Chlorine Gas in an Ampoule (W. Oelen)

COGwriter

Syria’s Assad reportedly has figured out a ‘loophole’ which he seemingly believes will allow him to use chemical weapons, even after he gives up various ones he agreed to last Summer:

Syrian dictator appears to find loophole in weapons ban

June 4, 2014

One of the reasons Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has survived this long is because he staved off U.S.-led strikes last summer by agreeing to hand over all of his banned chemical weapons materials, but recently, he appears to have found a loophole – attacking his own people with chlorine gas.

In some parts of Syria, Tuesday’s election that won Assad a new seven-year term began with barrel bombs, not ballot boxes, CBS News’ Clarissa Ward reports. In regime-held areas it was a dramatically different picture.

“I voted with my blood because I love our president and our country,” voter Nahed Homsi said.

Assad is the clear winner in an election the U.S. State Department labels a “disgrace.”

For Assad, this election was not so much a show of democracy as it was a declaration of victory. Over the past few months the regime has continued its relentless bombardment of rebel-held areas.

It appears the regime has found an alternative to banned chemical weapons materials. Chlorine gas, which can be used legitimately in water treatment, has also allegedly been used in recent government bombing attacks. The poison gas burns the lungs and can be deadly.

Dr. Hassan al-Arraj, a cardiologist from the Syrian town of Kfar Zeita, said that he has smelled the chlorine himself.

“The patients were choking and coughing up blood,” Arraj said. “They were blue and trembling.”

The most recent attack was just days ahead of Tuesday’s vote.  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/syrias-bashar-assad-allegedly-uses-chlorine-gas-to-skirt-weapons-ban/

U.S. State Department Spokeswoman Marie Harf described Syria’s presidential election Tuesday as “a disgrace,” saying President Bashar al-Assad “has no more credibility today that he did yesterday.”

“Detached from reality and devoid of political participation, the Assad regime-staged election today continues a 40-year family legacy of violent suppression that brutally crushes political dissent and fails to fulfill Syrians’ aspirations for peace and prosperity,” said Harf…

Opposition Syrian National Council spokesman Khalid Saleh said the results will have no real impact on the future of the Syria.

“Well, Assad still controls the army, still controls intelligence services, still controls to some extent the foreign militias,” said Saleh. “So, even if one of those two other candidates wins, they have no way to run anything in the country. Assad has been very clear. He will control this country. He will kill anybody who’s in opposition to him. And he will do whatever it takes to remain in power.”

Rebel fighters have battled for more than three years to oust Assad from office.

Violence continued to rage Tuesday on the outskirts of Damascus with rebels firing mortars and government warplanes targeting opposition areas.

Assad has been in power since 2000, when he became president following the death of his father, and was the only candidate on the ballot when he won his second term in 2007.  http://www.voanews.com/content/us-calls-syria-election-a-disgrace/1928854.html

The situation in Syria is still horrible and those there need our prayers.

Here is some information about chlorine bombs:

A chlorine bomb is a small explosive device which uses the pressure of chemically produced chlorine gas or other chlorine-containing gases such as hydrogen chloride to produce an explosion. It is made with an airtight container part-filled with different types of chlorine tablet and other reagents. The reaction produces an expansive increase in pressure, eventually rupturing the container…

Such a device is a more toxic and acidic alternative to a dry ice bomb, … exposure to chlorinous gases and the reactive substances involved can cause respiratory problems from inhalation and also cause injury to other mucous membranes, similar to tear gas…

Pastor’s Terrorism and Public Safety Policing outlines how Cprogram is emphasizing lessons learned in Iraq regarding chlorine bomb use on American soldiers… the chlorine bomb and other weapons systems in its class achieve this because they are easy to manufacture and thus represent a more fluid weapons delivery model for domestic and international terrorists. (Clorine bombs, Wikipedia, viewed 06/04/14)

So, chlorine bombs are like tear gas, but can be deadly.  And for some reason, chlorine bombs are considered to be a ‘loophole’ in the ban on the use of chemical weapons.

The USA was involved in brokering the deal to eliminate the chemical weapons, yet apparently Assad will still have chlorine bombs. Also, despite what the USA might hope for, there really is no major ‘good side’ in this conflict. A variety of interim deals and battles will likely occur, but not result in what the USA claims it wants.

More trouble is coming to Damascus, the capital of Syria, as it will be destroyed:

1 The burden against Damascus.

“Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,
And it will be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1)

A worsening situation, which chlorine bombs and/or biological weapons used by Syria, could be a factor in speeding up this occurrence.

An Islamic confederation that will include the land of Syria is coming (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8; Psalm 83:4-8), which means that there will be changes to the Assad regime.  ‘Loopholes’ will not stop this.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

COGwriter

Here is an article by the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

HOW TO PREVENT SIN

by Herbert W. Armstrong

January 1968
Plain Truth Article

Do YOU realize that if it is wrong to DO a certain thing, it is wrong to harbor THOUGHTS of that thing in your mind?

“ALL have sinned,” says the Scripture.

What IS sin, anyway?

Satan ought to know — and he is the invisible influence who sways the course of this world. Hollywood is considered by many as the world’s mecca of sin. On the newsstands in Hollywood may be found a very worldly booklet, written in a very light, “breezy,” and satirical vein, titled “How to Sin in Hollywood.” It gives a very worldly definition of sin — perhaps the definition of the very Devil who devotes his time to enticing people into it. The definition is expressive, and not far from the truth. Here it is: “Sin is THINKING THOUGHTS you ought not to be thinking about things you ought not to be DOING while you are THINKING that kind of THOUGHTS.”

God’s definition is: “Sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). The law of “LOVE,” as defined by the Ten Commandments. Jesus said: “That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, OUT of the heart of men, proceed EVIL THOUGHTS adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness [violations of the law — the Ten Commandments] …” (Mark 7:20-22).

“ALL have sinned,” says the Scripture. And what man — especially what Christian, is there who has not time and again experienced the struggle against sin described by the Apostle Paul? “What I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that I do would not, that I do.” Who is there who has not LOST that struggle, perhaps many times?

Of course no man, of himself, can live above sin. “With men it IS impossible,” said Jesus, “but with God all things are possible.” And Paul continues (Rom. 8) to show that the only DELIVERANCE from this body of death is through Jesus Christ, and the indwelling power of God’s Holy Spirit — “that the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

Yes, but we have OUR part in it, too. And it all centers in the MIND.

REPENTANCE of sin means, literally, to CHANGE one’s MIND in respect to sin. If we repent, and accept Jesus Christ as Saviour, the promise is we SHALL receive the gift of the Holy Spirit … “and be renewed in the Spirit of YOUR MIND” (Eph. 4:23) — the presence of the Holy Spirit is the RENEWING of THE MIND.

How does sin actually happen? “… every man is TEMPTED when he is drawn away of his own lust [desire], and enticed. Then when lust [the desire IN THE MIND] hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15).

The TEMPTATION is in the MIND. When you THINK about the thing that tempts you — let your mind dwell on it — turn it over in your mind — whether it be a desire to GO some place, to DO something, or to HAVE something you know is wrong — that THINKING ABOUT IT finally conceives — leads to ACTION — and breeds SIN. You finally DO the thing you kept thinking about, wanting to do. If you keep thinking about it, after a while you’ll be UNABLE to resist it. That’s why you’ve lost so many of these struggles against sin — you kept THINKING about it, desiring it, wanting it.

The way to prevent sin is to let God’s Spirit fill the mind. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2).

The way to put a thing OUT of the mind is to put an OPPOSITE thought IN the mind. So often I have noticed parents of babies strive so hard to “shush” up the baby when it is crying in church. There’s something in the baby’s mind that is causing its crying or fretting. Just saying “shush!” or commanding the baby to stop fussing doesn’t usually get very good results. We have raised four children, and long ago I learned the trick of quieting the baby by GETTING ITS MIND ON SOMETHING ELSE. Instead of commanding it to stop crying, attract its attention with some new object — get it interested in playing with that object (I have often used my fountain pen with excellent results) — and before you know it the child will forget all about its crying.

Try using this same method on yourself. But instead of material or worldly things, a mature person should use self-discipline and set his mind on spiritual things. Open your Bible. Put the study of some SPIRITUAL subject in your mind. Next time you are tempted, try it. Pray over it. Ask God to help you. See how rapidly you begin to win the victory over temptation and sin, and how marvelous will be your spiritual and CHARACTER growth.

This article has also been translated into Mandarin Chinese. Here are a few lines:

如何不犯罪

由赫伯特·阿姆斯壮《note：real name of Herbert W. Armstrong》

1968年1月
浅显的道理文章 《note：name translation of “Plain Truth Magazine”》

你可意识到做一件错的事情和在脑海中怀有一个错误的想法是同样不对的？

圣经说：“世人都犯了罪。”

那什么是罪呢？

撒旦知道他以无形的力量在影响这个世界。好莱坞被认为是世界罪恶的中心。在好莱坞的报摊上你会发现一本非常世俗的小册子，以其非常轻巧讽刺的口吻命 名“如何在好莱坞犯罪。”这小册子给“罪”一非常世俗的定义， 也许就和魔鬼的定义一样，怎样去引诱人们犯罪。这个定义表达有理，几乎近于事实。在这里， 罪是一种想法，去想不应该想的事情也做不应该做的事情，而且这个想法也已经在你的脑海中。

The Continuing Church of God is making more and more COG literature available in more languages.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

How to Prevent Sin This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong. Here is the full version in Mandarin: 如何不犯罪

Overcoming Sin What is sin? How are Christians suppose to overcome it? Here is also a link to a video titled How to Overcome Sin.

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains who he was and how he should be viewed today.

Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here is a sermon Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?

CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。

CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.

CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.

CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.

PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.

COGwriter

At one of the COGWA websites was a series of articles related to prophecy and the Book of Daniel.  Here are a few selected quotes of concern:

Dual fulfillments

Verses 35-39: The reference to “the time of the end” in verse 35 offers a challenge in interpretation. Some understand this as referring to the time just before Christ’s return, and others see it as the end of the Maccabean struggles. Some of the actions can be attributed to Antiochus Epiphanes, and some seem to be prophecies of the beast power that will exist at the end of this present age. These verses apparently have dual fulfillments, spanning from the time of the Maccabees until the return of Christ.

The preceding verses in Daniel 11 represent extremely detailed prophecies that have been fulfilled exactly as they were revealed to Daniel. It is important to note that the Roman Empire defeated Seleucid Syria in 65 B.C. and that it defeated Egypt in 30 B.C. Thus the first identities of the king of the North and the king of the South came to an end.

The time of the end

In verses 40-45 we read of actions of a king of the North and a king of South “at the time of the end” (verse 40). The end-time identities of these nations are yet to be determined. (Treybig D. Daniel 11: The Most Detailed Prophecy in the Bible. http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/understanding-the-book-of-daniel/daniel-11/ viewed 06/03/14)

It is also interesting to note that the prophecy through verse 39 seems to end before the first century and not resume until “the time of the end” referred to in the ‘peace deal’ of Daniel 9:27. (Treybig D.  The King of the North. COGWA. http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/understanding-the-book-of-daniel/the-king-of-the-north/ viewed 06/03/14)

COGWA’s contention that Daniel 11:39 was fulfilled thousands of years ago is inconsistent with the view contention that the verses of Daniel 11:35-39 have future fulfillment–which they do.

The chapter that COGWA refers to as the most detailed prophecy in the Bible is essentially admits it does not understand the details of it. Statements such as “offers a challenge in interpretation” suggest, to me at least, that COGWA has disagreement about how to interpret the statements or simply does not know. Most likely it is both.

Also, notice this explanation related to Daniel 9:27:

So the phrase “he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week” refers to the Messiah. (Henson D. 70 Weeks of Daniel: What Does the Prophecy Mean? http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/understanding-the-book-of-daniel/70-weeks-of-daniel/ viewed 06/03/14)

The above is in error. Verse 27 refers to the prince who is the one who will become the King of the North in Daniel 11. More details on Daniel 9:27 can be found in the article The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27.

Because COGWA does not understand a lot of the details in Daniel 9:27 and Daniel 11, it will not know when the time to flee that Jesus discussed in Matthew 24 will be.

People who do not know what to expect will not know what to watch out for nor realize when the Great Tribulation will start until it is too late.  And this is not simply limited to those associated with COGWA.

Some items of related interest may include:

Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association Known as COGWA, this is the largest group that came out of the United Church of God.  Here is some history and concerns about it. UCG’s former president Clyde Kilough and UK CEO Peter Hawkins are part of it.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: 主编： 谁是’大罪人’？Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
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? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
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.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?

European Central Bank, Frankfurt (Eric Chan)

COGwriter

The Euro-zone might be expanding:

June 3, 2014

Lithuania, whose bid to adopt the currency was rejected eight years ago, predicts it will get a green light today from the European Commission and the European Central Bank. Its planned Jan. 1, 2015 transition would complete a clean sweep for the Baltic region: Estonia and Latvia switched in 2011 and 2014.

Lithuania has “finally caught the bird by its tail,” central bank Governor Vitas Vasiliauskas said May 15. The nation of 3 million people meets the criteria necessary for euro adoption, with European central bankers relaying “positive messages” during trips to the continent this year, he said.

The Baltic country has looked past public skepticism over the euro, reining in its budget deficit and taming inflation (LICPIYOY) to meet European Union thresholds, policies that have been rewarded with credit-ratings boosts. Lithuania is also seeking to cement its place in Europe amid heightened security concerns stemming from Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-03/lithuania-eyes-euro-conquest-8-years-after-historic-snub.html

Since the time Lithuania attempted to reign in its budget deficit etc. the USA has had massive increase in debt.

While the Euro may or may not survive, the ECB has attempted to minimize inflationary pressures and attempted to keep nations better at deficit reduction than in the USA (and yes, there are problems with Greece, etc.)

The Bible teaches that a European power will control much of the world’s economy and for a time:

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)

A more accepted single currency will help that.

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?
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous.
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
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?
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”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
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?
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? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.
Blood Moons and Prophecy There are four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Do they signal the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ? A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon 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. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon 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?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
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

US President Obama is in Eastern Europe and encouraging more military preparedness:

June 3, 2014

U.S. President Barack Obama assured Poland and its eastern European neighbors on Tuesday that the U.S. commitment to their security was sacrosanct at the start of a four-day trip meant to show U.S. resolve after the Russian intervention in Ukraine.

Standing with Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, Obama said the U.S. plans to send more military equipment and rotate additional American troops into the region. He called on lawmakers back in Washington to provide the $1 billion in funding to sustain the effort.

If approved, the funding for the European Reassurance Initiative will be used to increase military exercises and training missions on the continent, as well as rotations of air and ground forces, the White House said…

While he said the European Reassurance Initiative demonstrates America’s “unshakeable commitment” to its NATO allies, Obama also called upon those members to “step up” and do their fair share.

He said European allies have a responsibility to boost defense spending in return for U.S. protection amid new instability in Europe.

“We have seen a steady decline in European defense spending, that has to change,” Obama said.

“The United States is proud to do its share of the defense of the transatlantic alliance – it’s the cornerstone of our security – but we can’t do it alone. Everybody who is a member of NATO” needs to do their share, he added.

“They expect full membership in defense, they need to fund it fully,” Obama said.

The initiative would also focus on building the military capacities of close friends such as Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.  http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-heads-to-europe-/1928029.html

There is a non-biblical proverb that says to be careful what you wish for.

The Bible warns of the rise of a European-based military power (Revelation 13:4) that will destroy the nation with then strongest military on the planet (Daniel 11:39), which would be the USA in the 21st century.

From a physical perspective, it certainly would seem to make sense that the Europeans pay for more of their defense needs.  Yet from a biblical perspective, this will not end well for the USA or its Anglo-Saxon descended allies.

The Bible clearly warns that the one who was “great among the nations” has “become a slave” and was “dealt treacherously” by “her friends” (Lamentations 1:1-2).  The Europeans will help fulfill those prophecies and this will not end up well for the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

As far as NATO goes, it has long been my view that the USA and/or UK may be attacked under the guise of some type of NATO training exercise.  NATO gives the Europeans cover for publicly preparing for a military event, while being able to publicly state that the preparation is only part of an exercise.  The Germans have historically used the element of surprise to gain military advantage and that is what I expect based upon various biblical prophecies.  Notice three:

3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes (1 Thessalonians 5:3)

22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, When You bring a troop suddenly upon them; (Jeremiah 18:22)

6 ‘Woe to him who increases
What is not his — how long?
And to him who loads himself with many pledges’?
7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? (Habakkuk 2:6-7)

The USA is the most indebted nation in the history of humanity, and that will not end well.  Also, the more that the Europeans spend on their military, the more equipped they will become to fulfill various prophecies that will not end well for the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies.

The time will come when the destruction will be sudden.  Steps are aligning for that to take place.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon 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. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon 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?
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?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous.
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?
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”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
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?
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.

Astrological Signs

COGwriter

There is an article put out by the old Worldwide Church of God on astrology that perhaps some would be interested in. It was titled DOES ASTROLOGY WORK? and was written by Robert A. Ginskey:

Does astrology have a rational scientific basis? Is there any conceivable way that the celestial location of stars, planets, and nebulae at the time of one’s birth could influence an individual’s personality, health, marriage, career, and a host of other personal events?

The accompanying article shows that the origin of astrology lies in pagan superstition. But does astrology work?

Until the sixteenth century, the earth was believed to be the center of the universe, with the sun, moon, planets, and stars revolving around this all-important center of activity.

But the heliocentric universe of Copernicus (1543) dethroned the earth. And since then, the advance of astronomical knowledge has relentlessly pushed the earth farther and farther from any privileged position in the cosmos. The sun, too, has been demoted to an inconspicuous suburb in a rather unexceptional galaxy in a relatively small group of galaxies in a universe of uncounted billions of stars.

In such a universe, it becomes increasingly difficult to believe the heavens were created to have a specific influence on the earth and on individual humans in particular. How would such an influence occur? Through gravity? Radiation?

The immense distances counted in the universe – usually measured in light years – ruled any such influences. The gravitational attraction of the doctor standing at the delivery table will be far greater than the gravitational influence of any star or galaxy on a new-born baby.

And the radiation from even the brightest star will be thousands of times weaker than a single light bulb in the delivery room.

The conclusion seems inescapable: No known force emanating from the constellations of the heavens could be expected to exert a unique, life-long influence on anyone.

Even if the stars did exert an ever-so-subtle influence at the time of an individual’s birth, can anyone seriously believe their influence is important when compared to the multitude of much stronger environmental forces on earth that directly affect our lives?

All life on earth is affected by periodic changes, in the environment. Such cyclic variations are often the basis for natural rhythms called biological clocks. The most obvious example is the rising and setting of the sun, a daily cycle of light and dark which directly affects the activities of virtually all plants and animals.

Originally published as Does Astrology Work?, The Plain Truth, November 1976, pp. 12-13

Many are fascinated by astrology, but this it is not the source of truth or real knowledge of the future. While there is no known physical reason to believe that astrology can work, I would add that I believe that Satan and his demons can influence astrologers and followers of astrology, and because of that, many, despite the lack of science, do believe it works.

But the Bible teaches to avoid astrology and trust in God.

Astrologers will not save you:

13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels;
Let now the astrologers, the stargazers,
And the monthly prognosticators
Stand up and save you
From what shall come upon you.
14 Behold, they shall be as stubble,
The fire shall burn them;
They shall not deliver themselves
From the power of the flame;
It shall not be a coal to be warmed by,
Nor a fire to sit before!
15 Thus shall they be to you
With whom you have labored,
Your merchants from your youth;
They shall wander each one to his quarter.
No one shall save you. (Isaiah 47:13-15)

If you want direction, trust in God:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God’s ways work, astrology truly does not.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible and Astrology Should Christians avoid participating in astrology or did God inspire it? Does the Bible encourage astrology? What does the Bible actually teach? What is astrology? How does astrology differ from astronomy? Should Christians Be Involved In Astrology?
OMENS? DIVINATION? HOROSCOPES? THE ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY Where did astrology come from? Should you read your horoscope?
Does Astrology Work? Many believe and follow astrology–but does it work?
Close Encounters of a ‘Spirit’ Kind discusses some experiences I believe were (demon) ‘spirit’ related.
Angels, Cherubim, and Seraphim This is information about various types of angelic beings.
Did God Create a Devil? If not, what happened? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Bible: Superstition or Authority? Should you rely on the Bible? Is it reliable? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
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?
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There is also a YouTube video related to that also called: Living as a Christian: How and Why?

Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos de Borbón y de Grecia (Cancillería Ecuador)

COGwriter

Spain’s King Carlos has abdicated in favor of his son Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos de Borbón y de Grecia, who has held the title “Prince of Asturias”:

2 June 2014

MALAGA, Spain — Spain’s King Juan Carlos unexpectedly stepped down Monday in favor of his son Crown Prince Felipe, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced in a nationwide television broadcast…
Juan Carlos, who turned 76 in January, said that he was handing power to Prince Felipe, 46, in order to “open a new era of hope combining his acquired experience and the drive of a new generation.” Prince Felipe, the monarch’s only son, is considered to be well-liked.

“Younger people with new energies (are required) to undertake the reforms that the present juncture demands of us,” Juan Carlos said, speaking of his decision to abdicate.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/06/02/spain-king-juan-carlos-abdicates/9858223/

Felipe is considered to be pro-European Union and has taken steps to continue the connection between Latin America and Spain:

He has made many official visits to European countries and to Latin America, as well as to countries in the Arab world, the Far East, and Australia. He shows special interest in all matters related to the European Union, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America. Since January 1996, Felipe has represented the Spanish State at the swearing-in ceremonies for many Latin American presidents. Felipe has also played a very active role in the promotion of Spain’s economic and commercial interests and of Spanish language and culture in foreign countries. He frequently presides at economic and trade fairs held by Spain abroad (Expotecnia, Expoconsumo, and Expohabitat), and is especially interested in promoting the creation of Centres and University Chairs to disseminate the history and current situation of Spain in major foreign universities.

Felipe speaks Spanish, Catalan, French, English and some Greek. (Wikipedia, viewed 06/02/14)

As a supporter of the European Union and Spain’s connections to Latin America, king-designate Felipe will likely play a role in getting Latin America to support the Beast power that will arise in Europe.  I have long written that I believe that Latin America would end up supporting the European Beast power and leaders such as Felipe will likely play a role in that.

On other Spanish-related matters, received the following links today of COGwriter news items translated into the Spanish language:

Shepherd’s Voice: Results of the World’s Sexual Immorality
La Voz del Pastor: Resultados de la Inmoralidad Sexual del Mundo
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-voz-del-pastor-resultados-de-la-inmoralidad-sexual-del-mundo/

LCG on Prophets: Rare, But Look for the Fruits
LCG sobre los profetas: Raros, pero mirar los frutos
http://www.cdlidd.es/lcg-sobre-los-profetas-raros-pero-mirar-los-frutos/

Loving God and the First Four Commandments
Amar a Dios y los primeros cuatro mandamientos
http://www.cdlidd.es/amar-a-dios-y-los-primeros-cuatro-mandamientos/

Putin claimed to be re-establishing ‘Third Holy Roman Empire,’ but that is happening elsewhere
Se dijo que Putin está reestableciendo el ‘Tercer Sacro Imperio Romano’, pero eso está ocurriendo en otra parte
http://www.cdlidd.es/se-dijo-que-putin-esta-restableciendo-el-tercer-sacro-imperio-romano-pero-eso-esta-ocurriendo-en-otra-parte/

Are Hindus looking to support the Beast? Will he arise this Summer?
¿Están buscando los hindúes apoyar a la Bestia? ¿Se levantará ella este verano?
http://www.cdlidd.es/estan-buscando-los-hindues-apoyar-a-la-bestia-se-levantara-ella-este-verano/

Pope Francis scheduled to take a symbolic step today as part of his agenda
El Papa Francisco programado para tomar un paso simbólico hoy como parte de su agenda
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-papa-francisco-programado-para-tomar-un-paso-simbolico-hoy-como-parte-de-su-agenda/

Pope Francis proposed peace negotiations with Israel and Palestine
El Papa Francisco propuso negociaciones de paz con Israel y Palestinos
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-papa-francisco-propuso-negociaciones-de-paz-con-israel-y-palestinos/

Seventh-day Adventist millennial position differs from the Bible
La posición milenial de los Adventistas del Séptimo Día difiere de la de la Biblia
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-posicion-milenial-de-los-adventistas-del-septimo-dia-difiere-de-la-de-la-biblia/

Memorial Day and War
Día de memoria y guerra
http://www.cdlidd.es/dia-de-memoria-y-guerra/

After the election, the UK a step closer to leaving the EU?
Después de la elección, el Reino Unido a un paso más cerca de dejar la UE?
http://www.cdlidd.es/despues-de-la-eleccion-el-reino-unido-a-un-paso-mas-cerca-de-dejar-la-ue/

‘Euroskeptics’ make gains, Ukraine leaning West, and European fragile unity for the ‘Beast of the Sea’ will come to pass
‘Euroescépticos’ hacen ganancias, Ucrania inclinándose a occidente, y frágil unidad de Europa para que la ‘Bestia del Mar’ llegue a ocurrir
http://www.cdlidd.es/euroescepticos-hacen-ganancias-ucrania-inclinandose-a-occidente-y-fragil-unidad-de-europa-para-que-la-bestia-del-mar-llegue-a-ocurrir/

CG7 Confused About Aspects of John Calvin
CG/ confundida acerca de aspectos de Juan Calvino
http://www.cdlidd.es/cg7-confundida-acerca-de-aspectos-de-juan-calvino/

Israel’s Jerusalem Day
Día de Jerusalén para Israel
http://www.cdlidd.es/dia-de-jerusalen-para-israel/

It’s been a year and evolutionist prediction still has not come to pass
Ha pasado un año y la predicción evolucionista no ha llegado a ocurrir
http://www.cdlidd.es/ha-pasado-un-ano-y-la-prediccion-evolucionista-no-ha-llegado-a-ocurrir/

Hillary Clinton Proud of Her Accomplishments: Is Hillary Clinton ‘the Antichrist’? Could Hillary Clinton be ‘Apocalyptic’?
Hillary Clinton: Orgullosa de sus realizaciones: ¿Es Hillary Clinton ‘el Anticristo’? ¿Podría ser Hillary Clinton ‘apocalíptica’?
http://www.cdlidd.es/hillary-clinton-orgullosa-de-sus-realizaciones-es-hillary-clinton-el-anticristo-podria-ser-hillary-clinton-apocaliptica/

Egypt extends voting another day to hope to get a bigger turnout, but…
Egipto extiende las elecciones un día más para esperar conseguir una mayor votación, pero…
http://www.cdlidd.es/egipto-extiende-las-elecciones-un-dia-mas-para-esperar-conseguir-una-mayor-votacion-pero/

The Shroud of Turin
El sudario de Turín
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-sudario-de-turin/

Obama wants multilateralism: Does the Bible have a warning about that?
Obama desea el multilateralismo: ¿Tiene la Biblia una advertencia acerca de eso?
http://www.cdlidd.es/obama-desea-el-multilateralismo-tiene-la-biblia-una-advertencia-acerca-de-eso/

Do you understand your destiny?
¿Entiende usted su destino?
http://www.cdlidd.es/entiende-usted-su-destino/

Modern Scholars: The Christian Church was Binitarian
Eruditos modernos: La Iglesia Cristiana era Binitaria
http://www.cdlidd.es/eruditos-modernos-la-iglesia-cristiana-era-binitaria/

Polygamy is not God’s way
La poligamia no es un camino de Dios
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-poligamia-no-es-un-camino-de-dios/

Location of Judah: This tribe is not ‘lost’
Localización de Judá: Esta tribu no está ‘perdida’
CGPFKG’s Ronald Weinland is again wrong about what will happen in 10 days
Ronald Weinland de CPFKG está de nuevo equivocado acerca de lo que ocurrirá en 10 días
http://www.cdlidd.es/ronald-weinland-de-cpfkg-esta-de-nuevo-equivocado-acerca-de-lo-que-ocurrira-en-10-dias/

Second law of success: Education/preparation
Segunda ley del éxito: Educación/preparación
http://www.cdlidd.es/segunda-ley-del-exito-educacionpreparacion/

Right leaning rise in UK, what about USA?
La derecha tiende a levantarse en el Reino Unido, ¿Qué hay acerca de los EE.UU.?
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-derecha-tiende-a-levantarse-en-el-reino-unido-que-hay-acerca-de-los-ee-uu/

The Continuing Church of God puts out a lot of information in the Spanish language and is trying to provide a more complete witness to those that read Spanish.  We also have a Spanish language website: CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios.

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”? What is ahead for Europe?
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.
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 ver¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)?
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?

Older Ecumenical Service (Eduardo Frei Ruiz Tagle)

COGwriter

Zenit, a pro-Vatican news agency, reported the following:

The Pope’s presence at a charismatic event in Rome’s Olympic stadium on Sunday was a Papal first and a widely anticipated event.

Fifty-two thousand people from 55 countries gathered for the 37th Annual National Convocation of “Renewal in the Spirit”. They welcomed Pope Francis’ entry with loud applause and sang in Spanish “Vive Jesus, el Senor,” a hymn the Pope said he enjoyed greatly when he celebrated Mass in the cathedral of Buenos Aires with members of this movement.

Inaugurating the two-day event, which featured participation and addresses by senior Vatican officials and world leaders of the Renewal, Francis called upon the Renewal participants to “remember that the Church was born to go forth that morning of Pentecost, so go forth onto the streets and evangelize, proclaim the Gospel.”

“Do not cage the Holy Spirit!,” he said. “Evangelization, spiritual ecumenism, attention to the poor and needy, and welcome to the marginalized,” is where their future efforts should be concentrated, he said.

Earlier, he surprisingly extended an invitation to the charismatics of the world to celebrate their 2017 Jubilee at the Vatican. (Invites Movement to Celebrate Jubilee at the Vatican in 2017. Zenit, June 2, 2014. http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/francis-celebrates-charismatic-movement-at-rome-s-olympic-stadium)

The ecumenical movement is gaining traction and this will not end well for the Catholics or the Pentecostal Protestants (or anyone else involved).

These ecumenical plans are dangerous.

Few people realize how fast the ecumenical movement is moving.

Earlier this year, Charismatic Kenneth Copeland agreed to it (see Protestant endorsement of the ecumenical agenda: Kenneth Copeland do you not understand? and/or watch Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!). Even the United Nations is pushing it (see United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Iand/or watch a related video: United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.).

The Bible clearly warns against the final Babylonian system which the ecumenical movement is trying to form Revelation 13:6-9; 17:3-6, 9, 18; 18:2-5).

That is the system that the ecumenical movement trying to prop up.

The Bible teaches that the only true unity of the faith will happen AFTER the false ecumenical movement is eliminated which happens with the return of Jesus Christ:

6 “Up, up! Flee from the land of the north,” says the Lord; “for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven,” says the Lord. 7 “Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.”

8 For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. 9 For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me.

10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. 11 “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. 12 And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem.  (Zechariah 2:6-13)

Zechariah 2:6-7 is warning against the type of ecumenical unity that Pope Francis is trying to promote.  Notice the biblical warning against the “daughter of Babylon.”  This is not a reference to ancient Babylon, but a warning against the Babylonian religious and political system warned about in Revelation 13:4-8; 17, and 18.

What certain Catholic, Pentecostal, Protestant, and Orthodox leaders are trying to do is not the will of God.

Sergey Lavrov (Сайт Правительства Российской Федерации)

COGwriter

The Foreign Minister of Russia is calling for something that would seem to affect the territory of Ukraine:

June 2, 2014

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia will submit a draft United Nations Security Council resolution Monday calling for the creation of a humanitarian corridor in eastern Ukraine.

Lavrov told reporters the resolution also calls for an end to the ongoing violence in that region, and described the situation as one that is getting worse.

“Our Western colleagues have been telling us for quite a long time that as soon as the presidential election is held in Ukraine the situation will calm down. But everything is happening in exactly the opposite way,” Lavrov said.

President-elect Petro Poroshenko won election on May 25.

Ukrainian forces have been pushing an offensive against pro-Russian separatists who took control in some areas close to the Russian border.  Fighting continued Monday in the city of Luhansk, where separatists attacked a Ukrainian border guard post.  http://www.voanews.com/content/russia-to-submit-un-resolution-on-ukraine-violence/1927355.html

This type of corridor may give Russia the access it has wanted through Ukraine.  The Kiev government would likely not want this.

Here is more information on the fighting in Ukraine today:

June 2, 2014

Russian officials say a water shortage in Crimea is threatening to become acute as Ukraine has reduced the supply via a key cakrainian government forces and pro-Russia separatists fought a major battle Monday at a border patrol camp near the eastern city of Lugansk.

According to a statement from the Ukrainian border service, some 100 militants attacked the border guard headquarters in Mirny, a Lugansk suburb, using grenade launchers, mortars, and sniper fire in the early morning. By 7 a.m. local time, their numbers had swelled to 400, reports the Daily Telegraph. Both sides have suffered fatalities from the fighting.

Reuters adds that according to the Ukrainian government, insurgent snipers fired on government troops from inside a residential apartment building, and had not allowed residents to leave.

The fighting comes just a week after the election of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who promised to step up the “anti-terrorism” operation against pro-Russia militants. Mr. Poroshenko has said that he is willing to sit down with disgruntled eastern Ukrainians to discuss their concerns, but has also said that he would not talk to armed “terrorists.”

Ukraine’s Russian-speaking east views the Kiev government as illegitimate, and members of the eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk declared “independence” from Kiev in referendums earlier last month. The referendums’ results were in turn seen as illegitimate by Kiev. The rebels in the east prevented most of their regions from voting in last week’s presidential elections.

Oleg Slobodyan, a Ukrainian border service spokesman, told The New York Times that the border guard was holding its own, but that it had yet to received help it has requested from the government.

“We’re doing the best we can,” Mr. Slobodyan told the Times, “but our mission was never intended to be one that repelled large armed attacks.”  http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/terrorism-security/2014/0602/Pro-Russia-fighters-stage-predawn-assault-on-Ukrainian-border-post

Might Russia intervene militarily because of this? It certainly may, though it is exercising restraint at this time. It may be that the UN request, which follows other Russian requests in the UN, is intended to show that Russia has attempted to resolve the issue diplomatically, and presuming that does not go as Russia prefers, it may then declare it is justified in taking more direct military action.

The situation in Ukraine is tense and difficult. However, what is going on in Ukraine is NOT the start of WWIII as some, including various Protestants (who tend to point to certain prophecies in Ezekiel 38), have suggested (at least not the way they seem to intend those statements).

The USA does not want Russia to end up with any additional Ukrainian territory, but that, of itself, does not stop Russian plans.  The situation in Ukraine remains tense.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy Is Russia mentioned in the Bible? It it is where is it? Is there any evidence of a people moving to the land that the Russians now occupy? What do Catholic and other prophecies say about Russia? What does the Bible teach? How are Protestants often in error on this? Is there more in biblical prophecy for Russia than war? Does God have a plan to save Russia and her allies? Does Russia have a history involving Sabbath keepers? Does scripture tie Russia in with Armageddon? Will Russia help defeat the end time Babylonian power? What did the Apostle John, and the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, write about Russia? This is a sermon-length video.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
Russia and Ukraine: 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? You can also watch the video Ukraine in Prophecy?
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?
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?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach?
Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming Beast power use technology to fulfill passages in Revelation 13? What will this mean for the USA, its Anglo-Saxon allies, as well as a coming Arabic-Turkish confederation? What will Russia, China, and others do about this? Who is developing ‘Beast’ military technology now? What might Galileo, ELI, and supercolliders have to do with this?
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? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
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.

Artist Depiction of Pentecost (Cadetgray)

COGwriter

The Day of Pentecost for 2014 is June 8th. Unlike other biblical holy days, some version of the Day of Pentecost is observed by a lot of mainstream churches, both Catholic and Protestant. And of course, since Pentecost is a biblical holy day, it is observed by Church of God groups like the Continuing Church of God. Pentecost is the day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the shape of fire (Acts 2:3-4).

Here are quotes from the late Herbert W. Armstrong about it in his booklet Pagan Holidays or God’s Holy Days Which?:

What You Should Know About Pentecost

IS THIS the only “day of salvation”? Most churches generally teach that all who die “unsaved,” or do not “get saved” before the second coming of Christ, can never receive salvation.

They assume there is a great contest in progress between Christ and Satan. They believe Christ came to save the world, and by means of all these churches, through which He is desperately trying to “get the world saved.”

On the other hand, the clever deceptive devil is doing all he can to prevent people from being “saved.” And they seem to believe there is a time limit on the contest.

We are now near the time for the Second Coming of Christ, but when Christ returns to earth in person He will find Himself helpless utterly unable to save the world from Satan’s clutch because then “it will be too late.” “Probation will be closed,” as one denomination expresses it.

This paganized teaching represents Satan as far more powerful than God.

The Answer Revealed

The New Testament Church of God was founded on a Sunday. It started on the annual Sabbath day called “Pentecost” or “Feast of Firstfruits.” Also called the “Feast of Weeks.”

The New Testament Church continued, year after year, to keep this annual Sabbath, Pentecost, as we shall show.

And God gave this festival to His people in order to reveal, and to keep them continually informed, that the present dispensation is only the first, preliminary “harvest of souls.”

As already explained, God’s purpose in giving His Church His annual holy days was to keep His children constantly in true understanding of God’s great plan.

To accomplish this, God took the yearly material harvest seasons in ancient Israel as the picture of the spiritual harvest of souls.

In the Holy Land there are two annual harvests. First, is the spring grain harvest. Second, comes the fall harvest. God intended His holy days to picture to His Church repeatedly year by year the fact that only those He Himself calls during this age can become His begotten children now! And we are merely the firstfruits of the great spiritual harvest!

The Wave Sheaf

But let us continue the central passage which summarizes all the holy days Leviticus 23.

Here we find all of God’s festivals proclaimed holy convocations, in the one chapter. First is the weekly convocation day, the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week. Then, beginning verse 4, follows a list of the annual festivals, also commanded assemblies, “which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.”

First of these is the Passover, followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread with the two annual Sabbaths. Beginning verse 9, we find instructions for the wave-sheaf offering. The Israelites were not allowed to harvest any of the early grain crop until this day (verse 14). Then, on the day following the weekly Sabbath, in a solemn ceremony of the Levitical priesthood (the rituals were mere substitutes and therefore not practiced today), the first sheaf of grain was cut. This event always occurred during the days of unleavened bread (see Joshua 5). The sheaf was then brought to the priest. The priest solemnly waved it before the Eternal to be accepted for them.

This pictures the resurrected Christ ascending to heaven to be accepted by His Father as the very first human to be actually born of God the firstfruit of the first harvest of souls! By comparing John 20:17 with Matthew 28:9, you will see that Christ presented Himself before the Father on the morning after His resurrection the previous evening (I Corinthians 15:20, 23; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18). This fulfillment of the wave-sheaf offering actually occurred on Sunday, the morrow after the Sabbath during the days of unleavened bread.

How to Figure Pentecost

Next comes Pentecost. The word “Pentecost” is a Greek word, used in the New Testament, but not in the Old. It signifies “fiftieth (day).” In the Old Testament this feast is called “Feast of Firstfruits,” and “Feast of Weeks.”

Notice the properly translated plain instruction beginning Leviticus 23:15: “And ye shall count unto you from [on, or beginning with] the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be complete: even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days. . . .” And that fiftieth day is Pentecost!

“And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations” (verse 21).

All other holy days or festivals come on definite days of definite months. But this one annual Sabbath must be determined by counting. It is very simple and plain.

It is of very grave importance that we figure the right day. This day, and this only, is made holy by the Eternal Creator. Suppose at the same time the Church of God was founded, the apostles had miscounted, and “when the day of Pentecost was fully come” (Acts 2:1) they, instead of being all with one accord in one place were in discord, some having observed the day preceding, and some waiting until the following day!

The Pharisees, who gained complete control of Jewish religious observances shortly after the middle of the first century AD, figured (incorrectly that is, from the wrong starting point) from the day after the first annual Sabbath.

Before that time, however, the high priests of the family Boethus, who were Sadducees, had been in control of matters concerning the festivals in Jerusalem. The Boethusians always counted from the morrow after the weekly Sabbath, the day we call Saturday, which usually fell within the Days of Unleavened Bread or immediately before the first day of Unleavened Bread. This historical information has been preserved for us in the Mishna, which was set in writing about AD 200:

“The Boethusians say: ‘The cutting of the sheaf does not take place at the end of the day of the feast [the first of the seven days of unleavened bread], but only at the end of the next regular Sabbath'” (Menahoth, 10, 3).

This practice had been handed down among the priests from generation to generation. And their method of counting was done as long as they remained in control of the Temple and its rituals. Samaritans and Karaites (Jewish sect dating from the eighth century AD) have also continued to count from the weekly Sabbath, the seventh day of the week.

On a Sunday

Starting then to count from the offering of the wave sheaf, with that Sunday as day number one, we will always come out on another Sunday but NOT always on the same day of the month. It is something which must be “counted” each and every year. Neither in the Hebrew (or biblical) calendar, nor in the Roman calendar which is commonly used today, can the day of Pentecost ever become fixed on a set day of the month.

Quoting again from the Mishna, and speaking about the correct practice which had been followed in Jerusalem before the Pharisees took complete control, “[The Boethusians say:] Pentecost always falls on the day after the Sabbath” (Chagigah, 2, 4).

This makes very clear the meaning of the last part of Leviticus 23:15 and the beginning of verse 16: “. . . seven Sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days.”

Deuteronomy 16:9

A second and perhaps for some a simpler instruction for counting to Pentecost is found in Deuteronomy 16:9-10: “Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from such time as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn. And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks [Pentecost]. . . .”

This means of counting is also referred to in Numbers 28:26: “Also in the day of the firstfruits [Pentecost], when ye bring a new meat offering unto the Lord, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.”

Because seven weeks were counted, the festival of Pentecost was also known as the “feast of weeks” (Deuteronomy 16:10).

Meaning of Pentecost

Passover symbolized Christ’s sacrifice for the remission of our sins, and the days of unleavened bread the putting away of sin. Pentecost pictures the first part of the spiritual harvest the calling out of the Church the called-out ones which, for the New Testament dispensation, began on Sunday Pentecost, June 17, 31 AD. On that day the Holy Spirit came to dwell within flesh, as prophesied by Joel.

On the fiftieth day (Pentecost) in Old Testament times, two “wave loaves” (Leviticus 23:17, 20) were brought out of the habitations of the congregation as the firstfruits unto the Lord. Just so the New Testament Church was gathered out of this world as the firstfruits of His salvation, in fulfillment of the meaning of the wave loaves.

We have all, if we have been converted, become a part of that New Testament Church. We have become part of what was symbolized by those wave loaves.

And just as the wave sheaf was lifted up into the air and waved, symbolizing Christ’s trip to heaven and return, so the wave loaves were lifted up and waved, symbolizing that we too shall for a moment leave this solid earth when we ascend to meet Him in the air (I Thessalonians 4:16-17) before we return with Him to stand on the Mount of Olives as He begins His millennial rule (Acts 1:11; Zechariah 14:3-4).

Most Not Now Called

God has not cast away His people, Israel. But He blinded them for a temporary period of time so that through their fall, salvation came to the Gentiles, who, through Christ, are individually grafted in, or spiritually adopted into, the family of Israel (Romans 11).

This is the dispensation when God is calling a people for His name to be kings and priests, reigning with Christ in the Kingdom during the thousand years (Revelation 5:10).

“After this” after this dispensation of taking out of the Gentiles a people for His name “I will return,” promises the Eternal. What for? “And will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I [Christ, not men] will set it up.”

Why? “That the residue of men might seek after the Lord.” (Acts 15:14-17 study this again!)

During this present Church age, the descendants of ancient Judah and Israel are blinded. After this, Christ will return, and then the rest of men blinded Israel, and Gentiles alike, will seek after the Lord when Satan is chained and Christ reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords!

Those of the firstfruits of His salvation, made immortal, will then reign with Him as kings and priests in the wonderful work of building a new civilization.

During this time Israel is mostly blinded until the fullness of the Gentiles come in; and so (Romans 11:26) all Israel shall, then, be saved from sin; for the Deliverer, Christ, shall come out of Zion! All Israel shall be brought to repentance and saved from sin how? Because Christ turns ungodliness from mortal Israel by forgiving sin.

Now, in this dispensation, Israel has not believed, and the tabernacle of David is fallen down (Romans 11:31-32), that, through the mercy of the Gentiles and the small “elect” in Israel, picked out in this age, acting as kings and priests with Christ, they, also, then, may obtain mercy! How wonderful is God’s great plan of redemption, when we understand it, as we see it pictured in these annual holy days!

Only First Harvest Now

In James 1:18 and Romans 8:23, for example, the saints of this dispensation are called the firstfruits of God’s salvation. This dispensation, and the picking out of these people to bear His name, began on the day of Pentecost. This feast annually pictures this great event this great “mystery” dispensation in God’s redemptive plan!

Notice, too, that these feasts, Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost, fall at the beginning of the year, and the great events they picture occur at the very beginning of the plan of salvation!

The group of holy days coming at the END of the year all symbolize tremendous events in God’s plan of redemption to occur, yet future, at the end of the dispensation! They all come in the seventh month and their fulfillment will introduce the seventh thousand-years since creation!

The churches of this world today teach it is the mission of the Church to save the world. They teach that all who ever shall be saved are being saved, now, in this present dispensation. They teach that “probation ENDS” at, or prior to, the Second Coming of Christ.

If this be true, what a failure is God’s plan! Only a very, very few have been truly saved in this dispensation. One third of all living on earth today have never even heard the only name whereby we may be saved!

Are they the majority of all living, eternally lost because they never heard lost and condemned without a chance? The common teaching is that God has cast away His people Israel, and they are eternally doomed and lost. Had they been keeping these annual holy days, commanded to be kept forever all kept faithfully by the New Testament Church as recorded in Acts and in church history they would have understood God’s wonderful plan.

We are not to convert everyone in the world in this age, but to declare the Gospel. What Gospel? The good news of the Kingdom the good news of the thousand years of restitution of all things when Christ returns to reign in power and great glory!

Let us understand this. During this time Israel is blinded in part but only until the completion of this Gentile dispensation. During this time, only the minority of Gentiles Chinese, people of India and Russia have even heard the name of Christ.

The good news of the coming Kingdom is to be preached as a witness. Many have been called during this time, but only few actually chosen, and still fewer have remained faithful to the end.

They the people picked out for His name shall be made immortal and shall reign during the thousand years of the Kingdom upon earth. Then Israel’s blindness will be removed. They were blinded until the end of Gentile times. The heavens received Jesus until these times of restitution of all things.

Those now gathered, since that day of Pentecost, June 17, AD 31, are the firstfruits only, of God’s plan of salvation. This dispensation, then, is picking out only the “firstfruits” of those to be saved. And they are being tried and tested to qualify for positions as kings and priests in the Kingdom, to effect, then, the real salvation of the world.

When Christ Returns

Then it is that God shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people Israel (Isaiah 11:11).

Then it is that “. . . the Lord will come with fire, and . . . by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh. . . . And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape [these plagues] of them unto the nations [Gentiles] . . . that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles” (Isaiah 66:15-16, 19).

Then it is that “living waters shall go out from Jerusalem,” and the Gentile nations that have not heard previously “shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles“! (Zechariah 14:16.)

Then it is that many nations “shall come and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain [nation] of the Lord . . . and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares . . . neither shall they learn war any more. . . . In that day, saith the Lord . . . the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever” (Micah 4:2-7). This does not apply to God’s Church now but to the glorious time of the Kingdom, after Christ returns. What a wonderful plan of redemption!

Adam sinned. All have sinned. From Adam to now we behold a chronicle of man without God of human suffering and failure. And thus God, in His great wisdom, has permitted men to prove to themselves what sinners they are how helpless they are, of themselves!

And finally we shall have to learn the lesson that it is only when God Himself undertakes to save men by sending Jesus to rule with a rod of iron that the world can really be saved! And so, those now being saved are a firstfruits of salvation, and will have the very great honor of being Christ’s assistants in that wonderful Kingdom work of redemption!

That is God’s true plan of redemption, as taught from Genesis to Revelation! And how contrary to the popular teaching! But it is the plan, nevertheless, pictured in God’s annual holy days. And had the churches continued to keep these holy days, they would never have lost sight of this plan, and come under the deception of false religionists!

Pentecost Observed by New Testament Church of God

Just as we found the true Church of God continuing to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover, so they continued to observe Pentecost. Read it: I Corinthians 16:8; Acts 20:16.

Had they not been assembled in a holy convocation on the first Pentecost after everything that was abolished had been done away, we never could have read in our Bibles the sublime record of the second chapter of Acts.

Now a “holy convocation” means a holy assembly of the Church, convoked under absolute authority. Look up the word “convocation” in the dictionary. It is an assembly where everyone is commanded, under authority, to be present. The Sabbath is a weekly holy convocation. We are commanded, therefore, to assemble ourselves together. Each of these annual days is an holy convocation. The early Church obeyed. Do we?

While the Day of Pentecost will be June 8th this year, the actual observation begins the evening before at sunset on June 7th and runs through sunset June 8th.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues” and led by the Holy Spirit? (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Pentecostés: ¿Es más que Hechos 2?). Here is a link to a YouTube sermon Pentecost: Feast of Firstfruits.
Pentecost Quiz This is a Pentecost quiz based upon the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.
Pagan Holidays or God’s Holy Days Which? Herbert W. Armstrong explains what the days the Bible endorses.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by 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?