Church of God News

COGwriter

Galileo is moving ahead:

Paris (ESA) Feb 29, 2012

A worldwide chain of Galileo ground stations on some of the remotest sites on Earth is nearing completion ahead of this year’s launch of two more satellites…

Galileo ground segment at the ready
A worldwide network of Galileo Sensor Stations will continuously monitor Galileo performance for the Galileo Control Centre in Fucino, Italy, to prepare correction messages…

Once four Galileo satellites are up in orbit – the minimum needed for navigation – at the end of summer, ESA can evaluate the performance of the overall system.  http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Galileo_on_the_ground_reaches_some_of_Earths_loneliest_places_999.html

Europe’s Galileo satellite program continues to advance.  Galileo is Europe’s answer to the USA’s Global Positioning System (GPS). It is more accurate and is intended to cover more area of the planet (though it would not surprise me that area coverage could be reduced for budgetary concerns). Galileo represents a new era in the sense that it is a major EU project that improves on what the USA has and shows that the Europeans have the potential to become a modern military power (though Galileo is only one of the needed pieces).

And yes, ultimately, I believe that it will be used to as part of an attack on American (USA and possibly Canadian) forces, as well as to help prevent counter-strikes.

Because of various problems, the USA announced in mid-2010 that it would link to Europe’s Galileo for some of its military needs.

This, as I reported at the time (see USA GPS and EU Galileo linking was expected), was dangerous, and remains so. But I expected it, and so warned about it in 2009.  Notice that page 85 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states the following:

In 2013, the Europeans are planning on having their own global positioning system (GPS), called Galileo, available for military applications. This will allow the Europeans to track the world and attack others without relying on the U.S.A.’s GPS. This will be the first time in the 21^st century that Europeans will be able to have that type of independent military capability.

Furthermore, according to a 2009 report from the U.S. government, the U.S. Air Force may have to start relying on the European Galileo system (at least to a degree) beginning in 2013, as the U.S. GPS capabilities are expected to deteriorate by then (other problems are also appearing in the newer U.S. satellites). Because the Europeans will be able to control Galileo, they will also likely be capable of derailing certain sophisticated U.S. military applications. This will give the Europeans a unique defensive (as well as offensive) capability that no others on the planet will have.

When I wrote that in May of 2009, the U.S. Air Force denied that there was such a problem.

Further notice that page 147 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warned of the following:

Because of domestic economic concerns and international pressures, Barack Obama is shifting priorities away from defense spending, while encouraging the Europeans to increase their military might. This will help lead to the destruction of the United States, when the Europeans are ready and the U.S.A. is not.

Sadly, this is happening right now. The power in Europe is starting to rise up.

Linking up with Galileo puts the USA at major risk of not being able to launch an effective counter-strike if the EU attacks the USA. Do Americans not remember that the wars in Kuwait and Iraq were waged first by the USA having vastly superior air/space systems? And now the USA’s financial mess is leading the USA to rely on other nations for part of this capability. The world is changing and the USA is losing its vast military supremacy.  And top powers that lose their military supremacy have historically been taken over by others. Yes, this satellite matter is that serious.

If you have not already done so, please get my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Compare what it teaches with the Bible. Compare what it teaches with what is happening in the world. World events have already aligned with at least 16 predictions that the book documents.

You do not have to be one who will be confused in these trying times.

The 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book has more details, more prophecies, and is quite a bit a lot longer (about 384 pages in English) than my online article on 2012, which is titled End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? . To order a hard copy of the book, simply go to the link 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

The book is available in various languages and formats:

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.

Roxbury, Massachusetts  Mosque

COGwriter

The USA has seen a huge increase in the number of Islamic places of worship:

The number of Islamic places of worship in the United States soared 74% in the past decade…

• States with the most mosques are New York (257), California (246) and Texas (166).

• Most mosques are in cities, but suburban sites rose from 16% in 2000 to 28% in 2010…

Although the study does not claim to say how many Muslims are in the USA, Bagby estimates there are 2.6 million “mosque participants” — people who have attended prayers for Eid (a major holy day) or Friday prayers or were considered participants by the mosque leader survey.  http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2012-02-29/islamic-worship-growth-us/53298792/1

The USA has undergone a lot of changes, and an increased Islamic presence is one of them.

Some have tended to interpret mosques as a sign of Islamic expansion and conquest (see, for example, Mosques of War).  And while that may not be how most Muslims in the USA view their places of worship, the reality is that Islam has been spreading around the world, and certainly is not limited to the Arab nations (actually, the nation with the largest Muslim population is Indonesia).

Islam is growing.  Wikipedia had the following information this morning:

With over 1.5 billion followers or over 22% of earth’s population, Islam is the second-largest and one of the fastest-growing religions in the world.

Islam is gaining adherents and political power.  So much so, that in the not too distant future, we should see an Islamic power rise up in the Middle East, biblically referred to as the King of the South.

This leader is prophesied to make a deceitful deal (Daniel 11:27) with the coming King of the North, which could also be associated with an Arab-Turkish deal to eliminate the descendants of Israel in Psalm 83:4-8.  Having a greater presence in the Anglo-Israelite descended lands like the USA would probably facilitate carrying out the plans of Psalm 83.

Let’s look at what Psalm 83:4-8 states:

They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot.

Note that this passage of scripture is suggesting that the descendants of Israel (which not only includes the modern state of Israel, but also much of the English-speaking world, cf. Genesis 48:13-16–see a discussion of this in Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel) will be bothered by a confederation of basically Arabic/Islamic peoples from the Middle East (not Ethiopians). Notice also that and Assyria (most likely the German led EU, which will also become the king of the North) will assist them–this apparently why the Plain Truth article of December 1979 stated:

Just as there is yet to be a final ‘king of the north’…there may very well emerge in the same manner a final ‘king of the south’–an overall leader of an Arab-Moslem confederation…Germany (Assyria in Bible prophecy) and perhaps the rest of Europe will be in league in the future with a union of Arab nations…But in the end, this European-Arab alliance will prove short-lived…the ‘king of the north’ will ultimately turn against the Arab ‘king of the south’…The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the fact of invasion…

It is of interest to note that Iran is not part of Psalm 83–and because of that, I have tended to feel that it will be somehow neutralized by either a regional war (likely involving Israel and possibly the USA) and/or internal political unrest (while the often false prophetic writer James Malm seems to believe that a war in the area will eliminate “radical Islam,” what really will happen is that the Shi’ite Muslims will likely learn that they will not be able to have dominance over the caliphate-type Islamic dominated confederation that will form in the Middle East and North Africa).

Notice the following prophecy involving the kings of the North and South:

Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time.

Since Daniel 11:27 suggests some type of deal between the king of the North and the king of the South and Psalm 83 shows an Arabic/Turkish confederation that will make a deal with a northern representative, it appears that the idea of an Arab-Muslim confederacy representing the king of the South also has a biblical basis. The nations in Psalm 83 all tend to be Arabic or Turkish, hence the position that the king of the South is likely to be Arabic has biblical support.

And many Muslims around the world will sympathize with and/or support the final Islamic power that will arise in the Middle East.  And some will likely support the objectives of the deal in Psalm 83:4-8.

The vastly increased number of mosques in the USA should serve as a wake-up call that the USA is getting itself set up for major internal unrest and terrorism.

As Jesus stated:

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 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?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel 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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
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?
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?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Israel wants to go silent about a strike against Iran:

Israel wouldn’t warn US on Iran strike

AP – Feb 28, 2012

WASHINGTON — Israeli officials say they won’t warn the U.S. if they decide to launch a pre-emptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. The pronouncement, delivered in a series of private, top-level conversations with U.S. officials, sets a tense tone ahead of meetings in the coming days at the White House and on Capitol Hill.

Israeli officials said that if they eventually decide a strike is necessary, they would keep the Americans in the dark to decrease the likelihood that the U.S. would be held responsible for failing to stop Israel’s potential attack, said one U.S. intelligence official familiar with the discussions.  http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/ap-sources-israel-wouldnt-1365426.html

Of course, based upon what the Obama Administration’s Secretary of Defense publicly stated a few weeks ago (see Panetta Believes Israel Will Attack Iran in April, May, or June 2012) this seems perfectly logical for Israel.  Whether they really do not say anything or not remains an unknown (I do not take all their public statements at face value).

Iran, and its ally Syria, are facing more international problems than they have in the past.  It seems possible that the problems in Iran and Syria may encourage those nations to attack Israel or at least more directly provoke Israel to attack.

In Syria, its 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.

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 (of course, a civil war in Syria could possibly be the cause of the elimination of Damascus).

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 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?

1181 A.D. Depiction of Jonah Being Tossed Overboard

COGwriter

A Jonah-related tomb has apparently been found:

Finder of ‘Lost Tomb of Jesus’ details ancient evidence of Jonah

Published February 28, 2012…

“If anyone had claimed to find either a statement about resurrection or a Jonah image in a Jewish tomb of this period I would have said impossible — until now,” said James D. Tabor, professor and chair of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. “Our team was in a kind of ecstatic disbelief, but the evidence was clearly before our eyes, causing us to revise our prior assumptions.”…The new findings will be detailed online at www.bibleinterp.com…

The tomb containing the new discoveries is a modest sized, carefully carved rock cut cave tomb typical of Jerusalem in the period from 20 BCE until 70 CE…

“This Jonah ossuary is most fascinating,” Tabor remarked. “It seems to represent a pictorial story with the fish diving under the water on one end, the bars or gates of death, the bones inside, and the image of the great fish spitting out a man representing, based on the words of Jesus, the ‘sign of Jonah’ – the ‘sign’ that he would escape the bonds of death.”  http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/02/28/tomb-jonah-discovered-finder-lost-tomb-jesus-claims/#ixzz1nhNjkQ29

The tomb itself, though not likely to be that of Jonah (it seems to be much too recent, though sometimes bones were moved and sometimes dating is off), does give information that certainly seems to be related to Jonah.

James Tabor once taught Greek and Hebrew part-time at Ambassador College, which was part of the old Worldwide Church of God.  While I do not know Dr. Tabor well, we have spoken in the past as well as have communicated via email.  More will probably be learned and clarified about this Jonah-related find in time.

The Bible, of course, has an entire short book related to Jonah, and here is some of what it says:

15 So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging…17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.  (Jonah 1:15, 17)

10 So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (Jonah 2:10)

As Dr. Tabor stated, Jesus also referred to this incident involving Jonah:

40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.  41 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. (Matthew 12:40-41)

Jesus’ referral to Jonah indicates, to many, that the story was literally true and not simply an allegory (it also indicates that Jesus would be in the grave for a full three days and three nights–hence blasting the Good Friday to Easter hypothesis).

And while some have had trouble with the literal veracity of the Jonah and the great fish incident, there have been humans swallowed by large marine creatures that have survived when the creature was later captured.  And, more importantly, Jesus verified the story of Jonah–hence we know it happened.

But here are some comments that some might find of interest:

To the “progressive” thinkers, Bryan and other people who seriously believed the Jonah story were a bunch of morons. After all, everyone knows a man can’t survive inside a whale. Well, the truth is, a man can, and it has been proven…

James Bartley.  In February 1891 he was a crew member on the whaling ship Star of the East…When the whale ‘s stomach was hoisted to the deck, the crew noticed it was moving slightly.  The ship’s doctor cut the stomach open, and inside was James Bartley–curled up and unconscious, but still alive.  He had been inside the whale for fifteen hours.  (Lang JS.  Talking Donkeys and Wheels of Fire: Bible Stories That Are Truly Bizarre!  2003 by J. Stephen Lang)

So, survival after being swallowed by a sea creature is possible.

Yet, whether God allowed him to survive naturally or somehow brought him out alive (I suspect more of the latter), the Jonah incident happened.  And something related to that seems to have been recently found according to Dr. Tabor.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Biblical Archaeology This is a website that has more information on biblical archeological as is sometimes known as the Bib Arch site.
Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter? If not, when did this happen? What do scholars and the Bible reveal?
What Happened in the Crucifixion Week? How long are three days and three nights?  How does Jonah fit into this? Was Palm Sunday on a Saturday? Did Jesus die on “Good Friday”? Was the resurrection on Sunday? Do you really know? Who determined the date of Easter?

Flag of the Taliban

COGwriter

The following news item is very disturbing:

Jonathon Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, reports on a disturbing case in which a state judge in Pennsylvania threw out an assault case involving a Muslim attacking an atheist for insulting the Prophet Muhammad.

Judge Mark Martin, an Iraq war veteran and a convert to Islam, threw the case out in what appears to be an invocation of Sharia law.

The incident occurred at the Mechanicsburg, Pa., Halloween parade where Ernie Perce, an atheist activist, marched as a zombie Muhammad. Talaag Elbayomy, a Muslim, attacked Perce, and he was arrested by police.

Judge Martin threw the case out on the grounds that Elbayomy was obligated to attack Perce because of his culture and religion. http://news.yahoo.com/penn-judge-muslims-allowed-attack-people-insulting-mohammad-210000330.html

A judge’s decision to dismiss a harassment charge against a Muslim accused of attacking a man marching as ‘Zombie Muhammad’ during a Halloween parade last year was today branded ‘completely and unequivocally unacceptable’.

Ernest Perce was marching through Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, with a fellow atheist dressed as a ‘Zombie Pope’ when he was confronted by Talaag Elbayomy, 46, about his ‘offensive’ costume.

Perce claims Elbayomy then choked him from behind and tried to remove a sign that read ‘Muhammad of Islam’ from around his neck…

Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, questioned whether Judge Martin was letting his personal views get in the way of the U.S. legal process.

Writing on his blog, he said: ‘I can understand the judge’s claims of conflicting testimony on the crime… However, I view this as an extremely troubling case that raises serious questions of judicial temperament, if not misconduct.’

Perce said Judge Mark Martin showed a ‘preferential opinion of Islam over Christianity’ when in court.

He is also angry that the judge ‘railed on me for six minutes about how bad I was offending Islam’.

* Original article has been corrected as to the judge’s official reason for throwing the case out. Also, even though the recording of the proceeding seemed to have the judge say he is a Muslim convert, in fact Judge Martin later said that he is a Lutheran.  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2107630/Judge-Mark-Martin-dismisses-case-Muslim-attacked-man-dressed-Zombie-Muhammad.html#ixzz1nhjg9pJf

Martin dismissed a harassment charge against 46-year-old Talaag Elbayomy, a Muslim accused of attacking Ernest Perce V, an atheist dressed as what he said was the “Zombie Muhammad” at a Halloween parade in Mechanicsburg last year.

Perce claimed Elbayomy tried to take his “Muhammad of Islam” sign and choked him.

Martin ruled there wasn’t enough evidence to convict Elbayomy. The decision received national attention after Perce posted an audio recording of the hearing on YouTube. The video depicts Martin saying he’s a Muslim as reason for him dismissing the charges.

Martin said he’s a Lutheran — not a Muslim — and denied making the statement.  http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/judge_in_zombie_muhammad_case.html

What other objectives of violent Islamic groups (like, for example, the Taliban) does the judge feel are appropriate?  Presumably this decision will be appealed and overturned upon appeal (the story now is that the judge says there was insufficient evidence to convict).  But whether it is or is not, even having such a decision shows that the USA is getting farther and farther away from biblical morality.

Notice something about Jesus:

1 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 “Who committed no sin,  Nor was deceit found in His mouth“;

23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Notice that this shows Jesus did not respond violently to insults, and that is how His followers were to also react.  Jesus Himself taught:

27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.  29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.  (Luke 6:27-29)

Hence, physically attacking insulters is not biblically appropriate.

Notice what the Apostle Paul taught:

12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.  (1 Corinthians 4:12-13)

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21)

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:9-10).

Those in Islam, who claim to believe the Bible (though they claim certain parts have been altered), should consider what the Bible really teaches.

As for the USA, it continues to have officials that seem intent to go farther away from biblical morality (as well as its constitution).  This will not bode well for the USA.

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 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?
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?
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? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
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?
Several More Reasons American’s Question Obama’s Religion Is Barack Obama a Christian? He claims to be. Others question that.
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?

Rick Santorum (Photo by Gage Skidmore)

COGwriter

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum offended many in the Netherlands:

Santorum’s Incredible Display of Ignorance On Euthanasia In the Netherlands

In an interview with Social Conservative leader James Dobson in early February, GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum ignorantly — and falsely — claimed that in the Netherlands euthanasia makes up ten percent of all deaths, and that forced euthanasia accounts for five percent of all deaths there…Santorum also said that people are euthanized involuntarily because they are old or sick and further claimed that elderly people in the Netherlands don’t go into hospitals out of fear that they will not come out if they go in there sick…

The Dutch web site Warroom.dejaap.nl says (author’s translation):

Especially Conservatives in America are of the impression that the Dutch is a crazed hippie culture, while the use of cannabis in America is twice as high as in the Netherlands and let’s not even get started on crime statistics. Apparently [Americans] have a strange impression of Dutch culture and do not feel the need to investigate the facts.

24/02/2012MP questions Santorum’s forced euthanasia claims‎ Expatica Netherlands

Dutch Labour MP Frans Timmermans has asked questions in parliament about a comment made by Rick Santorum who is in the race to become the Republican presidential candidate. During a meeting at a religious college, he claimed that forced euthanasia accounts for 5 percent of all deaths in the Netherlands.

The film was made by rightwingwatch.org from a position in the audience.

Mr Timmermans wants to know why the Dutch embassy has not challenged the US politician over the comment. The embassy says it does not want to interfere with the US elections.

Santorum attacks Dutch euthanasia, what would he say about doctor-assisted suicide in Oregon?

‎

OregonLive.com – 27 February 2012

Santorum is attracting media attention not only in the US but in the Netherlands after making several assertions about Dutch euthanasia practices that critics say just don’t hold water…

The former Pennsylvania senator, who has also been the most aggressive of the GOP candidates in taking on such issues as gay marriage and insurance coverage for contraception, charged that 10 percent of the Dutch are euthanized and that the elderly are afraid to go to hospitals in the Netherlands. He said the elderly there wear bracelets asking not be euthanized.

Santorum made his comments in a Feb. 3 forum in Missouri, but they’ve only started receiving wide attention in recent days as a video of his remarks has circulated on the internet.

So, the Dutch are offended as Rick Santorum’s depiction of their euthanasia laws was overblown, and apparently he made some technical errors and/or exaggerations.  Still even 3% is too high.  The government really should not be in the suicide-assisting business (that includes not only the Netherlands, but also Oregon).

While for biblical reasons, I support parts of Rick Santorum’s moral message (specifically his opposition to homosexual marriage, when he actually is opposed to abortion, and certain of his positions related to restricting the government’s intent to reduce religious freedom, such as some related to the recent contraception matter), as a Christian I do not vote and am not a Republican.  Nor I am trying to endorse or oppose him in any way to be USA president.

I covered this item to show it as part of a pattern that is happening.

Which is?

That Americans of various persuasions have offended various ones in Europe over the years, and this is another example.  I believe much greater offenses from those in the United States of America will be factors in the future to cause the Europeans to turn against the USA (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39).   And this relatively small offense is simply another one that will help lead to more offense in the future.

Several articles of 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?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
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?
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?
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? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
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?
Several More Reasons American’s Question Obama’s Religion Is Barack Obama a Christian? He claims to be. Others question that.
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?

Obese Male

COGwriter

The Canadian press reported the following:

Canada faces child obesity epidemic: Aglukkaq

‎Montreal Gazette – 27 February 2012Canada is facing an epidemic of childhood obesity, with more children being diagnosed today with high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and other health conditions once seen only in adults, Canada’s health minister warned Monday.”Today, more than one in four young Canadians is overweight or obese, with rates even higher among aboriginal people,” Leona Aglukkaq said at the opening of a federal-provincial summit on healthy weights in Ottawa.

The Bible itself warns about obesity, getting fat, and excessive eating.

Notice some of what Moses and Jeremiah wrote:

15 You grew fat, you grew thick,
You are obese!
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
16 They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods;
With abominations they provoked Him to anger. (Deuteronomy 32:15-16)

11 “Because you were glad, because you rejoiced,
You destroyers of My heritage,
Because you have grown fat like a heifer threshing grain,
And you bellow like bulls,
12 Your mother shall be deeply ashamed;
She who bore you shall be ashamed.
Behold, the least of the nations shall be a wilderness,
A dry land and a desert. (Jeremiah 50:11-12)

God inspired the prophet Isaiah to write:

2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good (Isaiah 55:2).

But Canadians do not often eat what is good.  Based upon my observations and visits there, they eat a lot of white bread, which is really not real bread as it has had the wheat germ and other natural components removed. This makes an inferior product which then is sprayed with synthetic B vitamins and other “nutrients” to “fortify” it. If you notice “B vitamins” added to “fortify” refined grain products or in so-called “natural” vitamin supplements (like thiamin mononitrate, thiamin HCL, folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin), realize that these are basically petroleum derivatives and are not the same form of vitamins that are actually found in real, natural, food.

But most this is not only a Canadian problem.  The other Anglo-descended nations have that problem.  And both the USA and UK have increasingly overweight populations (see Obesity Continues to Increase in UK and USA).

Many in the Anglo-descended lands eat too much.  The Bible warns against this:

18 “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, when they have chastened him, will not heed them, 19 then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, to the gate of his city. 20 And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ 21 Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)

20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty (Proverbs 23:20-21)

Yet many in the Anglo-dominated lands simply do not believe they eat too much. And this includes many overweight ones.

But notice that the Bible warns against eating bad foods and eating too much. And also notice that at least two curses are associated with this. Curses of destruction and poverty.

Poverty and destruction will come to the peoples of Canada. And, likely, famine as well (Matthew 24:7-8) before the start of the Great Tribulation–a time of trouble for Canada and its Anglo-allies.

Notice something else Isaiah and Jeremiah were inspired to write:

6 Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts,
Will send leanness among his fat ones;
And under his glory
He will kindle a burning
Like the burning of a fire. (Isaiah 10:16)

28 They have grown fat, they are sleek;
Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked;
They do not plead the cause,
The cause of the fatherless;
Yet they prosper,
And the right of the needy they do not defend.
29 Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the Lord.
‘Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?’ (Jeremiah 5:28-29)

The end of Canada and its Anglo-descended allies is coming.  National repentance, which does not seem likely at this stage, is the only hope. But individuals themselves can turn to God. And although obesity is a multi-factorial problem, nearly all who are overweight, even the irreligious, can eat less and make better food choices.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British-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?
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?
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.
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting Jesus said, “But by Prayer and Fasting” and this article by Dr. Meredith focuses on fasting and provides his physical and spiritual fasting tips. Does fasting help prevent heart disease?

COGwriter

The February 2012 edition of UCG’s United News recently arrived.  The United Church of God has finally published its audited financial statements for its fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.  This is the latest it has ever published its financial statements, which may have to do with the turmoil that UCG experienced in 2011.   UCG reported that its income was down 18.1% compared to its prior fiscal year.  In my view, this seems reasonably good considering the state of the USA economy and the losses UCG sustained in early 2011.

(In December 2010, a group calling itself COGWA officially formed mainly consisting of ministers and members from the United Church of God.  UCG lost most of its paid USA and Latin American ministry to this split by mid-2011.)

While UCG had to dip into its reserves for the period ending 6/30/2011, that would tend to be expected.  It would seem, however, if its paid ministry has dropped so much, that even if it has a similar drop in income for the period ending 06/30/2011 that UCG should be able to get by at that type of income level.

Now, UCG’s fiscal year is not a calendar year.   In its last published financial statement, for its fiscal year ending 6/30/11, UCG reported a gross income of $19,549,797 (down from 23,870,107 the prior year). It spent 5,101,734 (down from 5,368,289 the prior year) for ‘public proclamation’ (26.10%); it spent 4,623,610 (down from 4,992,351 the prior year) for managing its meetings and ‘home office’ (23.65%); and 11,077,656 (down from 13,420,477 the prior year) for the field ministry/local churches/FOT/International support (56.66%), and decreased reserves by 1,53,203  (-6.41%).

Brief Financial Comparison of US Income (Both Based on Latest Audited Statements)

Traditionally, I have tended to provide a brief comparison of how UCG and LCG spend their revenues.  While both COG, these groups have differing objectives and priorities (as well as prophetic and other doctrinal differences), as well as fiscal years.

For its fiscal year ending 12/31/10, LCG grossed 14,341,826 and spent 5,989,084 on public proclamation, 907,340 on HQ administration, 6,907,314 to ‘feed the flock’ (including Living University) and increased reserves by 538,087.

If you gave $100.00 to the United Church of God or the Living Church of God for those most recent periods to compare, here is where your money went:

.......................................United Church of God....Living Church of God

1st Commission to Proclaim the Gospel to the World....$26.10........$41.76
2nd Commission to Feed the Flock (and Field Ministry)..56.66.........48.16
Headquarters/Home Office...............................23.65..........6.33
Change in Reserves.....................................-6.41..........3.75
Total................................................$100.00.......$100.00

Jesus taught:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Mattew 6:21).

I went with LCG because of Gospel proclamation emphasis and biblical church governance. It is interesting that UCG regularly has spent almost 3 times as high a percentage on governance than LCG does (and over 5 times as much in actual cash, UCG spent $4,623,610 vs. LCG’s 907,340).

Which form of governance is more cost-effective? Which form places the higher priority on proclaiming the Gospel?

Despite being smaller, LCG spends more in actual cash as UCG does to proclaim the Gospel. LCG also still reaches many times as many people over television than UCG does. LCG also produces more magazines (Tomorrow’s World vs. Good News) on a per member basis than UCG does.

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Some articles of related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
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.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This is a large breakaway group from the United Church of God. It officially formed in December 2010. Former UCG President Clyde Kilough is part of it.
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? 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?
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 Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. Non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Today is considered to be Saint Papias’ day on the Roman Catholic calendar.

(Note: There was a Papirius of Smyrna who is not the same person.)

Papias was probably a true Christian. I believe this is so, not only from his limited writings, but because he was a leader in the city in Asia Minor called Hierapolis. There were other apparent true Christian leaders from there including Apollinaris and the Apostle Philip (who reportedly died there).

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that Papias was,

Bishop of Hierapolis (close to Laodicea and Colossae in the valley of the Lycus in Phrygia) and Apostolic Father, called by St. Irenaeus “a hearer of John, and companion of Polycarp, a man of old time”. He wrote a work in five books, logion kyriakon exegesis, of which all but some fragments is lost…Of Papias’s life nothing is known. If Polycarp was born in 69, his “comrade” may have been born a few years earlier…The work of Papias was evidently written in his old age, say between the years 115 and 140″…His knowledge of St. John’s Gospel is proved not merely by his mention of aloes, but by a citation of John 14:2, which occurs in the curious prophecy of a miraculous vintage in the millennium which he attributed to Our Lord (Chapman J. Transcribed by Marcia L. Bellafiore. St. Papias. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XI. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, February 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Since John and Polycarp were quartodecimans (Eusebius. Church History. Book V, Chapter 24), apparently so was Papias (since the churches in Asia Minor had not adopted a Sunday Passover at this time, Ibid)–being a Quartodeciman was seriously denounced by an edict of Theodosius in the late fourth century.

Papias and John

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes this about Papias the the Apostle John,

The author of the Second and Third Epistles of John designates himself in the superscription of each by the name (ho presbyteros), “the ancient”, “the old”. Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, also uses the same name to designate the “Presbyter John” as in addition to Aristion, his particular authority, directly after he has named the presbyters Andrew, Peter, Philip, Thomas, James, John, and Matthew (in Eusebius, “Hist. eccl.”, III, xxxix, 4)…St. Irenaeus also positively designates the Apostle and Evangelist John as the teacher of Papias, and neither he nor any other writer before Eusebius had any idea of a second John in Asia (Adv. haer., V, xxxiii, 4). In what Papias himself says the connection plainly shows that in this passage by the word presbyters only Apostles can be understood. If John is mentioned twice the explanation lies in the peculiar relationship in which Papias stood to this, his most eminent teacher. By inquiring of others he had learned some things indirectly from John, just as he had from the other Apostles referred to. In addition he had received information concerning the teachings and acts of Jesus directly, without the intervention of others, from the still living “Presbyter John”, as he also had from Aristion. Thus the teaching of Papias casts absolutely no doubt upon what the New-Testament writings presuppose and expressly mention concerning the residence of the Evangelist John in Asia (Fonck L. Transcribed by Michael Little. St. John the Evangelist. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VIII Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Thus, it appears that Papias directly knew the Apostle John. The Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation which, among other things, described a thousand year reign of Christ on the earth (Revelation 20:4).

Eusebius recorded the following about Papias:

1. There are extant five books of Papias, which bear the title Expositions of Oracles of the Lord…12. To these belong his statement that there will be a period of some thousand years after the resurrection of the dead, and that the kingdom of Christ will be set up in material form on this very earth.   (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book 3, Chapter XXXIX; Digireads, pp. 68-69)

It is interesting that the Catholics venerate Papias as a saint, because they no longer accept the millennial teaching (nor Passover being on the 14th of Nisan instead of a Sunday).  Neither Papias nor other early Christian leaders observed Lent nor Easter.

The Roman Catholic Church, in spite of the fact that it admits that many of its early saints taught the millennium now strongly condemns this belief. Notice:

676 The Antichrist’s deception already begins to take shape in the world every time the claim is made to realize within history that messianic hope which can only be realized beyond history through the eschatological judgment. The Church has rejected even modified forms of this falsification of the kingdom to come under the name of millenarianism, especially the “intrinsically perverse” political form of a secular messianism. (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 194).

It should be noted that the millennial teaching appears to be the only doctrine associated with Antichrist that is condemned in the current official Catechism of the Catholic Church (which is the first new one in hundreds of years). The one that has the imprimatur of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger who is now called Pope Benedict XVI.

According to the New Testament, true Christianity was practiced throughout many areas of Asia Minor in the first century (this area is now in the country of Turkey). Most (between 15-17) of the 27 books of New Testament were written to or from church leaders in Asia Minor. (Even Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox leaders recognized that Asia Minor had early “apostolic succession.“) What scripture clearly shows, is that although there were Christians in various areas, the focus for the New Testament writers were the churches in Asia Minor. And interestingly, the last book of the Bible is specifically addressed to the churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 1:4,11). The last of the original apostles to die, John, died in Asia Minor and his disciple Polycarp of Smyrna was a major leader there.

According to Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Church of God, and other sources, true apostolic Christianity was practiced in Asia Minor in the second century–and those there that were true Christians were sometimes referred to as Smyrnaeans.  And the millennium was taught there by leaders such as the Apostle John and Papias.  Asia Minor is north and north-west of Antioch and Jerusalem, and was in the country now called Turkey.

Some articles for future interest may include the following:

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?
Papias Papias died circa 135-145 and oversaw churches from Hierapolis.  His known writings are in this article.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
Is Lent a Christian Holiday? When did it originate? What about Ash Wednesday? If you observe them, do you know why?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter? If not, when did this happen? What do scholars and the Bible reveal?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Do they matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (sometimes referred to as the continuation of Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years. It also discusses the concept of church eras.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?

VS.

COGwriter

According to CGPFK/CGPKG’s Ronald Weinland Jesus is to return 13 weeks from today:

And so because of the 50th Truth and the understanding that God has given us of Christ’s return on Pentecost, May 27, 2012 we also came to understand the true date for the sealing of the 144,000 that was to precede Christ’s reign by 1335 days – which again is covered in the book of Daniel at the end of those verses that we were reading earlier…

And so from this God revealed that the opening of the 7th Seal was about Daniel’s 1290 days making this great occasion to be November 14, 2008 – when the 7th Seal was opened…

So the 1st Trumpet sounded on December 14, 2008 and no immediate evidence was given to the world that the 1st Trumpet had sounded and for some that caused some consternation. (Weinland R. More Time, Pt. 1 Sermon, June 26, 2010)

But God’s righteous judgment must NOW be executed in order for His Kingdom to be established at the coming of His Son on May 27, 2012 (Weinland R. Online letter, February 25, 2011)

Jesus will not be returning thirteen weeks from today.  It is not possible for Jesus to return that soon, nor did the 1335 days begin on September 30, 2008, the 7th seal beginning the 1290 days, or the 1st Trumpet (which for him started the 1260 days of the Great Tribulation) begin on December 14, 2008.

In his sermon today, instead of denouncing himself, he states that the picture is clearer now, is exciting, and he has been learning more.  But the reality is that it should be clear that he is wrong, not that he could possibly be right.  He gave those listening to him in the audience charts, which try to justify Ronald Weinland’s timing on the second coming.  He rambles on about numbers that often do not line up as Ronald Weinland interpreted–he reminds me more and more of Harold Camping who had false understandings of numerical calculations as well.  Ronald Weinland claims that God gave the understandings of the 1335 days, 70 weeks prophecy, Jesus’ return of May 27, 2012, etc.  He also claimed that the prophecies about the man of sin doing signs and lying wonders is not still to happen that it happened spiritually–essentially through the late Joseph Tkach.  But that is all false.

Notice also what Jesus said:

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. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:15-22)

When will Ronald Weinland’s followers realize that the period since December 14, 2008 has not met Jesus’ criteria as Ronald Weinland has falsely claimed.  In his 2/25/12 sermon, he basically also claims that it is an error to expect physical/literal interpretations of much of end time prophecy.

Ronald Weinland has had a history of trying to “spiritualize” away his errors.  Notice also the following from his 2/11/12 sermon on the five months of Revelation (bolding in official transcript):

Verse 4 – And it was commanded them they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men, speaking of people, who have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Verse 5 – And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion when he strikes a man. And in/within, as it is in the Greek language, in those days shall men/people seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die and death shall flee from them. What an incredible way of writing something! What on earth can you be talking about? Well, we’ll come back to these verses later.

Now, 13 weeks is about three months.  Hence the above five-month period would have had to start by now as Ronald Weinland has everything related to the Great Tribulation being over by May 27, 2012.  So, instead of it being literally to be fulfilled, in the same 2/11/12 sermon, he explained it as follows:

Before we do that I want to start reading here beginning on page 125 of ‘2008 – God’s Final Witness’.
God’s Church

At the same time all these events come together at the sounding of the Fifth Trumpet,
there will be an initial period of [a] time (five months) when much human suffering will
continue as a result of the first four trumpets.

Be careful what you read into this; it’s easy to do – truly is.

At the same time all these events come together at the sounding of the Fifth Trumpet…
Not all the events described in Revelation 9:1-11 come together fully when the Trumpet finally sounds.
That’s when they all come together. By this time you’ll have the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Trumpets all to have
blown, the 5th Trumpet will blow and all the things described here will all come together, finally, at this
moment in time. It says…

…there will be an initial period of time (five months) when much human suffering will
continue as a result of the first four trumpets.

So please understand what’s being said here…

Continuing on page 125:

This marks a time of great suffering on a worldwide scale, but even now, God’s Church
is still part of these prophetic events. God’s Church still exists on [the] earth…

And so people are just waiting on the suffering; it will come. Why speed it along?…So as I mentioned last Sabbath, we are in that five month period of time, it already began, it’s ongoing right now…

It has to do with what we believe and what God has shown within the Church, what is stated, what is
written, what we all believe, what God has put out front.

Those of the scattered Church of God, who are tormented during [or meaning within]…

Because you don’t have to be tormented for five months! That’s not what it’s about! And when you
understand what this torment is it puts everything in a proper perspective.

Those in the scattered Church of God, who are tormented during this five-month period…

What I’m trying to show here is don’t read something into this. It doesn’t mean people have to be
tormented for a full five months; it might be five minutes, it might be five hours, it might be five days, it
might be five weeks, but it doesn’t have to be for the full five months!

Basically, Ronald Weinland is claiming that although the Bible tells of a five month period, that the period has not really started yet, and it will be less than five months, and maybe only five minutes.  Well, there is only three months left and it has not began, so why would God have five-months inspired to be written if He did not mean that?

In his March 12, 2011 sermon, he claimed.

So, if I’m not a prophet I’ll reason with you accordingly and be open with you about it…

So often for those who do not believe that I’m a prophet, the question is asked, “What will you do if these things do not come to pass?” And I’m going to answer that more fully in this particular sermon today…

So again, some cannot wait for me to say that I am not a prophet, or to say that I am a false prophet. Indeed, no one has long to wait do they? Isn’t that amazing? May 27, 2012 is not too far away and if Europe hasn’t risen by early 2012 and if China does not begin destroying the earth before that date, then the reality would be manifest much sooner, obviously. You don’t have to wait until 2012.

As far as the question they ask; what would I do? Well, first I’d repent before God and the Church. I’d acknowledge my sin and pray that God have mercy upon me for being so horribly presumptuous. Candidly (and some are going to really hate hearing this), I’d deeply repent of all those things that concern prophecies that I have given in the office of a prophet BUT I’d seek to hold fast to all that I believe with all my being to be true concerning the word of God. I would begin to go back through all 57 Truths (and I’d hope others would do exactly the same thing), IF… just to be open about it. I’d go back through all 57 Truths and eliminate those that are shown to be untrue, repenting as I did so; but I would hold fast to all that I believed to be true. (Weinland R. A Final Plea, With Judgment – Pt. 1. March 12, 2011)

Europe has not risen up and China is not destroying the earth (beyond pollution, etc.), thus according to Ronald Weinland, he, already, should: ” acknowledge my sin and pray that God have mercy upon me for being so horribly presumptuous.” Instead, about six weeks ago he posted:

As a matter of other dates that God revealed to me, through Jesus Christ, it was given earlier that Trumpets of 2008 was the beginning of the 1335 day count in the Book of Daniel that leads up to the return of Jesus Christ on May 27, 2012. The day of Christ’s return is on Pentecost which pictures the 144,000 who will return with him to reign on earth, and the beginning of this announcement to the Church was on Trumpets (2008) which announces the coming of the Messiah as King of kings. How awesome is that to understand? (Weinland R. Seventy Weeks Prophecy. Online letter, January 12, 2012)

Cannot his followers see his blatant errors and refusal to again publicly repent?

Of course, the facts have not stopped those who still follow him (they have stopped some from following him in the past and hopefully when Jesus does not return on May 27, 2012, most of his current followers will wake up to the truth). Ronald Weinland either will publicly repent near then or claim that God has been merciful and given more time–perhaps he will claim one or more new “truths.” But no matter what he says, Ronald Weinland is not God’s prophet nor one of the two witnesses.

I have been warning about Ronald Weinland for over six years now and have been correct about him being wrong every time I have posted about him. Perhaps his remaining followers will wake up and realize the truth here?

For those unfamiliar with him, Ronald Weinland was a minister in the old old Worldwide Church of God, then he was in the United Church of God for a while. Since then, he has been on his own.

The Bible teaches:

20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’– 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:19-22).

Ronald Weinland will also, no later that May 28, 2012 be proven wrong that Jesus, according to him, is supposed to return on May, 27, 2012.

More will have to change with Ronald Weinland.  He will have to change his explanations as he is running of out time.  Perhaps he will keep his word this time, admit his error, and repent.  Perhaps he will do something like Seventh-day Adventist Ellen White and claim that Jesus somehow came spiritually.  Ronald Weinland may also claim that the Great Tribulation was spiritual.  Or say something that we all should be grateful that the merciful God has given the world/church more time as He has granted more grace.

We will see how Ron Weinland handles his error this time.  But no matter what he says and does, Jesus will NOT return in 2012.

A few articles of possible interest related to prophecy may include:

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 will return on May 27, 2012. Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? Why do Ronald Weinland’s own statements prove that he is a false prophet? Additionally, he has other views which show he is not truly part of the Church of God.?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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? Who are the 144,000?
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.
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping taught that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world would end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
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.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012?