Church of God News

COGwriter

In his latest commentary, LCG’s William Williams had the following:

Commentary: Count Your Blessings…

How important is our attitude? God expects us to be thankful, and in Scripture He left us many powerful examples of the danger of thanklessness.

One example can be found in one of the most important Old Testament miracles God performed, providing food for His people where there was none—bread from a wilderness, life-giving provision from the dew of a desert (Exodus 16:1-5). Manna from heaven was neither stuffing, nor pudding, nor turkey and gravy, but it gave sustenance, and with it God was proving Himself to His people by providing for them so that they might live. Having opened the door to their deliverance, His gift of manna was enough, even more than enough, for a people so recently enslaved in bondage and ignorance!

So, how did the Israelites respond to God’s gift? They complained about its lack of variety, and asked for meat (Numbers 11:4-6). These people, who had not shown themselves willing to abide by their covenant with God, were already putting Him to the test by their complacency and ingratitude! If God could give them bread, they reasoned, why not meat? They forgot that God did not have to give them anything at all!

But God heard their complaints, and gave them what they wanted—and it was a harsh lesson in being careful what you wish for! He brought waves of quail, and fed them meat until they grew literally and physically sick of it: “You shall eat, not one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days, but for a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have despised the Lord who is amongst you, and have wept before Him, saying, ‘Why did we ever come up out of Egypt?’” (Numbers 11:19-20). God then sent a plague to finish off those who most offensively allowed their desire for self-gratification to get ahead of their remembrance of their Deliverer (Numbers 11:33-34).

God has done something very similar for many of us today. He has allowed us to live in abundance, and blessed our nations in just about every way possible. Even when times are relatively hard, we must be careful to remind ourselves that such blessings are not shared by all, and are not guaranteed to last.

When God opens a door for us, as He did for the Israelites, we show tremendous gratitude by going through it, but we often betray a profound ingratitude when we do not! We should have confidence that, as with the Israelites and early Christians before us, God will not “hand us a stone” in place of bread if we ask in gratitude and righteousness (Luke 11:10-12). But if we slap from His hand the gifts He offers, or if we simply walk away in ignorance or self-will, He might sometimes let us have a brush with a scorpion, or give His blessings to others more grateful. So, pray always that you may see—and walk through—those open doors (Philippians 4:6)!

Although Thanksgiving is a natural occasion for us to reflect on our attitude of gratitude, it is a holiday invented by mankind. God Himself has given His people an annual series of Holy Days that are even more meaningful, yet have rarely been practiced. Those Holy Days are true gifts from God. If you want to know more, please write or call for our free booklet, The Holy Days: God’s Master Plan, and learn about how God’s Holy Days can change everything you ever knew or thought about “the holidays,” and show you what most to be thankful for.

Christians are always supposed to be thankful, and not just one day per year.

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? Is kindness involved? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
Thanksgiving: A Time To Give Thanks and Praise the LORD Is this American holiday appropriate? Why or why not?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Hebrew Calendar and “Postponements” This John Ogywn writing explains why the most faithful in the Church of God use the calendar that we do and answers such questions as “Did Jesus Observe the Postponements?”
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues” and being led by the Holy Spirit?
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
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 🙂

Devil	= Secret	+ Person	+ Garden

COGwriter

China is apparently now taking a less provocative stance on its territorial claims against many nations in Southern and Eastern Asia:

20 November 2012

STATE DEPARTMENT — China’s new leaders may be moving closer to resolving disputes over the South China Sea through a regional alliance rather than through separate negotiations with each of its territorial rivals.

This week’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations showed again the scale of sensitivities over the South China Sea with the Philippines objecting to a draft statement saying all sides agreed not to internationalize the maritime dispute.

China has consistently opposed ASEAN’s involvement in rival claims over the South China Sea that involve Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Following the summit in Cambodia, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang said an ASEAN Declaration of Conduct over the dispute – or DOC – could help ease tensions.

“China will continue to come back [with] sincere dialogue with ASEAN countries and to fully implement in an effective way the DOC so that all parties can accumulate mutual trust and carry on cooperation and put this issue of South China Sea in good control so that we can work together to safeguard peace, stability, cooperation, and development,” said Gang.  http://www.voanews.com/content/china-might-be-moving-closer-to-asean-on-south-china-sea/1549937.html

China wants a variety of territories, but probably decided that it is now best to be patient.  Much of what China appears to be doing is consistent with what its late leader Deng Xiaoping once expressed,

China must hide brightness and nourish obscurity . . . to bide our time and build up our capabilities (Source: Times Online).

China is moving forward economically and politically in Asia.   And while China will have problems, the Bible shows that it will be part of a massive military confederation that will include many in Asia (Revelation 16:12).

Cooperating now may be an aid to that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?

COGwriter

The New York Times ran a piece about the increasing acceptance and preference towards socialism by parts of the electorate of the USA:

William Bennett, conservative stalwart, television commentator and secretary of education under President Reagan, complained on the CNN Web site that Democrats have been successful in setting

the parameters and focus of the national and political dialogue as predominantly about gender, race, ethnicity and class. This is the paradigm, the template through which many Americans, probably a majority, more or less view the world, our country, and the election. It is a divisive strategy and Democrats have targeted and exploited those divides. How else can we explain that more young people now favor socialism to capitalism?

In fact, the 2011 Pew Research Center poll Bennett cites demonstrates that in many respects conservatives are right to be worried:

Not only does a plurality (49-43) of young people hold a favorable view of socialism — and, by a tiny margin (47-46), a negative view of capitalism — so do liberal Democrats, who view socialism positively by a solid 59-33; and African Americans, 55-36. Hispanics are modestly opposed, 49-44, to socialism, but they hold decisively negative attitudes toward capitalism, 55-32.   http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/18/is-rush-limbaughs-country-gone/

The above is consistent with something the Russians noticed just over 3 years ago:

American capitalism gone with a whimper

27.04.2009

It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American decent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed…

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First, the population was dumbed down through a politicized and substandard education system based on pop culture, rather then the classics…

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Then their faith in God was destroyed…top protestant mega preachers were more then happy to sell out their souls and flocks to be on the “winning” side of one pseudo Marxist politician or another. Their flocks may complain, but when explained that they would be on the “winning” side, their flocks were ever so quick to reject Christ in hopes for earthly power. Even our Holy Orthodox churches are scandalously liberalized in America…

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The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama…His spending and money printing has been a record setting, not just in America’s short history but in the world…

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These past two weeks have been the most breath taking of all. First came the announcement of a planned redesign of the American Byzantine tax system, by the very thieves who used it to bankroll their thefts, loses and swindles of hundreds of billions of dollars. These make our Russian oligarchs look little more then ordinary street thugs, in comparison. Yes, the Americans have beat our own thieves in the shear volumes. Should we congratulate them?…

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Again, the American public has taken this with barely a whimper…but a “freeman” whimper…The proud American will go down into his slavery with out a fight, beating his chest and proclaiming to the world, how free he really is. The world will only snicker.  http://english.pravda.ru/opinion/columnists/27-04-2009/107459-american_capitalism-0/

A shift has occurred in the USA.  Notice something I have in my book Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States:

In the 2007 edition of his book, originally published in 1995, Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, Barack Obama makes what seems to be anti-colonial statements and even claims that he sought out “Marxist professors” in college.  (Thiel B.  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States.  Nazarene Books, edition 1.1, 2012, p. 13)

The fact that in one of his books, Barack Obama wrote he sought out “Marxist professors” and he not only got elected, but got re-elected shows that a shift has happened in the USA.

Some consider this shift to be a major triumph.  The fact that more and more money has to be borrowed to pay for this socialist shift does not worry everyone.

Yet the ability of voters to vote themselves social benefits is dangerous.  Centuries ago, it was warned about by Alexander Fraser Tyler in his Cycle Of Democracy (published in 1770):

A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over lousy fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average of the world’s great civilizations before they decline has been 200 years. These nations have progressed in this sequence: From bondage to spiritual faith; from faith to great courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to abundance; from abundance to selfishness; from selfishness to Complacency; from complacency to apathy; from apathy to dependency; from dependency back again to bondage.

The Bible shows that the accumulation of debt leads to disaster and bondage:

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…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 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. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52).

7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

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).

13 “Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made, and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst. 14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands remain strong, in the days when I shall deal with you? I, the Lord, have spoken, and will do it. 15 I will scatter you among the nations, disperse you throughout the countries, and remove your filthiness completely from you. (Ezekiel 22:13-15)

Borrowing money that will not be paid back is a “dishonest profit” which the American peoples have been living on for the past several decades. They will be scattered for this and their filthiness (cf. Romans 1:18-32; see also Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided?).

People in the USA used to be more concerned about what the Bible taught and were much more concerned about debt.  And they still should be.

While not all social goals are immoral, massive increases in debt are warned against.  And destruction is coming to the USA.

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 West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
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.
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 a Republican choice. 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?
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.)

 
Last Page of the Dresden Codex

COGwriter

The current edition of CG7-Denver’s Bible Advocate has an article from CGOM’s James McBride.  Here are some portions of it:

Prophetic dates come and go.  What about December 21, 2012?

Some say the day of doom is at the door. Alignment of planets, a collision with Nibiru, a shifting polar axis, reversal of earth’s magnetic field, a “beam” from the Milky Way’s center, catastrophic earthquakes and tsunamis — all coming to their climactic focus on December 21 of this year!…

But is it true? Is this “the end” for all of us? Not that the Mayans predicted such for this now infamous date…

Jesus will return — in the Father’s perfect timing. The date you anticipate may or may not be the one. Tot up prophesied events, and the time may, thankfully, be cut short! What Jesus said was “Be vigilant.” Watch. Be prepared. Hold fast to the true faith. Don’t let your love grow cold. Be patient. Serve until He comes.

James McBride is correct that Jesus will return, we do not yet know the date, the most faithful Christians will hold fast, and that all should watch and serve until He returns.

As far as the Mayans go, the last page of the Dresden Codex is the part that most who believe the world can end on December 21, 2012 have focused on.  The idea that it may have been predicting a flood at the end of the Mayan long-count calendar has been suspected in Western circles for at least a century.  In 1906, notice some of what was written by Ernst Wilhelm Förstemann concerning the Dresden Codex:

COMMENTARY ON THE DRESDEN CODEX… This page can denote nothing but the end of the world, for which the serpent numbers have prepared the way. Perhaps what looks like a zero above the sign Eb in the stream of water may likewise point to this calamity. (Förstemann EW. Commentary on the Maya manuscript in the Royal public library of Dresden Papers of the Peabody Museum of American Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University. Translated by Selma Wesselhoeft, Alberta M. Parker. Publisher The Museum, 1906 Original from Harvard University Digitized Dec 14, 2005, p. 266)

Of course, different researchers have different opinions about what this means, but the world will not end in a flood according to Bible prophecy:

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).

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

Other scriptures show that the Great Tribulation and the later great earthquake (Revelation 16:18) cannot be that early (see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? for more details).

Whatever the Dresden Codex may be trying to portray (my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect discusses certain views), it is not possible that the end of the world will occur in 2012, Jesus will not return in 2012 (Ronald Weinland was wrong; see Ron Weinland Falsely Claims ‘Work of the Two Witnesses is Over’), nor can the Great Tribulation begin that early.

But the Great tribulation will eventually come and Jesus will eventually return.

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

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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 24 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass. Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition). This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of many of the predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache. 2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 24 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 24 já começaram a acontecer.

Handwriting on the Wall (Crespo)

COGwriter

Someone sent me the following written by Dr. Martin Weiss:

My Challenge to S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch:

Downgrade the Debt of the United States Before We Run Off the Fiscal Cliff!

Nov 19, 2012

To: Executives and Analysts of Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch

From: Martin D. Weiss President, Weiss Ratings

I challenge you again to promptly take the bold action that you have so far avoided — to downgrade the debt U.S. government in order to help protect investors and prod Washington to fix its finances.

I issue this challenge for three absolutely vital reasons:

Reason #1. Your current ratings of U.S. debt are fundamentally dishonest.

…• The risk of uncontrollable consequences from the fiscal cliff. Reason #2. Your ratings are unfair to investors.

By maintaining inflated ratings, you have helped elevate the price investors must pay for U.S. government securities.

Reason #3. Worst of all, your ratings have supported the complacency in Washington that has lead us to this fiscal cliff!

By maintaining inflated ratings, you have helped enable our leaders to borrow and spend their way through the debt crisis.

You have made it easier for them to delay vital decisions to tackle America’s ballooning federal deficits.

And you have helped foster an environment of complacency that created many of the fiscal cliff disasters now upon us…

But as history has proven repeatedly, the consequences of procrastination can be far more serious: First, without the proper warnings, you help entice millions of hard-working citizens, retirees, and their intermediaries to pour even more money into a potential debt trap … or at best, to be severely underpaid for the actual risks they are taking.

Second, without the appropriate downgrade, you give policymakers a green light to make minimalist deals before the fiscal cliff yearend deadline and to perpetuate their fiscal follies after the deadline.

Worst of all, by continuing to reaffirm America’s inflated ratings, you help create a false sense of security overall — the recipe for a possible meltdown in financial markets when global investors finally do realize that the emperor has no clothes.

In the past, you have often hesitated to downgrade large institutions with deteriorating finances.

Please, do not repeat that error.

If you do, history shows that it can end in disaster…http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/my-challenge-to-sp-moodys-and-fitch-downgrade-debt-of-the-united-states-before-we-run-off-the-fiscal-cliff-50921

On the other hand, some have a different view:

Treasury Secretary Geithner: Lift Debt Limit to Infinity

19 November 2012

(CNSNews.com) – Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Friday that Congress should stop placing legal limits on the amount of money the government can borrow and effectively lift the debt limit to infinity.

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/treasury-secretary-geithner-lift-debt-limit-infinity

Continuing to raise debt levels is dangerous.  Not limiting the debt is unwise in the long run.

While neither Dr. Weiss nor Treasury Secretary Geithner referred to the biblical Book of Habakkuk in their recent statements, notice what some scriptures in it state (bolding mine):

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 2:6-8)

Notice also the following written four years ago:

Dire times are ahead and our government will not be able to bail out the market forever. Foreign governments will also become increasingly unable…and unwilling… to help.

And why are these financial calamities happening? Because of systems founded on excessive gain, oppression and extortion (Habakkuk 2:6), and because of our unwillingness to obey God’s commandments, to keep His Sabbath and Holy Days, and to truly walk according to His Law (Deuteronomy 28:43-45). Sadly, the days are coming when, “Suddenly, your debtors will rise up in anger. They will turn on you and take all you have, while you stand trembling and helpless” (Habakkuk 2:7, NLT).

Let us earnestly seek God and fervently pray for our nation. (Ciesielka W. Category 5 hits Wall Street. LCG Commentary c. 2008)

The U.S. and the British-descended peoples have enjoyed living off the resources of the world, but the prophet Habakkuk warns: “… Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the people shall plunder you” (Habakkuk 2:7–8).In a prophetic book that catalogues the sins of the Israelite people (Hosea 4:1), the prophet Hosea delivers this solemn warning: “I have written for him [Israel] the great things of My law, but they were considered a strange thing… Israel has forgotten his Maker… I will send fire upon his cities, and it shall devour his palaces… Thus it shall be done to you, O Bethel, because of your great wickedness. In a morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off” (Hosea 8:12–14; 10:15, KJV).

Bible prophecies clearly predict that God’s chosen people will experience sudden calamities that will effectively break the pride of their power and put them at the mercy of foreign nations, because they have forgotten their God and rejected His laws. America’s burgeoning foreign debt, the Western world’s precarious dependence on foreign oil that could be cut off at any moment, and the banking sector’s fears that the world’s economy is facing “total meltdown,” appear to be setting the stage for these ancient prophecies to come alive at any moment. If we have eyes to see and ears to hear, we need to be alert to these prophetic warnings! (Winnail D. Tomorrow’s World. Sudden Calamities Ahead! Sep-Oct 2008)

Notice also:

Handwriting on the Wall! On July 4, the United States, currently the most powerful nation in the world, celebrated 234 years of independence. The following day, on Monday, July 5, British-born Harvard professor and economic historian Niall Ferguson opened the 2010 Aspen Ideas Festival with a stark warning that the American “empire” could suddenly collapse—possibly within the next two years—due to the country’s rising debt! (Winnail W. LCG World Ahead Weekly Update, July 8, 2010)

Thousands of years ago, the Prophet Daniel was asked to interpret some handwriting that was written on a wall by only a hand that the king of the area personally witnessed (which is why he ultimately called Daniel to see it). The moral trend in that kingdom was not good according to Daniel (Daniel 5:22-23). After stating that, here is the interpretation that the prophet Daniel gave of that handwriting on the wall:

24 Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

25 “And this is the inscription that was written:

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 This is the interpretation of each word. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:24-28)

That kingdom was taken over that very night (Daniel 5:30-31).

So, let us look at the words from the wall and apply them to the United States.

1. Mene: Your days as being on the top of the world order are numbered.
2. Mene: Despite signs of your decline, instead of repenting, you seem to be taking steps to speed it up–you are soon to be finished.
3. Tekel: Your morality and “conscience” have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting.
4. Peres/Upharsin: Your nation will be divided by the final Beast, the King of the North (Daniel 11:39), and he will make your people slaves as your nation will be finished.

As I have written many times, I doubt that the USA will have national repentance, so it is on the way to destruction. A lot of what has come out of the White House, Congress, and other politicians have not been real solutions to the problems that the USA is facing. But that does not preclude individual repentance.

Turning to God is the only answer. And this is something you can do –whether you are American or not. Even a report a while back from the Congressional Budget Office warned that the USA is risking a “sudden fiscal crisis” that could have devastating consequences (see CBO Warns of ‘Sudden’ Debt Crisis), and according to the Bible, the consequences will be even worse than the CBO imagined.

Nations rise and fall.

Secular sources are more and more starting to realize that the end of USA dollar domination is going to occur (and it will not be on January 1, 2013, that is a bit too soon–but it will happen). This will have major ramifications for the USA, as well as its Anglo-allies.

Can you see the handwriting on the wall?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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 a Republican choice. 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?
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.)

Damascus, Capital of Syria

COGwriter

While the situation between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues, that is not the only area of concern in the Middle East.  Although the French government has now officially recognized an opposition group in Syria, there is another opposition group that is more clear about what it wants–an Islamic state–and it says it has already formed one:

November 19, 2012

A group of extremist Islamist factions in Syria has rejected the country’s new opposition coalition, saying in a video statement they have formed an “Islamic state” in the embattled city of Aleppo to underline that they want nothing to do with the Western-backed bloc. The video appears to be a reaction to the Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces, formed Nov. 11 in Qatar to unify groups trying to topple the regime of President Bashar Assad…

The statement by 13 radical factions that was posted on a militant website late Sunday suggested the extremist elements — including the al Qaeda-inspired Jabhat al-Nusra — are suspicious of the new coalition. They rejected what they said was a “foreign project” and declared the northern city of Aleppo, where many radical groups have been fighting, an “Islamic state.”  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57551712/islamic-extremist-rebel-groups-reject-new-syria-opposition-coalition/

I have been warning for quite a long time that Syria will eventually change and support the confederation (Ezekiel 30:1-9) that the Bible calls the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).  Notice, for example, what I posted on May 11, 2011 (Syria Continues Using Tanks Against Protestors) related to Syria and the government of its President Assad:

No matter what the Syrian government attempts to do to stop this, an pan-Arabic confederation is going to form which will cross current national boundaries…What is currently happening in Syria seems to aligning with the rise the leader of a pan-Arabic confederation that all should watch for.

Steps aligning with the idea of a pan-Arabic Islamic confederation have continued to take place in Syria and elsewhere since I wrote that.

It needs to be understood that even though the more “recognized” opposition party in Syria is not considered to be directly pushing for a more Islamic state, the reality is that much of the opposition in Syria want to have more of a Sunni Muslim state and thus want to move further away from Shi’ite Muslim Iran–the nation that is Syria’s, under its current President Assad, closest ally.  Thus, pretty much all the opposition wants more of an Islamic state.

Also, the same news item that I cited above had the following quote from Islamic cleric Mouaz al-Khatib, who is the new head of the “recognized” opposition group in Syria:

“We will listen to our brothers who have not joined this alliance,” al-Khatib said after a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr. “We will keep in contact with them for more cooperation in the interest of the Syrian people,” al-Khatib said.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57551712/islamic-extremist-rebel-groups-reject-new-syria-opposition-coalition/

So, even the Western-supported opposition considers those that have claimed to establish an Islamic State in part of Syria as “brothers.”

The fact that the leader of the Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces is an Islamic cleric suggests that he and his group are at least sympathetic to the idea of pan-national Islamic cooperation.  The fact that he is meeting with the Egyptian Foreign Minister also shows he wants pan-national Islamic cooperation.  It may not be coincidental that a group that officially wants to have a confederation of Islamic states is called the Muslim Brotherhood, and is based out of Egypt.  It would seem obvious that Islamic cleric Mouaz al-Khatib considers both the rebels who declared and Islamic State in part of Syria as well as the government in Egypt both as Muslim brothers.

The biblically-prophesied Islamic confederation (Ezekiel 30:1-9; Daniel 11:40-43 ) is in the process of being formed.

Much is happening in the Middle East.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab 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?

COGwriter

On 11/13/2009  Sony released its 2012 movie.  The movie portrayed Los Angeles, India, the Vatican, and other places being destroyed by a flood, on December 21/22 2012.  The main ones that survive, survive on what could best be described as flotilla of modern versions of Noah’s Ark.

Because the date of the start of the “Mayan flood,”  about two years ago a village in France made the news related to to it as some believe it will survive 2012. Notice the headline:

French village which will ‘survive 2012 Armageddon’ plagued by visitors

Telegraph – Dec 21, 2010 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/ufo/8217001/French-village-which-will-survive-2012-Armageddon-plagued-by-visitors.html

Essentially, since the area is isolated and some consider the village of Bugarach is in “sacred mountains”, the original 189 residents there have been concerned that people looking for a place of safety from a flood that will not happen would descend upon it and overwhelm the local population. It has been getting a lot of visitors who are checking it out, just in case they wish to flee there.  Earlier this year, it was reported that perhaps 100,000 consider Pic de Bugarach to be a place of safety for 2012 (see 100,000 Apparently Consider Pic de Bugarach a 2012 ‘Place of Safety’).

Anyway, the village made the news again.  This time because it is trying to stop people from coming there:

Citing fears that doomsday believers, curiosity seekers, and “above all” journalists, will flood a French mountaintop on Dec. 21, the supposed day of the Mayan apocalypse, local officials are banning access to the mountain.

The spot, Pic de Bugarach, is rumored to be one of the only safe places on the planet on Dec. 21, according to Raw Story. On that date, a major cycle of the Maya Long Count calendar ends. The calendar is split into several chunks, including 400-year spans called b’ak’tuns. Dec. 21, 2012 on our calendar marks the end of the 13th b’ak’tun and the beginning of a new cycle…

One online rumor holds that on this day of destruction, Pic de Bugarach will open up to reveal an alien spacecraft, which will save believers nearby. That has local officials worried. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49862332/ns/technology_and_science-science/

Now, unless the French village is bombed or some major disaster strikes it, I believe it will survive December 21, 2012 and be fine on December 22, 2012 (though possibly a bit crowded). Yet, I believe that the same is true for Los Angeles, India, the Vatican, and other places that Sony’s 2012 movie shows will be destroyed by flood.

Why?

Because the world will not end in a flood (Genesis 9).  Nor is there an alien spaceship in Pic de Bugarach.

Now, in Sony’s defense, its movie did not show an alien spacecraft, and it premise does seem to have been based on one particular interpretation of a centuries old Mayan prophecy.

In the 16th century Mayan writing known as the Chilam Balam there is the following:

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).

Since the Mayan calendar ends when one of the katuns is finished (December 21, 2012), some interpret that the world will end in a flood that begins that date, and that presumably all we see by December 22, 2012 until most drown.

But notice that the particular Mayan prophecy, which by the way is the most explicit one about the world ending in a flood (prior to the 16th century the Mayans did not write, but essentially used a picture written communication system which 21st century scholars interpret in various ways), says that Jesus will return. As it turns out, the book that mentions Jesus the most, the Holy Bible, has this to say about a disastrous flood:

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, NKJV)

So, no, the world as we know it will not be destroyed by December 22, 2012. People do not need to live in fear that their county will be destroyed like the 2012 movie portrays. The Bible is clear that the world will not be destroyed by a flood.

However, it is likely that when the world does not end in a flood, that on December 22, 2012 scoffers will rise up and discount all prophecy. Because of misinterpretations of 2012 and certain media, hype, many will doubt Bible prophecy. Notice that the Apostle Peter warned about this:

1 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? (2 Peter 3:1-13)

So, no, we do not need to take steps today to prepare for the end of the world and return of Jesus Christ on December 21/22, 2012, but yes Jesus will return and the world as we know it will end. But that will not be for years from now.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012?  Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 24 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.  Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition).  This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of many of the predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache. 2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 24 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel.  Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 24 já começaram a acontecer.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
This is PETRA! This is a 1962 Good News article by the late Dr. Hoeh.

Vatican City (photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

Zenit.org, a pro-Vatican news source, reported the following:

Much of the hostility towards the Catholic Church is based on ignorance and prejudice. This is the argument of Christopher Kaczor in his recent book, “The Seven Big Myths About the Catholic Church,” (Ignatius Press).A professor of philosophy at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Kaczor started by pointing out that the Church is made up of both saints and sinners and that mistakes in governance can indeed occur…

The first myth examined by the book is the idea that religion and science are in conflict with each other…The second myth is that the Church opposes freedom and happiness by saying no to a number of actions…The idea that the Church hates women is another myth addressed in the book…The issue of homosexuality, and the argument by some that the Church hates homosexuals, is another myth dealt with by Kaczor.  http://www.zenit.org/article-35978?l=english

Before going further, I would state that true science and true religion are not in conflict with each other.

Now as far as myths FROM the Roman Catholic Church, there are many (and some are not accepted by its top leadership, though commonly held).

Since Zenit mentioned seven myths about Catholics, let us briefly list seven ‘Roman Catholic’ myths:

1. The Roman Catholic Church is the original church and became that way when the Apostle Peter was in Rome.  The Bible never suggests that, nor is there absolute proof the Apostle Peter was ever even in Rome (and even if he was, he spent the bulk of his time elsewhere).  For details, please see the article Peter and Rome.
2. The Church of Rome has apostolic succession from Peter to Linus to Cletus to Clement to Evaristus.  The fact is that Roman Catholic scholars know this is essentially wishful thinking based upon later traditions.  For details, please see What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? and Apostolic Succession.
3. The Church of Rome never changes.  This is thoroughly disproved by many documents.  A detailed article on many doctrinal changes that the Roman Catholic Church adopted are proven in the article Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Genuine Church of God?
4. The Church of Rome gave the world the Bible.  No, the Bible as we know it came from Asia Minor.  The fact that it took the Church of Rome centuries to finally settle on the books as the Apostle John finalized and his successors verified proves that Rome was not the source of the Bible.  For details, please see The New Testament Canon – From the Bible and History and The Old Testament Canon.
5. The Church of Rome is the original “catholic church.”  The first time the term “catholic church” is clearly found in theological writings, it was used in a letter to the Church of God in Smyrna and was not a reference to Rome.  Yet, even though the Church of Rome teaches that the church in Smyrna was led by a variety of leaders it considers to be saints, the Church of Rome does not hold to the same teachings that the Church of God in Smyrna held to–instead it now strongly condemns some of those beliefs.  For details, please see The Smyrna Church Era, Polycarp of Smyrna: The Heretic Fighter, Thraseas, and Papirius of Smyrna.
6. Christian leaders wore mitres and dressed like the modern Catholic clergy.  While the Vatican does not teach this directly, the average member seems to accept the dress of the Catholic clergy as nearly sacred.  Yet, no early leader dressed like that and even in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Vatican City, none of the early apostles is portrayed wearing mitres, etc.  For additional proof, please see the article Were the Early Duties of Elders/Pastors Mainly Sacramental? What was their Dress?
7. The Church of Rome has the creed of the apostles.  No, history, as verified by Catholic scholars, disproves this.  For details, please see What Was the Original Apostles’ Creed? What is the Nicene Creed?

The original faithful Church was in Jerusalem and over time the location of its main leaders shifted to Asia Minor and then elsewhere (this can be demonstrated by studying the historical and biblical references in Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome).

Because many who profess Christ, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant, to name three groups, do not understand the truth about Church history (see The History of Early Christianity for an overview), most believe myths about it (as well as what God’s plan is).

It is only the true Church of God that has the type of spiritual succession and continuity to the original faith of the apostles that those associated with the Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholic faiths claim to have.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Genuine Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a verdadeira igreja do deus? Tambien Español: ¿Que es fiel: La Iglesia Católica Romana o la Iglesia verdadera de Dios? Auch: Deutsch: Welches ist treu: Die römisch-katholische Kirche oder die Kirche Gottes Original?
Peter and Rome He was an original apostle and early Christian leader. Where was Peter buried? Where did Peter die?
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 Smyrna Church Era was predominant circa 135 A.D. to circa 450 A.D. The Church led by Polycarp, Melito, Polycrates, etc.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. Is telling the truth about the early church citing Catholic accepted sources anti-Catholic? This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view?  Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches?  Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
What Was the Original Apostles’ Creed? What is the Nicene Creed? Did the original apostles write a creed? When was the first creed written? Are the creeds commonly used by the Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholics original?
The Old Testament Canon This article shows from Catholic accepted writings, that the Old Testament used by non-Roman Catholics and non-Orthodox churches is the correct version.
The New Testament Canon – From the Bible and History This article, shows from the Bible and supporting historical sources, why the early Church knew which books were part of the Bible and which ones were not.
What Was the Original Apostles’ Creed? What is the Nicene Creed? Did the original apostles write a creed? When was the first creed written? Are the creeds commonly used by the Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholics original?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Were the Early Duties of Elders/Pastors Mainly Sacramental? What was their Dress? Were the duties of the clergy primarily pastoral or sacramental? Did the clergy dress with special liturgical vestments? Can “bishops” be disqualified as ministers of Christ based on their head coverings?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Do they matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (sometimes referred to as the continuation of Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years. It also discusses the concept of church eras.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
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?

COGwriter

Israel’s Prime Minister is expanding military actions against Gaza:

November 18, 2012

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is prepared to “significantly expand” its operations against militants in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu’s comments on Sunday come as thousands of Israeli troops are gathered on the border as the conflict with the Palestinians in Gaza enters its fifth day.

​​Israel blasted targets in the Gaza Strip Sunday, launching aerial and naval attacks in response to continuing Palestinian rocket fire.  At least three children have been killed in the latest incidents.

The Israeli military widened its range of targets early Sunday to include buildings used by foreign media outlets. Officials say at least three journalists were wounded in the attacks.  Israel also hit various Hamas targets.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius left Paris Sunday for Jerusalem to offer France’s help in reaching a cease-fire.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague warned Israel that it would lose international sympathy and support if it initiates a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian officials say at least 48 Gazans have been killed since violence erupted Wednesday.  Israel says three Israelis have been killed.

On Saturday, Israeli strikes leveled the Gaza office of Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and his Cabinet.  Haniyeh was not there at the time.

Also Saturday, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi hosted leaders from Hamas and two key allies, Qatar and Turkey, to seek a way to end the fighting.  He said, “there are some indications that there is a possibility of a cease-fire soon, but we do not yet have firm guarantees.”

Separately, foreign ministers from the Cairo-based Arab League were meeting in emergency session to discuss an Arab response to the fighting.

More than 100 Hamas rockets rained down on Israel Saturday, reaching as far north as Tel Aviv where sirens wailed early in the day.

Israel’s military says its new “Iron Dome” missile defense system shot down an incoming rocket bound for Tel Aviv – one of several Hamas has fired at Israel’s commercial center.  http://www.voanews.com/content/israel-palestinians/1548281.html

Israel says Gaza operation could expand; France says ‘war can be avoided’

Israeli envoy in Egypt for cease-fire talksCBS News

Obama: ‘Preferable’ to avoid Israeli ground invasion of GazaYnetnews
Obama: Israel has right to defend itself, warns of perils if violence in Gaza crisis deepensWashington Post

The Arab world wants to show solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, but may not do much more than condemn Israel and push for a cease-fire (oil flow restrictions have been hinted at but probably will not be done at this stage):

18 November 2012

CAIRO (Reuters) – The head of the Arab League and a group of Arab foreign ministers will visit Gaza on Tuesday to show solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli attack, officials said on Sunday…

In an urgent meeting in Cairo on Saturday, the Arab ministers gave their backing to Egyptian efforts to secure a truce between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

They also condemned the Israeli offensive in Gaza that started last Wednesday and has killed 56 Palestinians and wounded hundreds, according to Palestinian officials. More than 500 rockets fired from Gaza have hit Israel, killing three civilians and wounding dozens.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/18/us-palestiians-israel-gaza-ministers-idUSBRE8AH08F20121118

Cease-fires and truces, of course, are more peaceful than rocket launches, air strikes, and possible ground invasions.

The Bible says to pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls,
Prosperity within your palaces.”
8 For the sake of my brethren and companions,
I will now say, “Peace be within you.”   (Psalms 122:6-8)

The current escalation of violence and the launching of rockets against Jerusalem is not peaceful (see While Militants Threaten Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Egypt’s Morsi Warns Israel About Gaza).

The Israelis and Gazans are in my prayers.

With the end of 6,000 years of human rule coming closer, and the apparent peace deal in Daniel 9:27 not yet confirmed, it is likely be that a war involving Israel will be needed before such a peace deal is struck.  How related to this current conflict it will be is still unclear, though I suspect a greater conflict than what has been going on the last several days will be the impetus for such a peace deal.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Is the deal in Daniel 9:27 a peace deal?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
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?

COGwriter

The latest edition of LCG’s TW News & Prophecy has the following:

America’s Decline: A leading German news magazine recently published a cover article about the sad state of affairs in America (Der Spiegel, November 5, 2012). This sobering article, entitled “Notes on the Decline of a Great Nation,” cites numerous reasons for America’s decline. “The United States is frittering away its role as a model for the rest of the world. The political system is plagued by an absurd level of hatred, the economy is stagnating and the infrastructure is falling into a miserable state of disrepair. On this election eve, many Americans are losing faith in their country’s future” (ibid.). The Germany-based writers mention many “signs that America is no longer the great, robust global power it once was” (ibid.). The au thors point out that “America has transformed itself into a land of limited opportunities,” while the nation “still refuses to engage in any debate over the reasons for its decline.” They state further that America “risks losing its way in a changing world” (ibid.). Long ago, God promised Abraham that if he obeyed God’s laws and instructions, his descendants would be blessed and become a blessing to the nations of the earth (Genesis 22:16-18). This is why the modern Israelite nations have been so incredibly blessed. However, God warned the Israelites that they would be punished and lose their blessings if they turned away from Him and His laws (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). In his seventeenth century analysis of Democracy in America, French philosopher and writer Alexis de Tocqueville recognized that the strength of the young American nation was related to the Christian principles that permeated its society. Yet, today, America has forgotten and moved away from those vital fundamental principles. The resulting moral decline lies at the root of its national decline. The real key to America’s future is not monetary policy, political bipartisanship, or changes in foreign policy, but a return to the biblical values that made America great in the first place. Sadly, until and unless that happens, America’s moral slide and national decline will continue. For more information on the future of the former “great powers,” be sure to review our eye-opening booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.

A machine translation of the headline on the cover of the German magazine Der Spiegel  basically says:

THE AMERICAN PATIENT

The decline of a great nation.

While Der Spiegel is a secular publication, the real cause of the decline in the USA is moral and spiritual. And that is what has led the USA to increase its debt and decline in the world (though it remains the strongest military power).

The economic, debt, and moral situations in the USA are serious. None of them can continue indefinitely 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?
LCG: Pornography, Who’s Tempting Whom? This is some information about the prevalence and dangers of pornography from the Living Church of God.
CG7 on Pornography This is an article excerpt from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about pornography.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show?
The 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 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.