Church of God News

Viktor Yanukovich

COGwriter

The second biggest country in Europe, Ukraine, is being pressured to choose sides between the supporters of the European Union and Russia’s Eurasian Union:

November 28, 2013

VILNIUS — The European Union told Ukraine on Thursday its rejection of a free-trade deal in favor of closer ties with Russia would risk its economic future…EU enlargement commissioner Stefan Fuele warned Ukraine that its decision to walk away from the agreement could imperil its future.

Disputing Ukraine’s figures for the cost of upgrading its economic base to European standards, Fuele said: “The Ukrainian economy needs huge investments but these are not costs. They represent future income, more growth, more jobs and more wealth.”

“The only costs that I can see are the costs of inaction allowing more stagnation of the economy and risking the economic future and health of the country,” he told a business forum in Vilnius, adding that the EU offer remained on the table.

Yanukovich himself set the scene for a frosty encounter by dismissing the EU’s trade offer as “humiliating”. The 600 million euros ($800 million), or so, of support on offer was “candy in a pretty wrapper”, he said.

But his presence at the EU gathering – without signing the agreement – indicates he does not want to burn his bridges with the EU and leave his country’s economic future solely to Russia. His government says the suspension of the deal with the EU marks only a “pause” in moves to integrate Ukraine into the European mainstream.

He has accepted short-term support from Moscow, which supplies Ukraine half of its gas needs, without committing to Russia’s Customs Union with Kazakhstan and Belarus, and all the while keeping the EU within reach.

Defending Kiev’s decision, First Deputy Prime Minister Serhiy Arbuzov told the Vilnius forum: “The country cannot be ready for such serious decision (to sign) if the social-economic situation is not balanced.”

“No about-face has taken place. We are confidently moving towards an aim which we have set. Ukrainians need Europe and the European path is the only one for us,” he said.

Eye on the prize

The EU will still go ahead with initialing political association agreements with two other ex-Soviet republics, Georgia and Moldova, putting them on track to sign formally in around a year. A visa agreement with Azerbaijan will also be signed.

Belarus and Armenia will also attend the summit, though there seems little prospect of their moving closer to the EU. Belarus is a member of the Russia-led Customs union, which Armenia has also opted to join.

But the biggest prize in the Eastern Partnership was always Ukraine, a vast country of 46 million people that borders four EU member states, and it will be something of an elephant in the room during the dinner on Thursday night.

EU leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron, will hold a pre-dinner meeting in Vilnius to work out how to handle the situation with Yanukovich, officials said.  http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-eu-leaders-set-for-tough-table-talk-with-ukraines-yanukovich/1799451.html

Under pressure from Russia, Ukraine turns East…

But if Ukraine, long divided between East and West, fails to draw closer to Europe, it will not only be a setback for the European Union, which has pressed for years to bring Ukraine into a formal alliance. It’s also a crushing disappointment to millions of Ukrainians…Granted, the Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, faced a difficult calculus. Signing up for association with the E.U., and the possibility of full membership down the road, offered the prospect of modernization, investments and, probably, a major economic aid package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). On the other hand, the IMF deal would have compelled Mr. Yanukovych to adopt a punishing austerity program that could have complicated his reelection in 2015…In the end, the decisive factor for Ukraine appeared to be Russian blackmail. Among other sanctions, Moscow threatened to cut off imports from companies in eastern Ukraine, which relies heavily on Russian markets.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/under-pressure-from-russia-ukraine-turns-east/2013/11/23/9183f01c-53b9-11e3-9e2c-e1d01116fd98_story.html

Vilnius summit: Ukraine and the Russian factor…the intrigue around the signing of the association agreement (AA) between Ukraine and the EU reaches its peak.  The Ukrainian government has announced its decision to suspend preparations for the AA’s signature due to the need to mitigate economic risks for the country, especially in the context of Russia’s position. At the same time, in a TV statement, President Viktor Yanukovych told his compatriots that “nothing will force Ukraine to turn from the way of integration to the European Union”.

The main risk for Ukraine in signing the AA is a sharp decline in economic relations and trade with Russia, which could lead to extremely serious consequences for the Ukrainian economy. The EU is not prepared to provide compensation for such losses, offering in exchange only partial financing for the conduction of reforms at the level of €600-€800 million. Moreover, European experts claim that the economic situation in the EU does not allow it to allocate considerable finances to Ukraine.

The risk of sharp deterioration of economy of Ukraine remains key for the president and the government, who will be compelled to look for financial assistance in Russia, China or private funds in case of a lack of financial support at acceptable conditions from the EU, the International Monetary Fund or the European Bank for Recontruction and Development.  http://www.euractiv.com/general/vilnius-summit-ukraine-russian-f-analysis-532000

The potential deal between the EU and Ukraine is not over yet.  Scheduled talks are to go on today and tomorrow.  And there could also be other ones.

As I have mentioned before, Ukraine is in a tough spot. It would like to be part of the EU as well as part of Russia’s Eurasian Union. But since it cannot (by treaty arrangements if it is a full EU member) be part of both, it seems to be playing both sides. Some believe that Ukraine really wants to be in the EU, hence will change.

Some Background on possible origins

It has been suggested that the Ukrainians descended from the Medes.  The Medes are mentioned in the Old Testament in 2 Kings 17:6, the Book of Daniel, as well as Esther, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.  In the New Testament, they are mentioned in Acts 2:9.

In the first century, Josephus wrote:

Japhet, the son of Noah, had seven sons: they inhabited so, that, beginning at the mountains Taurus and Amanus, they proceeded along Asia…they called the nations by their own names…Now as to Javan and Madai, the sons of Japhet; from Madai came the Madeans, who are called Medes, by the Greeks… Thobel founded the Thobelites, who are now called Iberes; and the Mosocheni were founded by Mosoch…And so many were the countries that had the children of Japhet for their inhabitants. (Josephus. Antiquities of the Jews. VI, 1).

Those in the Ukraine seem to have some ties to the Medes. It may be of interest to note that the nation of Georgia is made up of peoples who were called the Iberes above.

Notice also:

Herodotus wrote that the Medes were beginning to settle in the Ukraine even in his time. He main-tained that there were people who ‘dressed in Median fashion’ that live ‘north of Thrace . . . beyond the Danube.’ (Slytie P.  The Three Edens. Xulon Press, 2011, p. 784)

Pliny mentions “the river Don, where the inhabitants are … said to be descended from the Medes” (book 6, sec.11) (UKRAINE). (Hunt K.  The Biblical Prophets for Today. iUniverse, 2011, p. 7)

Herodotus lived in the fifth century B.C. and has been called “the father of history.”  Pliny was a first century A.D. Roman nobleman and historian.

The late John Ogwyn wrote:

The tribes who traced their descent from the ancient Medes moved a little north and west to lay claim to the rich farmland of Little Russia, the Ukraine. From Meshech and Tubal came the Great Russians, who spread north and east, eventually establishing Moscow and the principality of Muscovy. The River Moskva, named for the people of Meshech (called Mushki or Moschi anciently), gave its name to the city and principality (Ogwyn J. What’s Ahead for Russia? TW, May-June 2000).

Some of the Russians themselves appear to have been from the Medes. Notice the following account:

But how are we to explain the name Russia? The old-fashioned view was to derive the word from the Rhoxolani. This, however, has long been abandoned. One thing is certain, namely, that these Rhoxolani were of Oriental descent, a Medic or Iranic tribe. They disappear from history, having, like so many other tribes — as, for instance, the Pechenegs and the Khozars—been swallowed up by the huge waves of immigration which overflowed the country (Morfill WR. Russia. Published 1890 by T.F. Unwin, London).

There are many disputes among academics as to who derived from whom, thus it is not completely clear, for example, that the Rhoxolani were Medes who went to Russia.

However, if the Rhoxolani were Medes, then it would seem to be consistent with certain biblical prophecies.

Most of the Ukrainians are Eastern or Russian Orthodox, which makes them closer (in professed religion at least) to the Russians that the Western Europeans–though many of the Eastern Europeans have some version of the Eastern Orthodox faith.

The EU Wants to Enlarge

The European Union has demonstrated a history and willingness to enlarge.  This is also consistent with biblical prophecy.

Interestingly, as far back as the Book of Daniel, the Bible prophesied that a little horn would develop into what apparently is becoming a European entity. Actually what is now the EU began as a small organization involving three small countries located in the northern and western regions of Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, called the Benelux nations)–they then helped form the European Economic Community. Which expanded into the European Union.

Notice that, the Bible prophesied that a little horn would mainly expand South and East:

And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered (Daniel 8:9-12).

And while the above has had a past fulfillment, this prophecy seems to be dual (compare with Daniel 11:27-39). Anyway, the European Union has mainly expanded south and east of the Benelux nations. Now, approximately 500 million people are now under a new, single (though not completed united) government, called the European Union, headquartered in Brussels.  Ukraine is east of much of the EU–thus its geography is consistent with being part of the EU.

Biblically (because of prophecies involving the Medes, some of which are in Ukraine, and some in the “north and east” in Daniel 11:44), it would seem that Russia would be closer to Ukraine in the end than it appears to be right now. Yet it should also be mentioned that Bible prophecy indicates that there will be some type of cooperation between Russia and its allies and Europe for a while after the European Beast power has risen up (Revelation 13:3-4).  Being between both may mean that Ukraine will support one for a while than turn back to the other.

In the end, Bible prophecy shows that ultimately Russia and its allies (likely to include Ukraine at some point) will turn against the European Beast power–for biblical details, see Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future. Until then, we will see if Ukraine moves away from Russia and towards the EU which is what many protesters apparently want or if it will decide that it needs to move closer to Russia.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
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

Today is national holiday in the USA called Thanksgiving. And despite certain claims, its specific origins are not pagan. But, of course, no Christian needs to celebrate national holidays like it.

Yet, whether on this day or others, the Bible teaches that God’s people should give thanks:

4 Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name (Psalm 30:4).

The Bible is full of admonitions to give thanks to God. In the NKJV the term “give thanks” is used 40 times and the term “giving thanks” is used 5 times–and nearly all of these verses are discussing giving thanks to God.

One thing that I have noticed, on the day called Thanksgiving by those in the USA, is when I have been at many places than the home I lived in, American football has been playing on television.

For many, other than food and family, football is a major focus of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Notice the following:

Nov 22, 2012

For the fourth straight year, the Thanksgiving resolution from President Barack Obama fails to actually thank God — which is the fundamental reason why Thanksgiving is observed…

But, to President Obama, Thanksgiving is about food and football, according to his official remarks as distributed by the White House.

“For us, like so many of you, this is a day full of family and friends; food and football. It’s a day to fight the overwhelming urge to take a nap – at least until after dinner,” Obama said.  http://www.lifenews.com/2012/11/22/4th-straight-year-obama-thanksgiving-resolution-doesnt-thank-god/

Whether or not the US president will publicly and officially thank God later today remains an open question.  But the fact that Barack Obama did not do that in past thanksgiving addresses, but instead advocates football is disturbing.  Now the fact is that I have never considered that Barack Obama was a real Christian, but what about real Christians today?

Should Christians support violent sports like American football?

A 1969 article by Eugene M. Walker had the following:

To many Americans Thanksgiving Day means sumptuous turkey dinners, family reunions and football games…There is nothing necessarily wrong with good food, family reunions and football games on Thanksgiving Day. But all too many use these activities wrongly and forget the purpose for the holiday. Many glut themselves with far more food than they ought to eat; few, however, stop to give God thanks for this food – even on Thanksgiving Day.  Family reunions all too often turn out to be family brawls…Millions of others push and shove one another in large crowds at football games and parades, and kill one another on the highway as they madly strive to make sure they get their fair quota of pleasure. (Walker EM.  Plain Truth, Thanksgiving Day: What does it mean to you?  November 1969, pp. 39-41).

Notice he wrote that certain activities were not necessarily wrong.   Of course, a friendly game of flag football and a family dinner should be fine.  But what about violent professional or intercollegiate American football?

Over a decade later, the late  Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

Hostility toward the other is sin…

Football (American football) is a violent body-contact sport. It is often played with an attitude of hostility and is dangerous and is fraught with physical injury. (Plain Truth, July-August 1984)

Wherever a game in sports involves ANTAGONISTS–in HOSTILE ATTITUDE to harm the other and/or to “GET” from the other–to get the best of the other–then a harmful, Satanic and evil attitude enters in , and the sport is EVIL, not good…football,

(American football)…because football is such a violent body contact sport , it TOO OFTEN is played in an ATTITUDE OF HOSTILITY, and is too DANGEROUS and fraught with PHYSICAL INJURY . Therefore it must be BANNED so far as participation by God’s Church or people is concerned…This is sufficient to illustrate the application of the PRINCIPLE of God’s Law to sports. That participated in with an attitude of HOSTILITY toward the opponent is evil. That which HARMS mentally or physically an opponent is evil.

Satan is the author of COMPETITION based on hostility, harm to the opponent, GETTING by taking FROM an opponent–to his harm or loss. God’s way is LOVE TOWARD neighbor equal to love of self. (Armstrong HW. Not all sports are banned. Pastor General’s Report, Volume 2, Issue 36, September 5, 1980)

While I have even heard some people thank God for football, it is not a sport that I believe that the God of love would condone.

The person that Jesus stated was greater than all others born of women (Matthew 11:11), John the Baptist taught:

14 Do violence to no man (Luke 3:14, KJV)

The Apostle Paul taught:

 Love does no harm to a neighbor (Romans 13:9).

What do sports like American football and boxing do?  Even if played according to all of its rules, American tackle football is evil because it actually physically harms many its participants:

The most popular sport in America causes irreparable harm to many of its participants, some of whom will stammer through sentences after they retire, lose their memories and have their dinners served to them through intravenous needles…If they’re modern-day gladiators, we’re little more than howling, new-millennium Romans — with better-stitched togas and viewing angles. Now armed with more information than ever about football and brain injuries, we think long and hard whether our kids should strap on a helmet and pads. (Wise M. Super Bowl: NFL confronts the highest stakes. Washington Post, January 28, 2013. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/super-bowl-nfl-confronts-the-highest-stakes/2013/01/28/b92e1fd8-69a0-11e2-95b3-272d604a10a3_story.html)

The NFL doesn’t have a PR problem. It has a reality problem. And it may be a grave one. Every month — and it seems every few days — the NFL is inundated by new, barely suspected revelations. What has the NFL become? Or is this what it has been for some time? Is the truth coming out of the shadows?

The list is stunning. Its cumulative effect, not any one particular item, is the true confidence-shaking shock.

The NFL is now the league of murder charges against Aaron Hernandez — gang execution style. The NFL is the league of murder, then suicide, with Jovan Belcher killing his girlfriend and then shooting himself in the head in a parking lot by his stadium as his coach and general manager watched.

The NFL is the league of concussions, cover-ups for decades and in-house pseudo-science to discredit critical research. That is, until dementia, insanity and a $765 million settlement with its players hits the headlines. The NFL is a “League of Denial.” (November 6, 2013)

This is something that Christians, and others, who think that they should watch American football should think about.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Thanksgiving: A Time To Give Thanks and Praise the LORD Is this American holiday appropriate? Why or why not?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show? This is the first time I have announced this article on this new page and it contains not only my views, but many quotes that Christians, as well as people who claim to be, should think about. Do you really want to know the answer to the question the title asks? If not, why not?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?
Binge Alcohol Drinking and the Bible Many college students and others overindulge in alcohol. Are there health risks? What does the Bible teach?
Obesity and Prophecy Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned?

Worldwide Internet Users in 2012. (Jeff Ogden)

COGwriter

Today, I looked up the Alexa popularity rankings for Church of God (COG) groups whose leaders had once been part of the old Global Church of God (GCG).

I have included all the main English-language sites of the GCG-affiliated COG groups that I am aware of.

Although he was once part of GCG, since I am convinced that David Pack is a false apostle (2 Corinthians 11:13) and one who uses covetous words (cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3), I do not consider that he is truly part of the COG (see also Why Not the Restored Church of God?). Hence despite the money his group pours into the internet, I have not included those websites associated with his church (and yes, I know that  his websites have Alexa popularity).

Although the leadership in some COG groups prefer to believe their internet impact is higher than it is, I like to use a source such as Alexa to give a relative impact on how websites compare to the multiple millions of sites out there (one page suggested that there are about 500,000,000 websites).

Alexa is an independent internet source that looks at the overall popularity of websites based upon factors such as number of visits, repeat visits, amount of time spent at a website, amount of links clicked at the site, etc. Though some prefer not to believe its results, notice the following review of Alexa ratings:

Alexa Rank Checker is one of the most accurate and freely available tools to find out how well your site ranks up against millions of other sites on the Web. http://www.seomastering.com/alexa-rank-checker.php viewed 10/31/13

The lower the number of an Alexa rating the greater the impact. For example, google.com has an Alexa ranking of 1, meaning it is the most popular website in the world, and facebook.com has an Alexa ranking of 2, meaning that it is the second most popular website in the world according to Alexa (number 3 is YouTube.com). Websites with Alexa rankings of over 15,000,000, as well as those who reach is too limited to be ranked by Alexa, do not have much impact. As of 2013, Alexa provides traffic data, global rankings and other information on 30 million websites, and the reality is that any not Alexa rated have very limited reach and simply are not popular.

The popularity of those groups whose leaders formerly had GCG affiliation below is based upon Alexa rankings that were displayed by Alexa yesterday:

1. COGwriter.com (Continuing Church of God, Bob Thiel) 127,571
2. tomorrowsworld.org (Living Church of God) 361,007
3. lcg.org (Living Church of God Roderick C. Meredith) 369,469
4. ccog.org (Continuing Church of God) 660,347
5. hwalibrary.com (former LCG/GCG members) 2,006,433
6. eternalgod.org (Church of the Eternal God, Norbert Link) 2,517,156
7. judeochristianfoundation.org (Jeff Patton) 3,996,084
8. servantsnews.com (Port Austin Bible Campus, Norman Edwards) 4,338,490
9. globalchurchofgod.co.uk (Global Church of God, United Kingdom) 11,407,371
10. godslawislove.org (Church of God in Peace and Truth, Don Haney) 11,659,320
11. cgfnw.org (Church of God Fellowship, Northwest, Harold Smith) not Alexa rated; over 15,000,000
12. cogcanada.org (Global Church of God, Canada) not Alexa rated; over 15,000,000
13. cogmessenger.org (Rod Reynolds) not Alexa rated; over 15,000,000
14. cotsg.org (Church of the Sovereign God, Ben Faulkner) not Alexa rated; over 15,000,000
15. enduring.org (Enduring COG, Charles Bryce) not Alexa rated; over 15,000,000
16. genuine-truth.com (former LCG/GCG members) not Alexa rated; over 15,000,000
17. wwcg.org (Wholeworld COG) not Alexa rated; over 15,000,000

Note: The last seven groups are listed in alphabetical order, since they are not ranked it is difficult to know which are more popular.

The Alexa rankings suggest that the popularity reach of the Continuing Church of God exceeds almost all other one-time GCG-affiliated groups on the internet combined. Yet, that is not completely accurate as LCG’s youtube presence is not included above as Alexa does not rank individual youtube channels. But it does show, that even without having a full-time internet staff that the Continuing Church of God does better than nearly all others reaching people over the internet.

Recall that Jesus taught:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

Notice that the gospel of the kingdom will reach the world as a witness, then the end will come. And I believe that the internet will be a major factor in this.

Proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God to the world as a witness over the internet (as well as through printed literature, radio, personal contact, etc.) is something that we in the Continuing Church of God are serious about.  There is a difference between the groups that once had connections to GCG. Only one can lead The Final Phase of the Work.

One of the reasons I decided to look all this up again is that it was during this time of year in 1998 that the GCG crisis hit and that led to the formation of LCG and other groups.

Some asked me for more information about the formation of the Continuing Church of God which did not form until 12-28-12.   The formation was triggered by an emailed letter from Dr. Roderick C. Meredith of LCG  on 12/28/12.  So, after re-reading it, I have decided to respond more fully to it.

Those interested in details about the truth, may wish to read it.  Here is a link: Roderick C. Meredith’s Accusatory Letter to Bob Thiel.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled. 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? This is a sermonette length video.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Roderick C. Meredith’s Accusatory Letter to Bob Thiel On 12/28/12, Dr. Meredith sent out a letter with accusations against Bob Thiel. While this led to the formation of the Continuing Church of God, Dr. Thiel decided to address more of the details of the charges on 11/27/13.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like the beliefs held of the Continuing Church of God.
Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God Several have speculated reasons, but here is the truth. (En el idioma español: ¿Por qué Bob Thiel dejó la Iglesia del Dios Viviente?)
Journal Report on Continuing Church of God Leader Bob Thiel Bob Thiel was interviewed by The Journal News of the Churches of God related to him being a prophet, the proclamation goals of the Continuing Church of God, and why he left LCG.
What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God? This article explains some information and doctrines of the Living Church of God as led by Roderick C. Meredith and some concerns about them. (En el idioma español: ¿Qué hay acerca de la Iglesia de Dios Viviente? ¿Hay diferencias doctrinales con la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios?)
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.

COGwriter

Angela Merkel’s party has made a deal with the opposition that if finalized will insure she should stay in power:

BERLIN — Chancellor Angela Merkel and her main rivals agreed early Wednesday to a blueprint for Germany’s next government, bringing to a close five weeks of negotiations that ended in a 17-hour session…the document emphasized the need to maintain Germany’s competitiveness – as well as that of Europe. But it was definitely Germany first: in several sections – from health care to education to media and culture – it stressed, albeit in a confident tone, the urgent need for Germany to adapt to the primacy of the digital world.

“Our country needs a new time of innovation,” the accord said in its opening sentences, using the term Gründerzeit, referring to the great upswing in the mid-19th century. “We want to strengthen entrepreneurship and the spirit of innovation and make them more respected. We will also improve the conditions for innovation and investment, especially for small and medium businesses.”

“The part played by Europe in the 21st century depends decisively on whether we succeed in keeping up with the digital realm, set European standards and thus preserve our European social model,” the accord said.  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/28/world/europe/merkel-and-rivals-strike-deal-on-new-german-government.html?_r=0

27 November 2013

German lawmakers have arrived at a deal to form a coalition government, more than two months after the country’s elections. After marathon negotiations Tuesday, officials from Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union party and the Social Democrats finalized an agreement to form a “grand coalition” that will establish a mandatory minimum wage and streamline some banking policies…

With the talks ending on the Nov. 27 deadline set by Merkel, SPD leaders must now persuade members at over 30 rallies that a minimum wage is a victory for the working class.

“We will convince members,” Steinmeier told reporters.

The ballot results are due on Dec. 14. At an SPD congress in Leipzig, delegates said they would only decide after reading the coalition document. Over 170 pages long, it shows a very German attention to detail, ranging from banking rules to plans for the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth in 2020.

If the majority are willing to overlook details like the SPD conceding on such a major campaign platform as tax hikes for the rich, and okay Germany’s third “grand coalition” of the post-war era, Merkel can be sworn in the week before Christmas.

If the SPD votes does go against the proposed coalition, Merkel could go to the smaller Green party for a possible coalition, or call fresh elections.  http://www.voanews.com/content/merkel-social-democrats-work-out-coalition-deal/1798581.html

The Germans want to remain on top, so they realize that economic competitiveness and controlling standards, including bank ones, is the way to help achieve that.  This agreement is supposed to assist with all of that.

Bible prophecy warns about a power that that will have a tremendous amount of control, including economic:

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)

Germany is the main economic engine of Europe and one of the leading exporting nations of the world.  Actually, Germany is number three, just below the USA.   Notice the following chart (Wikipedia viewed 11/27/13) of exporting powers:

—	European Union(minus internal trade)	$2,170,000,000,000	2011 est.
1	China	$2,057,000,000,000	2012 est.
2	United States	$1,564,000,000,000	2012 est.
3	Germany	$1,460,000,000,000	2012 est.
4	Japan	$773,900,000,000	2012 est.
5	France	$567,100,000,000	2012 est.

While China has more than twice the people of the European Union, the EU exports more.  So, the European Union is the world’s biggest exporting power, with Germany the biggest exporter.

Now unlike the USA, Germany has a trade surplus, not a deficit.  This not only helps keep Germans working, it also builds Germany’s wealth and international influence.  The political agreement that Angela Merkel just made is intended to increase Germany’s wealth and influence.  And although the EU in general and Germany in particular will have problems (including civil unrest, political, and economic ones; cf. Daniel 2:41-43), the biblical reality is that the Bible shows that a European power with German influence will take over as the leading economic power for a time (Revelation 13:15-18).

And right now, we are seeing some of this rise and plans to rise further.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? 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.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”?
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people?
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.
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
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?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish is ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
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.

A Hanukkah Menorah (MathKnight)

COGwriter

Many Jews celebrate a time that they call Hanukkah. This year it begins Wednesday November 27th at sunset.  For 2013, its entire time is from “Sunset, November 27 to nightfall, December 5.”

The Miami Herald this year has an article about it titled New holiday: Thanksgivukkah.  Essentially, a take-off of combing the word Hanukkah with Thanksgiving, because of the timing this year:

The convergence happens only once in a lifetime: Thanksgiving falling on the first day of Hanukkah.

It’s Thanksgivukkah — and it is not expected to occur again for more than 70,000 years.

The unusual confluence of the holidays on Thursday is causing a celebratory sensation in South Florida and around the country, as revelers dream up recipes for sweet potato latkes and challah stuffing, and imagine feasting on Thanksgiving fare while children spin dreidels and open Hanukkah gifts. http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/23/3774690/thanksgiving-and-hanukkah-converge.html#storylink=cpy

Of course, with many stores opening for Christmas related sales on Thanksgiving in the USA in 2013, instead of observing Thanksgiving, many are essentially observing Thanksristmas (a word I came up with this past Sunday).

As far as Hanukkah itself, here is some of Wikipedia has reported about it:

Hanukkah (pronounced HAH-nə-kə ; Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה, Tiberian: Ḥănukkāh, usually spelled חנוכה, pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew; a transliteration also romanized as Chanukah, Chanukkah or Chanuka), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

Hanukkah is not a biblical holiday, but mainly started out as a national holiday. Jesus, Himself, seemed to possibly observe it, and it is referred to as the Feast of the Dedication in the New Testament (John 10:22-23). Last year, on the Roman calendar, it runs from “Sunset, December 8 to nightfall, December 16.”

The New York Times reported the following about it this year:

Many Americans, Jews as well as Christians, think that the legend of the long-lasting oil is the root of Hanukkah’s commemoration.

And perhaps that mistake is no surprise, given that for many the holiday has morphed into “Christmas for Jews,” echoing the message of peace on earth accompanied by gift giving. In doing so, the holiday’s own message of Jewish survival and faith has been diluted…

Though Hanukkah is a minor Jewish holiday, 19th-century activists in America promoted it to encourage their coreligionists to take pride in their heritage. During the 20th century it was embraced more broadly by Jews who wanted to fit in with other Americans celebrating the holiday season — and to make their kids feel better about not getting anything from Santa.

It helped, of course, that Hanukkah falls near Christmas on the calendar and traditionally involved candles and small monetary gifts. Over time, children began receiving grander presents, and Hanukkah-themed season’s greeting cards proliferated. Some families even started to purchase “Hanukkah bushes,” small trees often decked out with Stars of David and miniature Maccabees. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/08/opinion/hanukkah-unabridged.html

The Jews should be aware that they are not to adopt Gentile practices involving trees, etc. Notice what the Hebrew Bible (AKA the Old Testament) teaches:

29 “When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, 30 take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ 31 You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. (Deuteronomy 12:29-31)

2 Thus says the Lord:

“Do not learn the way of the Gentiles;
Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven,
For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the peoples are futile;
For one cuts a tree from the forest,
The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.
4 They decorate it with silver and gold;
They fasten it with nails and hammers
So that it will not topple.
5 They are upright, like a palm tree,
And they cannot speak;
They must be carried,
Because they cannot go by themselves.
Do not be afraid of them,
For they cannot do evil,
Nor can they do any good.” (Jeremiah 10:2-5)

For more on biblical admonitions against using green trees in worship, go to the article: What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days?

Compromise has happened throughout the centuries from both Jews as well as those who claimed to be true Christians. Hanukkuh is now mainly a Jewish compromise.

Oddly, more Jews keep Hanukkah than keep many of the biblical holy days (often improperly referred to as Jewish holidays).

And of course, most who claim to be Christians keep non-biblical holidays more than they do biblical ones.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
Thanksgiving: A Time To Give Thanks and Praise the LORD Is this American holiday appropriate? Why or why not?
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this past decade or so.
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? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
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. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Pope Francis (Source: presidencia.gov.ar)

COGwriter

Pope Francis blasted parts of the world’s economic system and called for changes:

November 26, 2013

Pope Francis on Tuesday sharply criticized growing economic inequality and unfettered markets in a lengthy paper outlining a populist philosophy that he says will guide his papacy as he pushes the Catholic Church to reach out more, particularly to the disenfranchised.

Using sharply worded phrases, Francis decried an “idolatry of money” and warned it would lead to “a new tyranny.” And he invoked language with particular resonance in the United States, attacking an economic theory that discourages taxation and regulation and which most affiliate with conservatives.

“Some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world,” Francis wrote in the papal statement. “This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system.”

“Meanwhile,” he added, “the excluded are still waiting.”

While Francis has raised concerns before about the growing gap between the wealthy and poor since becoming pontiff in March, his direct reference to “trickle-down” economic theory in the English translation of his 50,000-word statement was striking…The papal statement, known formally as an apostolic exhortation, is the first to be written entirely by Francis…  http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/pope-francis-denounces-trickle-down-economic-theories-in-critique-of-inequality/2013/11/26/e17ffe4e-56b6-11e3-8304-caf30787c0a9_story.html

November 26, 2013

The 84-page document, known as an apostolic exhortation, amounted to an official platform for his papacy, building on views he has aired in sermons and remarks since he became the first non-European pontiff in 1,300 years in March.

In it, Francis went further than previous comments criticising the global economic system, attacking the “idolatry of money” and beseeching politicians to guarantee all citizens “dignified work, education and healthcare”.

He also called on rich people to share their wealth. “Just as the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills,” Francis wrote in the document issued on Tuesday.

The pope said renewal of the church could not be put off and the Vatican and its entrenched hierarchy “also need to hear the call to pastoral conversion”.

“I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security,” he wrote.   http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/26/pope-francis-capitalism-tyranny

While on the surface this sounds like what a ‘lamb’ may say, could it be part of the speech of a dragon (Revelation 13:11)?

He seems to be calling for the wealthy to give more away to the poor.  The Church of Rome has vast wealth, so he may be suggesting that it will give some of it away.

Here is part of a commentary about Pope Francis’ comments, with some of those comments, today:

In the first lengthy writing of his papacy — also known as an “apostolic exhortation,” the confusion just doesn’t seem to stop. He writes:

.

How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points? This is a case of exclusion. Can we continue to stand by when food is thrown away while people are starving? This is a case of inequality. Today everything comes under the laws of competition and the survival of the fittest, where the powerful feed upon the powerless. As a consequence, masses of people find themselves excluded and marginalized: without work, without possibilities, without any means of escape.

.

RW comment: The powerful feed upon the powerless only when there is a government to protect the operations of the powerful. Under a free market system, businesses that do not provide goods consumers desire will fail.

.

In this context, some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system.

.

RW comment: Free markets are not about “trickle down” economics. It is about businesses providing products that consumers desire. The Pope is deeply confused about the difference between free markets and fascist economics.http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2013/11/pope-francis-free-market-hater.html

The Bible is clear that financial pressures will be something that the Antichrist is associated with:

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. (Revelation 13:16-17)

The “He” above is the two-horned beast (Revelation 13:11), also known as the False Prophet (Revelation 16:13), and Antichrist (1 John 4:1-3).

The Bible also says that the merchants of the world will have gotten wealthy from the system that the Antichrist will promote:

2 Babylon the great…has become a dwelling place of demons…a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3…and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury. (Revelation 18:2a,b,d, 3c)

So, there are several biblical prophecies that tie the power that the Antichrist supports with a type of deceitful prosperity. Did you notice the connection to a cage of birds above? Well, then notice then also the following:

27 As a cage is full of birds,
So their houses are full of deceit.
Therefore they have become great and grown rich.
28 They have grown fat, they are sleek;
Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked;
They do not plead the cause,
The cause of the fatherless;
Yet they prosper,
And the right of the needy they do not defend.
29 Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the Lord.
‘Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?’

30 “An astonishing and horrible thing
Has been committed in the land:
31 The prophets prophesy falsely,
And the priests rule by their own power;
And My people love to have it so.
But what will you do in the end? (Jeremiah 5:27-31)

So, the supporters of the Beast and Antichrist/False Prophet will prosper for a time, then God will punish.

Furthermore, notice three Catholic writings/prophecies about the final Antichrist:

Saint Mechtilda (died 1299): Antichrist will, through base and false strategem, and with presents of gold and gems, attain influence over the worldly princes. They will look up to him as their Lord and God (Culleton, The Reign of Antichrist, pp. 133-134).

Saint Ephrem (died 375): Antichrist will use worldly goods as bait. He will entice many Christians with money and goods to apostatize…The devil will help him find all the hidden treasures of the world, even those at the bottom of the ocean. With those treasures he will attain greater success for the reign of Satan than at any other time in past centuries (Connor, pp.73.74).

Saint Jerome (died 420): Antichrist…will gain support with many gifts and money. He will sell himself to the devil…(Connor E. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 74).

The Bible, by the way, does mention that the King of the North will end up with a lot of gold, silver, and precious stones (Daniel 11:38,43) and that a seven-hilled/mountain-based power will have “gold and precious stones and pearls” (Revelation 17:4).

But is it possible that before the Beast rises up that the Antichrist will use material items for bait?  The more Pope Francis proposes wealth distribution, the closer the time may come when the Vatican takes concrete action.

Might the Antichrist use some of the wealth of the Vatican to support certain European nations/leaders? I expect this, as it seems to be likely and consistent with the following scriptures:

1…”Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”…9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits…18:3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” (Revelation 17:1-2,9; 18:3)

Nor do I believe it will limit its support to Europe. The Church of Rome has a lot of worldly wealth–it is a version of that church that is being discussed above in Revelation.

It may be interesting to note that Pope Francis, within days of becoming pontiff, declared, “Oh, how I would like a poor Church, and for the poor” (see Pope Francis: Do his comments about the poor show that he intend to fulfill biblical and Catholic prophecies about the final Antichrist?). Is it possible that he is suggesting that since his church hold enormous wealth in bank accounts, land, art, and jewels, that perhaps he intends to distribute some of this wealth (see Pope Francis claims he wants his church to be poor and help the poor)?

If he does not end up doing this, he, at minimum, has made various statements that the final Antichrist (which may not be him as that is not certain yet), will point to as justification for wealth distribution.

Some items of related interest may include:

Jerusalem

COGwriter

There is another proposal to divide Jerusalem:

Will Jerusalem Be Divided Again?

November 26, 2013…

For 19 years, Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan with the Old City on the Jordan side. In 1967, the Six-Day War led to the reuniting of the city under Israeli sovereignty.

Now, part of the U.S.-backed peace process seeks to split the city once again. Dividing Jerusalem is the most contentious issue in Middle East peace talks.

Israel maintains Jerusalem is its eternal, undivided capital. Palestinians want the eastern part for the capital of a future state.

CBN’s Scott Ross recently asked Mayor Barkat and others about dividing the city. Barkat said dividing the city is impossible.

Following is their discussion.

Barkat: It cannot be divided, it will never function as a divided city. It has to be one physical city enabling all to worship their faith, their way, to respect each other. There’s room for all.

Ross: Can you convince the Palestinians of that?

Barkat: The Palestinian residents that live in Jerusalem understand that, and you know I’m also a high tech entrepreneur, a venture capitalist. It will never work. There’s not one good example of a city that was split that ever functioned. And, unfortunately, Jerusalem did not function for 2,000 years when it moved from conqueror to conqueror until it was reunited.

Jerusalem is mentioned by name more than 800 times in the Bible — even more if you count synonyms like the “City of David” and “Zion.” Six hundred sixty of those references are in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament…

Ross: The city being divided at one point, reunited again in ’67, will it be divided again?

Kempinsky: I don’t think it can be.  http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2013/November/Will-Jerusalem-Be-Divided-Again/

Jerusalem is important and the Bible confirms that.  As far as division goes, when I was in Jerusalem last month, my guide kept trying to contend that it was impossible to divide Jerusalem.  It is not.  It would be inconvenient, but it is not impossible.  Especially if armies were involved in the division.  Plus, Jerusalem has been divided before.

Currently, the Jews control Jerusalem and claim it is their eternal and indivisible capital.

Both the Jews and the Palestinians want Jerusalem.  Many world leaders say that since both sides want it, then it should be divided.  In addition to that, various ones who have associated with groups like the Muslim Brotherhood want Jerusalem, as does Iran–and they do not wish to share it.  The Church of Rome, however, also wants parts (or all) of it.

There already is a real social division in Jerusalem. A formal political division may also come.  And if it is impractical, it may take military forces from outside the area to enforce it–Jesus Himself told of a time when Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies (Luke 21:20).

The Bible also suggests that Jerusalem will be divided:

2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;
The city shall be taken,
The houses rifled,
And the women ravished.
Half of the city shall go into captivity,
But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2)

The longstanding conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, the current conflict between Iran and Israel, the unrest in Syria and the Muslim Brotherhood, and other Islamists rising up in the Middle East, combined with European/United Nations/USA views are setting the stage for the dividing of Jerusalem. And based upon other prophecies about the Gentiles controlling Jerusalem for a certain period (e.g. Revelation 11:2), it suggests that it will be the Israelis that will ultimately be taken captive.

The European Union and the current UN Secretary-General (Ban Ki-moon) want to divide Jerusalem now to partially satisfy many Palestinians. Possibly through the treaty of Daniel 9:27, the dividing will happen and the captivity of 1/2 of Jerusalem ultimately will come to fulfill Zechariah 14:2 (see Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?).

The Bible clearly warns of a time of armies and Gentile domination of Jerusalem:

20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. (Luke 21:20)

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matthew 24:15-17)

23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:23-24)

2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. (Revelation 11:2)

As far as Jerusalem being “surrounded by armies,” like some previous USA presidents, about 3 1/2 years ago, USA President Barack Obama proposed something just like that (see Will Obama’s Plan Have Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies?). Biblical prophecy will be fulfilled.  The current USA backed proposal under the Obama Administration seems to be a step in that direction.

We all should watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
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? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. A video of possible interest may be Will Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?
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? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill Could this building, often referred to as the Cenacle, which is located on a Mount Zion, possibly have been the oldest actual Christian church building? There is also a video titled Does the ‘Cenacle’ deal have prophetic ramifications?
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? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
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.
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? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
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

A while back, a reader sent me a link to the following item from 2011 that was somewhat true then:

America’s favorite meal may be secretly dedicated to Allah…

Customer service representatives from Butterball, one of America’s most popular Turkey brands, confirmed to WND that the company’s whole turkeys are – without being labeled as such – slaughtered according to Islamic “halal” standards…Multiple phone representatives at Butterball confirmed the turkeys are slaughtered according to halal standards, and one named Tracy (she declined to give her last name) further confirmed the words of Islamic dedication are spoken over the birds. Has your Thanksgiving turkey been sacrificed to idols? http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=370177#ixzz1eRWF91z4

But then there was a change in 2012:

Butterball’s Thanksgiving turkeys won’t be served with a side dish of Islamic dogma this year.

The company has announced that its turkeys are not slaughtered according to Islam’s halal dietary principles, which say that animals should be killed while conscious and amid the sound of Islamic prayers.

The theological turkey turnabout came after an online protest on the topic last year threatened to sour the public’s taste for Butterball-branded products. http://dailycaller.com/2012/11/21/butterball-disavows-islamic-turkeys/#ixzz2jb9crgyn

Perhaps I should add that the first article also states that Butterball was not the only company that has allowed Islamic prayers over turkeys (there also may be Islamic prayers over other slaughtered animals as well).  It should be understood that Jewish rabbis also provide their approval/blessing on various ‘kosher’ foods and ‘halal’ is somewhat of an equivalent in the Islamic world.

Here is information on halal turkeys:

The slaughter of animals in a halal manner is known as dabihah, where a swift cut to the animal’s throat allows for the blood of the animal to drain from the body. Animals must also be deemed healthy for slaughter, and animals must not be slaughtered in front of each other. This differs from turkeys which are slaughtered in traditional turkey farms or plants in the United States, where turkeys are kept in cramped conditions and slaughtered in a sort of assembly line by machinery which many find to be inhumane.

It may be difficult to find a halal turkey if you live somewhere other than in a large city. Some supermarket chains are starting to offer halal turkeys during the holidays, or you can most likely find one in a Middle Eastern grocer. In some large cities you can find actual halal butchers, particularly in California. (http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfood101/a/halal_turkey.htm viewed 11/20/13)

But should Christians be willing to eat such meat if it may have been prayed over by Islamic clerics?

According to the Apostle Paul, the answer is yes, basically:

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. (1 Corinthians 8:4-13)

27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” (1 Corinthians 10:27-28)

The reason I said basically, as can be seen, is that if this somewhat would offend an acquaintance, then one should not eat such meat in a manner that would make him/her stumble. Otherwise, eating meat that in other ways is proper to eat is fine.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Thanksgiving: A Time To Give Thanks and Praise the LORD Is this American holiday appropriate? Why or why not?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians?
The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous?

Viktor Yanukovich

COGwriter

There have been protests going on in Ukraine:

November 25, 2013

Ukrainian President President Viktor Yanukovych has defended his decision to scrap a landmark trade agreement, while pro-Europe protesters in Kyiv held a second day of demonstrations against the move.

Yanukovych described the decision as “difficult, but unavoidable,” and pledged to create a country up to European standards.

The president appealed for peace and calm in the country.

Skirmishes erupted Monday in a central square in the Ukrainian capital, with police firing tear gas at demonstrators protesting the government’s decision not to sign the EU trade pact and instead focus on trade.
The deal with the European Union was set to be signed this week at the EU Eastern partnership summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Monday criticized Russian pressure over the accord, and said the EU offer remains on the table.

Russia is accused of exerting months of political and economic pressure including threats to Ukraine’s oil supplies.  http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraine-protesters-clash-with-police-over-eu-agreement/1796954.html

As I have mentioned before, Ukraine is in a tough spot. It would like to be part of the EU as well as part of Russia’s Eurasian Union. But since it cannot (by treaty arrangements if it is a full EU member) be part of both, it seems to be playing both sides. Some believe that Ukraine really wants to be in the EU, hence will change.

Most of the Ukrainians are Eastern or Russian Orthodox, which makes them closer (in professed religion at least) to the Russians that the Western Europeans–though many of the Eastern Europeans have some version of the Eastern Orthodox faith.

Biblically (because of prophecies involving the Medes, some of which are in Ukraine, and some in the “north and east” in Daniel 11:44), it would seem that Russia would be closer to Ukraine in the end than it appears to be right now. Yet it should also be mentioned that Bible prophecy indicates that there will be some type of cooperation between Russia and its allies and Europe for a while after the European Beast power has risen up (Revelation 13:3-4).

However, Bible prophecy shows that ultimately Russia and its allies (likely to include Ukraine at some point) will turn against the European Beast power–for biblical details, see Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future. Until then, we will see if Ukraine moves away from Russia and towards the EU which is what many protesters apparently want or if it will decide that it needs to move closer to Russia.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
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.

Pope Francis (Source: presidencia.gov.ar)

COGwriter

Russia’s President Putin and Pope Francis both kissed a Marian image today:

November 25, 2013

VATICAN CITY — Russian President Vladimir Putin showed off his religious side during a visit Monday to the Vatican, stopping to cross himself and kiss an icon of the Madonna that he gave to Pope Francis…

Francis gave Putin a ceramic mosaic of the Vatican gardens, and Putin presented Francis with an image of the icon of the Madonna of Vladimir, an important religious icon for the Russian Orthodox faithful.

After they exchanged the gifts, Putin asked Francis if he liked the icon, and Francis said he did. Putin then crossed himself and kissed the image, and Francis followed suit.

The Argentine pope is particularly devoted to Marian icons.  http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/25/3778477/putin-shows-faith-kisses-madonna.html#storylink=cpy

Pope Francis is a big promoter of Mary as well as the apparition in Fatima. He nearly immediately entrusted his pontificate to ‘Mary’ (see Pope Francis entrusts pontificate to ‘Mary’ and Cardinal hopes for Islamic cooperation), further had his pontificate consecrated to the Lady of Fatima (see Pope Francis’ pontificate consecrated to ‘Lady of Fatima’), and then last month consecrated the world to his version of her ‘immaculate heart’ (see Francis consecrated world to the ‘immaculate heart’ of an alleged ‘Fatima’ statue).

Pope Francis is pushing a Marian agenda.

Vladimir Putin has tended to push a Russian Orthodox agenda that aligns with his political agenda.  He also sometimes publicly takes what would be considered moral stands. He, for example, signed a law, which in particular bans advertising abortions (http://rbth.ru/news/2013/11/25/putin_signs_law_banning_advertising_abortions_32015.html).

Increased cooperation between the Church of Rome and the Eastern Orthodox is expected.  This Marian veneration today is consistent with that.

Of course, early Christians neither venerated Mary nor kissed, or even had, images of her.  As Marian veneration gets more public attention, the time apparently will come when more in the general public will venerate the images themselves than we have seen.  Especially if one or more claimed Marian images becomes public.