Church of God News

COGwriter

The Feast of Trumpets runs until sunset Thursday, September 5, 2013.

The New Testament frequently mentions the blowing of trumpets (though it does not clearly appear to distinguish between shofar trumpets and other trumpets)–though shofars are probably the type most likely being referred to when prophetic matters of judgment are involved.

Jesus taught,

…and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (Matthew 24:30-31).

This is similar to what Paul taught,

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

So both Jesus and Paul taught that the saints would be gathered when a particular trumpet sound goes forth. And that Jesus will come with a trumpet blast.

Which trumpet?

The last trumpet,

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed– in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 52 For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Because this is referring to the last trumpet, scripture clearly does not support the concept of a pre-tribulation rapture, like many evangelicals believe in.

Although his writings are not part of the New Testament, Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John and looked forward to the fulfillment of this trumpet as he wrote:

Wherefore, girding up your loins,” “serve the Lord in fear” and truth, as those who have forsaken the vain, empty talk and error of the multitude, and “believed in Him who raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and gave Him glory,” and a throne at His right hand. To Him all things” in heaven and on earth are subject. Him every spirit serves. He comes as the Judge of the living and the dead. His blood will God require of those who do not believe in Him. 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 (Polycarp. Letter to the Philippians, chapter II. Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1 as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885.)

This last trumpet is in 1 Corinthians 15 is apparently the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15,

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!”

Whose names are in the Book of Life?

Jesus taught:

18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18-20)

Paul writes,

3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3).

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect (Hebrews 12:22-23).

John recorded,

5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels (Revelation 3:5).

Thus it appears that the saints are the ones who are written in the Book of Life. And the saints are those that are resurrected at the last trumpet.

Jewish Beliefs

While the Christian view of the Feast of Trumpets has to do with prophetic judgments and the return of Jesus Christ, Judaism has a variety of views and traditions about it.

According to current Jewish tradition,

After Rosh Hashanah services, as the congregants leave the synagogue they say to each other… “May you be inscribed in the Book of Life“” (The Jewish Holiday of Rosh Hashanah. High Holy Days on the Net. http://www.holidays.net/highholydays/rosh.htm verified 9/12/07).

But there are others:

1. During Rosh Hashanah, majority of time is spent in the synagogue, a Jewish or Samaritan house of prayer, as no work is allowed on Rosh Hashanah.

2. One of the major synagogue rituals for Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the “shofar.”…

3. According to legends, Rosh Hashanah was the day when Adam was created out of clay. It was also the birthday of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

4. Unlike other holidays in Jewish faith, Rosh Hashanah does not involve fasting…

On Rosh Hashanah, many Jews follow a custom called “tashlich” (casting off), in which they walk to a river or stream and symbolically cast off their sins committed during the previous year by throwing pieces of bread into the water.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/379347/20120831/rosh-hashanah-2012-jewish-new-year-september.htm

Some of the above are facts, while others are traditions, which may or may not correct, but I thought might be of interest to some readers.

Perhaps it should be noted that although the Bible is not clear about the date that Adam was created, connecting all-the-dots shows that Jesus was most likely born in the Fall. After the Apostle Paul mentions that “first Adam,” he refers to Jesus as the “last Adam” in 1 Corinthians 15:45 and a few verses later he mentions the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). Again, that is not proof that Adam was created on the Feast of Trumpets, but may suggest a possible connection.

Book of Revelation

In the New Testament book of Revelation, there are a series of events that accompany the blowing of trumpets. Notice:

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.

12 Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.
13 And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

9 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them. (Revelation 8:6-9:6)

13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. (Revelation 9:13-16)

15 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 11:15-16)

And of course, Jesus is to return with the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

The Feast of Trumpets pictures a whole lot. Do you observe it? Early Christians did.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Trumpet Release This is a sermon focused on the Feast of Trumpets for 2013.  What is the Feast of Trumpets?  How can this be part of God’s plan of salvation?  Why do the Jews refer to it as Rosh Hashanah?  What is the seventh year of release?  Should it be restored and proclaimed?  Did early Christians keep the Feast of Trumpets?  Why should any one keep it now?  What will happen with the seven trumpets of Revelation?  Why do many not understand aspects of it?
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should you keep the Fall Holy Days?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not? What does the Feast of Trumpets, which the Jews call Rosh Hashanah, help teach?
Offertory: Blow the Trumpet  This is an offertory video for the Holy Days, and specifically was made for the Feast of Trumpets. It goes through various scriptures in Jeremiah Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, and Isaiah related to blowing trumpets. It also contains an audio clip of the blowing of a shofar. It discusses who is blowing the trumpet now. And provides statistics to back up that conclusion.
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?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law The Bible teaches that every seven years that the law should be read at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is what I did at the first Feast site were I gave an actual sermon (as opposed to a sermonette) in 2006.
Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2013 This is information on the expected Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for the Continuing Church of God for 2013. The Feast in 2013 begins the evening of September 18.
Is Second Tithe and Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Should you save and use second tithe? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂  In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?

COGwriter

Today, the USA inched closer to getting more support for attacking Syria:

September 4, 2013

WASHINGTON –- A divided Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted narrowly Wednesday to authorize a punitive U.S. strike against Syria, opening the way for a vote in the full Senate next week.

The vote was 10 to 7, with Democrats and Republicans on each side. Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) supported the measure, as did ranking member Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who has repeatedly urged President Obama to do more to aid the Syrian opposition.

Opponents included conservative Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and liberals Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), who voted for the resolution, said it would send a clear message to Assad. “This won’t be a limited, but a powerful response,” he said.  http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-senate-committee-military-strike-syria-20130904,0,7238618.story

September 04, 2013

U.S. President Barack Obama and some leading lawmakers are coming out strongly in favor of military strikes against Syria, but it appears they have more work to do to convince the American public.

A Washington Post / ABC News poll finds 59 percent of Americans surveyed oppose launching missile strikes against the Syrian government compared to 36 percent in favor. The poll found support for airstrikes against Syria increased from 36 percent to 46 percent if other countries, such as Britain and France participated.

Another poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found those opposed to airstrikes against Syria outnumbered those in favor, 48 percent to 29 percent.

The poll found 74 percent of respondents say that airstrikes will result in an anti-American backlash, while 61 percent think airstrikes would lead to a long-term U.S. military commitment.  http://www.voanews.com/content/us-public-skeptical-of-syria-strikes/1742943.html

Secretary of State John Kerry spent much of the afternoon speaking to a House of Representatives committee.

“As we debate, the world is watching and the world is wondering, not whether Assad’s regime actually did this,” Kerry said.  “The world is wondering whether the United States of America is going to consent through silence to stand aside while this kind of brutality is allowed to happen without consequence.”

The Senate committee approved a plan that would give Obama authority to order limited strikes against Syrian military targets for 60 days.  He could extend the window by another 30 days under certain conditions.

The resolution does not authorize the use of ground troops.  It states military action must be aimed at deterring and preventing Syria from carrying out future chemical weapons attacks.

Obama says he is convinced that President Assad’s government used chemical weapons on civilians in the attack on August 21, which killed more than 1,400 people near Damascus.

Syria denies using chemical weapons, alleging it was the rebels who deployed them. http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-says-international-credibility-at-stake-on-syria/1743020.html

Those in USA may end up having regrets about what part of its government is hoping to do.  The opposition in Syria is not pro-West, and the Assad regime has indicated that it will not go without a lot of fight.

The U.S.A. itself is vulnerable to EMP type attacks and they and/or items such as biological weapons, chemical weapons, terrorism, nuclear weapons, dirty bombs, etc. could affect the U.S.A. because of a conflict involving Iran, Syria, and/or others.

Of course, various ones want the USA to get involved, despite the risks.  A reader sent the following:

“With respect to Arab countries offering to bear costs and to assess, the answer is profoundly yes,” Kerry said. “They have. That offer is on the table.”

Asked by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) about how much those countries would contribute, Kerry said they have offered to pay for all of a full invasion.

“In fact, some of them have said that if the United States is prepared to go do the whole thing the way we’ve done it previously in other places, they’ll carry that cost,” Kerry said. “That’s how dedicated they are at this. That’s not in the cards, and nobody’s talking about it, but they’re talking in serious ways about getting this done.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics-live/liveblog/the-houses-syria-hearing-live-updates/#e68f139f-e012-476c-876e-2467ba30e5e3

Related to the above, a reader who sent it said that the website that led him to that source commented:

Yes, this is really what America has become in 2013, a “murder-for-hire” thug nation eager to do the bidding of wealthy Muslim countries for the right price. After all, Obama with much fanfare did bring the Chicago Way to the White House when he first began to occupy the president’s chair in 2009.

Now, I should add that I do not believe that the USA is simply a “gun for hire” in this situation, though I do believe it has an agenda beyond eliminating Syria from using chemical weapons.

Irrespective of political views, the reality is that the oil-rich Arab nations hope to be able to eliminate Shi’ite Iranian-influence, in the area (which Syria is involved in) as well as the Sunni Muslim Brotherhood (who wants a confederation of Arabic nations in an Islamic state).

No matter what happens now, the oil-rich (Sunni) Arab nations will ultimately not succeed quite as they hope.  They will end up in a confederation of North African and Middle Eastern Arab nations, along with Turkey and others (Ezekiel 30:1-9; Daniel 11:40-43).  And this will include Syria (though Jordan, Turkey, and some of the oil-rich nations will not be a real strong part of the confederation, and may be among those that will ultimately betray it per Daniel 11:26).

Because of its prophesied role, the situation in Syria will change.  As I believe that Syria biblically is one of the nations that will support the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43), either Assad will change, die, or be exiled.  Israel needs to realize that it can be damaged, perhaps severely by retaliation from Syria and/or its ally  Iran (cf. Isaiah 22:1-14).

Ultimately, Damascus will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1), and it may be because of damage done to Israel and/or the USA.

Some items of related interest may include:

Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
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?
Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
The Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This sermon video answers those questions.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
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?
What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? This video provides answers.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?

COGwriter

Pope Francis has proposed his response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria:

There are so many conflicts in this world which cause me great suffering and worry, but in these days my heart is deeply wounded in particular by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments which are looming…

With utmost firmness I condemn the use of chemical weapons: I tell you that those terrible images from recent days are burned into my mind and heart. There is a judgment of God and of history upon our actions which are inescapable! Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence…

What can we do to make peace in the world? As Pope John said, it pertains to each individual to establish new relationships in human society under the mastery and guidance of justice and love (cf. John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, [11 April 1963]: AAS 55, [1963], 301-302).

All men and women of good will are bound by the task of pursuing peace. I make a forceful and urgent call to the entire Catholic Church, and also to every Christian of other confessions, as well as to followers of every religion and to those brothers and sisters who do not believe: peace is a good which overcomes every barrier, because it belongs to all of humanity!…

To this end, brothers and sisters, I have decided to proclaim for the whole Church on 7 September next, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, and I also invite each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of other religions and all men of good will, to participate, in whatever way they can, in this initiative.

On 7 September, in Saint Peter’s Square, here, from 19:00 until 24:00, we will gather in prayer and in a spirit of penance, invoking God’s great gift of peace upon the beloved nation of Syria and upon each situation of conflict and violence around the world. Humanity needs to see these gestures of peace and to hear words of hope and peace! I ask all the local churches, in addition to fasting, that they gather to pray for this intention.

Let us ask Mary to help us to respond to violence, to conflict and to war, with the power of dialogue, reconciliation and love. She is our mother: may She help us to find peace; all of us are Her children! Help us, Mary, to overcome this most difficult moment and to dedicate ourselves each day to building in every situation an authentic culture of encounter and peace. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us! (Francis, Pope. September 1, 2013, as reported 09/03/13 by The Fatima Center)

An animal horn trumpet.

COGwriter

The Feast of Trumpets begins after the setting of the sun of September 4th, 2013 and ends sunset September 5th. Notice what the Old Testament said would happen with this first day of the seventh month (often called Tishri):

23 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25 You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.'” (Leviticus 23:23-25)

It has been reported that the place where the trumpeting used to happen in Jerusalem is somewhat marked:

Whenever I visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, I always walk to the southwest corner of the Temple Mount…Beneath the ground of the Kotel, Jerusalem’s Central Valley has been filled in with the rubble of the Second Temple’s destruction in A.D. 70. As a result, the beautiful modern plaza stands about nine meters above the first-century street uncovered at the southwestern corner.

The excavations near the corner came about through the generosity of a distinguished member of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit…One of the main reasons I continually return to this corner of the Temple Mount is because of one particular stone that lies on the street far below where it originally stood. Shaped as a corner, the stone bears the Hebrew inscription: “To the place of trumpeting.”

This stone represented the pinnacle of the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount, the place where priests would stand and overlook Jerusalem as they blew trumpets to announce the Sabbath and the start of festival days. The Feast of Trumpets especially relates to this act http://www.jpost.com/Travel/AroundIsrael/Article.aspx?id=239595

In our family, we normally have our youngest child blow on some type of trumpet to mark the beginning of the Feast of Trumpets, as well as to blow the trumpet off and on throughout the Holy Day. And although the Bible does not specify where the trumpet blowing should take place (hence I believe it should happen throughout the lands where the faithful live), I did find it interesting to learn that there was a specific place in Jerusalem that trumpeting was designated.

Christian Sabbath-keepers, by the way, kept the Feast of Trumpets throughout history. Notice for example, that the Sabbath-keepers in Transylvania in the 1500s (and probably later) kept the Fall Holy Days such as the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Trumpets (called Day of Remembrance below):

The Sabbatarians viewed themselves as converted Gentiles..They held to the biblical holidays…The Day of Atonement was a day of fasting, although they emphasized that pentinence is more easily achieved by a peaceful and quiet meditation on the law and one’s life than by fasting. The Day of Remembrance (New Year, which they celebrated in the Fall of the year) was the day on which they thanked God especially for the creation of the universe. (Liechty D. Sabbatarianism in the Sixteenth Century. Andrews University Press, Berrien Springs (MI), 1993, pp. 61-62).

Some of the Jewish teachers taught that the creation was most likely in the Fall, rather than in the Spring because in Genesis 1:11 when God states, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit”, this would be the Fall, for that is when there is both grass and fruit on trees), that the Feast of Trumpets symbolized the beginning of creation, and hence by, inference, life. The creation was likely in the Fall and various scriptures imply it (though this is not specified verbatim in scripture).

And, of course, if those in Transylvania blew trumpets (and I would think one or more of them did) that was in a location other than Jerusalem.

People attempting to be faithful to the Bible have observed the Feast of Trumpets throughout history and the faithful in the Continuing Church of God continue to do so in the 21st century.

In 2013, this festival signals a year of release for the Continuing Church of God, which also intends to fulfill Deuteronomy 30:10-13 by  the reading the law during the Feast of Tabernacles this year as this is something that needs to be restored (see also The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law).

At the end of every seven years, the Bible teaches that there was a period of land rest and debt release that begin with the Feast of Trumpets.

The first day of the seventh month (Tishri) was considered the beginning of the civil year, similar to how the first month (Nisan) was considered to be the beginning of God’s sacred year (cf. Exodus 12:2). The beginning of each month for ancient Israel was to be marked with the blowing of trumpets per Numbers 10:10.

Every seven years there was a rest for the land–starting with the first year they came in the land (2013 is the ‘first year’ for the Continuing Church of God to hold its own Feast of Trumpets)–and every seven years thereafter:

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land which I give you, then the land shall keep a sabbath to the Lord. 3 Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather its fruit; 4 but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath to the Lord. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard. 5 What grows of its own accord of your harvest you shall not reap, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine, for it is a year of rest for the land. 6 And the sabbath produce of the land shall be food for you: for you, your male and female servants, your hired man, and the stranger who dwells with you, 7 for your livestock and the beasts that are in your land — all its produce shall be for food. (Leviticus 25:1-7)

10 “Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, 11 but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your olive grove. (Exodus 23:10-11)

This was also the time of release of debts and was sometimes called the year of release:

1 “At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts. 2 And this is the form of the release: Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother, because it is called the Lord’s release. 3 Of a foreigner you may require it; but you shall give up your claim to what is owed by your brother, 4 except when there may be no poor among you; for the Lord will greatly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance — 5 only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today. 6 For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you. (Deuteronomy 15:1-6)

There were also other admonitions to not be stingy about lending to your brethren prior to the year of release:

7 “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, 8 but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs. 9 Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,’ and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and he cry out to the Lord against you, and it become sin among you. 10 You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand. 11 For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’ (Deuteronomy 15:7-11)

So, the Feast of Trumpets was showing that debt would be forgiven. Christians are to forgive debts as they want theirs forgiven per Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:12 (Young’s Literal Translation). And the law was to be read at the Feast of Tabernacles that year:

10 And Moses commanded them, saying: “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of release, at the Feast of Tabernacles, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law, 13 and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land which you cross the Jordan to possess.” (Deuteronomy 31:10-13)

Also, slaves/bondservants that were brethren were to be granted their freedom that year of release if they wanted it (Deuteronomy 15:12-18).

This year of release was apparently recorded as being observed in the Book of Nehemiah:

1 Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. (Nehemiah 8:1-3)

28 Now the rest of the people — the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge and understanding — 29 these joined with their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes: 30 We would not give our daughters as wives to the peoples of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons; 31 if the peoples of the land brought wares or any grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we would not buy it from them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and we would forego the seventh year’s produce and the exacting of every debt. (Nehemiah 10:28-31)

Ezra and Nehemiah restored some of what the children of Israel lost; we in the Continuing Church of God are restoring much of what the COG has lost.

Here is what one Protestant commentary mentions about the seventh year of release, followed by comments in the Jewish Encyclopedia:

The law of Moses laid a great deal of stress upon the sabbath, the sanctification of which was the earliest and most ancient of all divine institutions, designed for the keeping up of the knowledge and worship of the Creator among men; that law not only revived the observance of the weekly sabbath, but, for the further advancement of the honour of them, added the institution of a sabbatical year: In the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, v. 4. And hence the Jews collect that vulgar tradition that after the world has stood six thousand years (a thousand years being to God as one day) it shall cease, and the eternal sabbath shall succeed—a weak foundation on which to build the fixing of that day and hour which it is God’s prerogative to know. This sabbatical year began in September, at the end of harvest, the seventh month of their ecclesiastical year: (Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible, Leviticus 25:1-7. PC Study Bible Formatted Electronic Database Copyright © 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All Rights reserved.)

The duration of the shemiṭṭah year was from autumn to autumn, beginning with New-Year’s Day; but as a precaution against any infringement of the Law, the Rabbis extended the time and prohibited sowing and planting thirty days before Rosh ha-Shanah. (SABBATICAL YEAR AND JUBILEE. Jewish Encyclopedia of 1906. http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12967-sabbatical-year-and-jubilee viewed 08/07/13):

In modern times, Jews consider that Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the civil year, and thus that would be consistent with the seven year land rest beginning on the first day of the month of Tishri, the day Christians of the Church of God tend to call the Feast of Trumpets. 2013 may or may not be such a year (see also The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law). The following suggests that it may have been as Josiah’s reign was believed to have began in 641 BC (641-18= 623 BC; which could make the next Jubilee year 2028, which is theoretically possible; to see a non-COG source also points to 2028 for the Jubilee go to The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance):

The First and the Second Temple, the Talmud says, were destroyed “on the closing of the Sabbatical year” (“Moẓa’e Shebi’it”). The sixteenth jubilee occurred in the eighteenth year of Josiah, who reigned thirty-one years; the remaining thirteen years of his reign, together with the eleven years of those of Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin and the eleven years of that of Zedekiah (II Kings xxv.), fix the first exilic year as the thirty-sixth year of the jubilee cycle, or the twenty-fifth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin, or fourteen years from the destruction of the Holy City (‘Ar. and ‘Ab. Zarah l.c.; see Rashi ad loc.). (SABBATICAL YEAR AND JUBILEE. Jewish Encyclopedia of 1906. http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12967-sabbatical-year-and-jubilee viewed 08/10/13)

The eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign is mentioned in 2 Kings 22 & 23, and though it discusses keeping the law it does not specifically record that a Jubilee was kept.

While one or more Jewish calculations seems to possibly support 2013 as the official year of release for all, there are many other calculations that differ, so this is not completely certain. Since the Jews have certain errors in the calculation of years (Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?), and many other sources come up with differing dates, this cannot currently accepted with certainty. What is certain is that God says that the law should be read every seven years at the Feast of Tabernacles and this is what is expected to happen at Continuing Church of God Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites in 2013. Am I completely certain 2013 must be the year? Well, I am certain that not proclaiming the year of release and reading the law every seven years is wrong, 2013 seems consistent with God’s timing, and it very well may be.

Irrespective of which calendar year is the seventh year, Christians who observe the year of release do not plant gardens during that year (since there is debate on which year is the correct one, many base this period upon their baptism year) and forgive other Christians of financial and other debts, if any. Some add other practices.

It may be of interest to note that although many of those in the Church of God base third tithe year calculations on this seven year cycle, and farmers have been encouraged to keep the land sabbath every seven years, the idea to teach the law every seven years as the Bible teaches to do at the Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 31:10-13) or proclaim the year of release (Deuteronomy 31:10) has been overlooked and is something that almost none do. Although some accept that non-biblical tradition, we in the Continuing Church of God do not. We are striving to fulfill what the Bible teaches and proclaim it.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should you keep the Fall Holy Days?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
Offertory: Blow the Trumpet  This is an offertory video for the Holy Days, and specifically was made for the Feast of Trumpets. It goes through various scriptures in Jeremiah Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, and Isaiah related to blowing trumpets. It also contains an audio clip of the blowing of a shofar. It discusses who is blowing the trumpet now. And provides statistics to back up that conclusion.
The Trumpet Release This is a sermon focused on the Feast of Trumpets for 2013.  What is the Feast of Trumpets?  How can this be part of God’s plan of salvation?  Why do the Jews refer to it as Rosh Hashanah?  What is the seventh year of release?  Should it be restored and proclaimed?  Did early Christians keep the Feast of Trumpets?  Why should any one keep it now?  What will happen with the seven trumpets of Revelation?  Why do many not understand aspects of it?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians call it “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?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law The Bible teaches that every seven years that the law should be read at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is what I did at the first Feast site were I gave an actual sermon (as opposed to a sermonette) in 2006.
Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2013 This is information on the expected Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for the Continuing Church of God for 2013. The Feast in 2013 begins the evening of September 18.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?

Muslim Brotherhood

COGwriter

While Syria demands a  lot of attention, the situation with Egypt’s military-backed government is sometimes being overlooked.  In addition to arrests it has made, the interim government has killed more who are opposed to it and has announced that it wants to outlaw some who report about opposition views:

September 3, 2013

Egyptian helicopter gunships killed at least eight suspected militants in the restive north Sinai, while supporters of ousted President Mohamed Mursi geared up to rally against the government that replaced his.

Separately, a military court in the port city of Suez sentenced 11 members of the Muslim Brotherhood to life in prison for attacking armed forces personnel, and 45 others received five-year sentences, the state-run Ahram Gate reported. The ruling dealt another blow to the Islamist group that backed Mursi as it faces the toughest crackdown against it in decades.

The early morning air strikes near the north Sinai town of Sheik Zuweyid, the military court convictions and the planned rally for Mursi are part of a broad set of political challenges and divisions confronting Egypt. The interim government, backed by the military, has vowed to press ahead…http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-03/egypt-forces-attack-sinai-militants.html

September 03, 2013

CAIRO — An Egyptian court has ordered four television channels to halt their broadcasts, including Aljazeera’s local affiliate and a network belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Aljazeera TV Direct, which focuses on Egyptian local politics, plays an appeal for freedom of the press, after announcing that an Egyptian court was restricting some of its activities.

The administrative court ruling Tuesday includes the Ahrar 25 network operated by the Brotherhood, as well as the pro-Islamist Al-Quds and Al-Yarmuk channels.

Aljazeera reported the court had placed restrictions on it and said Aljazeera was “broadcasting without a license.”  The station says it was granted a license in April.

Aljazeera Direct played a jingle Tuesday on its airwaves, amid an abbreviated news schedule, calling for the “victory of Islam and the defeat of secularism.”

Officials of Egypt’s military-installed interim government have complained Aljazeera and several other media organizations have been broadcasting “biased” information.”

Al Jazeera denies the charge, though critics say it has shown a trend toward having a higher proportion of Muslim Brotherhood guests on its shows.  http://www.voanews.com/content/egyptian-court-bans-aljazeera-affiliate-proislamist-channels/1742134.html

The situation in the Middle East and North Africa must change.  It is tense and battle lines are being drawn. Now, I am not saying that what will replace the interim government in Egypt nor the Assad regime in Syria will be better for the West than the current ones.  But what I am saying is that neither the interim government of Egypt nor the Assad regime will continue as they have been.

The Muslim Brotherhood itself is a Sunni Muslim group. Most Arabs are Sunni Muslims (countries such as Iran and Iraq are mainly Shi’ite Muslims; Syria has a Shi’ite Muslim leader, its President Assad, though the majority of Syrians are Sunnis). A few months ago, Egypt’s President Morsi called for Egyptian fighters to begin a war against three Shi’ite ruled nations, including Syria (see Egypt’s Morsi taking ‘King of the South’ steps, but…). This did not set well with the military in Egypt and it decided that it wanted to see certain changes from President Morsi or it would support the unelected opposition. When the changes the military wanted did not quickly materialize, after mob protests, it removed President Morsi from office and declared the Chief Justice of its Supreme Court, Adly Mansour, as interim president (Adly Mansour installed as Egypt’s interim president).

So, the Muslim Brotherhood called for protests. The military-backed government decided to not tolerate certain protests and helped kill and/or injure thousands of people. And the Muslim Brotherhood keeps calling for protests.  And the interim government is trying to silence those calls..

Even if the Muslim Brotherhood itself were eliminated (and that is not likely), the situation in Egypt will change. A confederation of states in North Africa and the Middle East will form (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).

Related to the idea of a confederation of Arabic, Turkish, and North African peoples, the Bible teaches, “For indeed it is coming!” (Ezekiel 30:9).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
The Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This sermon video answers those questions.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
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?
What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? This video provides answers.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (World Economic Forum)

COGwriter

Former German Defense Minister, Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg had an article he co-authored published in the New York Times related to the situation in Syria:

In the wake of the chemical weapons attack near Damascus, Western military strikes against Syria seem imminent. And Germany will once again demand a special role.

With elections less than four weeks away, the developments in Syria are putting Chancellor Angela Merkel in a tough spot. Certainly, Berlin has felt compelled to ratchet up its rhetoric vis-à-vis President Bashar al-Assad, dubbing his regime’s alleged use of chemical weapons as the “breaking of a taboo” and a “crime against civilization.”

On the other hand, an escalation of the conflict could derail Merkel’s plans to coast to easy re-election on Sept. 22…

Unfortunately, prominent German political leaders across party lines continue to believe that the country’s economic weight creates enough leverage to compensate for Germany’s failure to realize its full potential as a capable and responsible member of the Atlantic alliance and the international community.

At a time when Europe’s global reach, influence and credibility are threatened by rapid decline, “checkbook diplomacy” by the biggest European Union member is not a viable substitute for contributing military assets to the joint defense of our common values and interests…

Ten years later, the Merkel government may try to chart a path that shows a certain degree of solidarity with whatever Washington and other allies decide to do in Syria, perhaps using German naval reconnaissance assets off the coast of Syria and Lebanon to collect intelligence. Or German Patriot missile defense units currently deployed in Turkey could see action in the unlikely event that Damascus tries to retaliate against Ankara. Finally, Germany might provide support to Israel against potential attacks from Hezbollah units in southern Lebanon.

At the same time, Merkel and Westerwelle will be extremely careful to deny the opposition parties any political opening.  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/31/opinion/global/syria-tests-germanys-culture-of-reluctance.html?_r=0

Herr Guttenberg has long called for changes in NATO (called the “Atlantic alliance” above) and it seems clear that he wants more active military involvement from Germany.

A reader sent me an article in German, related to Karl Guttenberg’s article in the New York Times, and the following machine-translated comment was interesting.:

September 3, 2013

Zu Guttenberg, once the hope of the Union, and resigned in 2011 from his political posts. Previously, it was revealed that the lawyer had copied large parts of his doctoral thesis. Since the resignation Guttenberg lives with his family in the U.S. state of Connecticut and is a “Distinguished Statesman” (“Distinguished Statesman”) at the Washington think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies performed. CSU leader Horst Seehofer had offered to {have} zu Guttenberg return to German politics.  http://de.nachrichten.yahoo.com/zu-guttenberg-rechnet-mit-merkel-ab-083201021.html

Barron Guttenberg was the hope of his political party (called ‘the Union” above) to become the next German Chancellor.

Because of his plagiarism scandal, he is often ridiculed in the press.  A reader sent me a link to the following article:

“Actions which fall within the scope of this Regulation should respect fundamental rights and observe the principles acknowledged in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Such actions should be in conformity with any legal obligation and with ethical principles, which include avoiding any kind of plagiarism.“

The previous rules for the participation in the 7th Framework Program do not include any particular reference to plagiarism, and so I think we can safely call this paragraph “the Guttenberg paragraph“* of the future Horizon 2020 – if EU Council and Parliament agree to keep this reference throughout the co-decision procedure.  http://polscieu.ideasoneurope.eu/2011/12/15/horizon-2020-and-plagiarism-the-guttenberg-paragraph/

Despite direct and indirect references to him and his scandal, he is one who, however, could possibly be the final Beast of biblical prophecy or at least one who may be involved in his rise.  Of course, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a somewhat politician with many ups and downs. And all his intentions could be fine, despite him being repeatedly insulted. We will see.

Getting back to the situation in Syria, Israel had a missile firing exercise today:

September 03, 2013

Israel says it has carried out a joint missile test with the United States in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Israeli Defense Ministry announced the joint military exercise on Tuesday, shortly after Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had detected the launch of “ballistic objects” in the region.

Israel’s ministry says it launched one Ankor-type missile that was controlled from a base in “the center of Israel.”  http://www.voanews.com/content/israel-fires-missile-in-joint-exercise-with-us/1742183.html

September 3, 2013

President Obama said Tuesday he is confident that Congress will vote to authorize military action against Syria, and that he is willing to work with lawmakers on the wording of a specific resolution.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2013/09/03/obama-syria-strike-chemical-weapons-congress-g-20-russia/2756991/

September 3, 2013

Israel’s Defense Ministry said in a statement the test of its “new version of the Sparrow target missile” was “successful.” The Sparrow is an anti-missile system developed by the Israeli firm Rafael in conjunction with Boeing.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/09/03/russia-missiles-mediterranean-syria/2756767/

The situation with Syria is tense.  Karl zu Guttenberg wants stronger German involvement, USA President Obama wants action, and the Israelis are showing that they are capable of taking action.  The situation in Syria will change.  Because I believe that Syria biblically is one of the nations that will support the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43), either Assad will change, die, or be exiled.  Israel needs to realize that it can be damaged, perhaps severely by retaliation from Syria and/or its ally  Iran (cf. Isaiah 22:1-14).  Ultimately, Damascus will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1), and it may be because of damage done to Israel.

It is important to remember that there are more than a dozen New Testament admonitions to watch and be alert to the signs of the times in the last days (see Matthew 24:42-44; 25:13; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:34-36; Acts 20:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 20).

Some links of possibly related interest may include:

Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say?
The Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This is a YouTube video.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

Sunset Wednesday, September 4th, 2013, will begin the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar known as Tishri.

Tom Roberts, who at the time he produced this was part of a group called CG7 Meridian (not to be confused with the vastly larger CG7-Denver) wrote:

In 1858, Gilbert Cramer from the Marion Party, founded eight churches which would ultimately become the Church of God Seventh Day. Out of this ministry arose the Remnant of Israel under the leadership of G. G. Rupert who definitely advocated the meaning of Holy Day observance. (“Remnant of Israel”, G. G. Rupert, Vol 10, No. 11, September, 1929) Some today are suggesting that G. G. Rupert was a delegate at the 1888 Seventh Day Adventist Conference which began the change of direction of the SDA Church from its founders with the departure of Wagner and Jones.This conference was very significant because its theme was “Righteousness by Faith” and was needed to free Sabbatarians from legalism.Unfortunately, as the years passed, many of the founding voices of Adventism who once gave support to the Seventh Month Movement were no longer influential.Ellen White even stated that the Adventist camp meetings should replicate the Feast of Tabernacles…

As the years progressed, Adventist scholars such N. L. Andreason, Raymond Cottrell, Ken Richards, Desmond Ford, and many others began to question the classical Adventist positions taught about the history of their beginnings and the direction the church was taking. There were those who wanted to go back to the non-trinitarian, Holy Day, Kingdom of God on earth positions of the church. Others such as Desmond Ford, wanted the church to move in an evangelical direction while some at La Sierra University have tried to place the church on a more progressive path. Once again, the church is beginning to denounce all feast day keepers. Angel Rodriguez, PhD, and others have denounced the entire feast day movement. In spite of this, the ethos of feast day movements are still are behind the thinking of much of Seventh Day Adventist theology. One such example is Leslie Hardinge’s In the Shadow of His Sacrifice. He does an absolutely brilliant job of teaching Christianity the meaning of the Holy Days and the lessons that should impact their thinking about the Messiah.

Today there is a growing but small number of small groups of Adventist Holy Day Keepers who are attempting to resurrect the Seventh Month Movement in the Adventist Church. Dr. John Vandenberg is leading the charge along with a few other scholars and pastors by showing the Seventh Month Movement should never have been buried in Adventist history but instead modified to exclude its theological errors. It should have retained the spirit of Holy Day keeping in the worship and the life of the church.

Let us all pray and support this movement and fellowship with them as offer our love and service.

Gilbert Cranmer helped form a group that was called Church of God, Adventist. Eventually, various changes occurred to that group and it became, in the 20th century, the Church of God, Seventh-day (CG7).

The reasons for the term “Seventh Month Movement” include the fact that the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar contains what are commonly referred to as the ‘Fall Holy Days.’  The first day of the seventh month (Tishri) is the Feast of Trumpets, and then all the rest of the Fall Holy Days occur in the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Hence “Seventh Month Movement” connotes observance (to some degree) of the biblical Fall Holy Days.

Most Sabbath-keeping Church of God groups observe and endorse the biblical Fall Holy Days of the seventh month (the Church of God, Seventh-day Denver does not, but it now does allow its members to do so).

There are also some within the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) movement that endorse the holy days, but they are a minority.

The late SDA scholar Samuele Bacchiochi not only endorsed the biblical holy days late in his life, he also wrote books about them (which I purchased and read) explaining why he felt that they had biblical and historical support for their observances, as well as even some statements from Ellen White hinting that she supported their observance.

Every now and then, I hear from some associated with the SDA movement who recognize that doctrinal compromise has occurred within it and that they lean more towards Church of God doctrines in certain areas.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should you keep the Fall Holy Days?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
Offertory: Blow the Trumpet  This is an offertory video for the Holy Days, and specifically was made for the Feast of Trumpets. It goes through various scriptures in Jeremiah Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, and Isaiah related to blowing trumpets. It also contains an audio clip of the blowing of a shofar. It discusses who is blowing the trumpet now. And provides statistics to back up that conclusion.
The Trumpet Release This is a sermon focused on the Feast of Trumpets for 2013.  What is the Feast of Trumpets?  How can this be part of God’s plan of salvation?  Why do the Jews refer to it as Rosh Hashanah?  What is the seventh year of release?  Should it be restored and proclaimed?  Did early Christians keep the Feast of Trumpets?  Why should any one keep it now?  What will happen with the seven trumpets of Revelation?  Why do many not understand aspects of it?
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?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law The Bible teaches that every seven years that the law should be read at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is what I did at the first Feast site were I gave an actual sermon (as opposed to a sermonette) in 2006.
Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2013 This is information on the expected Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for the Continuing Church of God for 2013. The Feast in 2013 begins the evening of September 18.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos.
SDA/COG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The real Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, and differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. It also answers the question, “Did Ellen White make clear prophetic errors?”

COGwriter

A BBC report has suggested that life may have come to the earth from the planet Mars:

Were our earliest ancestors Martians? A new study suggests that all life on Earth may have originated on the Red Planet, the BBC reports. That’s because Mars would have had plenty of the minerals that are best at forging RNA, which is one of the key components of life and is believed to have predated DNA.

On Earth, those minerals would have dissolved into the ocean (water is “corrosive” to RNA, adds Space.com). But life could have formed on Mars, then headed here on meteorites, suggests U.S. scientist Steven Benner; he’s not the first to propose such a theory, the BBC notes.

The investigation centers on how atoms were arranged to form RNA, DNA, and proteins…As such, “the evidence seems to be building that we are actually all Martians; that life started on Mars and came to Earth on a rock,” says Benner. “It’s lucky that we ended up here, nevertheless — as certainly Earth has been the better of the two planets for sustaining life.”  http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/08/29/newser-mars/2726485/

Proponents of the evolutionary model keep grasping for more and more straws to try to have any credibility for their origin of life arguments.  Recently, Richard Dawkins, instead of having a real answer, basically referred to it as a mystery (see Richard Dawkins refers to ‘mysterious origin’ of the universe).

They know that the facts do not support that life could have spontaneously began on planet Earth, so they keep looking for other explanations that they hope are more plausible.

As it turns out, the one that is plausible and fits with know laws of biology, etc. is that a Creator started life.  But many evolutionists do not wish to accept the scientific inevitability that this is the only explanation that does not violate true science.

Those who wish to know what happened, can read the following:

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.”

7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.

14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.  (Genesis 1:1-31)

Evolution has led to the intentional ignorance of appropriate scientific methods. It became a religion for many in the 19th century, and remains one for many today.  So, much so that some are now touting the Martian hypothesis.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge. Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Quickly Disprove Evolution as the Origin of Life.
How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? Does the Bible allow for the creation of the universe and earth billions of years ago? Why do some believe they are no older than 6,000 years old? What is the gap theory? Where the days of creation in Genesis 1:3 through 2:3 24 hours long?
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article which answers what many really wonder about it.
Has time been lost? It Saturday the seventh day of the week?
Why Were You Born? Why did God make you? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. You may also wish to read the article What is Your Destiny? or watch the video, also titled What is Your Destiny?
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? There is also a video titled What is the meaning of your life?

Russian Troops Parading in Moscow (Source: www.kremlin.ru)

COGwriter

Is Russia the King of the North? Various Protestant prophetic teachers (such as Hal Lindsey and Ewiak Ryszard to cite two) tend to think so, but what is the truth?  Because of its involvement with both Syria and Iran certain others seem to think this helps prove that Russia is the biblical ‘King of the North.’  Vladimir Putin’s workings for a Eurasian Union (see The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy) also feeds into this speculation by some.

Although it is in the north, the Bible (when more specific) appears to refer to those in Russia as part of the “far north” (Ezekiel 38:3,6, 14-15). Russia is currently the most massive military power of the “far north.”

However, as various writers have admitted, historically it has been Greek (and perhaps also Roman) emperors which have fulfilled past prophecies of the King of the North.

It would seem logical then, that the final King of the North would also be the ruler of some type of final Greco-Roman empire. And the seat of power for those empires was in Europe.

Daniel 9:26-27 describes the rise of a prince who came from the people who destroyed Jerusalem, the European Romans.

Matthew Henrys Commentary states the following concerning Daniel 9:

It is here foretold that the people of the prince that shall come shall be the instruments of this destruction, that is, the Roman armies, belonging to a monarchy yet to come…the sacrifice and oblation shall be made to cease…And when it is made desolate, it should seem, there is something more determined that is to be poured upon the desolate (v. 27).

These passages, according to many Bible writers, ties into the actions of the King of the North when his forces “shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31). Roman armies would be more closely tied to Europe than they would Russia. The Great Tribulation will also not start before there is an actual King of the South and an actual King of the North–and while the “prince” will apparently help make a deal with Israel, Daniel 11:27 requires two kings, which suggests that the “prince” will gain more and more importance after the deal in Daniel 9:27. Daniel 9:26-27 shows that this prince comes from the people of the old Roman Empire. This prince rules the final Beast power of Revelation 13:1, the beast of the sea.

The Bible is clear that the “Great Sea,” where the Beasts of Daniel 7 come from, is the Mediterranean Sea (e.g. Joshua 9:1, 23:4; Ezekiel 47:15). The Beast power is not a nation like Russia, which does not border the Mediterranean Sea, but Europe which does.

Furthermore, the fact that Daniel 11:44 tells that the final King of the North will be troubled by news from the east and the north most certainly does allow for the final King of the North to be European. Russia, specifically, is both east and north of much of Europe.

Additionally, there are a couple of passages in the Book of Jeremiah that support my assertions on this:

50:41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon.
43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands grow feeble;
Anguish has taken hold of him,
Pangs as of a woman in childbirth…”(Jeremiah 50:41-43).

Thus, the European empire (the “daughter of Babylon”) is to be destroyed by a northern (apparently Russian led) force. This force that has “kings” from “the ends of the earth” will apparently be those from the far north and the far east. This is consistent with Daniel 11:44. And the “many kings” is consistent with the “kings of the sunrise” of Revelation 16:12 (literal translation).

Notice that the “king of Babylon” the “daughter of Babylon” heard reports about them. This is totally consistent with the King of the North being troubled by “news from the east and the north” (Daniel 11:44).

And who is the end time “King of Babylon”?

Various end time writers (including some who claim Russia is the King of the North) believe that the final “King of Babylon” (the end time Babylon in the Book of Revelation) is going to be a European power.

Yet, this is the same European power that is the King of the North in Daniel 11:27-45 and is the same one that is troubled by the news from the east and the north in Daniel 11:44.

The final King of the North cannot be Russia. Only a European power meets the criteria listed in Daniel 11. And that is consistent with other prophecies in the Bible, such as Jeremiah 50:41-43.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.

COGwriter

The Washing Post reported that the USA has been highly engaged in cyber warfare:

U.S. intelligence services carried out 231 offensive cyber-operations in 2011, the leading edge of a clandestine campaign that embraces the Internet as a theater of spying, sabotage and war, according to top-secret documents obtained by The Washington Post.That disclosure, in a classified intelligence budget provided by NSA leaker Edward Snowden, provides new evidence that the Obama administration’s growing ranks of cyberwarriors infiltrate and disrupt foreign computer networks.

Additionally, under an extensive effort code-named GENIE, U.S. computer specialists break into foreign networks so that they can be put under surreptitious U.S. control.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-spy-agencies-mounted-231-offensive-cyber-operations-in-2011-documents-show/2013/08/30/d090a6ae-119e-11e3-b4cb-fd7ce041d814_story.html

I have long believed that cyber spying is being allowed to increase by many governments and that this is dangerous. Governments are looking at ways not only to spy but to have more control over internet content.

The Bible talks about the fact that God will finish the work and cut it short (Roman 9:28). Notice also the following which could be related to that:

11 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God,
“That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
And from north to east;
They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
But shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

The above could only happen in the 21st century if the internet was down and/or internet content related to the truth of God was no longer permitted. Governments are taking steps, including cyber warfare research, which could bring that about.

In my article on the King of the North, I have the following quote from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

And the abomination that maketh desolate set up.” What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15…From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ’s coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, “Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days.” Never before have we understood these periods of 1260, 1290. and 1335 days. But it seems evident, now, a blessing is pronounced on us–GOD”S CHURCH–who wait and endure until the 1335 days–approximately 1335 days prior to Christ’s coming. But since no one can know the day or hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. That will be a time when the UNITED Europe shall appear–the revival of the medieval “Holy Roman Empire.” (Armstrong HW. Personal. Good News magazine January 1980).

As the above shows, Herbert W. Armstrong clearly wrote that there would be a future fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 and other verses in Daniel. And as the above shows, he taught that something would stop the work forty-five days prior to Daniel 11:31.

Most likely this occurs because the people of the holy covenant are proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14, as that immediately precedes “the end”) and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling prophecies in Daniel 11. It is my belief that after the peace deal in Daniel 9:27 has been made and/or confirmed by “the prince to come,” that the group that best represents the “sect of the Nazarenes” (the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the church per Revelation 3:7–11) in the 21st century (currently best represented by the Continuing Church of God) will begin to publicly identify the person who confirmed the deal (“the prince”) as the one who fulfilled Daniel 9:27. This apparently enrages the King of the North so much that he initially tries to eliminate these people through political pressure and selected persecution.

Even the Catholic Jerome indirectly understood some of this concerning these passages in Daniel 11 as he wrote:

Verses 27—-30…”And his heart shall be against the holy covenant, and he shall succeed and return into his own land. At the time appointed he shall return and shall come to the South; but the latter time shall not be like the former. And the galleys shall come upon him…But these events were typically prefigured under Antiochus Epiphanes, so that this abominable king who persecuted God’s people foreshadows the Antichrist, who is to persecute the people of Christ (Jerome. Commentary on Daniel, Chapter 11. Translated by Gleason L. Archer. (1958). http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/jerome_daniel_02_text.htm viewed 12/20/08).

The work may be stopped by government officials (like on the internet, radio, etc.) and persecutions began because people of the holy covenant are warning the world of the results of their sins (which they will not want pointed out) and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling these prophecies in Daniel 11. The faithful may be saying things that are not “politically correct” to the point that one or more governments will take action.

Jesus clearly taught that persecution would affect His people just prior to the Great Tribulation beginning:

7 And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another (Matthew 24:7-10).

21 For then there will be great tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

So notice that after “the beginning of sorrows,” the true Christians will be delivered up and many killed and many will be betrayed by those pretending to be Christians. And then the Great Tribulation will come shortly thereafter. This clearly ties in with the events of Daniel 11.

In my opinion, giving the government more power over internet content will allow it to suspend the internet portion of the work of God, and perhaps fulfill prophecy in that way.

By the way, the one I am watching as the potential King of the North, Karl Guttenberg has a position in the European Union related to the internet:

Digital Agenda: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg invited by Kroes to promote internet freedom globally Brussels, 12 December 2011 – European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes has invited Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, a former Federal Minister of Defence, and of Economics and Technology, in Germany, to advise on how to provide ongoing support to Internet users, bloggers and cyber-activists living under authoritarian regimes. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/1525&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Thus, Baron Guttenberg has, and apparently will develop more, expertise in computers and surveillance. The Baron’s appointment should sound out potential alarms to all who understand Bible prophecy, as the final Beast power will develop frightening economic control, probably using 21st century technology.

Notice something from the Bible:

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:15-18)

It will likely take computers aided with artificial intelligence to aid in the fulfillment of the above scriptures. Thus, even though I do not believe that there can possibly be a computer takeover of the world coming next month, I do believe that cyber monitoring will be used by the European Beast, King of the North, 666 power.

The US government and others are now taking steps that are helping to set the stage for this.  And more and more news reports have validated my assertions here.

Some articles with more related details include the following:

Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power? Various allegations have surfaced about the United States government spying on its own citizens as well as its supposed allies in the European Union. Whether or not all the espionage allegations are true, and the main ones have not been publicly denied by the government of the USA, the reality is that this does have prophetic ramifications and will help the Beast of Revelation. This video provides quotes from the Bible showing how this is so. The USA is placing itself in a position to be taken over and its response to the allegations will make it easier for the Europeans to do so.
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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?
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this.  Who is leading the final phase of the work?  What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets?  Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set?  What is the proof?  What has the Continuing Church of God been doing?
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.