a severe space weather event in the US could induce ground currents that would knock out 300 key transformers within about 90 seconds, cutting off the power for more than 130 million people…

First to go – immediately for some people – is drinkable water…With no electricity to pump water from reservoirs, there is no more…
There is simply no electrically powered transport: no trains, underground or overground…For hospitals, that would mean about 72 hours of running a bare-bones, essential care only, service. After that, no more modern healthcare.

The truly shocking finding is that this whole situation would not improve for months, maybe years…

A N.A.S.A./N.O.A.A. report indicated that the next solar cycle peak may be later, like May 2013.

While biblical sources indicate that the world cannot actually be destroyed that early, it is certainly possible that major electrical outages can occur from solar activity.  This could cause various blackouts and could greatly damage civilization as we know it.

And this is consistent with the views of some other scientists.  “Russian geophysicists believe that the Solar System has entered an interstellar energy cloud…Their predictions for catastrophe resulting from the Earth’s encounter with this energy cloud range from 2010 to 2020.”

There also seems to be a couple of Mayan predictions recorded in the 16th century that suggest some type of solar flare-up will affect the earth…

Whether or not one believes secular scientists who assert that humans are causing “global warming,” and islands will be submerged, the Bible is clear that a time of high heat will happen, probably worsened by a solar flare-up of some type.

Worse solar flares will ultimately happen (Revelation 16: 8-9), and one or more that affect satellites and electricity could happen even today.

Ultimately, there are real risks for the USA, Canada, UK, and other nations.

Perhaps today’s solar flare-up should serve as a type of “wake-up” call that something worse really can happen.

But most ignore warning signs. Will you?

Some articles that might be of assistance in understanding end-time events may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradaumus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
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?
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.  Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition).  This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of the 20 predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
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)
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.

Human Brain ‘Ethics’ Area

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Sticking to values activates `ethics` part of brain
Jan 23, 2012

Sticking to values even in the face of temptations, including money, activates an area of the brain tied with rules-based, ethical thought processes.

Simply told, decision-making over `sacred values` prompts our brains to act in a specific way, says an Emory University neuro-imaging study.

“Our experiment found that the realm of the sacred – whether it`s a strong religious belief, a national identity or a code of ethics – is a distinct cognitive process,” says Gregory Berns, director of the Centre for Neuropolicy at Emory University who led the study, the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society reports.  http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/health-news/sticking-to-values-activates-ethics-part-of-brain_15361.html

Various portions of scripture seem to support this, and also suggest that it is not always easy:

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

10 For “He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it. (1 Peter 3:10-11)

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

While the Bible mentions that developing character is important for Christians (Romans 5:4), here is some of what Herbert Armstrong taught about it:

So mark well this super-vital truism – that perfect, holy and righteous character is the supreme feat of accomplishment possible for Almighty God the Creator – it is also the means to His ultimate supreme purpose.  His final objective.

But how?…such perfect character must be developed. It requires the free choice and decision of the separate entity in whom it is to be created. But, further, even then it must be instilled by and from the Holy God who, only, has such righteous character to endow.

Perfect, holy and righteous character is the ability in such separate entity to come to discern the true and right way from the false, to make voluntarily a full and unconditional surrender to God and His perfect way – to yield to be conquered by God – to determine even against temptation or self-desire, to live and to do the right. And even then such holy character is the gift of God. It comes by yielding to God to instill His law (God’s right way of life) within the entity who so decides and wills.

Actually, this perfect character comes only from God, as instilled within the entity of His creation, upon voluntary acquiescence, even after severe trial and test…

God made us in His image, after His likeness (form and shape), only composed of matter instead of Spirit. But God says, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:5). (Armstrong HW.  The Incredible Human Potential, pp. 39-40, 52)

People are supposed to make the right ethical choices.

Of course:

29…God made man upright,
But they have sought out many schemes.  (Ecclesiastes 7:29)

So, many do not value character and ethics.  In modern times, many of these improper schemes include many forms of moral degradation including inappropriate “entertainment.”

But since the brain apparently supports the building of character, making the right choices is what all should do.

Some articles of 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?
LCG: Pornography, Who’s Tempting Whom? This is some information about the prevalence and dangers of pornography from the Living Church of God.
CG7 on Pornography
This is an article excerpt from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about pornography.
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?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground
“Same-sex marriage” is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show?
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.

Obama’s Latest Defense of Abortion

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Wat Abortion

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

COGwriter

Barack Obama sent out an abortion statement:

Obama Defends Roe v. Wade As Way for ‘Our Daughters’ to Have Same Chance As Sons to ‘Fulfill Their Dreams’

January 23, 2012

(CNSNews.com) – President Barack Obama says the 39thanniversary of Roe v. Wade is the chance to recognize the “fundamental constitutional right” to abortion and to “continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.”  http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-defends-roe-v-wade-way-our-daughters-have-same-chance-sons-fulfill-their-dreams

Of course Ghengis Khan, Adolph Hitler, and others felt that murder was the way to be able to fulfill their dreams as well.

Abortion kills an unborn person. Abortion is wrong.

The Bible is clear that those who support abortion are also wrong:

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 1:28-32).

There are consequences to sin, especially sins on a national scale.

Few consider that the debt and budget problems in USA are related to abortion and other sins. But I believe that they are.

Since movement in the USA towards the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, not only have about 50,000,000 babies been “legally” aborted/murdered, the USA has gone from being the world’s largest creditor nation to the world’s largest debtor nation.

Notice what has happened to the economy of the United States:

In real terms, as mentioned above, US growth in the 21st century seems to have fallen back to medieval levels. Why?…Because the economy failed to produce real growth. After 1973, wages, for example, adjusted for inflation, went nowhere. (Bonner B. Economic Growth in the Internet Age. Daily Reckoning, June 23, 2011)

Is it a coincidence or curse that wages in the USA in real terms has gone nowhere despite all the technological advances over the decades?

I do not believe it is a coincidence.  There is a price to pay for sins like abortion.

Unborn humans are still people. Abortion is wrong.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? What do the Living Church of God and the Church of Rome teach?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States
Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Israel to Give Obama No More Than 12 Hours Notice Before Attacking on Iran

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Israel has concerns about its safety and security and apparently made an unusual plan:

‘Israel to Give Obama 12 Hours Notice on Attacking Iran’

Israel told visiting US Gen. Dempsey that Obama would get no more than 12 hours notice before an attack on Iran, the London Times reports.

This is a relatively odd position for a formerly very, very close USA ally to take.

Currently, since the death of an Iranian nuclear scientist (which some are blaming on Israel), the effects of the embargoes against Iran, and USA pressure, Israel may wait before having a direct major attack in Iran.  On the other hand, its statement indicates that it is seriously considering an attack.

And more is going on in the Middle East.   Notice the following two headlines from today:

BBC News

Iran really does not want those sanctions and they may affect it as well as Syria.

Syria’s President Assad must realize that he is under increased pressure on many fronts. The embargoes on his country, those developing with Iran, civil unrest in Syria, and the Arab League turning against him may contribute to him lashing out more.

It remains possible that the problems in Iran and Syria may encourage those nations to attack Israel or at least more directly provoke Israel to attack.

Since Bible prophecy tells of a time when Damascus will cease being a city (Isaiah 17:1), the idea for war in the area is consistent with end-time prophecy.

It may be that it will take a regional war to bring about the apparent peace deal in Daniel 9:27.  (Of course, it is possible that it will be through other negotiations and/or even “confirming” the old Oslo Accords that Daniel 9:27 will be fulfilled.)

Jesus said to watch (Mark 13) and Israel’s and Assad’s statements are items that seem to of the nature to be watched.

Some articles of possibly related :

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
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?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?

Internet Book Tour: 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

COGwriter

The internet has really changed the publishing world, so today related to 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, something new is being done this week: an internet book tour:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect by Bob Thiel – NURTURE Book Tour Schedule:

More information on the tour can be found at http://nurtureyourbooks.com/vbtblog/2011/12/upcoming-book-tour-%E2%80%93-2012-and-the-rise-of-the-secret-sect-by-bob-thiel/

In preparation for this tour, one of the hosts asked:

  • What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

My response was:

We live in a difficult time that many are confused by. Our time could be considered a “time of transition” as the Hopi Indians indicated or more precisely the “beginning of sorrows” that Jesus spoke of.

I believe that 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect helps demonstrate that there is a “method to all the madness” in the world today and that after all the problems, that peace and love will prevail.

However, while there will be ups and downs, the situation will get quite bad before it gets quite good.

While 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect does explain 2012, its focus is what will happen after this year is over. By correctly explaining what will and will not happen in 2012, it is hoped that the reader will realize that the other predictions it contains will also happen as well. This highly documented book tries to show which Mayan, Islamic, and other predictions do and do not agree with biblically-based ones, so that the reader will understand how world events are expected to play out. Events that will affect their lives and those of their families.

Before writing 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect I was better known for denouncing false prophets than writing about future events. And yes, it is easier to find faults in others than to correctly write about what will happen. As it has turned out, world events have already aligned with at least 20 predictions in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

People who are interested in what will happen, may happen, and will not happen in the future will want to get a copy of 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

World events continue to align with properly understood prophecy and so far 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect’s track record along that line is better than all known 2012 books.

It is a book for those who have hope and want to have hope, but who also wonder what will happen before the peaceful hope for the future really comes to pass. I believe that 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect helps explain the truth about all of that despite my own limitations.

Best regards,

Bob Thiel

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

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

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This 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.  Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition).  This is the 2nd edition of the book and includes a summary of the 20 predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out.
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)
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.

UCG Reports GN Circulation Drops and Some Odd Items

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

COGwriter

In its latest United News, the United Church of God (UCG) reported that the circulation of its Good News magazine dropped from nearly 600,000 copies per issue in 2009 to 375,673 for its December 2011 versions (in all languages combined–the January-February 2012 edition in English lists 329,000).  It also showed a circulation chart from 2004 to present showing that the current level is the lowest level shown on the chart.

The drop is not particularly surprising as UCG lost about 1/2 of its ministry since the Spring of 2010, when a former president and certain other leaders left to form a group known as Church of God a Worldwide Association (COGWA). UCG has had two major (and several minor) defections in it history, the first major one involving former UCG President David Hulme’s COGaIC in 1998 and then the COGWA split. Both the COGaIC and COGWA splits were claimed to be related to issues of church governance and direction.

Considering how many left UCG in 2010 and early 2011, it has seemingly done reasonably well.

But there were some very odd items in the January 2012 United News that some may wish to see.

Here is the first:

On Tuesday, December 6, the meeting was kicked off by a report given by Robin Webber on the results of the member survey recently conducted. Overall results from the survey indicate a greater level of happiness and excitement regarding the forward movement of the church. One notable element of this is what’s called the “Net Promoter Score,” which in the case of the church is measured by the number of members who enthusiastically responded to the survey question: “How willing are you to recommend contact with the United Church of God to non-members?” The results showed a large gain, rising since the last survey given from 0.22 to 4.54 on a scale average of 1 to 10.

Unless I am misunderstanding what this means, it suggests that the previous time UCG measured this, very few in UCG would recommend their church to others, and now less than 1/2 of those still in UCG are particularly interested in mentioning it to others.  Since I mention the Living Church of God in writing to people every day, and orally to people frequently, this suggests, to me at least, some significant issues still remain within UCG, even amongst those still supporting it.

Furthermore, there was an article with some unusual and disturbing statements:

Chart Your Way on the Road to Eternal Life

The saints are those who check off their chart daily.

While many parts of the article seemed appropriate, the idea that it implies that one can chart one’s way to eternal life is in blatant contradiction to scripture.  Surely, UCG did not mean that, but not only was the line “The saints are those who check off their chart daily” in the article, it was also highlighted in larger print a second time in the printed version, apparently for emphasis.  Perhaps this was meant figuratively, but it was expressed twice literally and seemed odd and inappropriate.

The same article also indicated that one should have a chart and check daily “Visit UCG website and read two articles, making at least one comment.”  This seemed to be an odd item to check off daily for the “Personal Goals” chart shown in the printed (though not online) version of the article.  This is a way to improve/sustain internet rankings, but did seem an odd practice (especially when asking for a daily online comment) to have in an official publication.

Normally, I do not report much about the article content United News, and normally it does not have statements quite as odd as those reported in this post.

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.

Megaquake Predicted for Mexico-California

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

6.7 Earthquake in Northridge California Destroyed the Above Building of Kaiser Permanente
As Well as Various Freeway Overpasses and other Buildings on January 17, 1994.

COGwriter

The following claim is being made:

January 22, 2012

Megaquake Warning Issued For US-Mexican Pacific Coast

By: Sorcha Faal, and as reported to her Western Subscribers

A disturbing report prepared by the Schmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth (IPE) in Moscow that is circulating in the Kremlin today warns that the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the Chiapas region of Mexico yesterday is a ‘potential precursor’ to a ‘megaquake’ of at least 7.5-8.3 expected to hit the US-Mexican Pacific coastline within the next fortnight (+/- 7 days).   http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index1556.htm

Though I do not know if a major earthquake will hit Mexico and/or California within the next week, I do believe that a megaquake, which locally tends to be called “the big one,” will at some point in time hit California.  And by that, I specifically mean one that is quite large and one that would be even more devastating than the Northridge quake of 1994.

As LCG has reported before:

Christ revealed that as the end of the age approaches, earthquakes will occur in “various places,” and the winds and seas will roar─resulting in the hearts of people becoming faint (Luke 21:25-26). We should expect to see increasing natural disasters as we draw closer to Christ’s return.

Jesus, of course, warned about a time earthquakes and troubles:

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

We may be at this prophetic point as all the earthquakes and other problems that have happened in the past year or so could be considered as “troubles.”

Perhaps the earthquake warnings and weather problems can serve as another wake-up call to people everywhere that the world can change very quickly and that the time to repent is now:

30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17:30-31)

There are troubles and repentance is needed. Things are going to get much worse than they have already.

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.
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? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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?
Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy Contains a cool up-to-the-hour update of earthquakes around the world from USGS. It also explains what did Jesus teach about earthquakes and how the Bible describes “the big one” (as well as when it is expected).

Error-Ridden James Malm Not Doing an Elijah Work

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012


Elijah in the wilderness

COGwriter

James Malm, an independent internet poster and leader/owner of the Shining Light blog, is now apparently trying to suggest that he is doing an Elijah-type work.  This is despite that fact that he historically has also been making inaccurate statements about prophecies, people, and organizations.

On January 22, 2012, he wrote a post titled The Elijah Work: Part 2 where he stated:

As the first two Elajah’s were needed to correct the “COG” of their day; another Elijah will be sent in this latter day to also restore all things, to turn God’s elect back to the righteousness of the just and to a passionate zeal for God and his commandments; and to prepare the way for the coming of the Kingdom of God!

There is very much to think about in this post, as the mission of Elijah has not been well understood or taught.

Tomorrow’s post will be on the third Elijah of the latter days; and the witness of the two prophets.

Since James Malm’s focus seems to be on criticizing COG groups, he seems to be hinting that he is doing an Elijah-like work.  He is not.

Here is something from his 1/20/12 post titled The Elijah Work: Part 1:

If we want to do an “Elijah” work we too must be passionate about God and his law…

Those who are NOT as passionate as Elijah was, could never do an Elijah work!  If we are not filled with that same spirit of passionate love for God and his Law  it would be impossible to do a similar work!

If Elijah were to appear today: He would be rejected and called: Extremeist; Self-righteous; Pharisaical, Over Righteous;  and the COG Groups would demand of him:  Just who do you think you are to criticise God’s church and people as being less tan spiritually perfect?  If he were to try to turn them to the Eternal they would just declare: We are spiritually rich and have need of nothing,  you are crazy to disagree with us!

These Groups will reject God’s two prophets when they come, because they are too proud to admit any error in their beliefs and traditions.  How then, can they do an Elijah work when they would reject Elijah if he were to stand right before them?…

Those who reject the Moses and Elijah to come would also reject Christ if he came to speak the truth to them; they will not be in God’s kingdom unless they repent.

James Malm, to the best of my knowledge, has never been in high level meetings in LCG or UCG or COGWA (the three largest COGs).  If so, he would realize that what he often implies about COG groups is simply not true.  While it is true that COG groups will not accept James Malm’s prophetic misunderstandings and inaccurate accusations, it should be noted that COG groups do examine their own prophetic understandings and make modifications.  Having attended numerous meetings at LCG’s HQ in Charlotte, I can state that certain of James Malm’s assertions as related to LCG are false.  James Malm’s contention that all the groups will reject the two witnesses and claim one or both is crazy is in error–and on this particular point, I base it upon meetings I had in Charlotte last month.

James Malm somewhat seems to be suggesting that the COG groups will not be in God’s Kingdom because he says that they will not accept the Elijah to come.  He really needs to be more careful about what he posts.

If in later parts of this apparent series James wishes to further indicate that he is somehow doing an Elijah-type work, he should hopefully prevent himself from going further on this, because he is not doing an Elijah-type work.  James Malm is doing an error-ridden work that he should repent of.

Now, it would take much too long to go through all of his inaccurate positions and statements, but there are a several categories of items that can be briefly touched upon and eight are mentioned in this post.

1. James Malm is an “accuser of the brethren.”  While I do not agree with many things in COGWA and UCG, I have not tried to impute the type of motives to their leaders that James Malm has often improperly done.  Furthermore, many of his accusations against some of us in LCG are wrong.  As I posted before, I personally checked with Dr. Winnail related to one of James Malm’s accusations against him and Dr. Winnail denied it both orally and in writing.   For details, please see COGWA Plus One Year, Plus No Merger.  But James did not check his “assertions” and instead made false accusations.

2. James Malm’s accusations against me are not only in error, but hypocritical.  James Malm has often blasted me for bring up Catholic prophecy, yet, has done so himself.  Many of his statements about me in his post titled Dale Shurter repents: Bob Thiel Justifies: One Accord out show a lack of appreciation for scriptural truth, as well as ignoring that the Apostle Paul quoted pagan sources at times when he felt it was appropriate.

In response to his email assertion to me that there is likely one pope left, I responded with the following, which he then, on January 16, 2012, posted with his own comments:

Bob Thiel: The final false prophet may become pope soon.  If certain Catholic prophecies are correct, it would have to be the next pope.  Biblical prophecy does not require this, but also does not preclude this.  Because of where we are in the 6,000 years, it is logical that this could be, though it does not have to be, the next pope (John-Paul I was only pope for several weeks).

James Malm:  Actually the 2300 Day Prophecy does come extremely close to requiring this, by setting the date for the cleansing of the Holy Place about this time.  While the overall explanation of the prophecy is correct, the starting and ending dates are not precisely known, but they are very very close; and  I would never count on the prophecies of  Jezebel.

I do not believe that the 2300 day prophecy in any way requires that the next pope is the final one–but again the next pope may well be the final one and that is alluded to in my 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book.

In two posts, he has the following:

Those who use prophecies of the pagan Maya, Roman  Catholics [the very beast itself] and other pagan sources to support their positions:  Are false prophets as surely as the prophets of Baal! (Malm J. 1/20/12)

A little hint; Bob has come up with his own ideas and then confirmed them from Roman Catholic and other pagan sources.  Now don’t you think that Satan would love to get us all into tribulation and would therefore use his pagan puppets to deceive God’s people?  The real foundation of these false prophetic understandings is Jezebel herself! (Malm J. 1/19/2012)

So, James Malm seems to be calling me and others false if we have any understanding of how Satan may be planning on preparing the world for part of his plan.  This is absurd, plus James Malm does not realize that he himself has done this.

Notice what, in July 2008, James Malm posted:

Roman Catholic tradition indicates that the next Pope will be the last one.  While we should not stand on any non scriptural tradition, Benedict XVI at 80 is visibly slowing down.  Benedict may be empowered and strengthened to last until the return of Christ, or he may go the way of all flesh.  If he does pass on; who will replace him?

Catholic tradition, in this case, is based upon the same Catholic prophecies that James Malm has blasted me for mentioning and indicated that this makes me a false prophet of some sort.  His repeated hypocrisy here is outrageous.

Furthermore, it perhaps should be mentioned that I utilize Catholic and non-biblical prophecies in pretty much the same way the Apostle Paul and the old Radio Church of God/Worldwide Church of God did.  Twice, in the 1960s, the old Good News magazine had articles similar to mine titled Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? (and both of those articles are referenced in my article Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? as well as David Jon Hill, Catholic Prophecies, and COGwriter).

3. James Malm has a wrong focus.  The focus of his website, similar to some of David Pack’s writings, is to make accusations (often factually and scripturally unsound) against COG groups.  And while there is a place for trying to point out doctrinal and other differences, James Malm frequently focuses on personalities and imagined agendas.

But the reality is that he is not focused on Matthew 24:14 as he does not believe that humans will accomplish this–he wants to wait around until “the third angel” does that.  On 1/19/12 James Malm posted:

Mat 24:14 will NOT be fulfilled until the third angel completes his mission immediately before the coming of Christ with all the saints.

James Malm seems to misunderstand the gospel as well as the mission of the faithful to reach the world with it.

The third angel’s message does not come until well after the great tribulation begins as Revelation 14:8-9 helps show, whereas Matthew 24:14 is shown to happen prior to the start of the Great Tribulation which Jesus shows, in sequence, begins in Matthew 24:21:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.  15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.  17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.  18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.  19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!  20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.  21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.  (Matthew 24:14-21)

Note that the Great Tribulation starts after the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14.  Many do not understand that the priority of Matthew 24:14 remains (see 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?).

4. James Malm’s prophetic interpretations are often wrong.  Though he tries to deny it, and has many misleading and inaccurate statements in his “open letter” to me, the reality is that James Malm has been proven to misunderstand prophecy in the past, and I believe it is provable that he has misunderstood and still misunderstands many important areas of Bible prophecy.

In November 2007, he posted:

While the timing of this Festival is determined by the observance of the New Moon, the sixth day of this Festival is expected on 12 Apr 2012. Counting back from then, 1290 days, means that; the final false prophet we are awaiting, should be revealed around 30 Sep 2008 (Malm J. November 7, 2007 article titled “2008 in Prophecy).

In December 2007, he wrote:

Please, do not confuse me with R Weinland.  I strongly disagree with most of what he says.  For one thing I endeavour to provide scriptural backing for everything that I say.  However I do say that 2008 is a critical year.  As stated on the website I expect the Abomination (the man of sin) to be set up at the end of Sep and to go to the Holy Place within 75 days, triggering the occupation of Jerusalem.  We shall know soon enough if I am correct!

Sincerely   James Malm

Of course, that was wrong.  Nor does he properly understand many of the scriptures he refers to.

In 2008, he posted:

The only possible years for the 1335 days to begin in the forseeable future are 2008 or 2009…

In short the last day of the 1335 days may occur on the day before Pentecost, making the Feast of Pentecost representative of a NEW BEGINNING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. If this is true, and I shall study it further; the final False Prophet will be set up on 3 Oct 2009! (Malm. J. 2008 and Prophecy, 30 SEP 08).

On July 19, 2009, he emailed the following to me:

Dear Robert
Because I had told you in the past that no changes had been made to the  70 Weeks Prophecyarticle, I feel responsible to inform you that the article has been expanded and edited…

I have stated that If this is the year, the Final False Prophet will be set up 1,335 days prior to the day BEFORE Pentecost in 2013.  I have said that this date will be 3 Oct, if my calculations are correct.  It turns out that the calculation was not correct.  I had made an error which has been pointed out to me and I have since rechecked this calculation.  The date should be 19 Oct 09; NOT 3 Oct 09.  This is based on the Biblical Calendar…(Malm J. Email, July 19, 2009).

But because I posted the above email, even after telling him that my only prediction in 2009 was that the end (meaning the Great Tribulation) could not come then, he actually wrote  in August 2009 the following and included a challenge:

Dear Robert
Yes, you did make a prediction. You predicted that nothing will happen. If something does then you will be the false prophet. Will YOU issue an admission that YOU were a false prophet? I will make a deal with you. If I have your promise to do so, then I will promise to issue a public admission that I have been wrong! Let me know!…James Malm

My response to him was:

If I am wrong, I will clearly admit it. So yes we have a deal. I hope that you will be clear if you were wrong.

Well, he kind of sort of admitted it then, after he was proven wrong:

The abomination was NOT set up on the 19th of Oct and the trend of events seems to point to continued slow progress toward the Time Appointed.  God is working to His time table; NOT OURS…

The more time passes the less likely it becomes that the elderly Benedict XVI will become the final false prophet.

His excuse was similar to one that the self-appointed false prophet Ronald Weinland has used.  Furthermore, instead of properly repenting of his error, James Malm then lashed out improperly against me again (for details, see James Malm Continues to Mislead).  He could have simply stated that I was right and he was wrong, but instead made false accusations again towards me.

In a 7/28/11 post titled Present Trends and Dating The Tribulation, James Malm wrote:

There is a very high likelihood that the tribulation will begin late next year; with the abomination being set up on or near  September 16th 2012 with the tribulation beginning on 30 Nov ~ 1 Dec time frame.

I am not setting a solid date here.  I am merely pointing out that  the signs of the times in the world and in the COGs ,tend to point to next year, or a subsequent year; rather than to 2011.

I do NOT know the exact year!!!

While I am glad he admits that he does not know the exact year, let me make this as plain as I can, there is absolutely no likelihood that the Great Tribulation will begin in 2012 nor the biblically required abomination of desolation set up that Jesus (Matthew 24:15) mentioned related to a prophecy in the Book of Daniel 11:31.

When 2012 is over, he will again be shown to have been wrong on his year.  I, on the other hand, have already have world events align with at least 20 predictions in my 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book (a book James Malm has condemned on various occasions without ever actually reading it)–and by the time 2012 is over, I will be shown to have had world events align with even more biblically-based predictions in my book.

But, unless he repents, I doubt that James Malm will admit that my book has been right all along.

10/19/12 UPDATE All the above in this section was written in January 2012.  Since then, James Malm made the following inaccurate statements:

August 29, 2012: News is fast coming that strongly indicates that Pope Benedict will be empowered to become the abomination in mid Sep!!!…I have speculated that the tribulation could begin this year saying that there was as much as an 80% possibility.

October 15, 2012:…Scripture tells us that no agreement can be concluded and ratified until a miracle working final false prophet called “A Desolating Abomination” is set up in the Papacy, Rev 13, 2 Thess; and calls for the new European Order; which will amount to a revival of the unHoly Roman Empire.

Once this false prophet is set up in the Vatican [Due to the advancing age and health problems of Benedict this is now highly likely to be a NEW pope], and he uses his influence to set up the New Europe, he will go to the Holy Place within 75 days of the date he is set up and the tribulation will begin as he visits the Holy Mount and Peace and Safety is proclaimed to be achieved.

It is an interesting note that IF this abomination were to be set up around 6 Oct 2013, then he would go to the Holy Place around Dec 25 2013 to declare peace in the Middle East.

For the past several years, James Malm has had a tendency to have the Great Tribulation start within 1-2 years of some date (which is consistent with the above inaccurate speculation of his above).  I have denounced his dates pretty much every time I have noticed them and of course, have been right every time and his dates have proven to be repeatedly wrong.

So, I was again correct about 2012 and James Malm proven wrong.  Additionally, James Malm will be wrong about 2013.  As far as my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect that he sometimes complains about because of me documenting how many parts of Satan’s plans are laid out in non-biblical prophecies, thus far world events have aligned with at least 24 predictions in it and at least one more will later this year.

James Malm has repeatedly been shown to be in prophetic error and COGwriter has not.  Jesus said:

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?  17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.  19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.  (Matthew 7:15-20)

An article of possibly related interest may be How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God.

5. James Malm misunderstands what should be clear passages in the Bible.  He simply believes that certain events are passed that are not and misunderstands the sacrifice of Jesus.  Notice what he posted on 1/16/2012:

Dan 11:31 refers to Antiochus Epiphanes and  not to the end time.  That was a physical daily before Christ; After Christ the daily has become a spiritual application of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

…Dan 11:27 has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on the end times; it took place before Antiochus Epiphanes and was so understood even by HWA…the tribulation is coming and Christ is coming at the appointed times;

James Malm shows a willingness to overlook what the Hebrew states or what HWA really taught.  The Bible is clear that Daniel 11:27 has a future fulfillment.  While it is possible, and even likely, that verses 21-26 of Daniel 11 (and verse 20 may start the final fulfillment and verse 24 shows that this leader will after first seem to be promoting peace; see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014?) may show and/or parallel later portions of that chapter, it is clear that the future and final King of the North is the king mentioned who will come to his end at the “appointed time.”  This “appointed time” (Strong’sword #4150) is first mentioned in Daniel 11:27 which suggest it is in the future and as well in vss. 29 and 35 which appear to be referring to the specific time related to the end.

James Malm, since he believes there is a future appointed time, should obviously believe that the passages in Daniel 11 that refer to the appointed time of the end have future fulfillment, but he has discounted several of them.  Perhaps it should also be mentioned here that James Malm also misunderstands the identity of the King of the South, who is also mentioned in Daniel 11 as he includes the nation of Israel as part of it (for details see James Malm’s COG & Islamic Understanding Again Not Quite Right).

Now, the idea that Daniel 11 had future fulfillment from verse 27 or earlier was the position of certain ones that professed Christ in the second, third, and fourth centuries–it is not a new concept.

Additionally, even though he felt that there was a type of fulfillment with Antiochus Epiphanes, the late Herbert W. Armstrong specifically believed that much of Daniel 11 had future fulfillment. Notice:

In Daniel 11:21, referring in original, typical fulfillment to Antiochus Epiphanes, there shall stand up a vile person…So once again before the second coming of Christ, a vile leader will stop the daily sacrifices being offered…This same prophecy spoken by Jesus is also reported by Luke…21:20-24 (Armstrong HW. Personal, Plain Truth magazine, June 1967).

The indication is the armies of the “beast” of Revelation 17, entering Jerusalem (Dan 11:41, Zech. 14:2), will stop this “daily sacrifice”…And the abomination that maketh desolate set up.” What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15.  (Armstrong, Herbert W. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).

Thus, James Malm’s reference to HWA was incomplete and in my view, inaccurate because it not accurately reflect HW’s view.

Furthermore, since “Christ was offered once” (Hebrews 9:28) and not daily as James Malm states) or more often as Roman Catholics indicate), the passage about the daily sacrifice is not referring to Jesus.

While some modern Catholic and Protestant scholars do not accept that there is a future fulfillment of Daniel 11:27,31,etc. historically those who professed Christ had a different view (for some details see the article Who is the King of the North?).

Since he misunderstands Christ’s sacrifice and the relevance of prophecies for the appointed time of the end (as they disagree with his interpretations), James Malm, in my view, misunderstands relatively easy to understand scriptures.

6. James Malm has no real work.  While he is on the internet, I do not believe that of itself is enough.  He may wish to read excepts from the latest co-worker letter from LCG’s Presiding Evangelist to give him a better idea of how multifaceted the work of public proclamation should be done in the 21st century.  For some of that, please see RCM Reports Gospel Proclamation Statistics.

7. James Malm’s “ministry” is incomplete.  He fails to have or really support a ministry.  The Bible is clear that a ministry is needed:

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head–Christ– 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:11-16).

While James Malm may eventually put some pieces together, those who actually are willing to believe the Bible will not support him.  Of course, the fact that some still support the proven wrong self-appointed “Elijah” Ronald Weinland seem to be willing to overlook his clear prophetic errors as well.  But part of the point of a ministry is to reduce errors.

8. Elijah is to “restore all things” (Matthew 17:11), James Malm has not.  Nor do I believe that he will.  His implications that he believes he teaches the law better than the other COGs sounds somewhat similar to claims that both RCG and PCG have made.  None of them have came close to restoring “all things” and are like James Malm in that area.  All three (RCG, PCG, & Shining Light) have leaders that have taken false titles and/or made false statements, while claiming that they truly teach and understand the law of God.  Sadly, they really do not.

James Malm does not have an Elijah-type work and is not the Elijah to come.  Hopefully, he will clearly admit that in future posts and stop making false accusations towards those of us in LCG, COGWA, UCG, or any other COG.

So far, however, his track record on that, the real work, and various matters prophetic suggest that he will continue to try to justify the unjustifiable.  James Malm is not doing the work of God.  Elijah was not a false “accuser of the brethren,” but James Malm is.

Now on April 29, 2012, James Malm posted something that is clearly untrue, when he wrote, “Please do visit the Number One COG site for the news that counts and its prophetic implications.”  He was referring to his tomorrowsnews.net site.  So there is a ninth item I have added:

9. James Malm does not have the most popular COG news site.   I was not going to post about this, but noticed that another site took him to task about that:

James Malm’s Arrogance and Who is the “Number One COG Site”?

It is becoming more and more obvious that James Malm’s delusions of grandeur know no end. He thinks a “certain blogger” is “dedicated” to attacking his site, when in reality, Church of God Perspective is dedicated to the truth, which is something that he cannot fathom because he is a liar and the truth is not in him. He is not the only liar I have exposed on this site, although I try to concentrate on promoting the truth rather than correct the hundreds of errors that false teachers promulgate. If it seems that he gets more mention on here than others when it comes to exposing deceit, then the reason is obviously because his teachings are more error-ridden than most others.

Besides misquoting me, Dr Robert Thiel, Herbert W Armstrong and numerous others, he now is making up “facts” wanting you to believe, in article “Prophecy marches on: Early elections for Israel”, that his news site is the “Number One COG site for the news that counts and its prophetic implications.”

Really? Where does he get his “facts”? As of today, what do the real ranking sites show?

 

Quantcast has this for his Tomorrow’s News: Today! site:

image

And The ShiningLight Blog!?

image

This site, in comparison, needs to be quantified as well. OK, I’m a slacker, but I’m now rectifying that situation, although it isn’t a news site and wouldn’t be a comparison to begin with. How about a real COG news site?

cogwriter.com…Dr Bob hasn’t done too bad for himself!…

There are pluses and minuses of using Quantcast, so what about Complete? Arguably, it is more accurate than either Quantcast or Alexa.

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Really? No data for a “number one site”? Even this humble little site ranks 3,756,784! The ShiningLight Blog! by contrast is 473,283. However, COG Writer is:

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Not looking like the Tomorrow’s News: Today! site is faring so well for a “number one COG site for the news”!

Well, OK, what about Alexa? Personally, I think their ratings are skewed, but some people put stock into what they publish.

Tomorrow’s News:

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Ouch! At least The ShiningLight ranks 789,041. And, COGWriter?

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Not only is Malm playing a silly game, but he is arrogant enough to lie about it.

In contrast, I could care less about anything but the truth.

I was not going to post about this, but decided that since this is so clear and obvious, that perhaps this could open the eyes of some of James Malms’ followers.  James Malm does not have as he claimed.  Now, while he will probably claim that his is number 1 for prophetic news that counts, as this article demonstrates, he has repeatedly been proven wrong on matters prophetic, and (other than typos, etc.), COGwriter has never been wrong on such matters.

Update 6/2/12: James Malm’s background has been a puzzle to some (especially since he limits providing that). He was asked to provide some info from a David C in a comment to a post and this is what is shown:

David B

May 28th, 2012 at 15:00

James would you give us some background on your calling. When Where, alone. ect ect.
That will have to wait for another time.

Were you ever a member of WW Church. I was baptised by Robert Berendt and attended with WCG for 8 1/2 years.

Were you ever disfellowshipped. NO

Did you get discouraged by things that did not ad up. No, I was encouraged in myself [not by any elders] to study and search things out. I was disappointed by elders who agreed that I was right and then said that things were true, but it was not important because it did not come from HWA. I understand that some will turn to God now; and that most will repent during the trib. The fruits of this work will not be born to a large degree until well into the trib.

Such as eating out in restaurants and idoltry and adultery in the congregations.

The fact that there were cliques ect. ect.

Are there any of your family still in the church or are you alone like most of us. My eldest son [32] is in the faith and is of enormous help in computer support and advising me, as well as being a person with whom I can thrash out problems. James

(Malm, J. Comment posted re: David B, 5/28/12)

James Malm also posted the following:

I am watching, crying out and encouraging all to turn to God; which is the job of any man of God. There should be nothing unique or special about that, it is the job of ALL men of God to be faithful watchman!
(Malm, J. Comment posted re: George Schmidt, 5/31/12)
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So, basically James Malm is now claiming to be a watchman. He keeps coming close to claiming to be Elijah, and I suspect my reporting has tempered him a little that way–but that eventually he will more directly make an Elijah claim.
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On June 25th and 26th, James Malm posted a variety for false assertions about me, so those who want the facts (as well as to see some of what he actually posted) can go to the June 26th news item James Malm Needs to Read More Carefully.
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A little later in June 2012, James Malm reported that he has decided to purge some of the history at his website:
To reduce the weight of the site comments two years old and older comments  have been deleted.

So, those who want to see more of the early mis-truths he posted will not be able to find them.  Hopefully, enough are documented in this article and the related links so that those who want the truth about James Malm will realize that he is error-ridden.

Some items of potentially related interest may include:

Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
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, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus would return on May 27, 2012. Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He has other views which show he is not part of the Church of God?

LCG: Record Dry Year in Texas

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

COGwriter

The Living Church of God had the following as part of its announcements read in services yesterday:

Texas’ Driest Year on Record. Throughout 2011, the average rainfall in Texas was just under 15 inches (37.5 cm). It was also the second warmest year on record. News reports stated, “The prolonged Texas drought is to blame for devastating agriculture and livestock losses, estimated in the billions of dollars. The historic drought has killed as many as half a billion trees, not including those that died in wildfires that scorched some 4 million acres in 2011” (Reuters, January 7, 2012). While Texas has experienced extreme drought since September 2010, many northeastern states experienced record rainfall in 2011 (NJ.com, November 25, 2011; Silive.com, September 13, 2011; ncdc.noaa.gov). Ancient prophecies in the book of Amos indicate that God will punish His people at the end of the age for their disobedience, “I also withheld rain from you, when there were still three months t o the harvest. I made it rain on one city, I withheld rain from another city. One part was rained upon, and where it did not rain the part withered” (Amos 4:7). As prophecy marches on, these extreme trends in weather will only continue and intensify. We need to watch world events and pray for those who are suffering, because fulfilled prophecies are clear indications that Christ’s return is coming closer!

And of course, in 2012, many other parts of the USA, Mexico, Africa and the world are facing dry conditions.   Because of its strident advocacy of portions of the homosexual agenda, it would not surprise me if California is not entering a time of drought.

Droughts and floods contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines.

Jesus taught:

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

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

The Bible also shows we should expect to see a time of much higher food prices (cf. Revelation 6:5-6).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?