Church of God News

COGwriter

The current issue of Tomorrow’s World (TW) magazine has the following article by John Meakin titled Will the United Kingdom Break Apart?:

In this year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games, the flag of the United Kingdom has been in evidence everywhere. There is nothing more potent and iconic as a symbol of the Union than the Union Jack, as it is called.

But is it possible that the United Kingdom and the Union Jack will one day be torn asunder? Will Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England go their separate ways? What do God and the Bible tell us about the future of the United Kingdom?

Union Leads to Empire

England is the powerhouse and dominant force within the United Kingdom. It was England that, through colonization and the pragmatic exercise of political, military and religious power, formed the Union over some two-and-a-half centuries. As England begat the Union, so in turn the Union begat the Empire over the following two centuries.

From the complex fusion of Briton, Celtic, Jute, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman blood, “the British” summoned the energy, drive and ambition to exert themselves on the world scene. At its height in 1922, the British Empire encompassed around a quarter of the world’s land surface and peoples, and was the largest empire in history. British historian Niall Ferguson summed up Britain’s impact on our modern world: “For better, for worse—fair and foul—the world we know today is in large measure the product of Britain’s age of Empire” (Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World, page xxv).

But that age of empire is now long gone, and the United Kingdom is but a shadow of its former self. Impoverished by the exhaustion of two world wars, Britain lost its empire. Today, it is mired in massive debt, with much of its sovereignty surrendered to the European Union it joined in a quest for economic survival.

The Union Drifts Apart

In Empire: What Ruling the World Did to the British, author Jeremy Paxman commented: “‘Finding a role’ has (along with not going bankrupt) been the main task of every British government for the last sixty years. In a strange way, the one place which has yet properly to decolonize itself is Britain” (p. 3). Paxman, a respected British Broadcasting Corporation journalist, is questioning the survival of the United Kingdom itself!

So, if it was England that created the United Kingdom through the exercise of political, military and religious power; and if by these same qualities the United Kingdom created the Empire, will the dissolution of the Empire eventually unwind the United Kingdom itself? Is Britain at risk of breaking up into its constituent parts?

Union has progressively been weakened though internal factors such as high levels of immigration and the dissipation of the Protestant state church, and external influences such as the U.K.’s membership of the European Union. Nationalist sentiment has always been present in each of the four constituent countries, but these voices have lately become stronger, putting greater pressure on the Union to unravel. Around the turn of the millennium, the U.K. government devolved power to national assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The possibility of devolving more power to the English regions was also discussed, but no further action was taken at that time.

In 2011, many were taken by surprise when the Scottish National Party swept to majority power in Scotland, on a platform of Scottish independence from the United Kingdom. A referendum on this issue is promised for 2014—a promise that has sent shockwaves through the U.K. establishment. Queen Elizabeth II is reportedly concerned for the future of her realm. Politicians and public are divided on the issue. It signals both political and business uncertainty. No one quite knows where such a move could lead.

Within Scotland, might the island counties, Orkney and Shetland—having rather different agendas—decide to separate from Scotland? Might a growing Republican presence in the Northern Ireland Assembly be emboldened to try to reunite all of Ireland outside the United Kingdom? And should Wales demand even more say over its own destiny? Finally, if the other regions of the United Kingdom have their own national assemblies, should not England have its own as well, in order to take more direct control over its destiny?

Even some British Crown Dependencies are growing more restless. Both the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are seeing their precious tax haven advantages attacked and progressively eroded by European Union dictates. As the EU continues to take more national powers to itself, will the United Kingdom be able to resist the pressure to submit to European Union policy decisions?

Finally, if the United Kingdom is progressively torn apart into its constituent parts, will those parts remain peaceful? Or will old antagonisms and divisions resurface?

The Context of Union and Empire

One vital key to understanding what is happening is that the British people are the modern-day descendants of Ephraim—part of the ten “lost” tribes of ancient Israel. Britain’s royal House of Windsor can trace its roots back to ancient Israel’s Throne of David. How Britain and its throne came to global prominence is a remarkable and compelling story.

When the descendants of Jacob failed to uphold the terms of the covenant God made with them at Sinai, He sent into captivity first the northern nation of Israel and later the southern nation of Judah. Over time, even after their release, the tribes of Israel lost sight of their biblical ancestry, as God “sifted them through the nations” (Amos 9:9).

History tells us that the ancient Israelites migrated northwards to the area of the Caspian Sea. Then, via successive migrations, they journeyed northwest to Western Europe and to the British Isles. From there they went on to colonize the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other areas. The story of the British Empire is thus the remarkable saga of ancient Israel’s diaspora. It is testimony to God’s faithfulness and His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel) and Joseph (see Genesis 48:11–22). Ancient Ephraim (modern-day Britain) He made a great company of nations, and Manasseh (the United States) He made a great nation. God also promised to bless and vastly multiply these nations (Genesis 12:1–3; 24:60; 26:3–5), and to give them victory over their enemies (see Genesis 22:16–18; Luke 1:70–75).

But God’s promises were contingent upon obedience to Him. If these peoples would not obey God, He would progressively remove their blessings and their greatness. Is that not what we see happening before our very eyes? Very soon, we may well be witnessing the dissolution of the United Kingdom, marking the end of some 450 years of Empire.

The Empire convinced many that the British were somehow special. But this is the wrong view, a backwards view, to take. Rather, it is because of Britain’s biblical heritage that God has given the nation special favour. It is God—not the best efforts of the British—who gave Britain its Empire, power and strength. And, ultimately, it is God who has been taking all of this away. Britain’s very survival depends on its ability to discover—and live up to—the role God intended the nation to fulfill, a role clearly laid out in the pages of Scripture.

To learn more about this fascinating history, and what it means for the future of Britain, the U.S. and the other modern descendants of ancient Israel, please request our booklet The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy. It is a formidable story of such extraordinary potency that it has the power to change not only the nation of Britain, but your own life as well!

National repentance is the only hope now for the United Kingdom, or the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

They are all in at least relative decline, despite the appearance of prosperity in their lands. And others are starting to truly notice.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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.
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

The latest round of “quantitative easing,” known as QE3, is affecting some gold traders:

Gold could hit an all-time high of $2,400 by next summer, driven up by a third round of quantitative easing in the US. The first round of QE in February 2009 caused the gold price to increase rapidly from a base of $900/oz – from which it has never looked back.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/gold/9587117/QE3-could-push-gold-up-to-2400oz.html

Why would QE3 raise the price of gold?  Basically, because the USA simply electronically prints up multiple billions of dollars without producing any goods or services.  Hence there is simply more money for the same amount of goods.  Since there is not more gold because of QE3, this makes US dollars less valuable and gold, therefore, more valuable.

Those of you who have my 2009 book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect or more recent book Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States will realize that I have written that because of devaluation of the US dollar that gold will be considered more important.

Biblical (Daniel 11:40-44) and non-biblical prophecies point out that the final leader that the Bible calls the King of the North will value gold.

Notice a quote from Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States:

It seems since many are now questioning the role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, more are looking into other currencies as well as gold. Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms. When the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro (or something similar) is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer. The collapse of the U.S.A. dollar will shake a lot of the world’s confidence in non-gold backed currencies.

Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro or even a basket of currencies) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe.

The financial policies of the Obama Administration (which are a massive acceleration of the previous policies of the Bush Administration) are heading the world into the direction that something other than the U.S. dollar will be valued as its reserve currency. (Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States.  2012 Edition 1.1, p. 133)

QE3 may lead to the first confirmation of the bolded statement above.

The world is changing and those that believe that the USA and its currency will remain on top are in error.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the role of gold, food shortages, Western nation problems, etc.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
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.)

Pope Benedictus

COGwriter

Got an email from a non-COG source today that had the following:

In his best known book on systematic theology entitled Introduction to Christianity, the current pope, Joseph Ratzinger, explicitly denies the resurrection of the body. He wrote: “It now becomes clear that the real heart of faith in the resurrection does not consist at all in the idea of the restoration of bodies, to which we have reduced it in our thinking; such is the case even though this is the pictorial image used throughout the Bible.”

.

By denying the fundamental biblical truth of the resurrection of the body, the pope is in serious error for not knowing “the Scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:29). It is a grave heresy, whose tendency is to “overthrow the faith of some” (2 Tim. 2:18). We know “He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Rom. 8:11).

Not only is the bodily resurrection scriptural, it was a teaching of the early followers of Christ (and remains a teaching among those in the Church of God, others who accept certain literal statements in the Bible also believe in it).

A look at some second century writings confirms this.

Ignatius of Antioch, in the early second century, wrote:

Stop your ears, therefore, when any one speaks to you at variance with Jesus Christ, who was descended from David, and was also of Mary; who was truly born, and ate and drank. He was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate; He was truly crucified, and [truly] died, in the sight of beings in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth. He was also truly raised from the dead, His Father quickening Him, even as after the same manner His Father will so raise up us who believe in Him by Christ Jesus, apart from whom we do not possess the true life. (Ignatius. Letter to the Trallians, Chapter 9. Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0106.htm>)

Polycarp of Smyrna was a disciple of the Apostle John, the last of the original apostles to die. He also knew Ignatius.

Here is some of what Polycarp wrote:

But He who raised Him up from the dead will raise up us also, if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, falsewitness; “not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing,” or blow for blow, or cursing for cursing (Polycarp. Letter to the Philippians, Chapter II. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885).

Polycarp taught that the body and soul were to be resurrected, hence he taught against the immortality of the soul doctrine:

I bless you for because you have considered me worthy of this day and hour, that I might receive a place among the number of martyrs in the cup of your Christ, to the resurrection to eternal life, both of soul and of body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit (The Martyrdom of Polycarp, 14:2. In Holmes M.W. The Apostolic Fathers, Greek Texts and English Translations. Baker Books, Grand Rapids (MI), 2004, p.239).

Theophilus of Antioch in the mid-late second century wrote:

But you do not believe that the dead are raised. When the resurrection shall take place, then you will believe, whether you will or no; and your faith shall be reckoned for unbelief, unless you believe now…Moreover, you believe that the images made by men are gods, and do great things; and can you not believe that the God who made you is able also to make you afterwards? (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book 1, Chapter VII. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

But the moon wanes monthly, and in a manner dies, being a type of man; then it is born again, and is crescent, for a pattern of the future resurrection (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book II, Chapter XV. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Notice that Theophilus is teaching that there will be those born again at the resurrection. And that he taught that unbelievers would be raised whether they believed him or not–which is a different resurrection.

Polycrates of Ephesus in the late second century wrote and told the Roman Bishop Victor that death is like sleep, and those sleeping Christians would be raised up:

For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep, which shall rise again on the last day, at the coming of the Lord, when he shall come with glory from heaven and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who sleeps in Hierapolis, and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus; and moreover John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord, and being a priest wore the sacerdotal plate. He also sleeps at Ephesus (Eusebius. Church History, Book III, Chapter 31. Translated by Arthur Cushman McGiffert. Excerpted from Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series Two, Volume 1. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. American Edition, 1890. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead? (Eusebius. Church History, Book V, Chapter 24).

Hence, second century Christian writers understood that death is like sleep and that there would be actual resurrections. Those who truly understand “apostolic succession” and the Bible believe it today.

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

COGwriter

Rod McNair wrote the following in an article titled The World After America:

Joseph’s Generosity

Joseph’s faith and wisdom—guided by God—played a crucial part in preserving Egypt and the surrounding nations during the catastrophic drought. He was considered a savior by his people because he did not “withhold grain” from those who needed it (Genesis 47:25; Proverbs 11:26). Joseph’s policy—while admittedly consolidating Pharaoh’s power—was a blessing for a people suffering severe hardship. As the historian Josephus notes: “[Pharaoh] called upon Joseph, who sold the corn to them, being become confessedly a savior to the whole multitude of the Egyptians. Nor did he open this market of corn for the people of that country only, but strangers had liberty to buy also; Joseph being willing that all men, who are naturally akin to one another, should have assistance from those that lived in happiness” (Antiquities of the Jews, VI. 3).

Joseph was a proponent of an open market, with access for everyone needing food. His works and policies were a blessing! And Scripture reveals that Joseph’s end-time descendants—despite their sins and weaknesses—were prophesied to have a similar beneficial impact on the world. God promised Abram: “And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you” (Genesis 12:2–3). Consider that, as beneficiaries of the global economic system fueled by the Western nations, many countries have had astonishing growth in recent years: “In 2006 and 2007, 124 countries grew at a rate of 4 percent or more. That includes more than 30 countries in Africa, two-thirds of the continent” (The Post-American World, Zakaria, p. 2).

The combined effect that the U.S. and Great Britain—modern descendants of Joseph—have had on the world economy has been nothing short of astounding: “For almost three centuries, the world has been under-girded by the presence of a large liberal hegemon—first Britain, then the United States. These two superpowers helped create and maintain an open world economy, protecting trade routes and sea lanes, acting as lenders of last resort, holding the reserve currency, investing abroad, and keeping their own markets open. They also tipped the military balance against the great aggressors of their ages, from Napoleon’s France, to Germany, to the Soviet Union” (ibid., p. 45). God has used these two sons of Joseph to create the affluence we are blessed with today.

Regarding the U.S. today, Zakariawrites: “For all its abuses of power, the United States has been the creator and sustainer of the current order of open trade and democratic government—an order that has been benign and beneficial for the vast majority of humankind” (ibid., p. 45). God has blessed America! In spite of its many—and growing—sins, God has been long-suffering and merciful. And the whole world has benefited because of God’s blessings on Israel.

But are those blessings coming to an end? Will God’s patience with America’s mounting disobedience run out? And what does the future hold for a post-American world?

Life After Joseph

Joseph lived to be 110 years old (Genesis 50:26). After his death, a new Pharaoh ended Joseph’s policy of benevolence, putting the Israelites to hard labor out of fear of their increasing strength and numbers. Taskmasters were set over the Israelites, and a prosperous and vibrant society gave way to slavery and forced labor.

Could this foreshadow the destiny of Joseph’s descendants as well?  Authors, commentators and even politicians today often discuss the “decline of America.” Many around the world welcome the prospect of the U.S. being “humbled”—becoming no longer a leader but instead more of an equal partner on the international scene.

Some naivelyassume that, even with America in decline, most of the blessings to which the Western world has become accustomed will continue. Yet nothing could be further from the truth! As author and historian Robert Kagan points out, “Americans certainly like to believe that our preferred order survives because it is right and just—not only for us but for everyone. We assume that the triumph of democracy is the triumph of a better idea, and the victory of market capitalism is the victory of a better system, and that both are irreversible… If and when American power declines, the institutions and norms that American power has supported will decline, too… We may discover then that the U.S. was essential to keeping the present world order together and that the alternative to American power was not peace and harmony but chaos and catastrophe” (“Why the World Needs America,” The Wall Street Journal, February 11, 2012).

So, will America’s future be peace and order, or chaos and catastrophe? The answer can be found in your own Bible! Consider the biblical principle that God rewarded Israel with wealth and prominence as a reward for obedience, but that in times of rebellion Israel has been visited with escalating curses, rampant diseases, environmental disasters and military setbacks (Deuteronomy 28:1–25). God warned through Moses that when sin began to mount in Israel, its former position of world economic leadership would give way to suffocating debt and economic subservience (Deuteronomy 28:44). When Israel went into captivity in 721bc, God’s promises of blessing were deferred for seven prophetic “times”­—2,520 years (Leviticus 26:18)—yet even after the blessings were restored, Ephraim and Manasseh squandered them, continuing to disobey their Creator.

Is American culture moving toward greater godliness, or deeper debauchery? Consider that the U.S. today has a political system full of hypocrisy and greed. Its streets and cities are increasingly dangerous. Many of its children grow up with no moral direction or guidance. God’s laws are mocked and expelled from the public square. Its entertainment industry openly ridicules Christianity, while its media endorses and promotes immorality. Millions have come to accept unbridled greed and selfishness as “the American way.”

But where will it all lead? Moses warned that if end-time Israel would refuse to repent, it would experience a complete and total collapse, leading to national enslavement! Notice his warning for Israel: “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you” (Deuteronomy 28:47–48).

Unless it undergoes a dramatic course change, America will fall. Jesus Christ warned of a coming time known as the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). It is a time also known as the “time of Jacob’s trouble,” when Israel will again go into captivity (Jeremiah 30:7). The prophesied “Beast” power will overtake and conquer modern Israel, just as its ancient predecessor, Assyria, did in 721bc. This “Beast” power will ally with a great false church, and for a short time this religio-political force will bring prosperity to nations the world over (Revelation 18:11–15).

Yet this prosperity will come at a terrible price. This short-lived, blasphemous world power will rule harshly, demanding total submission to its will (Revelation 13:1–8). Religious and personal freedoms, taken for granted today in many countries, will disappear (v. 15). Shortly before Jesus Christ’s return, this power will carry out a devastating five-month military action, as described in Revelation 9:5–12. This will provoke a withering counterattack by a 200-million-man army from the east (vv. 15–18).

This end-time conflagration will lead to all-out nuclear war, killing one third of the planet’s population. The world will be brought to the brink of cosmocide. Were it not for Christ’s return to the earth, no flesh would be saved (Matthew 24:22). But God in His mercy will not allow mankind to destroy itself. Jesus Christ will return to the earth, establish His Kingdom and reign with equity and justice for a thousand years (Revelation 20:6). But this will not happen until the world has gone through a time of unprecedented calamity (Matthew 24:21).

Humbled for Greatness

So, can you and I be spared from the coming horrors of the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord? The encouraging answer is an emphatic “Yes!”

Consider again the example of Joseph. As a young man, he showed unusual ability and drive to succeed. That can be seen in his service to Potiphar, and his work for the prison keeper (Genesis 39:2–3, 5, 21–23). Even before Joseph’s sojourn in Egypt, God gave him special dreams foretelling his eventual leadership role over his brothers (Genesis 37:5–11). Yet Joseph had much to learn before he was ready to take the reins of power. God had to test and teach him. He allowed Joseph to be humbled, his pride and vanity crushed! And with each day that went by, as Joseph faithfully obeyed God, he learned to trust patiently in God and His will—and he became a man God coulduse in the highest levels of government in the greatest nation of his day.

The urgent call for us today is clear. If we love our Savior, Jesus Christ, we must strive to obey

Him and His laws (John 14:15). We must look to Him—rather than our own ingenuity and strength—for our blessings, (Deuteronomy 8:18). We must really put God’s will first, without condition, as Jesus Himself did (Matthew 26:39).

Are we really willing to be humbled, as Joseph was? That is the supreme test! The prophet Malachi wrote, “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble…” (Malachi 4:1). Jesus Christ told His followers, “Whoever falls on this stone [in heartfelt and complete repentance] will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder” (Matthew 21:44). God has given great promises to today’s Christians—even that they will rule in His Kingdom with Him (Revelation 20:6). But first, like Joseph, we must be absolutely committed to the will of God in our lives!

The Apostle John wrote, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8–9). Now is the time for those with “ears to hear” to repent (Matthew 13:9). For, even in these last days, God promises help and deliverance to those who wholeheartedly seek Him.

The American era will soon end, as the Bible foretells. Do not let the downfall of the U.S. take you by surprise! Jesus Christ gave encouraging instruction about how we can face the coming tumultuous times with courage and faith: “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life… Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:34–36). Make sure that you and your loved ones are ready for the world after America!

The end of the USA is coming.  The end will also come near the same time for Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Some items of possible related interest may include:

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?
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?
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

As many who are readers of this page at this time are not at the Feast of Tabernacles now (and it is going on now), I thought a series on the sites we attended might be of interest. This is part two of three.

In 1990, our family went on the Mediterranean cruise for the Feast of Tabernacles. Over one thousand attended. This cruise began in Venice, Italy, went to Greece, and to several of the churches of Revelation 2 & 3. This was the first time we had visited any of those Churches, and since my wife and I have visited them all.

Here are photos of Venice, the cruise ship, many there, and the isthmus of Corinth:

Additional photos at or related to that 1990 Feast are included in Joyce’s Photos of Corinth, Joyce’s Photos of Ephesus, Joyce’s Photos of Pergamos, and Joyce’s Photos of Smyrna.

In 1991, we went to Victoria, British Columbia (Canada). Over 1,000 (perhaps 2,000 or more) attended. Below is a picture of Victoria Harbor and the children’s choir at the Feast:

In 1992 was our first trip to the Caribbean and we went to the Bahamas. Over 500 attended. Below is the children’s choir, as well as the view from our hotel room of the tip of Paradise Island:

In 1993, we went to Eastbourne, England for the Feast of Tabernacles. Around 1500 attended that year. Below is a picture of Eastbourne, as well as a castle not too far from the city:

In 1994, we went to Eugene, Oregon for the Feast of Tabernacles. Over 1000 seemed to be in attendance. While there we visited 3-4 places of historical interest to the old Worldwide Church of God (some photos of two of those are included in the articles 6. The Philadelphia Church Era and The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians?)–what struck me was that no one other than us was ever at any of those places. This was our last year at a Worldwide Church of God feast site. The first picture is a welcome to Oregon, while the second is near Florence Oregon:

In 1995, we attended our first Feast of Tabernacles site outside the Worldwide Church of God. The Global Church of God site we attended was in Del Mar, California. Around 700 were in attendance. It is near San Diego. The first picture is in Del Mar, while the second is of San Diego:

In 1996, we attended the Feast of Tabernacles in Penang, Malaysia. About 70 attended. We were one of only 2 American families there. This was the first feast site I spoke at (I gave two sermonettes).

In 1997, we attended the feast in Hengelhoef, Belgium. Several hundred were in attendance.

In 1998, we attended the feast in Branson, Missouri. At this site, Dr. Meredith and I became better acquainted, which helped when the Global Church of God crisis erupted the next month. The second picture is from a place called “the Holy Land” and is a short drive away in Arkansas:

In 1999, we attended the feast in Anchorage, Alaska. This was the first time my wife or I ever attended the same feast site more than once. However, it was different than the previous time (1982) and there was a significant reduction in the sizes of the glaciers I remembered from the prior visit.

In the 1990s, there were over 100 feast sites pretty much every year, and thus we tended to have a lot of choices about where to attend. Though even now, the Living Church of God has over 40 sites. Perhaps I should add that leaders that Christians consider to be saints such as the Apostle Paul and Polycarp of Smyrna kept the Feast of Tabernacles.

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?

The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?

Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2017, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂

COGwriter

In his booklet, The Seven Laws of Success, the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following related to the fifth law of success:

Law Number 5—for Emergencies

One might suppose that if he had a goal—and with it the ambition to achieve his purpose—if he then became trained, educated, and experienced in pursuing it, kept in good health, and constantly drove himself relentlessly toward his objective, that he would be bound to accomplish it.

Important as these four laws are, they are not enough.

Life constantly encounters hazards, obstacles, unexpected problems or setbacks. You may be proceeding along right on schedule, when BANG!—out of nowhere comes an unexpected complication. Some sudden circumstance arises which seems to stop you completely, or at least set you back.

So, to meet these constantly arising problems, you must have:

RESOURCEFULNESS!

When complications, obstacles, unexpected circumstances appear to block your path, you must be equipped with RESOURCEFULNESS to solve the problem, overcome the obstacle, and continue on your course.

The old Slow Train Through Arkansas (I read the book years ago) encountered a cow lying across the tracks ahead. The train could not proceed toward its destination until that obstacle was removed.

When we drove the old Model “T” from Iowa to Oregon in 18 days back in 1924, we met repeated emergencies of motor troubles, flat tires or blowouts. We had to solve the difficulties by patching tires, putting “boots” in the casings, or doing our own repair work by the roadside when the motor stalled.

I learned a lesson in determination and resourcefulness on my first visit to Niagara Falls. It was on December 25th, probably 1913, with a silver thaw. I strolled out on Goat Island, which divides the river just above the falls. At one point there was a huge rock. It appeared as an impassible barrier to that rapid-flowing river, racing to its destination, down over the falls, into the rapids below and on to Lake Ontario.

I watched, intrigued. Did the rushing waters stop, quit, give up? Not on your life! I was thrilled as I watched the water swirl around the huge boulder—splash on over it, even find a hole through it, dashing, crashing, roaring on toward its goal!

The IBM people used to put out a famous card found in many offices, which says “THINK!“—and sometimes they deliberately spell it “THIMK?”

When sudden emergencies arise, then of all times you need a clear mind, calm nerves, rapid thinking, sound reasoning! You need RESOURCEFULNESS!  You need a cool head, to quickly get all the facts and make a wise decision.

Do you keep calm in emergencies, or lose your head and go to pieces? Do you think rapidly, yet clearly and logically, or do you freeze up and go dead?

To succeed, you need to cultivate the ability, and the habit, of remaining unexcited, yet leaping to action on high tension, reaching the right decision, then acting on it!

And now one would most certainly think that these five laws should be all that is required to guarantee ultimate success.

Things do not always go as planned.  Instead of giving up, Christians should pray and try to be resourceful when needed.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Seven Laws of Success Booklet by Herbert W. Armstrong that can help people become successful.

Ben Bernanke

COGwriter

Last month, U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that the Federal Reserve would engage in its third round of something called “quantitative easing” which has been dubbed QE3.

When the Fed buys bonds…it creates the money itself, basically by electronically crediting the money to banks…”Monetary policy can achieve the most for the country by focusing generally on improving economic performance,” Bernanke said. http://economy.money.cnn.com/2012/09/01/how-fed-stimulus-earns-a-profit-for-taxpayers/

Quantitative easing is sometimes called an “asset repurchasing” program.  Yet, this is mainly a sham operation that debases the value of the U.S. dollar (mainly the government prints up money electronically and the “asset” purchased is a U.S. treasury note, not a real asset like, let’s say, an oil well; yes there are also some mortgages purchased which have ties to real assets, but there are problems there as well). And that may be why the price of items such as gold went up after the Fed Chairman’s comments.

Inflating the money supply through currency debasing (QE1 and QE2) and debt (“stimulus” programs) is not something advocated in the Bible. Notice:

4 Take away the dross from silver (Proverbs 25:4a).

25 I will turn My hand against you,
And thoroughly purge away your dross,
And take away all your alloy. (Isaiah 1:25)

22 Your silver has become dross, Your wine mixed with water. (Isaiah 1:22)

Dross is a cheaper metal that is normally placed inside a covering of a precious metal like silver. Governments began to do this thousands of years ago when they had financial problems. Putting dross into silver cheapens currency, just like putting water into wine dilutes the wine’s value. In modern times, government spending in excess of revenues and quantitative easing programs (QE1 and QE2, from the Fed Chairman) are a way to dilute the value of currencies. This is not the biblical solution to US economic problems.

QE3 is sending a strong signal to the world that the USA does not know how to truly fix its economy, but that it hopes because its  dollar is the primary world’s reserve currency that it can get away with currency debasement and the rest of the world will put up with it–and while that may be true in the short run, it is sending a signal to the rest of the world that the US dollar needs to be replaced as the world’s primary reserve currency.

Now, the real cause of why all of this is happening to the USA is sin.  Because of it’s increasing secularism, greed, and tolerance for sexual, abortive, and other sins, the USA is getting closer to reaping more what it has sown:

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)

One of the many cursings that were prophesied in the Bible to be reaped for disobedience was that of accumulation of debt:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45).

As the Anglo-American nations have not kept God’s commandments, they have become the greatest debtor nations of all time. And while some do not count quantitative easing as “debt”, it is an improper “solution” to the USA’s economic woes.

But since Ben Bernanke will not advocate that the USA turn to God, he seems to think that diluting the currency is the best choice.

Interestingly, several months ago, replying to Ben Bernanke’s comments back then (and how the USA has handled itself), Russia’s Prime Minister Putin actually said:

They are behaving like hooligans, switching on the printing press and tossing them around the whole world, forgetting their main obligations.

So, the Russian leader does not agree that there should be another round of “quantitative easing/asset repurchases” by the US Federal Reserve. The Russian Prime Minister is correct that what the USA is doing is wrong.

And he is not the only one:

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — One of the leading hawks on the Federal Reserve slammed the central bank’s new asset purchase program…“We are unlikely to see much benefit to growth or employment from further asset purchases,” said Charles Plosser, the president of the Philadelphia Fed Bank, in a speech to financial market trade groups in Philadelphia…the Fed voted to start a third round of asset purchases – an open-ended program of $40 billion per month of mortgage-backed securities…Plosser said the Fed must guard against a loss of its inflation-fighting credibility.  http://articles.marketwatch.com/2012-09-25/economy/34075236_1_qe3-charles-plosser-improvements-in-labor-markets

SINGAPORE: Crude fell in Asia today as doubts over the efficacy of fresh US economic stimulus…”Many traders feel central bank stimulus is merely a sticking plaster for a broken leg, and that much more needs to be done to send the global economy safely on the road to recovery.”  http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/commodities/oil-down-in-asia-on-us-stimulus-doubts/articleshow/16553159.cms

Emerging markets currencies including  Mexico’s peso, Chile’s peso USDCLP +0.35% , and the Russian ruble  USDRUB +0.43% all gained after the Fed announced QE3…So-called “commodity currencies”, such as the Australian dollar AUDUSD -0.37% and Canadian dollar USDCAD +0.27% , gained as well…“Countries know their currencies have to go up against the dollar, but want to move at around the same pace as that of other emerging currencies to preserve competitiveness,” Booth said.  http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2012/09/14/how-far-will-the-dollar-fall-mexican-peso-may-hold-answer/

Unlimited QE3″, Federal Reserve Attacks US Dollar, Risks Currency Warfare

the Federal Reserve…will create money out of thin air on a massive scale for as long as it takes…In other words, inflation goes up (whether officially captured in inflation statistics or not) http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article36521.html

QE3 is a way to inflate the currency while trying to accumulate debt in a more indirect way. Between the proposed QE3 and the US expected federal government deficit, the USA is getting itself in something close to 2 trillion dollars per year in additional debt.  This is already causing foreigners and others to have concerns about the value and safety of the USA dollar.  If the USA continues this way and/or is hit by crop failures, emp weapons, terrorists, weather crises, civil unrest, etc., this will seriously get the concern of at least foreign creditors.

But notice what the Bible warns about those who increase debt in the end times:

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

At some point in time, the USA will likely start to experience massive inflation (which is something that the Fed Chairman should realize). And afterwards, its creditors will rise up (Habakkuk 2:7). The policies of the Federal Reserve Chairman, unless dramatically altered in a different direction relatively soon, are setting the stage for hyperinflation in the U.S.A.–have no doubt about it.

Electronically “creating” more U.S. dollars may stimulate parts of the U.S. economy, but the more dollars that are produced and backed by nothing, the sooner the world will realize that the U.S. dollar cannot remains its primary reserve currency. When this happens, the U.S.A.’s economy will be massively hurt. And much more than people like the Fed Chairman seem to want to admit.

The world is changing and the USA and its Anglo-descended allies are losing their financial dominance in the world. And while there will be some temporary rises in the value of the US dollar for a while (and likely when there is more civil unrest in Europe), the trend for the U.S. dollar and economy is clearly down.

Without massive national repentance, the Bible is clear that complete destruction of the economy, and even government, of the USA is certain. This is something that leaders, such as the Fed Chairman, need to know.  The signal that QE3 is sending is that the USA does not intend to truly fix it problems, but is a sign of major underlying weakness.

Ben Bernanke and others may wish to consider studying the following prophetically-oriented writings:

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?
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?
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?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States 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?

Liberius, Bishop of Rome from 352-366 A.D.

COGwriter

While the Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants like to act like every “Christian” long believed in the trinity, (even though that doctrine was not finalized for them until a council in 381 A.D.), the truth is that even the primary leaders of the Romans and Greeks denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit as late as the mid-4th century.

The Cathecism of the Catholic Church admits the doctrine was not finalized until 381:

245 The apostolic faith concerning the Spirit was announced by the second ecumenical council at Constantinople (381) (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 72).

At least one Protestant trinitarian scholar has admitted some facts about the Holy Spirit as well as the 381 date:

The language of the New Testament permits the Holy Spirit to be understood as an impersonal force or influence more readily than it does the Son…The attempt to develop an understanding of the Holy Spirit consistent with the trinitarian passages…came to fruition at Constantinople in 381. (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, p. 140).

And an Orthodox scholar teaches that its church from 381 onwards accepted the personhood/divinity of the Holy Spirit:

Since the Council of Constantinople (381), which condemned the Pneumatomachians (“fighters against the Spirit”), no one in the Orthodox East has ever denied that the Spirit is not only a “gift” but also the giver–i.e., that he is the third Person of the holy Trinity” (Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Raska and Prizren. Basic Doctrines: Holy Spirit. http://www.kosovo.com/doctrine1.html#Holy%20Spirit 8/20/05).

But what is also interesting is that many, if not most, in the mid-4th century (including the Patriarch of the Orthodox and the “Pope” of the Roman Catholics”) considered denying the divinity of the Holy Spirit to be sound doctrinally!

Did you know that?

Notice what The Catholic Encyclopedia states,

Semiarians and Semiarianism
A name frequently given to the conservative majority in the East in the fourth century…showing that the very name of father implies a son of like substance…rejected the Divinity of the Holy Ghost (Chapman J. Transcribed by Douglas J. Potter. Semiarians and Semiarianism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIII. Published 1912. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, February 1, 1912. Remy Lafort, D.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Towards the middle of the fourth century, Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople, and, after him a number of Semi-Arians, while apparently admitting the Divinity of the Word, denied that of the Holy Ghost (Forget J. Transcribed by W.S. French, Jr. Holy Ghost. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII. Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, June 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

The expression “the East” refers to the area also known as Asia Minor. It was always at least as important as Rome among those that professed Christ for the previous centuries (as well as for many later centuries)–and notice that MOST of those living there WERE Semi-Arian–including Macedonius, who is in the list of successors of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (the primary “see”, if you will, within the Eastern Orthodox faith). But the Orthodox (who like to claim that theirs is the original church and that it did not change) do not seem to realize that their leaders and members WERE NOT trinitarian until the late 4th century.

Although later Roman Catholic writers have had many definitions of those that they called Pneumatomachi or “Semi-Arians” (most of which disagree with the Church of God position), one that somewhat defines the view held in the early church would possibly be this one written by Epiphanius in the mid-4th Century,

Semi-Arians…hold the truly orthodox view of the Son, that he was forever with the Father…but has been begotten without beginning and not in time…But all of these blaspheme the Holy Spirit, and do not count him in the Godhead with the Father and the Son (Epiphanius. The Panarion of Epiphanius of Salamis, Books II and III (Sects 47-80), De Fide). Section VI, Verses 1,1 and 1,3. Translated by Frank Williams. EJ Brill, New York, 1994, pp.471-472).

According to The Catholic Encylopedia, at least one 4th century Pope acknowledged soundness of the faith of the Pneumatomachi:

Pneumatomachi…The majority of this sect were clearly orthodox on the Consubstantiality of the Son; they had sent a deputation from the Semi-Arian council of Lampsacus (364 A.D.) to Pope Liberius, who after some hesitation acknowledged the soundness of their faith; but with regard to the Third Person, both pope and bishops were satisfied with the phrase: “We believe in the Holy Ghost” (Arendzen, John. “Pneumatomachi.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 12. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 11 Jul. 2008 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12174a.htm>)

So, it should be abundantly clear that until the latter part of the 4th century, many (if not most) who professed Christ in Asia Minor and even Rome held to some type of a binitarian view and at least one Pope (Liberius) and one Patriarch (Macedonius) accepted that as sound. Have you been taught this before?

Here is more on “Pope” Liberius (the bishops of Rome did not actually take the title “Pope” until about 30 years after Liberius). It is also recorded:

Liberius (352-366)…the signing of a document that contained a formulation very close to the Arian thesis…he was criticized by many (Athanasius, Hilary of Poiters, Jerome) who saw this submission as a weakness due to fear of death (Lopes A. Translation by Charles Nopar. The Popes. Pontifical Administration, Rome, 1997, p. 12).

The Catholic Saint Jerome, while discussing Arian and anti-Arian writings wrote:

Fortunatianus, an African by birth, bishop of Aquilia during the reign of Constantius, composed brief Commentaries on the gospels arranged by chapters, written in a rustic style, and is held in detestation because, when Liberius bishop of Rome was driven into exile for the faith, he was induced by the urgency of Fortunatianus to subscribe to heresy. (Jerome. De Viris Illustribus (On Illustrious Men), Chapter 97).

So, it seems that while later Catholics believe that Liberius was pressured to appear to be Semi-Arian from imperial forces, that perhaps he was simply persuaded (or perhaps even was always Semi-Arian). Would a true “apostolic successor” hold a position that is now condemned by his own church as heresy?

If not, then Liberius (as only one such example) disproves the notion of an unbroken succession of bishops from Peter–hence Liberius is one more example of why the Catholics truly do not have apostolic succession (Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople, also is another that disproves the Orthodox claim to succession–there were other Orthodox “Patriarchs’ who held similar views).

But the fact is that at least one bishop of Rome (Liberius), one bishop of Constantinople (Macedonius), and many other 4th century Greco-Roman bishops were still, at least partially, Semi-Arian–that is, they denied that the Holy Spirit was the third divine person in a trinity.

While those in the actual Church of God do believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), we do not believe that the Holy Spirit is the third divine person in a trinity as a council in 381 declared.

Even trinitarian scholars understand that the Holy Spirit is not biblically shown to be clearly a person. Notice the following written by a modern Orthodox scholar:

Roman Catholic and Orthodox theologians agree in recognizing a certain anonymity characterizes the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. While the names Father and Son denote very clear personal distinctions, are in no sense interchangeable, and cannot in any case refer to the common nature of the two hypostases, the name Holy Spirit does not have that advantage. Indeed, we say that God is Spirit, meaning by that the common nature as much as any one of the persons. We say that he is holy…Taken in itself, the term Holy Spirit thus might be applied, not to a personal distinction…In that sense, Thomas Aquinas was right in saying that…the name Holy Spirit has been given to him…we find an image of the economy of the Third Person rather than an image of his hypostatic character: we find the procession of a divine force or spirit which accomplishes sanctification. We reach a paradoxical conclusions: all that we know about the Holy Spirit refers to his economy; all that we do not know makes us venerate him as a person (Clendenin D.B. ed. Eastern Orthodox Theology, 2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2003, pp. 165-166).

The above is quite an astounding admission! The main trinitarian groups admit that the Holy Spirit is simply a procession of a divine force and that it is venerated as a person based upon what scripture does not say.

Did you know all of this? If not, perhaps you had better look into this further.

Articles of related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? Or did they have a different view?
Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning Is binitarianism the correct position? What about unitarianism or trinitarianism?
Is The Father God? What is the view of the Bible? What was the view of the early church?
Jesus is God, But Was Made Man Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what?
Virgin Birth: Does the Bible Teach It? What does the Bible teach? What is claimed in The Da Vinci Code?
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it?
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning This is a shorter article than the Binitarian View article, but has a little more information on binitarianism.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the 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.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

COGwriter

Dr. R.C. Meredith wrote the following:

True Christians are those who follow Christ’s
example. How would Jesus Himself approach the upcoming election? The answer may surprise

Who can lead us out of the morass of our plummeting morality, our insecure economy and the increasing tensions in our society? As the United States prepares to select a President, how would our Savior respond? How should we as Christians respond? And how should we view the election process itself?

All around us, the U.S. presidential election process is highlighting deep divisions between Americans. Widely different perspectives exist about what the nation should be. “As Americans head to the polls this November, their values and basic beliefs are more polarized along partisan lines than at any point in the past 25 years.”  So says the respected Pew Research Center, in a recent analysis of the United States’ 2012 presidential election campaign (“Partisan Polarization Surges in Bush, Obama Years,” June 4, 2012).

“Values” and issues of religion remain a key concern for Americans seeking to choose their President. The Gallup Organization polled Americans earlier this summer, finding that 11 percent believe President Obama to be a Muslim, though the President has repeatedly said he became a Christian as a young adult (“Many Americans Can’t Name Obama’s Religion,” June 22, 2012). By contrast, 57 percent correctly identified Mitt Romney as a Mormon. Many Romney supporters have gone to great lengths to defend their candidate’s faith as “just as Christian” as any other form of professing Christianity. Meanwhile, although President Obama describes himself as Christian, he has consistently emphasized his vision of a pluralistic America in which no particular religion is favored over any other.

God certainly commands Christians to be alert to world trends, to “watch” for the signs of the times (Luke 21:34–36). He instructs us to respect—and even to pray for—the elected and appointed government officials who are in authority in our nations (1 Timothy 2:1–4; 1 Peter 2:17–18). But should either major party candidate command the allegiance of Christians in America? If so, which one? And why—or why not?

Does It Matter? What To Do?

First, let us ask: “Does any of this really matter?” A recent Pew Research Center survey found that although 63 percent of American voters say it “really matters” which candidate wins the election in November, only 56 percent are “very satisfied” or “fairly satisfied” with this election’s presidential candidates. That is the lowest satisfaction rating since the 1996 presidential election. Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed said they would like to see a third major party emerge as an alternative (“Obama Better Liked, Romney Ahead on Economy,” June 21, 2012).

So, amidst all the “mud-slinging” and the contentious trading of accusations back and forth, what should true Christians do? How should we respond? Most importantly, how would Jesus Christ respond in this politically charged atmosphere? We all need to recognize that true Christians are those who have Christ living in them through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul wrote: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, KJV).

A true Christian must learn to live as Jesus Christ actually lived—not as many people incorrectly imagine He might have lived. Jesus Himself told us: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). The genuine answer as to how we ought to live and function in a democratic nation can be found in the Bible—the inspired word of God. For we are to have the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5). And the Bible is the revelation of God’s mind—telling us how the Father and Jesus Christ really think about the fundamental issues of life.

All through this past summer, Americans have been deluged with messages urging voters to support one candidate or another. Looking at the men who would be President, we ask ourselves: “Does he really believe he is fit to lead the world’s only superpower? Does he think that any human being is fit for the task?”

Where is God in all of this?

From the beginning, human beings have tried to rule themselves without God’s direct leadership. Most professing Christians do not even realize what Jesus Christ has to do with government. For they have been told far more about the “little Lord Jesus, away in a manger,” than they have about the biblical Jesus Christ who is now standing at the right hand of God in heaven (Acts 7:55–56). The real Christ will soon return in majestic glory as the literal King of kings over the entire earth! To most people, this Jesus is unknown.

Remember, very few professing Christians realize that Jesus’ gospel was about a coming world government. One of the most clever, Satanic deceptions ever spread is that Jesus Christ’s message was principally about Himself. The starting point of true Christianity is accepting the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8–11) after truly—and this is too infrequently mentioned—repenting of sin (Acts 2:38–39). However, Jesus’ main message—the gospel He preached—centered on world government and the willingness of each human to genuinely surrender to God and eventually become part of His divine Family. This divine government will soon rule over this entire earth (Revelation 12:5)!

Who Rules This Present World?

Though many have been led to believe that this is now God’s world, the Bible tells us something entirely different. The Apostle John was inspired to write: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

During the temptation of Jesus Christ, He was taken to a mountain and shown the glory of all the kingdoms of this world: “And the devil said to Him, ‘All this authority [to govern] I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish’” (Luke 4:6).

Did Jesus contradict Satan, and tell him that he was not in charge of the kingdoms of this world? No, He did not. Rather, near the end of His ministry, Jesus spoke of Satan in this way: “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out” (John 12:31). As He also said: “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me” (John 14:30).

Later, Paul wrote: “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Corinthians 4:3–4). Satan the Devil is the invisible ruler—the “god” of this age, which has covered about 6,000 years of human history since the creation of Adam. But this age will end at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ as King of kings! God inspired Paul to reveal to us that Satan is “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2). So the invisible spirit ruler—the prince—over this world’s society is actually Satan the Devil!

Nevertheless, the true Creator God intervenes when necessary, to accomplish His purpose. In Galatians 1:4, Paul taught that Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age.” But egotistical human beings, who think they know it all, are actually unaware that they are under the powerful sway of the invisible Satan. They think that their ideas about society and about government— often diametrically contrary to those of God—make sense. But God says: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Satan deceives this world in a thousand different ways! In the book of Revelation, John foresaw a spirit war just ahead when “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 were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9).

Later, God reveals to us that at the beginning of Christ’s reign on earth, Satan is cast into a bottomless pit “so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished” (Revelation 20:3). The Bible makes it exceedingly clear that this present society is Satan’s. Rather than truly seeking God’s will, today’s civilization is based on vanity, competition, deception and outright fraud.

Jesus told Pontius Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36). Clearly, Jesus had no intention of trying to get into this world’s politics and wars. He represented another world, another government—the Kingdom of God. Therefore, Jesus would definitely not try to reorganize this world and thrust Himself into the midst of a lying, scheming political system under the sway of Satan the Devil!

Training To Be Kings

Probably within this very generation, the biblical Jesus Christ will return to sit on a real throne in the city of Jerusalem. His government will be established throughout the entire earth—a literal government empowered by Almighty God, ruled by the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:15–16). And what will Jesus’ followers—the true saints of God—be doing? “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?” (1 Corinthians 6:2–3). In the next few verses, Paul went on to expound how the Christians in Corinth were supposed to learn to practice God’s government in the Church by correctly “judging” problems among themselves. From Genesis to Revelation, a position in God’s government has always been filled by appointment—not by politicking or otherwise making deceptive promises to people, hoping to buy their votes. It was in this context that Paul could ask: “[Why] do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?” (v. 4).

Christians are in training, now, to be kings and priests in the soon-coming Kingdom of God. Jesus stated: “He who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father” (Revelation 2:26–27). So we need to overcome our human ways and human selfishness—and learn to practice God’s government now. Notice this “prayer of the saints” in Revelation 5:9–10: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” Clearly, the true saints of God will soon have rulership—not up in heaven, but on this earth!

Carefully study the parable of the pounds in Luke 19:11–27 in the King James Version. Here Jesus is pictured as going off to heaven to receive His Kingdom and to return. When Christ returns, He rewards His servants according to how well each has done in using God-given time, talents and wisdom in serving God. What reward did Christ give His faithful servants? “And he said to him, ‘Well [done], thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities’” (v. 17). And to the servant who had only gained five pounds? “Be thou also over five cities” (v. 19).

Do you see any indication of politicking or voting here? Not at all. Rather, it is just one more scriptural example to make clear to Christians that the best form of government—God’s government—is not in any way based on human politicking, compromising, wheeling and dealing, and coming up with half-baked solutions to our problems.

Jesus said: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). He certainly would not lower Himself to be part of this world’s incorrect approach to governing. In fact—setting us an example—Jesus Christ in His human ministry never made any overtures to the human leaders of His time, never involved Himself in any political campaign and never taught His followers to try to change the political landscape or straighten out the human governments of His time!

Rather, Christ will deal decisively with the kings of this world when He returns: “And in the days of these kings [those ruling immediately prior to Christ’s return] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).

Later in Daniel, God clearly describes how the true saints will be given authority, under Christ, over all the governments of this earth at the Messiah’s return. “Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him” (7:27).

Christians and Today’s Governments

Although Jesus Christ did not actively participate in the governments of this deceived world, He did set us an example of obedience to civil law, showing respect to those in office. When the Pharisees came to ask Jesus about paying taxes, He answered: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

God inspired Paul to write: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1–2). And Paul further explains: “For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (vv. 6–7).

Paul tells us to pray for those in positions of authority. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

True Christians—who make up the church (Greek ekklesia, literally, the “called-out ones”)—are like foreign ambassadors. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to act as deputy chancellor of a small college near London, England. Because of this and other responsibilities, I attended a number of distinguished gatherings in London and at the home of the U.S. ambassador to Her Majesty’s government. On two of these occasions, I met the American ambassador.

The U.S. Ambassador to Britain—or to any other government, for that matter—is expected to obey the laws of the land in which he or she is residing, to respect the authorities and to give honor to whom honor is due. On the two occasions when I visited Winfield House—the ambassador’s residence—a toast was proposed to the Queen. All rose and lifted their glasses in honor of the gracious lady who is still monarch of the British people. On each occasion, the U.S. ambassador—Elliot Richardson in one instance and Walter Annenberg in the other—joined in the toast. Showing this kind of respect to those in authority is clearly reflective of the attitude that God wants us all to have. And certainly we are required to pay our taxes and obey all the laws of the land, so long as they do not make us go against God’s law. Of course, if some totalitarian government ever tried to make us directly disobey the higher laws of Almighty God, then we should follow the inspired example of the apostles who said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Even then, if we decide to stay in that nation, we should expect to suffer any penalty or punishment such authorities might impose—looking in faith to God to take care of us (cf. Daniel 3).

But, as Paul wrote, we are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). We should conduct ourselves with love and respect for all human beings— including those in political offices. But we must always remember that our ultimate citizenship is not in or from the governments of this Satan-inspired society! Although we should serve others and do good on an individual basis, we cannot and must not become involved with military or political efforts to reorganize or to clean up Satan’s deceived world. For the system itself is not God’s system! He is only allowing deceived human beings to go their own way and experiment with various types of government during this present 6,000 years of human experience.

Paul wrote: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14–15). Referring to the religio-political system that will dominate most of the developed world when Jesus Christ returns, God commands His people: “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues’” (Revelation 18:4).

What would Jesus do in this U.S. election year? He would be so busy proclaiming the good news of the soon-coming Kingdom of God that He would have no time for the politicking, voting or taking part in any groups pressuring to clean up Satan’s world. For He would know that—although often well-meaning—human attempts to save this world are doomed to failure because they are under Satan’s sway and are part of his system, which God Himself calls “Babylon” (Revelation 14:8). He would know that it is God the Father who, according to His own will, sets up kings and removes them, to bring about His purpose on the earth (Daniel 2:21). It is not up to Christians to challenge—or even work against—God’s will in these matters.

The mission and calling of all true Christians is to help prepare the way—as advance emissaries—for the Kingdom of God, the literal government that the living Jesus Christ will soon set up. It will replace all the misguided human governments of this earth. “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” (Revelation 11:15).

As the specific end-time events prophesied in Scripture—God’s inspired word—begin to occur all around us, we need to understand deeply that Christ’s soon-coming government is real!As the American dollar plummets in value, as American and British prestige around the world continues to decline and Almighty God continues to break the “pride of [our] power” (Leviticus 26:19), we had better realize that Christ really is coming soon!And we had better understand deeply that everything around us is soon going to change. When our real focus is on that paramount fact, we can finally go “all out” in preparing to be overcomers (Revelation 2:26), and in doing our partto prepare to actually assist the returning Jesus Christ in ruling this world—God’s way!

An article of possibly related interest may be:

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.

COGwriter

Former third party presidential candidate and billionaire Ross Perot is concerned that the USA may be taken over:

It is more than may.  The USA will be taken over.

The Bible is clear that the nation with the “strongest fortresses” will be taken over and its lands divided (Daniel 11:39).  While Ross Perot is looking at this from more of a carnal perspective, it is never-the-less true.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.)