Church of God News

Last Page of the Dresden Codex

COGwriter

The long-count Mayan calendar is supposed to end 10 weeks from today, on 21 December 2012.  Some believe it will end a day or two later.  So, what will this mean.

Some believe that the Dresden Codex, from 11th/12th century (and shown above), is pointing to the world ending in a flood in December 2012 (the 2012 date is possibly based upon some small markings pointing to 2012 events, like the “transit of Venus” and a so-called “galactic alignment”).

This, according to some, also ties into a written Mayan prophecy from a 16th century document known as the Chilam Balim.   It possibly may or may not have had some relationship to the Dresden Codex. Notice what it states (a katun is a period of 7200 days in the Mayan calendar):

But when the law of the katun has run its course, the God will bring about a great deluge again which will be the end of the world. When this is over, then our Lord Jesus Christ will descend over the valley of Jehoshaphat beside the town of Jerusalem where he redeemed us with his holy blood (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, p. 62).

Yet, the above is, biblically, a false claim.  The Bible, which is the main source for historically-accurate information about Jesus, teaches:

8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9 “And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. 11 Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Genesis 9:8-11).

However, since the world cannot and will not be destroyed by a flood, I strongly suspect that many will decide that the Mayan prophecies should properly be interpreted to mean that the longed for age of peace is upon us–even though it will not be (Ezekiel 13:10).

Furthermore, 2012 is not the end of the world nor will Jesus return in 2012. That Mayan prediction is wrong. The Mayan flood prophecy will be proven false, whether it related to 2012 or not or the Dresden Codex or not.

In the next ten weeks (and later), however, do not be surprised if you hear more information about a coming age of peace.  And while the Bible tells of an age of peace that Jesus will bring, the main secular sources will not be teaching much about that one, but one that they hope humanity will bring upon itself.

But while humanity may bring temporary peace, the kingdom of God, which the Bible predicts, will be necessary for real peace.

Yet, because many have made false predictions about 2012, many will likely use 2012 as an excuse to scoff at and discount all prophecy, including biblical ones. According to ancient writers such as the Apostle Peter (2 Peter 3:1-13), that will be a mistake.

Those who wish to learn more about 2012 may wish to check out the following articles:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
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?

A photostatic copy of a page from Ilustração Portugueza, October 29, 1917

COGWriter

Tomorrow is the 95th anniversary of something commonly called ‘the miracle of the sun.’  On October 13, 1917, an apparition who did not initially give her name, was seen seen by three Portuguese children: Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco.  Though others did not see here, there was apparently some type of change in the sky on October 13, 1917 that many others (supposedly around 70,000) reported witnessed.  Every year, throngs of people visit Fatima this day because of it (others visit throughout the year, but the 13th of May and the 13th of October seem to be the most attended times).  The “Lady” that appeared gave various messages that many believe have been confirmed by world events.  Millions falsely believe that the “Lady of Fatima” was Jesus’ mother Mary.

As far as this “miracle of the sun” goes, let me simply state that there were various accounts of what was scene and I do not believe it was a miracle from God.

Since we in the Church of God do not believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared in Fatima, Portugal in 1917, why pay attention to this?

There are at least three reasons:

1) Some of the events claimed to have been predicted in 1917 (though not written down until years later) appear to have taken place. This has given the Fatima messages credibility even among those not part of the Catholic faith.

2) The Fatima appearances, though not necessarily all the messages, have been accepted as legitimate and/or “worthy of belief” by the Vatican. As there are at least 1-2 billion people with at least some minimal ties with the Church of Rome, this means that a huge portion of the West (Europe and the Western Hemisphere), as well as people throughout the rest of the world, have reasons to pay attention to the Fatima.

3) Some of the Fatima messages are claimed to still be for the future. And whether people believe them or not, there will be repercussions from them. Some of those repercussions will likely shock the world. If you survive, you will likely be affected by these repercussions in the not too distant future. This is mainly because of warnings in the Bible about a woman (Isaiah 47) that seems to have had a lot in common with the apparition that supposedly appeared nearly a century ago.

Furthermore, the Bible warns that signs and lying wonders will deceive those that do not have the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).   And prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments suggest that a “Lady” who is considered a virgin.

And while I (who have looked into Fatima extensively) do not believe that Mary of the Bible appeared there, it is possible that messages believed to have been given may affect the world in a few years. And I hope to report more on that in the future.

For more information on Fatima and other mystic Catholic claims, please check out the following:

Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! provides concerned Christians with enough Catholic-documented facts to effectively counter every false Marian argument.
Fatima Shock! Amazon Kindle version.  Fatima Shock! is also available on Amazon Kindle.  If you do not have a Kindle, that is okay. 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 Fatima Shock! Amazon Kindle version and download it.  You can have the complete book in minutes.

COGwriter

Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGWA) posted the following:

What Is Going to Happen to America?…

In spite of the United States’ vast blessings, poor decisions by its leadership now threaten the way of life so many Americans have come to enjoy. Irresponsible increases in debt and entitlement programs that cannot be sustained at current levels of taxation are problems passed from one administration to the next…Debt is not America’s only problem…

Sexual immorality is another problem. Deviant sexual behavior has become a way of life for many in the United States. God’s laws against living together prior to marriage, marital infidelity and same-sex marriage are now considered archaic and out of date by an increasing number of Americans. Abortion—taking the life of an innocent child prior to birth—has become the common method of birth control for millions of women. Some callously argue that this is their right.

Claiming freedom and superior intellectual understanding, many in the United States think they know better than their Creator. Reflecting this way of thinking, the United States is one of the largest producers of pornography in the world.

The ancient Israelites had similar attitudes toward God’s moral laws. As God said through the prophet Jeremiah, “How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by those that are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, then they committed adultery and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses. They were like well-fed lusty stallions; every one neighed after his neighbor’s wife” (Jeremiah 5:7-8).

God also lamented that they did not “know how to blush” (Jeremiah 6:15) and “therefore they shall fall among those who fall; in the time of their punishment they shall be cast down” (Jeremiah 8:12)…

What is going to happen to America, and what is going to happen to you? While punishment is going to come to the United States and all nations for disobedience to God’s laws, you don’t have to suffer this fate. When Jesus came preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, He said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

Of course, the above article is focused on the United States of America.  However, Canada (which is also part of North America) will suffer a similar fate (as will the UK and countries such as Australia and New Zealand).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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?
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. 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.)

COGwriter

Back in the old Radio Church of God (which became the old Worldwide Church of God) was an article by David Jon Hill that had the following:

Will YOU be Deceived by ANTICHRIST?

Events are plunging toward the eventful climax of Christ’s return. Will you recognize the REAL CHRIST when he returns?
by David Jon Hill…

Catholic Interest in ProphecyGod declares that the endtime pope will be a false prophet, yet the pope has never declared himself to be a prophet. When will he deceive the world into thinking that he foresees future events? What events will he foretell? How will these prophecies affect you? How can you keep from being deceived?

A recently published book reveals a startling Catholic interest in endtime prophecy. This book, together with tradition and the writings of some of the “early church Fathers,” brings to light an eye-opening preview of the false prophecies that are about to be preached!

Satan knows God’s general Plan. He has been at work in the minds of evil and deluded men throughout the ages to lay the groundwork of the GREAT DELUSION ! Though the vials of the wrath of God are poured out on sinful men, their impenitence remains–“AND THEY REPENTED NOT” (Rev. 16:9)…

Giant Rehabilitation Program

The “mop-up operation” that will follow the return of Christ, in which you may be employed, will be the greatest in all history!

It is difficult to realize the total chaos that will exist! The truth of your Bible revealed in the pages of Revelation is not just “apocalyptic writing”- but these revelations are from the Almighty God who foresaw this cnd of civilization and realized as He told us Himself in Matthew 24:22 that, “Except those days should be shortened, there should NO FLESH BE SAVED ALIVE!”

So let your mind dwell for a moment on the REALITY of this. Let the truth sink in! This will be a time such as the earth has NEVER FACED BEFORE.

No ships are plying the sea, no forests cover the mountainsides, no grass clothes the plains, whole islands have disappeared into the sea, mountain chains have been wrenched out of shape, peaks have become valleys and valleys have become plateaus. Even the earth itself is not circling the sun in its proper orbit, but reeling like a drunken man through the solar system!

In a situation such as this only those who have God’s Truth could be expected to be sane! “The public service of God shall be extinguished . . . at that time silver and gold shall be cast out in the streets, and none shall gather them; but all things shall be an offence” (Ibid. Hippolytus, section XXXIV).

The “public service,” the Catholic Mass, will not be allowed! Silver and gold won’t be worth anything to man, because you cannot buy God–only repentance will be worth anything in that day! “And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats!” (Isa. 2:19-20.)

The supreme government on earth is the Government of God. Christ Himself, with all of the saints born into His Kingdom with Him, and the multitudes of Israel coming out of captivity are abiding in peace at Jerusalem. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the NORTH COUNTRY, and from ALL COUNTRIES whither I had driven them: and they shall DWELL IN THEIR OWN LAND” (Jer. 23:5-8).

The first twenty-six verses of Jeremiah 31 repeat again the establishment of peace and God’s rule at Jerusalem over Israel and over His born-again Sons. Read it yourself!

During this same time, “He shall judge among many people, and rebuke STRONG NATIONS AFAR OFF; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Mic. 4:3).

Millennia1 Pioneers

Then, after a period of time-including the three and one-half years of the ministry of Jesus Christ which He has yet to finish as a personal ministry to Israel–those of us who are the born Sons of God and the physical seed of Israel will go forth from Jerusalem to establish government, peace and prosperity. The laws of God will be taught to all the peoples of the earth, beginning at Jerusalem. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast” (Jer. 31 :27).

When you come to them and say, “This is THE WAY, WALK YE IN IT!” (Isa. 30:21), when you begin to explain to them that the Christianity they have known is FALSE, that the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week-even when you are able to read the thoughts of their minds-it is STILL GOING TO SENSES! They will have been deceived ahead of time by a clever satanic-inspired prophecy. They will believe that you are teaching exactly these things which they have been told are false! Yes, believe it or not, Satan knows the Scripture-he TREMBLES AT GOD’S WORD BECAUSE HE KNOWS IT WILL COME TO PASS! And he will have tried his best, by his method of CONFUSING THE FACTS, to so deceive this last generation as to frustrate the Plan nf God in setting tip His government in the Millennium. Even though Satan himself is restrained at this time from further deceiving the nations, HE HAS BE DIFFICULT TO BRING THEM TO THEIR ALREADY DECEIVED THIS LAST GENERATION!

Listen to this satanic delusion: “Antichrist will be an iconoclast [against idols). Most of the world will adore him. He will teach that the Christian religion is false, confiscation of Christian property is legal, Saturday is to be observed instead of Sunday, and he will change the Ten Commandments [that is, restore them in their ORIGINAL FORM, including the declaration against idols). All his wonders could not be written in a book. They will be more wonderful than the Old and New Testaments! . . . he will read people’s minds, raise the dead, REWARD HIS FOLLOWERS AND PUNISH THE REST”! (Prophecy For Today; from Dionysius of Luxemberg, d. 1682.) AND, “. . . He will begin by affecting RESPECT FOR THE LAW OF MOSES’(’Ibid.; from Frederick William Faber, d. 1863).

The Pope’s Prophecy

Here we see in full the prophecies this endtime false prophet will preach. He will attribute Jesus Christ’s intervention in world affairs to the person and the workings of Antichrist!

Christ is the One who is AGAINST IDOLS! Christ is the One who will show how perverted this world’s “Christianity” has become-that it is a FALSE RELIGION! Christ is the Lord of the Old Testament whose day of worship is the seventh day, INSTEAD OF SUNDAY! CHRIST is the One who gave the Ten Commandments in their ORIGINAL FORM, and will restore them. CHRIST IS THE ONE WHO WILL RAISE THE DEAD AND REWARD HIS FOLLOWERS. . . HE IS GOD, AND THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM!

So we see here the diabolical plot hatched by this professed “Christian” leader. Here is the age-old attempt of Satan the Devil to arrogate to himself and to his deceived minions the OFFICE OF GOD; while he attributes the intervention of the True Christ in his returning glory to the PERSON AND ACTION OF ANTICHRIST!

This charges the office and work of the Holy Spirit as having its origin as a WORK OF THE DEVIL, AND CONSTITUTES UNPARDONABLE SIN!

These diabolical thoughts, ensconced in the fear-ridden minds of completely deceived human beings, WILL BE DIFFICULT TO DISLODGE! You will need all the power God bestows on you as His born son to do the job He will give you to do.

Peace At Last!

Egypt is an example of all the nations who refuse to come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, to recognize God as the Ruler of the earth. Then we see the last rebellion put down as those from the far corners of the earth up in Siberia, and in the provinces of China-the farthest spot on earth from Jerusalem-will swoop down upon in a vain effort to take away the great riches that God has bestowed on His peace-loving people. A thousand years of peace and prosperity, health and happiness stretch beyond that time that cannot be imagined in your mind.

And think of it, brethren, YOU have been called to help God bring His peace to this earth! You are offered a sonship in the Kingdom of God to teach other people how to become God ! By overcoming yourself daily. By getting close to God in prayer and Bible study. By learning how to live yourself. By setting a Christian example in overmming the petty sins that weight you down.

As one last illustration of the reality of this fact please turn to Isaiah 19, and begin reading in Verse 16, “In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which he shaketh over it. . . In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, BLESSED BE EGYPT MY PEOPLE, AND ASSYRIA THE WORK OF MY HANDS, AND ISRAEL MINE INHERITANCE!” (Isa. 19:23-25.)

This is real, brethren, and you need to realize it!

THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS NOT ETERNAL RETIREMENT, BUT A REAL, DOWN-TO-EARTH, 24 – HOUR – A – DAY JOB. . . . EMPLOYMENT FOR ETERNITY, JOYFUL WORK!

David Jon Hill in that article, as well as one three years prior, made it clear that part of Satan’s plan is laid out in non-biblical prophecies and that God’s people will need to know how to deal with those that will be misled about them.  This is part of why various prophetic sources are referred to at COGwriter.  Christians are not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11) and “doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1) will affect many in the end times.

From Elijah denouncing the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19-40) to Jeremiah denouncing the prophecies of the falsely claimed “Queen of Heaven” (Jeremiah 44:17-25) to realizing how the 21st century will be affected by false prophets, God’s spokesmen have had to deal with those who wanted to believe false prophecies more than the God of the Bible.  Perhaps if more realize this now, some additional ones will have the “love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10) and be spared from falling for the deception that will come from false prophets and those who believe false prophecies.

I would add that while certain Catholic prophecies suggest that the Antichrist will be a pope (or, perhaps more properly, antipope as he will not truly believe the Roman Catholic faith), that others misidentify that Antichrist as Jesus and several of those are in this article by David Jon Hill.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

The Financial Times of the UK published an article today by Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg:

Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/73000bce-12f8-11e2-bca6-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz28yCHdxFB

October 10, 2012 7:17 pm

Historic chance grounded by petty politics

By Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

The proposed €34bn EADS–BAE Systems tie-up, which would have created the world’s largest aerospace and defence company, is dead. In the end, political opposition, especially from Berlin, was too difficult to overcome.

This is an unfortunate and rather surprising outcome, not least because it is Germany that has continuously stressed the need for closer European integration and co-operation, not only in economic and financial affairs but also in the realm of security and defence. What an irony that the real obstacles to a truly European option are on the continental side of the channel.

While visionary, the proposal was based on sound industrial logic that would have delivered real synergies and cost savings, and increased competitiveness for all involved.  http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/73000bce-12f8-11e2-bca6-00144feabdc0.html#axzz28yCAVpIU

So in this article, Baron Guttenberg is publicly promoting European unity, a European military, and being more economically efficient, while decrying that a deal to do that did not happen.  This is interesting and is consistent with the position of one who hopes to lead a stronger European power.

As regular readers know, I have wondered if former German Defense Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was a candidate to possibly be the final King of the North of Daniel 11 and Beast of Revelation.

He, in my view, remains one to watch.

Of course, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a somewhat politician with many ups and downs. And all his intentions could be fine. We will see.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? How will Europeans be involved in this?

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

COGwriter

In the TW, Living Church of God Canadian-based evangelist Gerald Weston had the following:

Canadians are known for being polite. Sometimes politeness here goes to the extreme. Go for a walk in my neighborhood and come to a corner the same time a car does, and there will be a friendly standoff—with each gesturing for the other to go first.

Certainly there are plenty of impolite people here in Canada, but citizens of the United States often recognize Canada’s culture of niceness and friendliness when they describe their neighbors to the north. Yet, this very politeness conceals a war against the God who taught His followers to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:39).

Many who applaud the spread of “liberal” and “progressive” values are pleased that Canadian courts now consider same-sex marriage a fundamental right for all Canadians. But how many have considered that, in enforcing this right, the Canadian courts are trampling on the rights of sincere individuals who are charged with performing marriages.  For example:

“Saskatchewan’s top court has decided that proposed legislation allowing provincial marriage commissioners to refuse to perform same-sex weddings on religious grounds violates the constitution.

Marriage commissioner Larry Bjerland, of Rose Valley, Sask., said he was disappointed by the decision from the appeal court.

‘We’re not asking for a whole lot,’ he said. ‘All we’re asking for are the same rights that anyone else has—and that’s to refuse to do work. If the work is contrary to what your religious beliefs are, then you shouldn’t be forced into doing it’” (CTV.ca News Staff, January 10, 2011).

Already several judges and justices of the peace have been fired or forced to resign their positions because of this ruling. For now, members of the clergy are exempt from the rule, but no one can say whether or for how long this exemption will last. Many Canadian pastors are deeply concerned, as they perceive that the trend has been for long-established religious freedoms to be “trumped” by the desires of activists seeking to exercise their new-found and non-traditional freedoms.

Carters and Associates, a law firm specializing in issues that affect churches and charities, recently published a note with the following headline: “Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression to be Prohibited in Ontario.” Discussing Bill 33, a piece of proposed legislation in Ontario that would modify the province’s Human Rights Code, they comment as follows:  “The Code will provide that every person has the right to equal treatment without discrimination because of ‘gender identity’ or ‘gender expression’ with respect to employment, services, accommodations, contracts and memberships in vocational associations.…”

And who are those covered by the provisions of this legislation in the eyes of the Ontario Human Rights Commission?  “Individuals whose birth-assigned sex does not conform to their gender identity include transsexuals, transgenderists, intersexed persons and cross-dressers” (Carter’s Charity Law Bulletin, No. 285, June 27, 2012).

Once this new law is in force, charities and not-for-profit organizations operating in Ontario will be subject to the new amendments. Currently, the law provides exemptions for churches, but this legislation is so new that observers cannot be sure exactly how churches will be affected.

The Supremacy of God

These recent developments pose a problem for those who sincerely believe in the opening statement of the Canadian Charter of Rights: “Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.…”  Where in these recent developments are the rights of Canadians who recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of His law? By the terms of the Charter of Rights, they should not be required to compromise their consciences. Part 2 of the Charter contains the following provision:  “Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion; (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; (c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and (d) freedom of association.

Did the architects of the Charter, and do those who today love to turn to it to justify their abandonment of long-held societal values, expect sincere believers to ignore God’s plain instructions, such as His command, “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment” (Deuteronomy 22:5)? Clearly, much has changed since the Charter was given royal assent on March 29, 1982.

For several years, Section 13:1 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, which established extrajudicial “Human Rights Commissions,” has been of great concern to Canadian citizens. Many—especially those with strong religious beliefs—have seen it as a tool used by special interest groups as a bludgeoning club against free speech, especially point (b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights. An editorial in the respected National Post made the blunt assessment that these commissions “are out of control, far more interested in imposing political correctness than defending free speech” (“A Bit Late for Introspection,” National Post, June 19, 2008).

The editorial goes on: “It is increasingly obvious these commissions were set up deliberately to lower the standard of proof and get around rules of natural justice, thereby ensuring people who would never be convicted in court are punished to the satisfaction of the activists and special interest groups that hover around the tribunals.… Truth is not a defence. Defendants are not always permitted to face their accusers. Normal standards for assuring the validity of evidence do not apply. Hearsay is admitted.… No wonder the CHRC has a 100 percent conviction rate on hate speech complaints” (ibid.)

There is some recent good news, however, on the free speech front, as the Human Rights Commissions are no longer being allowed to act on the problematic Section 13.1 regulations of the Human Rights Act. As reported by MacLean’s Magazine, “Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act slipped quietly beneath the waves last week [June 6, 2012] during a nighttime sitting of the House of Commons—victim of a private member’s bill and a trailer load of toxic publicity” (June 25, 2012, p. 15).

The Myth of Neutrality

A particular set of speech-restricting regulations may be gone, but secularist challenges to religious freedom continue. It is a mistake for any country to think of secularism as neutral. It is not! Secularism only masquerades as neutral, and with its political correctness tool it wages war against traditional and biblical values. The number of cases that demonstrate a secular bias in Canada are too numerous to recite, but one typical example involves the legal case of S.L. v. Commission scolaire des Chênes. Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that Roman Catholic parents of schoolchildren in Quebec could not have their children exempted from an “Ethics and Religious Culture” course that treated biblical accounts as myths and legends (“Supreme Court Affirms Right of Province To Implement Religious Course,” Canadian Council of Christian Charities, February 17, 2012).

As in so many other countries, biblical and family values in Canada are being overturned by militant and vocal minorities. This is not surprising when one understands Ephesians 2:2, which speaks of “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” This spirit power is none other than Satan the Devil, “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4), who is actively deceiving the whole world (Revelation 12:9). When it comes to the prince of the power of the air working in the sons of disobedience, Canada is not exempt!

In various places, Bible ties the Anglo-descended nations of Canada, the U.S.A., Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand together.  They are all facing similar challenges.

Some articles of possibly related biblical interest may include:

Canada in Prophecy: What do Bible prophecy, Catholic prophecy, and other predictions suggest about the future of Canada? Many are not positive about its future.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What will happen to the nation of Israel?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no end-time King of the West in Bible prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
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.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
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?

Gerald Flurry

COGwriter

The self-appointed “prophet” Gerald Flurry of the improperly named Philadelphia Church of God  wrote the following in the October-November 2012 edition of the Philadelphia Trumpet:

Egypt Unites With Iran 
and Fulfills a Bible Prophecy…

Over the last 20 years, I have been explaining the prophecy in Daniel 11 which says that Egypt would fall to radical Islam, ally itself with Iran, trash its peace treaty with Israel, and become a violent enemy of Israel and the United States.

In August, that prophecy was fully and totally fulfilled! It is now reality!

Egypt and Iran are now allies…

A Fulfilled Prophecy

In a January 2006 letter to co-workers, I wrote: “We have said for years that Egypt has been a friend to the West, but because of this prophecy [Daniel 11:42], we also said that could change. … As the MB grows more popular it will strengthen its ties with Islamic powers throughout the region—especially Iran. … [W]atch for Cairo to distance itself from America. Should the MB ever take control, there is no doubt that a strong alliance between Iran and Egypt will be built.”

That is a fulfilled prophecy.

Egypt and Iran are not now strong allies.  His “prophecy” has not been fulfilled.  Simply do a google news search and you will find many articles explaining that Egypt is still a rival to Iran and that they are not strong allies.  Gerald Flurry may disagree, but the Iranians mainly support Shi’a Islam and the Egyptians Sunni Islam–and the two groups are not close enough together to consider them “strong” allies.

Furthermore, the meeting in August between leaders of those two nations did not fulfill any biblical prophecies in Daniel 11.  Gerald Flurry may wish to believe otherwise, but that does not change the geographic fact that Iran is east, and not south, of Jerusalem.  Hence, Iran is not the prophesied King of the South of Daniel 11:40-43 as Gerald Flurry has long insisted.

Gerald Flurry further wrote:

Libya and Ethiopia Are Next…

This Iran-Egypt axis is going to change the game in the Middle East—particularly in Libya and Ethiopia.

Put simply, this means that we can expect Egypt—with Iran’s help—to lead Libya and Ethiopia into the Iranian camp!…

But notice verses 42 and 43. These dramatic verses tell us what to expect next in the Middle East: “He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt ….” Notice how the emphasis is on Egypt.

The next part of the scripture is almost like an afterthought: “… and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.” Libya and Ethiopia (including Eritrea) will be at the steps of that king of the north, the German-led European power.

While it is true that those of Iran and Egypt want Ethiopia (which is only partially Islamic), Libya, and other Islamic nations to unite, Gerald Flurry’s understanding here is also somewhat in error.

Notice a more literal translation of the relevant passages:

42 ‘And he sendeth forth his hand upon the lands, and the land of Egypt is not for an escape;

43 and he hath ruled over treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the desirable things of Egypt, and Lubim and Cushim [are] at his steps. (Daniel 11:42-43, Young’s Literal Translation)

The word often mistranslated in Daniel 11 as Ethiopia does not need to mean the modern nation of Ethiopia.  The word translated as “Ethiopians” in Daniel 11:43 is the plural of the word Kuwshiy, which according to Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary means descendants of Cush. Or in other words, people of dark color–and it is commonly translated as Cush or Cushite in many Old Testament passages, and shown as Cushim in Young’s Literal Translation of Daniel 11:43.

The late evangelist Raymond McNair also realized that the term referred to the Cushites as he wrote:

Daniel 11 also mentions some of the Mideast peoples who will be involved in that struggle among the nations at the close of this age. The belligerents will include the “King of the North,” the leader of the European Union (or its final outgrowth, called the “Beast”). The “King of the South” (an Islamic leader—apparently from Egypt {or} some other Muslim state) is also referred to. The following lands/peoples are specifically mentioned: Egypt, the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine), the Ethiopians (modern Cushites, south of Egypt)  (McNair R. Solving the Arab-Israeli Impasse! Copyright Raymond F. McNair 2005, Church of God—21st Century).

Also, while the word Libya in Daniel 11:43 may refer to modern Libya, it more likely also includes some additional modern North African nations.

While it is slightly possible that modern Ethiopia (or at least parts of it) will support the King of the South, it is not necessary to have Ethiopia itself as a direct supporter.

Time and events will prove Gerald Flurry wrong as Bible prophecy disagrees with him on many points. Including the identity of the final King of the South. The King of the South will not be Iran and Egypt and Iran are not currently strong allies (though if Iran is ever neutralized, it may decide to support Egypt as well as get Egyptian sympathy).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

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?
Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” or a variety of other titles make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Samaritans: Old and New Who were the Samaritans? Do the represent true Christianity or something else?
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 best essentially represented by the Living Church of God.
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.

Martin Luther

COGwriter

Protestantism is on the decline in the USA:

Late October 9, 2012

The study by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life found that Protestants now make up 48% of Americans, compared with nearly two-thirds in the 1970s. The decline, concentrated among white members of both mainline and evangelical denominations, is amplified by an absence of Protestants on the U.S. Supreme Court and the Republican presidential ticket for the first time.

“It’s a slow decline but a noticeable one,” said Cary Funk, a Pew senior researcher. Funk said a major factor driving the decline is an increase in religiously unaffiliated Americans to 20%, up from 15% five years ago.  http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-protestants-20121010,0,70131.story

This decline is not a surprise and is consistent with something I wrote several years ago.  But of course, Protestantism has lots of flaws and the lack of conviction amongst many Protestant leaders on moral issues is likely a factor in its decline.

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.

The Hymnal of the Living Church of God Consists Mainly of Psalms and Biblical Passages Set to Music

COGwriter

Having attended both Roman Catholic and Protestant church services while growing up, one of the things I noticed that was different about the true Church of God was the type of hymns that were sung.

While Catholics and Protestants tended to sing songs that had religious messages, the old Worldwide Church of God (and the current Living Church of God, United Church of God, etc.) mainly sung hymns which were extracted from the Psalms in the Bible.

And while we have been criticized for that (see Praises to Jesus Christ or Biblical Hymns: Which Should Christians Primarily Sing?), the fact is that the practice of the Churches of God appear to be the same as those of the earliest professors of Christ.

The Book of James teaches:

Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms (James 5:13).

The Apostle Paul noted:

Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm (1 Corinthians 14:26).

The noted historian K.S. Latourette observed:

From a very early date, perhaps from the beginning, Christians employed in their services the psalms found in the Jewish Scriptures, the Christian Old Testament. Since the first Christians were predominantly Greek-speaking, these psalms were in a Greek translation. We hear of at least one form of service in which, after the reading from the Old Testament, the “hymns of David” were sung…Until the end of the fourth century, in the services of the Catholic Church only the Old Testament Psalms and the hymns or canticles from the New Testament were sung…Gradually there were prepared versical paraphrases (Latourette K.S. A History of Christianity, Volume 1: Beginnings to 1500. Harper Collins, San Francisco, 1975, pp. 206,207).

Because of fears of gnostic influence, Christians did not add outside poetic phrases or non-biblical lyrics until well after the second century (Ibid).

On the Roman date of 7 March 203, Tertullian records that while being prepared for martyrdom:

Perpetua sang psalms (Tertullian. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Here is a quote from a fourth century publication known as the Apostolic Constitutions :

It appears likely that the Sunday practice of singing songs of praise to God ultimately led to the practice of shifting the primacy of psalm singing to praises towards Jesus in what we now consider to be the Protestant world (as they got Sunday from the Romans).  A 21st century book on early biblical and church practices states:

Hence evidence does support the idea that psalms were the main types of hymns that the early Christians sang on the Sabbath (as that is when the early Christians, did in fact meet–Sunday worship is not alluded to in any historical literature prior to the 2nd Century–and the first clear mention of Sunday worship was by Justin Martyr: A Saint, Heretic or Apostate?).

The songbook of the Living Church of God (as well as the old Worldwide Church of God) is almost exclusively English-translations of the Book of Psalms and other parts of the Bible set to music.

In non-English speaking areas, Church of God congregations basically sing the same hymns translated into other languages such as Spanish, French, German, etc.

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

Praises to Jesus Christ or Biblical Hymns: Which Should Christians Primarily Sing? This biblical article on music is in response to an advertisement critical of WCG’s 1974 The Bible Hymnal. It also address early church practices here.
Overview: How Does the Church of God Agree and Disagree with Other Faiths Professing Christ? This overview answers that and explains what the Church of God basically stands for. In the appendices provides information about certain complaints and as well as an overview about many COG-related groups.
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?

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

COGwriter

While most readers of this page are familiar with the term Armageddon as it is in the Bible (Revelation 16:16), less are probably familiar with the more recent term, taxmageddon.  This is something that is supposed to happen on January 1, 2013, which is 12 weeks from now unless the politicians in Washington, D.C. make some changes that enough of them can agree on:

TAXMAGEDDON IS COMING ON JANUARY 1, 2013 – THE LARGEST TAX HIKES IN AMERICAN HISTORY…

“Taxmageddon” – the date the largest tax hikes in the history of America will take effect. They will hit families and small businesses in three great waves on January 1, 2013:

FIRST WAVE: EXPIRATION OF 2001 AND 20043 TAX REFLIEF…

SECOND WAVE: OBAMACARE TAX HIKES…

THIRD WAVE: THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX AND EMPLOYER TAX HIKES (http://www.libertynewsonline.com/article_301_32285.php)

Basically, the first wave increases income taxes and re-implements the “death tax” for more people.

The second wave will cost high earners a lot, cost working people without government approved medical insurance a lot, and will affect the USA economy in ways few have considered.

The third wave has been estimated to affect 31 million families for the increase of “alternative minimum tax,” all business owners, and even affect charitable contributions.

From an economic perspective, taxmaggedon would hurt the USA, and perhaps quite severely.

The economy, debt situation, and moral situation in the USA is serious and will end in ways that most Americans really do not believe is possible.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a new 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. 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: 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.