Church of God News

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

The USA, certain Arab states, and the President of France (Hollande) do not want Israel to attack Iran, at least not now and as it seems planned to them:

October 31, 2012

US military commanders have warned their Israeli counterparts that any action against Iran would severely limit the ability of American forces in the region to mount their own operations against the Iranian nuclear programme by cutting off vital logistical support from Gulf Arab allies.

US naval, air and ground forces are dependent for bases, refuelling and supplies on Gulf Arab rulers who are deeply concerned about the progress Iran has made in its nuclear programme, but also about the rising challenge to their regimes posed by the Arab spring and the galvanising impact on popular unrest of an Israeli attack on Iran.   http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/31/us-warns-israel-strike-iran

October 31, 2012

“Given the history of the Jewish people, I would not sit by and write off a threat by those who say they are going to annihilate us,” Netanyahu told reporters. He said Arab nations, too, would be “relieved” if Iran were militarily prevented from obtaining nuclear arms.,,Hollande has supported a push for tougher European Union sanctions on Iran, but he also wants to keep the door open to dialogue, and has opposed Netanyahu’s talk of possible military action.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hDpetF49Hrd7Vk2bOZAAEmtuF04Q?docId=1f257d47cb484b4daaf85fa8540a891b

I suspect that if Israel has a fairly successful attack Iran and/or Syria that this will inflame much of the Arab world.  Despite the fear that many Arab leaders have of Iran, they well know that there people can rise up and replace them, and may well do so if they are seen as too supportive of Israel.  They also fear that groups related to the Muslim Brotherhood could fan those flames.

However, it is not only Arab leaders that could suffer. The reality is that the cost to the USA and/or Israel for a regional war involving Iran and/or Syria will be higher than many in the USA or Israel believe. Between terrorist acts, sustained resistance, chemical weapons, biological weapons, emp-type bombs, and/or even disruptions of the internet, Iran and/or Syria can inflict significant damage to their enemies. The possible cyber-attacks are just one more way Iran can cause consternation (it may be both on the receiving and sending end of that as well as emp attacks). Yet, the USA and the tiny of nation of Israel would not be eliminated by Iran or Syria–it will come later, by the King of the North (cf. Daniel 11:39).

But, since Israel (at least its current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu) is convinced that Iran is a threat that it will have to neutralize/eliminate, the reality is that it is likely that it will attack it later. Notice something related to Israel’s Defense Minister:

In London, defense minister signals J’lem will not rely on “even our closest, most trusted allies” to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, adds Israel lives in a tough region where there is “no mercy for the weak.”

Israel will not outsource its vital security interests to anyone, “not even to our closes and most trusted allies,” Defense Minister Ehud Barak said in London on Wednesday…

Barak also touch on changes in Egypt, noting that the country has “entered a new era. The Muslim Brotherhood regime provides a tailwind for Hamas in Gaza and extremists in Jordan.”  http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=290012

He and others seem very willing to attack Iran.  But there will be consequences.  Consequences that the Muslim Brotherhood (and/or groups with similar objectives) will take advantage of.

Watch! (Mark 13:37)

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
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? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
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?

COGwriter

Halloween is often considered as a Catholic holiday, but within Catholicism there are different views of it, and there are differing views in other groups.

Here is the view of one Catholic writer endorsing Halloween:

It should be noted that Halloween is a Catholic holiday. Pope Gregory IV in 835 made it the universal practice in the Roman Catholic Church to celebrate All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1. All Souls’ Day follows the next day as the commemoration of all of the faithful who have departed.

“All Hallows’ Even” as the evening before All Hallows’ Day — All Saints’ Day – eventually became shortened to Halloween. Hallow, as in “hallowed be thy name” in the Lord’s Prayer, is an older form of the word “holy.”

It was the Protestant Reformation that rejected the universal practice of devotion to the dead (Martin Luther dropped any references to praying for the dead from his Bible). This Catholic holiday was attacked, much like the church as a whole, for being pagan and evil. Hence I wouldn’t be surprised if this cloud of suspicion hovering over Halloween originated from the spirit of anti-Catholicism.

But Nov. 1st was the day of the Celtic Summer’s End feast of Samhain, the day when the dead returned to the earth. We have retained some of these pagan elements to Halloween, as is true of Christmas and Easter.

Why would a pope put the Catholic celebration of the dead on top of the pagans’ celebrations of the dead? Because the Catholic feasts are in continuity and fulfill the meaning of the pagan ones…

So what about the indulgence in the spooky and scary? Skeletons are spooky, but they are also very Catholic. In fact, one couldn’t find a better haunted house for a Halloween pilgrimage than the various “chapel of bones” that can be found across Europe (Killian Brian. Halloween, as autumn celebration, reminder God’s name is hallowed. Catholic Online International News. 10/31/06. http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=21818).

While the above author claims that anti-Catholic sentiments are perhaps the reason for objections to Halloween, it should be noted that more recently other Catholic leaders have condemned it, while Protestant supporters, like some of those at Christianity Today endorse its observance and attempt to profit commercially from it (for specific see the article American’s Expected to Spend Nearly $7 Billion on Halloween, CT Wants its Share).

Denouncements From Roman Catholics

Interestingly, the powerful Roman Catholic archdiocese in Mexico City condemned Halloween observance as pagan in 2007, though it is still being observed by practicing Catholics there:

Mexico’s Roman Catholic church slammed Halloween as “damaging and against the faith” on Monday, as conservatives sought to stem celebration of the ghouls-and-goblins holiday and return to the country’s traditional Day of the Dead.

The U.S.-style holiday has made broad inroads in Mexico, with monster costumes almost as widely sold as the marigold flowers traditionally used to decorate relatives’ graves during Nov. 1-2 Day of the Dead ceremonies, when families build altars and leave food, drink and flowers for the dearly departed.

“Those who celebrate Halloween are worshipping a culture of death that is the product of a mix of pagan customs,” the Archdiocese of Mexico published in an article on its Web site Monday. “The worst thing is that this celebration has been identified with neo-pagans, Satanism and occult worship.”

The archdiocese urged parents not to let their children wear Halloween costumes or go trick-or-treating — instead suggesting Sunday school classes to “teach them the negative things about Halloween,” costume parties where children can dress up as Biblical characters, and candy bags complete with instructions to give friends a piece while telling them “God loves you.”…

Pre-Hispanic cultures celebrated a similar holiday in August, but after the Spanish conquest, historians say the date was changed to Nov. 1 to coincide with the Catholic holiday…

In another article, Onesimo Herrera-Flores complained that “Halloween, for a variety of reasons, has imposed itself on other nations, displacing native customs.”

Celebrating Halloween, he said, citing a church authority, is “like inviting Satan into your home.”  (Mexico’s Catholic church slams Halloween; conservatives call for return to Day of Dead. Associated Press – Oct 29, 2007 http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/29/america/LA-GEN-Mexico-Church-Halloween.php

In 2009, the Vatican itself took steps to condemn Halloween:

Vatican condemns Hallowe’en as anti-Christian

The Vatican has condemned Hallowe’en as anti-Christian, saying it is based on a sinister and dangerous “undercurrent of occultism”.

Telegraph – Oct 30, 2009

The Holy See has warned that parents should not allow their children to dress up as ghosts and ghouls on Saturday, calling Hallowe’en a pagan celebration of “terror, fear and death”.

The Roman Catholic Church has become alarmed in recent years by the spread of Hallowe’en traditions from the US to other countries around the world.

As in Britain, it is only in recent years that Italian children have dressed up in costumes, played trick or treat on their neighbours and made lanterns out of hollowed out pumpkins.

The Vatican issued the warning through its official newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, in an article headlined “Hallowe’en’s Dangerous Messages”.

The paper quoted a liturgical expert, Joan Maria Canals, who said: “Hallowe’en has an undercurrent of occultism and is absolutely anti-Christian.”

Parents should “be aware of this and try to direct the meaning of the feast towards wholesomeness and beauty rather than terror, fear and death,” said Father Canals, a member of a Spanish commission on church rites.

Last year a newspaper controlled by the Italian bishops, Avvenire, called for a boycott of Hallowe’en, calling it a “dangerous celebration of horror and the macabre” which could encourage “pitiless [Satanic] sects without scruples”.

Earlier this week the Catholic Church in Spain also condemned the growing popularity of Halloween….

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/6467253/Vatican-condemns-Halloween-as-anti-Christian.html

Also notice:

…in recent years the Catholic church has been criticising, for instance, Halloween: it views Halloween as a symbol of subtle and dangerous secular values opposed to Christian ones; and it fears competition from its growing popularity. (Franco M. Is this the Vatican’s twilight? Guardian, August 5, 2011. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2011/aug/05/vatican-ambassadors-holy-see)

In the Philippines, Catholic schools have discouraged Halloween:

The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) has called on its member schools to shun Halloween parties…“Iwasan natin ang mga ganyang Halloween party kasi hindi naman Christian holidays… (Let’s avoid holding Halloween parties because Halloween is not a Christian holiday…),” CEAP president Fr. Gregg Bañaga reportedly said in a CBCP News article. The report also noted that the Catholic Church has been against the idea of glorifying evil during Halloween rites. (No more Halloween parties, Catholic schools told. GMA News, October 27, 2012. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/279915/news/nation/no-more-halloween-parties-catholic-schools-told).

It is good when religious leaders discourage those who profess Christ from observing pagan holidays with pagan practices.

Halloween is pagan and leaders in many professing Christian churches, including Catholic ones, know this.

All theological scholars realize that the apostolic church did not observe Halloween or anything resembling it.

Notice also the following scripture:

Thus says the LORD: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven,
For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile (Jeremiah 10:2-3).

At their absolute best, Halloween customs are futile, came from the way of the Gentiles, and detract from the emphasis to worship the true God. Those in the Church of God have always realized this. And many in the Church of Rome are getting some understanding of that.

LCG Evangelist Richard Ames posted the following commentary today:

Commentary: Christians and Halloween

By Richard F. Ames | Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Is it “fun” to play at evil? Should we follow our neighbors, like proverbial lemmings, off the dangerous cliff of pagan practices? Most of society has accepted the lie that Halloween is “innocent fun” and eagerly train their children to take pleasure in symbols of pagan, and even Satanic, evil. Read more

Halloween is not a holiday that the earliest Christians observed. It should not be observed by modern Christians either.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Genuine Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a verdadeira igreja do deus? Tambien Español: ¿Que es fiel: La Iglesia Católica Romana o la Iglesia verdadera de Dios? Auch: Deutsch: Welches ist treu: Die römisch-katholische Kirche oder die Kirche Gottes Original?
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?

Martin Luther

COGwriter

October 31st marks the day that Martin Luther hammered his now famous 95 theses back in 1517.

While the Church of Rome now agrees with many of the items on his list, back then this caused tremendous dissension and was a key factor in the so-called Protestant Reformation.

While the terms “word of God” and “Scriptures” is in English translations of what Martin Luther wrote, the 95 theses did not contain what became the rallying cry of his movement, “sola Scriptura,” which is Latin for “only Scripture.”

One of the major problems that I have had with Protestantism is that my experience suggests that Protestants do not follow that rallying cry of their movement.

But this should not be a surprise as Martin Luther himself did not believe in sola Scriptura either.

For proof, let’s start with this quote from Martin Luther:

My word is the word of Christ; my mouth is the mouth of Christ” (O’Hare PF. The Facts About Luther, 1916–1987 reprint ed., pp. 203-204).

[Specifically, what Martin Luther wrote in German was “”Ich bin sehr gewiss, dass mein Wort nitt mein, sondern Christus Wort sei, so muss mein Mund auch des sein, des Wort er redet” (Luther, 682) – also translated as “I am confident that it is not my word, but Christ’s word, so my mouth is His who utters the words”(God’s words – the violence of representation. Universitatea din Bucuresti, 2002. http://www.unibuc.ro/eBooks/filologie/meanings/1.htm, September 25, 2003).]

Martin Luther seemed to believe he could change the Bible.  For example, Romans 3:28 states,

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

Yet, Martin Luther, in his German translation of the Bible, specifically added the word “allein” (English ‘alone’) to Romans 3:28-a word that is not in the original Greek. Notice what Protestant scholars have admitted:

…Martin Luther would once again emphasize…that we are “justified by faith alone”, apart from the works of the Law” (Rom. 3:28), adding the German word allein (“alone”) in his translation of the Greek text. There is certainly a trace of Marcion in Luther’s move (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, pp. 64-65).

Furthermore, Martin Luther himself reportedly said,

You tell me what a great fuss the Papists are making because the word alone in not in the text of Paul…say right out to him: ‘Dr. Martin Luther will have it so,’…I will have it so, and I order it to be so, and my will is reason enough. I know very well that the word ‘alone’ is not in the Latin or the Greek text (Stoddard J. Rebuilding a Lost Faith. 1922, pp. 101-102; see also Luther M. Amic. Discussion, 1, 127).

This passage strongly suggests that Martin Luther viewed his opinions, and not the actual Bible as the primary authority–a concept which this author will name prima Luther. By “papists” he is condemning Roman Catholics, but is needs to be understood that Protestant scholars (like HOJ Brown) also realize that Martin Luther changed that scripture.

A review of Martin Luther’s writings show that he changed or diminished the importance of at least 18 books of the Bible” (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Esther, Job, Ecclesiastes, Jonah, Matthew, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation.  For details, please check out the article Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible?

Martin Luther did not properly view the word of God.

Those in the real Church of God believe that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and, and is profitable for doctrine” (II Timothy 3:16, NKJV).  Martin Luther did not truly hold to that belief.

The true Church of God has always based its real doctrines on the Bible and has not discounted the Bible (or books of it) like Martin Luther has.

Those interested in learning more should consider studying the following articles:

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?
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
Hope of Salvation: How the Genuine Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.

One Bowing Before the ‘Kalki’

COGwriter

Years ago, I communicated with a Hindu in India named Vijay Kumar about prophetic matters.  Here is some of what he posted a few years ago and that is still at his website:

Yes! 2012… shall be the year of reckoning. 2012 shall be remembered in history of mankind forever. Why?

From the position of planetary movements and astrological calculations… the significance of number three for present civilization is immense. The 12th year of 21st century totals number three.

Talking of 2012 means… we have already stepped into the 21st century which numerically totals three. The 12th year also totals to three. A significant upheaval on the whole shall be the order of the day.

Adharma (lawlessness) would be rooted out for ever. 2012 and beyond is the period of spiritual elevation. 2012 rings start of golden era. Beyond 2012 it shall be harmony and peace all over.

The society would have learnt its lessons. Unethical practices and wanton desires would take a back seat. The lure of money and position would cease to exist. A pot of gold found lying in the backyard would not have a claimant!

The glitter of gold and diamonds would be passé. The spiritual wisdom would become the order of the day. 2012 is the year of sacrifice. Both… the sinner (committer of crime) and the innocent will be sacrificed. One who has committed crime shall face the gallows. Those who uphold and cherish values in the society would sacrifice their lives for the sake of humanity…

The sacrifice by the eminent would be by will. To cleanse the society of its ills in 2012… many would come forward and sacrifice self on the altar of God. Unless that happens… the upheaval in the society is not possible. The blood of the innocent would be spilled. There is no other remedy…

For the society to climb back to its pristine glory of the golden era… even the meek would handle metal (pick arms). Whatever the poor and the downtrodden lay their hands upon would become their weapon. In the last phase of the Kali Yuga we are passing through… the complete society has been taken to ransom by about 6% corrupt population comprising of politicians, bureaucrats, judiciary and police force.

In every nook and corner of the world situation would be same…

2012 is the year of the Avatar of the era (god almighty manifest in human form)… people await with abated breath the coming of Bhagwan Kalki… one who delivers the mankind from the existing ills of today. Bhagwan Kalki would be a spiritual master of the highest order with the deadly combination of a wise dictator (Chanakya of the modern era)…

Prayers world-wide have delayed the coming of Bhagavan Kalki. The World War Three that was destined to start in 1998~1999 got delayed. It is the theory of mass karma that governs the destiny of every living being. WTC affair was just a preamble to the main show. Let us all prepare ourselves and wait for 2012.

Be it enlightenment 2012, mayan prophecy prediction year 2012, nostradamus 2012 predicciones armageddon doomsday happen, horrible polar shift… everything bogs down to… what is going to happen in 2012!

(Kumar, Vijay. End of the World 2012. http://www.godrealized.com/2012.html viewed 10/30/12).

While some events of prophetic interest have and will unfold in 2012, the rise of the major leader that he discusses, etc. is not going to happen in 2012.  Something like that will be later (though it will also, biblically, be different than he understands).

There are many who misunderstand end time prophecy, and it is not just some associated with the Hindus.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Might Hindus Unknowingly Be Looking for the Arrival of the Beast and False Prophet? Do biblical and even Hindu prophecies suggest that many in India will follow, for a while, the Beast and False Prophet/Antichrist?
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?
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.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet?
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?  Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?

COGwriter

The storm known as Hurricane Sandy is having major effects on the East Coast of North America:

Monster storm Sandy leaves New York, eastern US crippled

Reuters – ‎30 October 2012

Hurricane Sandy lashes East Coast. NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy, one of the biggest storms ever to hit the United States, battered the densely populated East Coast on Monday, shutting down transportation, forcing evacuations in flood-prone areas and …

Related Tropical cyclone » Sandy » Storm surge »

NYC faces transit nightmare, outages after SandyCBS News

At least 39 dead, millions without power in Sandy’s aftermath

Fox News – ‎ 30 October 2012

NEW YORK – Millions of people from Maine to the Carolinas awoke Tuesday without electricity, and an eerily quiet New York City was all but closed off by car, train and air as superstorm Sandy steamed inland, still delivering punishing wind and rain.

5 Records Set By Sandy, And What They MeanABC News

Obama Declares ‘Major Disasters’ in New York, New JerseyWall Street Journal
Closed again today, will Wall Street reopen Wednesday?

A look at Caribbean deaths, damage from Sandy

The Associated Press – ‎30 October 2012o‎

By The Associated Press -. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Hurricane Sandy has been blamed for at least 69 deaths in the Caribbean

Sandy Now Largest Atlantic Storm Ever...

Hurricane Sandy, the largest tropical system recorded in the Atlantic, strengthened as it began making the transition to a superstorm that may push a wall of water ashore in the Northeast and lash the East with wind, rain and snow.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-29/hurricane-sandy-may-push-record-storm-surge-into-manhattan.html

The US stock exchange has been closed so far this week, many businesses in the East are not open that otherwise would be, and there is flooding in many places.  And people have died.  Plus, the Caribbean still has residual issues from this storm.  The storm is even having affects on the USA presidential election.  Pray for people and that God’s will will be done.

In a co-worker letter from LCG’s Dr. Meredith earlier this year was the following:

Thousands of years ago, God warned of the sobering consequences of rejecting Him and His commandments. “I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. And your strength shall be spent in vain; for your land shall not yield its produce…” (Leviticus 26:19-20). “Therefore the land will mourn; and everyone who dwells there will waste away with the beasts of the field…” (Hosea 4:3). God wants to bless those He created in His image, but disobedience forces Him to remove His blessings and protection (verses 1-7). God does control the weather and yearns for His people to return to Him so that He can once again bless them with “rain in due season” (Leviticus 26:1-4, KJV). For more information on extreme weather conditions, review our insightful booklet, Who Controls the Weather?Will the United States, Canada, Britain and Australia truly repent and turn to the God of the Bible before more devastating droughts, floods, earthquakes and other natural catastrophes strike? Will we repent of what God Almighty calls the “vile passions” of homosexuality, when “men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 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” (Romans 1:26-28)?

National repentance is the only hope now for the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.  And as far as the storm goes, prayer and physical preparations can and should be done (see also Superstorm Expected: What Can You Do?).

Prior to all of this, Dr. Meredith wrote:

So we must each examine our own situation to determine what action we should take. Are we living in a low-lying coastal area where we may be in danger at a time of increasing hurricanes, tsunamis or similar natural disasters? Do we have at least a week’s supply of emergency food and water, flashlight batteries, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, prescription medications and other essential items? Have we read the instructions from our nation or region about how to prepare for such emergencies as hurricanes, earthquakes or terrorists attacks? (Meredith RC.  Are You Prepared.  Tomorrow’s World, Jan-Feb 2005)

Put aside some food and store some water…Bad times are coming, have some supplies (Meredith RC. Prophecy Overview. Sermon, July 19, 2008).

Get extra food, dried food, and water…When these things happen, maybe God’s people can survive longer…It’s good to be prudent (Meredith RC. Do you actually live by faith? Sermon, April 25, 2009).

And preparation certainly makes a lot of sense.  Increasingly worsening weather and storms have long been expected and seem to be happening.  More will as well.  These difficult times should get people’s attention.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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?
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?
Is Smoking a Sin? What does the Bible teach? What have COG leaders written? Can smokers change?
Binge Alcohol Drinking and the Bible Many college students and others overindulge in alcohol. Are there health risks? What does the Bible teach?
Obesity and Prophecy Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned?
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
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?
What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

COGwriter

The latest TW News & Prophecy from the Living Church of God has the following:

The “Marriage Equality” bill that seeks to redefine marriage to include unions between two members of the same sex, overwhelmingly passed its first Parliamentary reading. NZ Prime Minister, John Key, one of the bill’s supporters, described the result as exciting and told media sources that it was “a strong endorsement for the equality of rights” (New Zealand News, August 30, 2012). However, Mr. Key admitted that the debate will grow louder and “quite ferocious” as the bill progresses. Nonetheless, since a strong majority of Parliamentarians supports the bill, it will almost certainly get safely through its remaining stages and become law (ibid.).While many have labeled this bill as a positive initiative that leads to “equal rights,” God does not mince words regarding what He thinks about homosexuality. He calls it “vile” and unnatural (Romans 1:26-27) and an “abomination” (Leviticus 18:22) because it totally corrupts what marriage pictures–the union between Jesus Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-32). Many do not understand the gravity of what they are promoting.

Jesus Christ is going to return, and with the saints will restore the knowledge of God’s true way of life (see Isaiah 30:19-22; Acts 3:19-21). Read our booklet, The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like? to glimpse just how different the soon-coming World Ahead will be.

The Mental Health Foundation in NZ also announced it encourages the adoption of the homosexual marriage bill there:

Tuesday Oct 30, 2012…the Mental Health Foundation…has made a submission supporting the Marriage Amendment Bill.

Chief executive Judi Clements says sexual and gender minorities experience significantly poorer mental health than others…She says the poor mental health outcomes she has seen within the gay community may improve with increased social and legal acceptance of their relationships.  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10843811

Making something “legal” is not the same as making something right or good for one’s mental health.  All form of sexual immorality are wrong even (fornication, adultery, prostitution, etc. ) though many are legal.

There were other societies that have had their own issues of openly advocating sin relationships that their residents seemed to view as acceptable. Notice what happened in a couple of such towns between three thousand and four thousand years ago:

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

And why did it happen?

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

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

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

National repentance is the only real long-term hope for the Anglo-peoples (and it seems to be too late for that).

Keeping the Ten Commandments reflects love. Breaking them and/or condoning those that do is evil. This should be clear to those who believe the God of the Bible. Children should be raised by God-fearing heterosexual couples–for God wants godly offspring:

4…Because the Lord has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth…Yet she is your companion
And your wife by covenant. 15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one?
He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. (Malachi 2:14-15)

Same-sex unions are not endorsed in the Bible and were not what God intended humans to be in to raise children.

But New Zealand does not seem inclined to truly listen to those who are strongly advocating changes in the moral direction of the land. Nor do those in Australia or the other Anglo-dominated lands.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
Deification: Did the Early Church Teach That Christians Would Become God? What does the Bible teach? Is deification only a weird or cultic idea?
The Cherished Christian Woman: Duty and destiny This is an article by LCG’s Wyatt Ciesielka on women and their potential.
Successful Parenting: God’s Way This is an LCG booklet by Dr. J. Fall on parenting the right type of family.
LCG: Fathers Raising Sons An LCG commentary with Malachi 4:4-6 added.
God’s Plan for Happy Marriage This is an LCG booklet by Dr. R. Meredith.
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine. What does the Bible really teach?
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 real Church of God?
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?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
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?

Richard Ames and Bob Thiel, October 8, 2012

COGwriter

In his latest commentary Living Church of God Evangelist Richard Ames has the following:

Commentary: Armageddon Postponed? Fifty Years After the Cuban Missile Crisis

By Richard F. Ames | Monday, October 29, 2012

Sunday, October 28 marked the 50th anniversary of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev’s momentous announcement that his nation would withdraw nuclear-armed medium-range ballistic missiles from Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States. After weeks of tension and fear, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief, as nuclear cosmocide was averted. Or was it merely delayed?

On October 22, 1962, U.S. President John F. Kennedy told his nation and the world: “It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere as an attack on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union.” For a time, many were almost certain that a devastating attack, and response, would come.

I personally remember seeing the empty shelves of my neighborhood supermarket as thousands of neighbors had begun stockpiling food in panic. They were not alone. “‘You got the sense that even there, people in New York were scared.’ Mayor Robert F. Wagner called for a recruiting campaign for civil defense volunteers, and schoolchildren practiced duck-and-cover drills” (New York Times, October 28, 2012).

Dozens of U.S. B-52 bombers had been flying 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready at any moment to retaliate against a Soviet attack. The U.S. Strategic Air Command was operating at Defense Readiness Condition 2—DEFCON 2—one step below DEFCON 1, a full-out nuclear war.

Behind the scenes, negotiations continued. The Atlantic magazine online published a photo-essay recounting those dangerous days leading to the dramatic resolution when, on October 27, Khrushchev and Kennedy reached a secret agreement. “Kennedy would order the removal of missiles in southern Italy and Turkey, and Khrushchev would remove all missiles in Cuba. Over the following weeks, U.S. forces monitored the departure of 42 missiles aboard eight Soviet ships, and the crisis was averted.”

Fifty years ago, our world came very close to Armageddon, hardly more than a decade after General Douglas MacArthur had characterized the state of the world in his farewell address to the U.S. Congress: “Military alliances, balances of power, leagues of nations, all in turn failed, leaving the only path to be the way of the crucible of war. The utter destructiveness of war now blocks out this alternative. We have had our last chance. If we will not devise some greater and more equitable system, our Armageddon will be at our door” (April 19, 1951).

Since MacArthur’s speech, has the world devised “some greater and more equitable system”? No! Will Armageddon soon “be at our door”? Your Bible reveals a great prophetic climactic battle, popularly referred to as “Armageddon,” described in Revelation 16:14, when “the kings of the earth and of the whole world” will gather for “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” This present age will end with a climactic battle between the forces of good and evil, and the returning Jesus Christ—the coming King of kings—will win that battle (Revelation 19:1-21)!

Even those who do not take the Bible seriously admit the danger of nuclear catastrophe. On January 10, 2012, The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the minute hand of their symbolic doomsday clock one minute closer to midnight. They announced, “[F]ailure to act on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty by leaders in the United States, China, Iran, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Israel, and North Korea and on a treaty to cut off production of nuclear weapons material continues to leave the world at risk from continued development of nuclear weapons. The world still has approximately 19,500 nuclear weapons, enough power to destroy the earth’s inhabitants several times over.”

The Bulletin announced: “It is five minutes to midnight.” The scientists concluded their announcement with this sobering warning: “The Clock is ticking.”

Thankfully, there is hope beyond the coming Armageddon, for those who repent and obey their Savior. To learn more, read our booklet, Armageddon and Beyond, or order your own free printed copy.

The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) is coming and relatively soon thereafter, Armageddon.   It will be the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) and repentance is the answer.

Some articles of related interest may include:

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? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
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?
Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
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?
What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
True vs. False Conversion Are you really converted or willing to be? What is true conversion? What is false conversion? What are the dangers of false conversion? Evangelist Roderick Meredith provides information on those important questions.

Julia Gillard

COGwriter

The Prime Minister of Australia has just proposed language lessons to deal with China’s and India’s growing influence:

Gillard: Australia must embrace ‘Asian Century’

By Monica Attard, for CNN

October 29, 2012

CNN) — Every Australian child should learn Mandarin, Hindi or other regional language as the nation’s future is tied to the rise of the “Asian Century,” Prime Minister Julia Gillard said in a policy speech on Sunday.

“Whatever else this century brings, it will bring Asia’s return to global leadership, Asia’s rise. This is not only unstoppable, it is gathering pace,” Gillard said in a long-awaited policy white paper entitled, “Australia in The Asian Century.”  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/28/world/asia/australia-gillard-asian-century/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Wow!

When she first was elected, I wrote the following on June 24, 2010 (see Australia Now Has a Female Prime Minister: Prophetic Ramifications?):

Certain biblical, Chinese, and other prophecies, mentioned in the Arroyo Grande, California published book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, discuss that how Australia itself may become taken over. By virtue of her timing, Julia Gillard may inadvertently pursue policies that will lead to the fulfillment of various end time prophecies. Her role as Australia’s new prime minister will have prophetic ramifications.

And now she wants the citizens of Australia to learn an Asia language as she has conceded this century as one for Asian-dominance.   But, does she not know that the Bible warns of a time when the descendants of Israel will be taken captive and this includes the Australians?

Learning Asian languages is not the answer for Australia.  National repentance is Australia’s only hope.

I have had concerns about China and Australia for some time. Here is something from my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect on that:

There is also an ancient Chinese prophecy that might hint that areas like Australia and/or New Zealand could end up as part of China…Perhaps it should be mentioned that the dividing of the conquered lands also seems to be foretold in the Bible in Lamentations 4:16 and Joel 3:2…

The ancient Chinese prophecy states, “Population mouth takes territories south of the Yangtze river. The capital is moved again. The two divide up the territories, of which each maintains and defends.”

This may be related to a deal that perhaps the Chinese will make in the future with Europe, as opposed to military conquest. It also may not be related to the taking of Australia or New Zealand, but perhaps might be.

This Chinese prophecy, combined with Bible prophecy and recent developments, should be of concern to those living in Australia or New Zealand.

Notice also something that I posted on November 10, 2011 (see Obama Putting ‘Permanent’ Troops in Australia Because of China, But…):

The presence of US troops in China may be used as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia. The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA…The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous.

And within a week of posting the above, the Chinese began to confirm my concerns (see Chinese Upset Enough About USA in Australia that its Hinting About Militarily Hitting Australia):

China getting upset enough about the USA troops to be stationed in Australia that it is dropping militaristic hints:

A Marine Base for Australia Irritates China

DARWIN, Australia — Fresh from announcing an expanded American military presence in Australia, a plan that has angered China, President Obama came to this remote northern town that will be the base of operations…

The Global Times, a state-run news organization known for its nationalist and bellicose commentaries, issued a stronger reaction in an editorial, saying that Australia should be cautious about allowing the United States to use bases there to “harm China” and that it risked getting “caught in the cross-fire.” http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/18/world/asia/obama-addresses-troops-at-final-stop-in-australia.html

The Australians themselves have had various concerns about China, but while they seem to feel that allowing the USA in the country in a bigger way will protect them or perhaps learning Mandarin, I have a different view. The presence of US troops in China may be used as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia. The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA and thus, since the USA owes them money, taking over Australia will help settle that debt.

China is rising up and the USA is declining militarily relative to it and Europe right now. This does not bode well for the USA nor its allies like Australia. The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous.

The Bible suggests that the land of the Anglo-descended peoples will be conquered and divided (Daniel 11:39; Lamentations 4:16; Joel 3:2-3; Amos 7:17; Ezekiel 5:1-2,12; 6:8; Ezekiel 22:13-15; )

Without national repentance, the Australia is doomed. Period. So is the USA. Details are in the Bible and are more specifically explained in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

Many do not wish to accept that, either here in the USA, over in New Zealand, or in Australia, but it is the truth. These nations will be taken over, and it may be that China will control part of the land.  And now, the Prime Minister of Australia wants her people to learn Asia languages as she believes this will be the Asian century.

As far as this becoming a Chinese/Asian dominated century, while later this century will be the final “time of the Gentiles,” it will be for a while led by Europe and not Asia.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? Might military alliances be part of the reason that non-US Anglo-nations get 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? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about Mitt Romney and discusses Australia. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link:  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Mitt Romney?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps.  After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
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?
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?
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?  Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
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 24 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 many of the 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 24 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 24 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

In his latest commentary, LCG’s Richard A. Wilson had the following:

As the weather cools down and autumn leaves change, millions of people around the world will celebrate on October 31 a very strange and macabre phenomenon called “Halloween.” It is relatively easy to research the holiday’s beginnings and learn of its pagan roots, particularly the Celtic Samhain.

Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the “darkest half” of the year. Gaelic traditions claim that, at Samhain, the doors to the underworld open— allowing dead souls and harmful spirits to enter our world.

Costume-wearing on Halloween has its roots in the practice of “guising”—hiding one’s identity (originally by using ashes blackened in “sacred” fires) as protection against the invading spirits. One custom in Ireland was for men to go door-to-door before sunset to collect food for the evening’s Samhain feast. That tradition is echoed in the later practice of “souling,” in which children and poor people would go from house to house, singing and saying prayers for the dead in return for cakes. Some today may find it surprising to learn that the tradition of going from house to house seeking “treats” did not gain popularity in the United States until the 1950s.

Is there really any harm in dressing up in costumes as ghouls, goblins, witches or demons? Is there anything wrong with, just once a year, acknowledging a part of the spirit realm that is evil, harmful and dangerous? What is the biblical perspective?

Revelation 12:9 says, “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth and his angels with him.”

We need to understand that Satan, once an archangel (the one who covered God’s throne, as mentioned in Ezekiel 28:14-15), is real. He does exist—and he and his fallen angels (demons) were long ago cast down to the earth. He is now called the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), and celebrations like Halloween are ultimately of his creation! He and his demons are making every effort to foil God’s plan for mankind. He wants to trick human beings into rejecting God and accepting evil.

Halloween, although appearing as mischievous fun, is an aspect of the evil of Satan that God warns us about. In many communities, Halloween is the day of the year when the largest number of serious crimes—personal assaults, property damage and other felonies—are committed, more than any other day.

Scripture does not encourage us to accept foolishness. “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Are we “redeeming the time” if we enjoy a festival that invites the influence of evil?

Satan and his fallen angels are real, and they are active not just one day of the year, but every day of the year. Our modern Halloween celebrations may seem harmless and fun, but in truth, they are rooted in pagan rituals that go against God’s word and His ways. So, do not be deceived. Protect yourself and your family from these deceptions by coming out of them (2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4).

To learn more, read our Tomorrow’s World article, “Festivals of Death?” and our powerful and informative booklet, The Holy Days: God’s Master Plan.

In Leviticus chapter 23, it lists:

“The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts” (vs.2).

Halloween not listed as one of them.  Halloween is not a biblically enjoined feast day for Christians (there is not any hint of it in the Bible; and holidays like it are warned against in Deut 4:15-24).  Actually the Bible, in various places, warns against worshipping God the way the pagans, etc. did (Leviticus 18:3; Deuteronomy 12:31, Jeremiah 10:2-3).

The Bible repeatedly warns against the practices of witches (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:10, Galatians 5:20) and dealing with ghosts/etc. (Deuteronomy 18:11, I Chronicles 10:13).

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?

(Photo by Geierunited)

COGwriter

Quitting cigarette smoking is good for your health.  And a new study out of the UK has quantified that for women:

Life expectancy was dramatically improved among participants in Great Britain’s Million Women Study who quit smoking compared with continuous smokers, confirming the previously uncertain benefits of smoking cessation in women, researchers said.

Although women who stopped smoking around age 50 remained at significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with never-smokers (relative risk 1.56, 95% CI 1.49 to 1.64), it was much lower than the tripled risk of death seen in current smokers, according to Kirstin Pirie, MSc, of the University of Oxford in England, and colleagues…

“Stopping well before age 40 years would avoid well over 90% of the excess hazard in continuing smokers,” Pirie and colleagues wrote.

But, they stressed, “this does not … mean that it is safe to smoke until age 40 years and then stop.”   http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/Smoking/35605

Researchers who followed one million women found those who smoked a pack a day starting in their teens reduced life expectancy by an average of 11 years, according to a new study published in The Lancet. NBC’s Robert Bazell reports.  http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/49575213/#49575213

Smoking is dangerous and hurts the smoker and those around the smoker. Quitting is a good thing.

Decades before the scientific rationale about smoking risks was known, the late Hebert W. Armstrong came up with some biblical reasons that people should not smoke:

Now I had to face the question: Is smoking a SIN? I wanted the BIBLE answer, for I had learned by this time that Christ had said we must live by EVERY WORD OF GOD. The BIBLE is our Instruction Book on right living. We must find a BIBLE reason for everything we do. I knew, of course, there is no specific command, “Thou shalt not smoke.” But the absence of a detailed prohibition did not mean God’s approval. I had learned that GOD’S LAW is His WAY OF LIFE. It is a basic philosophy of life.The whole Law is summed up in the one word LOVE.

I knew that love is the opposite of lust. Lust is self-desire — pleasing the self only. Love means loving others. Its direction is not inward toward self alone, but outgoing, toward others. I knew the Bible teaches that “lust of the flesh” is the way of SIN.

So now I began to apply the principle of God’s Law. I asked myself, “WHY do I smoke?” To please others — to help others — to serve or minister to or express love toward others — or only to satisfy and gratify a desire of the flesh within my own self? The answer was instantaneously obvious. I had to be honest with it. My only reason for smoking was LUST OF THE FLESH, and lust of the flesh is, according to the BIBLE, sin! I stopped smoking immediately. (Armstrong HW.  The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong. 1973)

(Those interested in learning more about Herbert W. Armstrong, should read the article Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today?)

Notice some of what the Bible teaches:

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

37…”‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Consider that smoking does not glorify God in your body–it harms your body. Consider that smoking also does not show love towards one’s neighbor–it harms your neighbor. Smoking is a sin.  Yet, smoking is not the Unpardonable Sin and can be stopped.

Smoking is wrong and it kills people. God wants people to change/repent (Acts 17:30)–which means that, despite its difficulties it can be done (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13).

The sooner one starts the better one will be, and the study cited at the beginning of this post confirms that.

Several articles of possibly related interest include:

Is Smoking a Sin? What does the Bible teach? What have COG leaders written? Can smokers change?
The Seven Laws of Success Booklet by Herbert W. Armstrong that can help people become successful.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains how he is and should be viewed today.
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it?
The Cherished Christian Woman: Duty and destiny This is an article by LCG’s Wyatt Ciesielka on women and their potential.
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?