Church of God News

COGwriter

There are a lot of conflicts going on in the Middle East.  Here are some news reports about several going on today:

July 13, 2014

Fighting between rival Libyan militias erupted Sunday at Libya’s airport near the capital.

Tripoli International Airport has been controlled by militia fighters from Zintan in northwestern Libya since the overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

British Airways and Turkish Airlines canceled flights Sunday as the fighting raged on.

Explosions could be heard on the airport road.

On Saturday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement that the U.S. is “deeply concerned” the ongoing violence in Libya could lead to “widespread conflict.”  …

Libya has been in turmoil as government and parliament have not been able to control militias who helped oust Gadhafi, but now defy state authority. http://www.voanews.com/content/militia-battle-for-libya-airport/1956457.html

July 13, 2014

Iraqi militants have attacked a town north of Baghdad, seizing local government buildings and killing at least 6 people, including two police officers.

Officials say the assault on Dhuluiya, about 50 miles north of the capital, began early Sunday. Government forces had retaken Dhuluiya last month after it had been overrun by the militants, but a new drive toward Baghdad appears to be underway.

In another development, Iraq’s deadlocked parliament adjourned its session Sunday after failing to choose candidates for top positions – a necessary step toward forming a new government.  The legislators plan to meet again Tuesday.

U.N. special envoy to Iraq Nickolay Mladenov had urged all Iraqi lawmakers to take part in Sunday’s session, saying that failing to make progress on forming a new government could plunge Iraq into even more chaos.

On Saturday, gunmen stormed an apartment building in a Baghdad neighborhood, killing at least 29 people, mostly women. http://www.voanews.com/content/militants-seize-iraqi-town/1956460.html

July 13, 2014

GAZIANTEP, Turkey — After more than three years of civil war in Syria, government troops are advancing to retake Aleppo, the country’s largest city, and possibly deliver a crushing blow to the rebellion against the regime of President Bashar Assad.

Defeating the rebels would give Assad a major victory as he prepares to be sworn in for a third term next week.

“It will be a huge loss for the revolution if Aleppo falls, as it became the biggest stronghold for the rebels after the fall of Homs,” said Baraa al-Jabli, 20, of Aleppo, who works with the opposition.

Assad’s gain would also be a loss for President Obama, who has called for the Syrian president to step down, citing mass atrocities against his own people, so new elections can be held. Obama recently proposed $500 million to aid more moderate rebels in southern Syria, a move that follows complaints by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and other critics that the president has been too timid in supporting the rebellion.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/07/13/aleppo-syria-fighting/12438911/

July 13, 2014

In a reminder of the Middle East’s intertwined nature, the latest violence between Israel and Hamas has U.S. and Israeli officials lamenting the role of a key actor hundreds of miles east of Gaza: Iran.

“Who is the enabler for Hamas? Where do they get those rockets?” asked House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce Friday morning. “It’s Iran.”

American and Israeli officials have long accused Iran of helping Hamas build up its massive arsenal of rockets, including some with a particularly long range, which it is now firing into Israeli cities and towns.

“Iran continues to do everything it can to push rockets into Gaza,” says Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Ron Dermer. “Iran obviously is a supporter of Hamas. And Islamic Jihad is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Iran” (Islamic Jihad is militant group smaller than Hamas that also operates within Gaza.) http://time.com/2977228/israel-iran-hamas/

July 13, 2014

Israel briefly deployed ground troops inside the Gaza Strip for the first time early Sunday as its military warned northern Gaza residents to evacuate their homes, part of a widening offensive that began against Hamas last week.

Neither Israel nor Palestinian militants show signs of agreeing to a cease-fire, despite calls by the United Nations Security Council and others to end the increasingly bloody six-day offensive that has claimed at least 160 Palestinian lives.

Several Israeli citizens have been wounded, but no one killed, by Palestinian rockets, which are being launched at longer range than in previous conflicts. Israeli defense forces credit their Iron Dome missile defense system, which intercepts rockets in mid-air, with preventing greater casualties.

With Israel massing tanks and soldiers at Gaza’s borders, some fear that could signal a wider ground offensive that would cause heavy casualties.

Israel has launched more than 1,300 air strikes since the offensive began, military spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said Sunday. Palestinian militants have launched more than 800 rockets at Israel, including 130 in the last 24 hours, the Israeli military said Sunday.  http://www.voanews.com/content/israel-makes-first-ground-incursion-in-gaza/1956454.html

There are a lot of wars and battles going on in the Middle East right now!

Notice that turmoil in the Middle East is believed to increase terror risk to the USA:

July 13, 2014

Recent intelligence indicating that bomb-makers from Yemen have teamed up with terrorists in Syria to develop a new generation of undetectable explosives is “more frightening than anything” else the Obama administration has seen, Attorney General Eric Holder warned, becoming the first U.S. official to publicly confirm ABC News reporting on the threat.

In recent days, U.S. officials have boosted security measures at airports overseas amid deepening concerns that terrorists in war-ravaged Syria could be looking to down a U.S.- or European-bound plane, with help from one of the thousands of Americans and other foreign fighters carrying U.S. and European passports who have joined terrorist groups in the region.

Holder called it “a deadly combination,” in which people with technical know-how are now “married” to “people who have this kind of fervor to give their lives in support of a cause that is directed at the United States and directed at its allies.”

“It’s something that gives us really extreme, extreme concern,” Holder said. “In some ways, it’s more frightening than anything I think I’ve seen as attorney general.”  http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/latest-syria-threat-frightening-holder/story?id=24538221

I also watched an ABC report today where they stated that because of the turmoil in Iraq and Syria, the threat to the USA has been raised and that the US government is going to increase more ‘safety procedures’ which will cause further delays for people who travel via air, especially when they are flying into the USA.

As far as the USA goes, it is spending $500 million more to oppose Syria’s Assad, while it is trying to support Iraq’s Malaki who is fighting ISIS, while ISIS is also fighting the Assad regime.  The USA should expect terrorism, as that is prophesied (see also Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy).

The situation in the Middle East is volatile.

The Bible tells of several improper deals that will happen there in Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:27, and Psalm 83:2-8, all of which will also involve Europeans.  One of more of those deals may be the same one.

But the one to mention now is the one in Daniel 9:27.  Notice what the Bible teaches:

26… And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).

The ‘one week’ has generally been understood by prophecy watchers to mean a seven year deal, that is broken in the middle of it (after 3 1/2 years).

A seven year deal, which is expected to be broken, is also in Islamic prophecy:

Rasaullah [Muhammed] said: “There will be four peace agreements between you and the Romans [Christians].  The fourth agreement will be mediated through a person who will be the progeny of Hadrat Haroon [Honorable Aaron — Moses’ brother] and will be upheld for seven years (Richardson J. Antichrist: Islam’s Awaited Messiah. Pleasant Word, 2006, p. 48)

5 General anarchy and bloodshed, that no Arab household will be spared from it 6 Then a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar (Romans) which they will break and attack you with a force consisting of eighty flags and under each flag will be an army of twelve thousand men.” (Hadith: Sahih Bukhari). (From “Signs of Qiyamah” (excerpts) by Mohammed Ali Ibn Zubair Ali. The Minor Signs of the Last Day. http://www.islam.tc/prophecies/qiyaam2.html viewed 07/03/14)

The above sounds similar to the seven year (one week in biblical language) agreement discussed in Daniel 9:27 that involves a “prince” who appears to be the one the Bible warns will become the King of the North and apparently the nation of Israel. It certainly would make sense that there would be Muslim representation in a peace deal.

Notice that Islamic prophecy (bolded earlier by me) says that a deal will come after a time of general anarchy.

Unrelated to that, for years I have warned that a ‘peace deal’ will likely not come until after a regional war or other conflict in the Middle East.  The news today is full of reports of war and conflict in the Middle East.

Neither Israel nor the Palestinians wish to give up claims to certain territories at this time for a peace deal. Iraq does not want to loose territory to ISIS or the Kurds.  Iran wants to pursue its nuclear and Islamic ambitions, while Syria’s Assad wants to stop its civil war and stay in power–yet the time will come when Damascus will be destroyed per Isaiah 17:1 (watch also Damascus and Syria in Prophecy). It may well be that the deal will not come about until after weapons of mass destruction are used in the Middle East.

Well, there is a lot of conflict now.  And while a peace deal will be put in place sometime, more war will later come to the Middle East according to Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:2-8).

While few wish to believe it, it will take the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God to truly solve the conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? Here is a link to a related video video: Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here is a related video Iran In Prophecy.
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.between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
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.
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.
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.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.
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.
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.
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? 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.
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-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.
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 The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce our latest video on our Bible New ProphecyYouTube channel:

18:55

Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?

What is a caliphate and a caliph? How will the world be affected by the stirrings in the Middle East and the Islamic world? Will the West be destroyed or at least harmed? What do Islamic prophecies teach? What is the black flag of Islam? What does Bible prophecy teach? Will the confederation that many Muslims look forward to destroy the West or lead to the destruction of their hoped for caliphate? Dr. Thiel answers those questions and more. A written article of related interest would be The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation.

Here is a link to our video: Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? Here is a link to a related video video: Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
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.between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them at that channel.

Michelangelo’s Imagined Depiction of Joel

COGwriter

Some observe a memorial to the death of the Prophet Joel on July 13th of each year.

Here is how the Book of Joel starts:

1 The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.
2 Hear this, you elders, And give ear, all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, Or even in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children another generation.
4 What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.
5 Awake, you drunkards, and weep; And wail, all you drinkers of wine, Because of the new wine, For it has been cut off from your mouth. 6 For a nation has come up against My land, Strong, and without number; His teeth are the teeth of a lion, And he has the fangs of a fierce lion. 7 He has laid waste My vine, And ruined My fig tree; He has stripped it bare and thrown it away; Its branches are made white.
8 Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth For the husband of her youth. 9 The grain offering and the drink offering Have been cut off from the house of the Lord; The priests mourn, who minister to the Lord. 10 The field is wasted, The land mourns; For the grain is ruined, The new wine is dried up, The oil fails.
11 Be ashamed, you farmers, Wail, you vinedressers, For the wheat and the barley; Because the harvest of the field has perished. 12 The vine has dried up, And the fig tree has withered; The pomegranate tree, The palm tree also, And the apple tree — All the trees of the field are withered; Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men.
13 Gird yourselves and lament, you priests; Wail, you who minister before the altar; Come, lie all night in sackcloth, You who minister to my God; For the grain offering and the drink offering Are withheld from the house of your God. 14 Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land Into the house of the Lord your God, And cry out to the Lord.
15 Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty. 16 Is not the food cut off before our eyes, Joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The seed shrivels under the clods, Storehouses are in shambles; Barns are broken down, For the grain has withered. 18 How the animals groan! The herds of cattle are restless, Because they have no pasture; Even the flocks of sheep suffer punishment.
19 O Lord, to You I cry out; For fire has devoured the open pastures, And a flame has burned all the trees of the field. 20 The beasts of the field also cry out to You, For the water brooks are dried up, And fire has devoured the open pastures.  (Joel 1:1-20)

Here is something that the late Herbert W. Armstrong said about the first chapter of the Book of Joel:

We have had drought. There was the drought in the Middle West in 1934, and then the invasion of bugs and grasshoppers and locusts and everything in 1935. And many people from Kansas and South Dakota and sections in the Middle West like that, and from Oklahoma and places of that sort came out here to the Pacific coast at that time. My friends, that’s only a forerunner, that’s all. But when it comes in its full force and fury it’s described by the prophet Joel, and also Ezekiel says something about it. It’s described in other places in the Bible. Joel says, that it will be a time when the seed shrivels under the clods, the storehouses are desolate; the granaries are ruined because the grain has failed. How the beasts groan, he said, the herds of cattle are perplexed because there is no pasture for them. Even the flocks of sheep are dismayed. (Joel 1:17-18) What’s going to happen when that comes, my friends? What’s going to happen? That is the next thing now to occur. That and the flight of God’s own people…

Alright, now then, I was mentioning what Joel says here about this time of famine that’s coming. You’ve had a foretaste of it, you’ve been getting it — that’s only just little driplings like a great downpour of a deluge, a cloud burst that is going to come and you’ve had a few sprinklings of rain. Just a few little sprinkle drops; that’s all. Well, you people that have been getting these dust storms and all this drought that you’ve had, all you’ve had is just a little sprinkling. I want to tell you there’s a cloudburst of famine coming only it won’t be a cloudburst; it’s just the opposite. It’ll be a cloudburst of sun and no rain. Now, here is what we read in Joel again, there’s no pasture for these cattle. Even the flocks of sheep are dismayed. They haven’t minds to think it out or reason about it or anything they’re just going to be — you know their minds are so constructed; God did the thinking and created what brain they have and put it in there that it makes them automatically eat and they know they should eat grass. They should eat the pasture, and here there won’t be any. And they won’t understand it.

Joel 1: 19-20 “…Unto thee, O LORD, I cry: for fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness,” [That’s the fire of the sun and hot days and the weather will be such it’ll just seem like a fire.] “…and flame…” [the very flame of the sun.] “…has burned all the trees of the field…” What are you going to do when there’s no pasture for your cattle, or for your sheep, or your hogs. And, some of you will know what I mean anyhow. And when the trees are burned up. And there’s no fruit. And your vines will be dried up and there’ll be no fruit on vines.

Joel 1:20 “Even the beasts of the field cry to thee because the water brooks are dried up,…” [Your rivers will be dried up, your river beds.] “…and fire…” [that is the fire of the heat of the sun] “…has devoured the pastures of the wilderness…”(RSV) (Armstrong HW. Outline of Prophecy 02 – Famine, Pestilence and Drought. Radio Broadcast)

Famine will come.  It may be that the drought that many parts of the USA are experiencing could be a prelude to that.

Here is something from Joel chapter 2:

12 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord,”Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him — A grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; 16 Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room. 17 Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O Lord, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?'”  (Joel 2:12-18)

Repentance is something that Joel proclaimed was needed and that is still the case today.  Notice that he was saying that all, including the religious who felt that they were God’s people needed to repent and gather together.  That gathering together is something that the Philadelphians need to do in this end time–those who do not risk not being protected from the Day of the Lord, etc. (cf. Zephaniah 2:1-3).

Here are some comments from Herbert Armstrong on Joel 2:12-17:

Joel 2: 12-14 “Yet even now, says the LORD…” [through Joel,] “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning: (13) And rend your hearts, and not your garments. Return unto the [Eternal] your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love…. (14) Who knows whether he will not turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, a cereal offering and a drink offering…” [and so on?] Joel 2:17 “With a cry out, “Spare thy people, O [Eternal] make not thine heritage…” [our nation, our people] “… a reproach, a byword among the nations.”(RSV) (Armstrong HW. Outline of Prophecy 02 – Famine, Pestilence and Drought. Radio Broadcast)

Here is some more of what Joel wrote in chapter 2:

28 “And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.  (Joel 2:28-31)

According to the Apostle Peter, there was a partial fulfillment of this (Acts 2:16) on the Day of Pentecost c. 31 A.D. (Acts 2:1).

But as verses such as verse 31 will not be fulfilled until after the start of the Great Tribulation, it is logical to conclude that God would still use dreams to sometimes convey parts of His message prior to the start of the Great Tribulation.

As it turns out, dreams had been given to at least three people who later became part of the Continuing Church of God which were essentially fulfilled (see Dreams, the Bible, and the Continuing Church of God).

Other parts of Joel have to do with war and what will happen after the Day of the Lord (cf. Joel 3).

Parts of Joel’s message have been at least partially fulfilled and the fulfillment of other parts will come to pass.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Dreams, the Bible, and the Continuing Church of God Does God still use dreams? Did He use any involving those in the Continuing Church of God?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Does God Use Weather? Are weather calamities totally random? Does God control the weather? What does the Bible say? Are there biblical prophecies for weather blessings and weather curses? Are those affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, droughts, and floods necessarily worse sinners than those not as affect? Does God use weather to try to get people to change or repent?
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.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it? Here is a link to a related sermon video The Unpardonable Sin and the Prodigal Son.
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?
Elijah: Past and Prophesied Information about the original Elijah and some information about the Elijah-related prophecies.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets, yet many overlook what the Bible teaches about how to recognize a true one. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? This article contains a scripture-based checklist to assist with this determination.
How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God This is a sermon on YouTube addressing a subject that most in the Church of God do not seem to have looked into very much. It discusses scriptures and dispels some improper assertions that some associated with the COG have made about prophets in this time.
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.

Grad Missile Launch Vehicle

COGwriter

Ukraine’s Kiev government has sent warplanes to fight in the east:

July 12, 2014

KYIV —Ukrainian war planes bombarded separatists along a broad front on Saturday, inflicting huge losses, Kyiv said, after President Petro Poroshenko indicated that “scores and hundreds” would be made to pay for a deadly missile attack on Ukrainian forces.

In exchanges marking a sharp escalation in the three-month conflict, jets struck at the “epicenter” of the battle against the rebels close to the border with Russia, a military spokesman said.

The planes targeted positions from where separatists using high-powered Grad missiles bombarded an army motorized brigade on Friday, killing 23 servicemen.

Warplanes also struck at targets near Donetsk, the East’s main town where rebels have dug in, destroying a powerful fighter base near Dzerzhinsk, Andriy Lysenko, a spokesman for the “anti-terrorist operation” said.

“According to preliminary assessment, Ukrainian pilots … killed about 500 (rebel) fighters and damaged two armored transporters,” Lysenko told journalists.

In an earlier air attack on a base near Perevalsk, north of Donetsk, two tanks, 10 armored vehicles and “about 500” rebel fighters were destroyed, he said.

Rebel representatives, quoted by Russian news agencies, denied they had suffered big losses and said the Ukrainians were using outdated intelligence about where separatist forces were deployed. …

New sense of urgency

The increasing violence will bring a new sense of urgency to diplomatic attempts to end the worst crisis between Russia and the West since the Cold War.

After a pro-Western revolt in Kyiv ousted a Moscow-backed president in February, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula and pro-Russian separatists seized strategic buildings in towns in the Russian-speaking east, setting up “people’s republics” and declaring they wanted to join Russia.

More than 200 Ukrainian servicemen have been killed since then, and hundreds of civilians and rebels have also died.

The United States and the European Union have brought in limited sanctions against Russian businesses amid Ukrainian allegations that Moscow has fanned the conflict and turned a blind eye to military equipment and Russian fighters crossing the border.

On Saturday, the EU targeted 11 Ukrainian separatist leaders with travel bans and asset freezes, avoiding fresh sanctions on Russian business to avoid antagonising its main energy supplier.

The rebels’ missile strike on Friday at a motorized brigade was against a part of a contingent of troops sent to the area specifically to try to block military equipment and guns being brought in from Russia to help the rebels.

“The situation on the border is very difficult because there is a strip of border there which has been turned into the epicenter of confrontation,” Lysenko said.

“This is because this is a part of the border through which the Russian terrorists are trying to bring in military equipment and arms.

“Ukrainian forces are there to cover that part. If the Ukrainian unit pulls out of there then columns of military equipment will start to flow on to Ukrainian territory again,” he said.

Rebel fighters said Ukrainian fighter planes had also carried out air strikes on Saturday in the eastern town of Horlivka. “There were a series of powerful explosions. Details are being clarified,” a separatist representative, Konstantin Knyrik, was quoted as saying by Russia’s interfax news agency. http://www.voanews.com/content/ukrainian-fighter-jets-pound-rebels-after-deadly-missile-attack/1956190.html

Ukraine is in a difficult spot.  As I have said before, war remains in its future.

The European Union wants to grow and expand, the USA wants it to, and Russia in not pleased. Both the EU and Russia want Ukraine.

Many of those in east Ukraine do not trust the Kiev government, many speak Russian, and many wish to be independent of Ukraine.  While a sizable portion of east Ukraine has wished to remain part of Ukraine, if Kiev causes enough damage in its retaliatory/revenge attacks, this could turn more in the east against Ukraine.

Not all in Ukraine want to be part of the European Union. Some (mainly in the east) prefer to be in Russia’s upcoming Eurasian Union. The European Union has demonstrated a history and willingness to enlarge. The USA keeps encouraging all of this, but this will not end well for the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39; Isaiah 10:5-11).

Russia is upset by the developments in Ukraine and is attempting to plan its next move. It may be trying to have the diplomatic cover to invade again, but seems to be concerned about how it will be dealt with by Europe if it does so. Yet it may invade anyway.

War is in the future for Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union (and is also for the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies).

Jesus told of a time of wars and rumors of wars:

7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.  8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:7-8)

The conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza/Israel, and Iraq, amongst others, seem to qualify as wars and rumors of wars, as there is active fighting in all three of them now.  But wars and rumors of wars, as we now see, is not the end. They are part of the ‘beginning of sorrows,’ which will lead to the Great Tribulation, the Day of the Lord, and the return of Jesus Christ, which will be the end of faulty human rule under the sway of Satan the devil (cf. Revelation 20:1-4).

While there will be interludes of peace, even more war will come to the Ukrainian region until Jesus returns and the Kingdom of God is established.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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 short video Ukraine in Prophecy?
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.
Bible News Prophecy July-Sept. 2014: The Coming Eurasian Union Here is the latest magazine from the Continuing Church of God. The cover of which shows Vladimir Putin and features an article about the coming Eurasian Union.
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.
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.
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.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies. Watch also the YouTube Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.

COGwriter

The latest issue (#164, print date June 30, 2014) of The Journal was sent out electronically and just received.

Its lead articles had to do with CG7, a Bricket Wood Reunion, and UCM.

Here is some CG7 information put together by Edward Malone from The Journal:

Church of God (Seventh Day) local pastor and International Ministerial Congress executive director William “Bill” Hicks re- signed from the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day), based in Denver, Colo., on or about June 10, 2014. Mr. Hicks’ resignation came during a disciplinary process the denomination’s Ministerial License and Credentials Committee had initiated be- cause he allegedly posted “inflammatory and defamatory E-mails” concerning leaders of the church. …

Mr. Hicks said the real reason he resigned was that he refused to remain silent about the denomination’s plans to wrestle autonomy away from the local churches.

“I could only keep charges against me at bay IF I refused to speak out again on what has happened to myself and others in the press toward a ‘new’ constitution and bylaws for the growing bureaucratic, wasteful, and unjust General Conference administration that, if passed, will affect the local churches and members,” he wrote. “My ‘whistle-blowing’ cost me the work I loved as director of missions, but in the General Conference, the person who has been ‘violated’ cannot lash out as a result of the ‘violation’ or they will have to answer for crying out!”

Chairman Whaid Rose politely declines THE JOURNAL contacted Church of God (Seventh Day) General Conference chairman Whaid Rose by telephone the morning of June 24, 2014. When this writer asked Mr. Rose about Mr. Hicks’ allegations against and resignation from the Church of God (Seventh Day), Mr. Rose denied the allegations but politely declined to elaborate on the record concerning them or to comment about Mr. Hicks’ resignation.

FWIW, I am currently reading the new book, The Journey: A History of the Church of God (Seventh Day) by its Robert Coulter.  Let me simply state that CG7 has history of governmental issues.

Related to Bricket Wood, Linda Mol Smith reported:

A jolly good time was had by all at the reunion of the Ambassador College Bricket Wood family

WATFORD, England…just over 200 … gathered to recollect and reconnect at Bricket Wood Reunion 2014, which met May 18-22 at the Hilton hotel in Watford. The event was the culmination of three years of planning, beginning with the Bricket Wood reunion in San Diego, Calif., in May 2011.

Bricket Wood was one of three campuses of the old Ambassador College.

Here is what was reported about the dissolution of UCM:

ROANOKE, IND.—The board of directors of United Christian Ministries has “reached the difficult decision” to dissolve the “corporate entity.” Ray Wooten, founder with his wife, Peggy, of UCM, died Feb. 9, 2014. In the wake of Mr. Wooten’s death the UCM board held several formal and informal meetings to discuss the ministry’s future, wrote Alan Boyer, president and chair- man of the board, in a letter to UCM supporters. Mr. Boyer, Mr. Wooten’s son-in-law, said all planned events sponsored by UCM have been canceled, including the 2014 Feast of Tabernacles observance scheduled for Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

This is not a surprise.  UCM was an early breakaway group from the United Church of God and the last few years it seemed to have run its course, and with the death of Ray Wooten, I had questioned its continued existence.

There was a death announcement on the back page of The Journal:

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—The Church of God Knoxville has managed to keep its doors open in spite of the sudden death of its sole elder and overseer, Dr. Bruce E. Horne. “I feel lost,” explained Dr. Horne’s widow, Janet Grant Horne. “But the only thing I know to do is carry on.” Unexpected death Dr. Horne’s May 22, 2014, death understandably left the newly organized congregation in a disturbed state of confusion and uncertainty. Church services for the May 24 Sabbath were canceled, and the church’s Web site announced that the congregation had indefinitely if not permanently dispensed with its weekly gatherings. After further consideration and prayer, the brethren of the small group braced themselves and resumed Sabbath services on May 31. …

Shepherd’s Voice magazine writer and itinerant Church of God speaker Edward Malone of San Augustine, Texas, visited Knoxville and conducted services and delivered sermons on the weekly Sabbath and the Day of Pentecost (June 7-8).

The Journal continued to list some Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for 2014. For information on those affiliated with the Continuing Church of God check out Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2014.

In the interior of The Journal, there was an article by Trisha Svehla titled Diversity? Why can’t we all just get along?  It mentioned that there are many COG groups and she made her comments about that.  Here is one:

It’s our intolerance separates us.

Actually, that is not the true cause.  The true cause is that Jesus foretold that there would be a least four attitudes around at the time of the end within the Church of God: that of Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (and even multiple attitudes within each of those four).  And that is what we see today. Many no longer believe in “Church eras” and fail to see that multiple Laodicean groups, to cite one example, were essentially prophesied to exist now.

The reality is that most who were once in the old Worldwide Church of God did not truly accept the doctrines taught as of the time of the death of Herbert W. Armstrong and did not have the same view towards the mission of the Philadelphia era and did not value the truth enough, thus this is why there are many groups. Personal vanity and other sins are also a major factor.  Some value social contact more, some value convenience of local congregations, some value contact with certain ministers, some want control, some do not want to tithe, some just want to be on their own.  But the reality is that most, as Herbert Armstrong said, DID NOT GET IT.  And that is the case today.  An article of possibly related interest would be: Unity: Which COG for You?  Now, that does not mean that individuals in different COGs cannot get along, but the reality is that COG history is full of splits and difficulties, and that was prophesied.  Information on COG history can be found in the free pdf booklet: Continuing History of the Church of God.

The COG needs people to wake up and be Philadelphian. If those within it will do so and rely on the Bible above personal preferences that they tend to have, such Philadelphian organizational unity can be attained. And such unity, to some degree, will happen prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (cf. Zephaniah 2:1-3; Revelation 3:7-14).  Those who will not properly ‘gather together’ will not receive the type of protection that is promised to the Philadelphians (see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra).

Also in The Journal there were the usual letters to the editor and other advertisements, various comments, and opinion articles.

The Journal itself is available by paid subscription (though Dixon Cartwright says some subscriptions are free to those who cannot afford it) and often tends to take a non-Philadelphian era view of certain church matters.

10th Century Representation of Gospel Writer Luke

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce its latest sermon which is at its ContinuingCOG channel:

This is the third of a multi-part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. This sermon covers chapters 7 through 9. Dr.Thiel discusses some of Jesus’ miracles, the purpose of the parable of the sower, explains the gospel of the Kingdom, goes over information related to John the Baptist, discusses growing in grace and knowledge, some about women supporting the ministry of Jesus and the CCOG, and quotes Jesus about bearing fruit and on other matters.

Here is a link to part one of this sermon series: Luke 1-2: John the Baptist, Mary, and the Census.

Here is a link to part two of this sermon series: Luke 3-6: John the Baptist, Jesus’ genealogy, Satan’s Influence, and the Sermon on the Mount.

Here is a link to part three of this sermon series: Luke 7-9: Miracles, Purpose of Parables, Kingdom of God, and Women Supporting the Ministry

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
Women and the New Testament Church What roles did women play in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles? Did Jesus and the Apostle Paul violate Jewish traditions regarding their dealings with women? Do women have any biblical limitations on their role in the Church? Were there female prophets? Do women have any special responsibilities in terms of how they dress? What does the New Testament really teach about women? Here is a related sermon titled: New Testament Women.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Eastern/Greek Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers? Here is a link to a YouTube video Marian Apparitions May Fulfill Prophecy. Here is a link to a sermon video: Why Learn About Fatima?
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
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?
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced scores of YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.

COGwriter

Many people have questions about the Bible in general and the first several chapters of the Book of Genesis in particular.

The first six chapters of Genesis present a sum­mary of vital high points of approximately the first 1600-1700 years of mankind — from Adam’s creation to just before Noah’s Flood (details on calculations can be found in the article Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

In this basic summary of events, many details have been omitted. However, God saw to it that what we really needed to know was preserved for us today. Enough was recorded to show that mankind was instructed of God in the way that would cause every good effect — peace, happiness, prosperity, comfort, an interesting life, abundant well­ being.

But since the early and brief accounts of the Bible’s first book can give rise to many questions, answers to some of the most asked questions are given here. They are logically based on the whole Bible — from Genesis to Revelation. All Scripture is inspired of God through human instruments (2 Timothy 3:15-16; 2 Peter 1:21). Bear in mind that any vague biblical scripture must be understood in the light of all the plain clear scriptures on that particular subject. Jesus said “…the scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). The Bible, as originally written, never contradicts itself!

Most of these questions were taken from authentic letters emanating from Ambassador College sponsored programs and publications or received as emails. This particular set of questions and answer is an update strongly based upon those in the 1973 booklet (shown above) written by the late John Ross Schroeder, but with most answers partially updated by Dr. Bob Thiel in 2014.

• “Can you give me information on prehistoric man? Did God make other men before Adam?”

As used by critical historians, “prehistoric time” is said to refer to earliest antiquity nowhere documented in written records. But the Bible records, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Here is a documented account reaching back to the beginning of time. “Prehistoric time,” in that sense, is therefore irreconcilable with Scripture. It should come as no surprise, therefore, to learn that biblical passages reveal occurrences prior to the time of man.

But so far as modern humans are concerned, the Bible plainly states that Adam was the first man (1 Corinthians 15:45), and he named his wife “Eve because she was the mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). Adam and Eve were therefore the first humans.  While there are fossil records of apes and other creatures that predate Adam, these creatures were not the same as modern humans as far God is concerned.

Some items of possibly related interest may include: Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true? Here is a link to a YouTube sermon titled Is it logical to believe in God? Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge. Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Quickly Disprove Evolution as the Origin of Life. How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? Does the Bible allow for the creation of the universe and earth billions of years ago? Why do some believe they are no older than 6,000 years old? What is the gap theory? Where the days of creation in Genesis 1:3 through 2:3 24 hours long? Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?

Drone MQ-9

COGwriter

Germany’s is upset about continued US espionage and is starting to take steps, and the USA is concerned:

July 11, 2014

Kerry looks to soothe relations with Germany

Secretary of State John Kerry is set to meet with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier: http://thehill.com/policy/211941-kerry-to-meet-with-german-foreign-minister-after-spy-reports#ixzz37AKB2W6s

July 11, 2014

Germany’s foreign minister says he will discuss the expulsion of a U.S. intelligence officer from Berlin with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry when the two diplomats see each other at meetings in Vienna in the next two days.  http://www.voanews.com/content/germany-us-to-discuss-spy-expulsion-/1955354.html
July 10, 2014

Diplomatic tensions between Germany and the U.S. stoked by allegations of spying are spilling over into German government plans to upgrade the military’s drones, said lawmakers who sit on parliament’s Defense Committee.

Espionage activities that prompted Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government to expel a U.S. intelligence official yesterday compound German concerns over “black box” modules in U.S. bidder General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.’s MQ-9 Reaper drones, said the lawmakers. That might help tip the balance in favor of awarding the contract to Israel Aerospace Industries’ Heron TP fliers.

“The latest spying allegations raise the hurdle for accepting black box technology,” Hans-Peter Bartels, a lawmaker from Merkel’s Social Democratic coalition partner who chairs the Defense Committee, said in a phone interview. The developments have “stiffened” lawmakers’ resistance to buying the U.S. military hardware, as the expulsion “marks a new low in Germany’s trust in its U.S. ally,” he said.

The snooping spat revives a dilemma for Merkel, who has sought to isolate Germany’s business interests from government pressure on the U.S. to change its intelligence policy since Edward Snowden’s revelations last year. It also threatens to undermine Merkel’s support for a free-trade accord between the U.S. and the European Union…

Lawmaker concerns center on what they say is the use of black box technology to store and transmit secure surveillance data to the U.S…“Naturally, we’re sensitive to the black box issue,” Bernd Siebert, a committee member from Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union party, said in an e-mailed reply to questions. This “will flow into the decision making” on the drone selected, he said…

While German politicians may be “utilizing” the spying scandals, their concerns betray long-standing attempts to free Europe from dependency on U.S. technology, said Jan Techau, who heads the Brussels office of the Carnegie Endowment.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-10/german-drone-upgrade-feels-heat-of-u-s-spying-dispute.html

Notice that many in Germany have long wanted to reduce dependency upon USA technology.  I have been warning for years that the Europeans will one day have sufficient technology to takeover the USA and its Anglo-Saxon descended allies (see also European Technology and the Beast of Revelation).  Now, because of the espionage scandal over the past year or so, the USA is likely to share too much technology with the Europeans in general, and Germany in particular, as well as make arrangements to allow Germany to operate with less USA intelligence oversight.

While John Kerry would like to smooth relations with Germany, he should not expect that the Germans are like the bulk of the USA media that will get over repeated indiscretions by the Obama Administration.  As I reported here before, various ones in Germany have said that they WILL NOT GET OVER THIS and consider the USA a ‘so-called friend’ (see Time: Snowden asks for extended stay in Russia, and German outrage at USA grows).

Oh yes, the Germans will act diplomatically and try to give the impression of a certain amount of cooperation, but the reality is that all the espionage revelations have strengthened the resolve of many to separate from dependency on the USA to develop a European alternative to American hegemony.

Germany is no longer as content to take a backseat to the USA as it has been since WWII.  Germany, which basically started WWI and WWII, will also be the aggressor in WWIII.

Europeans are trying to take steps to dominate world trade (see also WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast), which the Bible shows they will do (Revelation 13:16-18; 18:3,11-18).  Germany’s Merkel was in China related to that a few days ago, and likely will attempt to get trade trade concessions from the USA to try to get the USA to show some remorse for its actions.  There are many end-time ramifications of the espionage matter.

Speaking of Angela Merkel, she said that she is planning on going to watch the World Cup in Brazil this Sunday.  Germany is scheduled to play Argentina for the soccer championship.

Although it is not a sport I watch, the news reported that Germany trounced the Brazilian team a few days ago 7 – 1.  Why mention that here?

Well, Germany quickly scored 4 goals in 7 minutes against Brazil, which is basically unheard of in this level of play.  According to a news report I read yesterday, Germany had planned for at least the past five years how it would play against Brazil in this World Cup, and it executed its strategy.  Some believe that Germany is being more willing to publicly be proud as a result of soccer.   Notice:

“The state of the nation has changed, outside and inside Germany,” said Christophe Fricker, a researcher of German culture at the University of Bristol in England…

This year’s team represents the new generation. Of the seven goals against Brazil, five were scored by players born after 1989, the year the Berlin Wall fell: Thomas Mueller, Andre Schuerrle and Toni Kroos.

Historical Burdens

It is these athletes, and fans of their age, who are driving the changing attitudes among Germans, said Henning Meyer, a German-born political scientist at the London School of Economics.

“The younger generation has not forgotten, but they have a different identity, because history doesn’t weigh on their psyche in the same way,” Meyer said…

“We have learned that we can be proud,” said Christian Boellhoff, managing director of Prognos AG economic research institute in Berlin. “And that we can be relaxed about it, too.”  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-11/germany-uncouples-from-past-with-post-wall-world-cup-bid.html

Per Mertesacker believes German football’s greatest night can be traced back to when they thrashed England five years ago…Mertesacker claims the 7-1 thrashing of Brazil– the biggest ever score in a World Cup semi-final and Brazil’s heaviest ever defeat – was the culmination of Germany’s recent progress.http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2014/germany-side-gave-brazil-world-3834419#ixzz37AOtuMPy

When I read about the four German goals in seven minutes against Brazil, I thought of the term blitzkrieg. Today, I put the word blitzkrieg into a Google search, and apparently many others shared my view.  Here are a few of the many headlines in the news this week about it:

World Cup 2014: Brazil versus Germany = Blitzkrieg

Soccer Blitzkrieg

Germany vs Brazil: Colossal Blitzkrieg

Fifa World Cup 2014 semifinal: German 7-1 blitzkrieg shatters Brazil dream

World Cup 2014: Blake’s Take on Brazil’s battering by a German blitzkrieg

Brazilian fans will not want to hear this, but reports suggest that Germany decided to not play as hard the in the second half as to not excessively humiliate Brazil.  In other words, Germany possibly could have won by even a greater margin if it wanted to.

For those unfamiliar with the term blitzkrieg, it was a German war strategy utilized in World War II.  Here is some information about it:

Blitzkrieg means “lightning war”. It was an innovative military technique first used by the Germans in World War Two and was a tactic based on speed and surprise. Blitzkrieg relied on a military force be based around light tank units supported by planes and infantry (foot soldiers). The tactic was based on Alfred von Schlieffen’s ‘Schlieffen Plan’ – this was a doctrine formed during WWI that focused on quick miliatry victory. It was later developed in Germany by an army officer called Heinz Guderian who looked at new technologies, namely dive bombers and light tanks, to improve the German army’s manoeuvrability. …

Blitzkrieg was based on speed, co-ordination and movement; the major science of this approach was the ability to get large mobile forces through weak points in the enemies defences and then cause damage when behind his static lines. …

The Blitzkrieg was fundamentally about moving away from the tried and tested methods of modern warfare and creating a new, more effective doctrine. To that end, Hitler had given his full backing to Guderian. Ironically, he had got his idea for Blitzkrieg from two officers – one from France and one from Britain and he had copied and broadened what they had put on paper. …In 1940, Britain and France still had a World War One mentality. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/blitzkrieg.htm

It is interesting to me that Germany got the blitzkrieg ideas from France and the UK.  In other words, Germany got tactics and information from nations it was later going to invade.  I expect the same in the future.  It should be noted that the USA still has the ‘cold war’ mentality about the Germans and acts like they will always be USA allies.  I read something today in the Wall Street Journal where the writer could not fathom that Germans could consider that the USA is a threat.  Many do not understand the mentality of the Germans and where all of this will lead (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11).

As far as blitzkrieg goes, consider the following biblical prophecy:

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

In WWIII, I expect that the Germans will lead a type of blitzkrieg against the USA, the UK, and other Anglo-Saxon descended nations.  It will be based upon technology, coordination, intelligence, and deception.  I believe that because of the espionage incidents with the USA, that the USA will feel that it will have to kowtow to German requests for military technologies, trade agreements, political arrangements, and espionage information, which will put Germany and much of the rest of Europe in a position that to rise up and become the successful military power that the Bible prophesies it will become in Revelation 13:1-4 and Daniel 11:39-43.

While beating Brazil in the World Cup is not particularly a prophetic matter, the strategy employed is consistent with German actions in the past and what is expected in the future.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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.
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
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.
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.
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.

The latest edition of the Bible News Prophecy magazine put out by the Continuing Church of God is now available online in both the Spanish and Kiswahili languages.

Here is a pdf link to the Spanish version: Noticias de Profecía de la Biblia Julio-Sept 2014: La próxima Unión Euroasiática.

Here is a pdf link to the Kiswahili version: Jul-Sept 2014 UNABII WA BIBLIA: Umoja wa Eurasia Ujao.

Here is a pdf link to the English version July-Sept. 2014 edition of Bible News Prophecy magazine.

Contents as listed in English:

3 The Coming Eurasian Union There is an agreement for the formation of the Eurasian Union in 2015. What does the Bible indicate a coming Eurasian union will do?

8 Study the Bible Course Lesson 3: Christ Will Stop World Suicide This is the third lesson of this course to help people study and better understand the Bible.

20 Should Modern Christians Keep the Feast of Trumpets? Jews call it Rosh Hashanah. Most who claim Christ do not keep it. Should you? What does it teach?

27 Faith: What is It? How is Faith Shown? Faith is one of the weightier matters of the law, but what is faith?

32 Why People Lack Faith The late Herbert W. Armstrong addressed this.

33 The Final Phase of the Work: Reaching Africa The final phase of the work has many parts. The Continuing Church of God held a conference for leaders in Nairobi related to it. Is Africa becoming an example for Philadelphians to follow?

The Continuing Church of God is reaching people in many languages around the world.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
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.

Radiation Warning Symbol

COGwriter

The government of Iraq has reported that some of its Sunni opponents have acquired nuclear materials:

July 10, 2014

LONDON — Iraq has notified the United Nations of a seizure of nuclear material from a university in the northern city of Mosul by Sunni militants who overran it last month as they advanced toward Baghdad, the nuclear regulatory body of the United Nations said on Thursday…

Word of the seizure first emerged in a letter to the United Nations dated July 8 and seen by reporters from Reuters, which quoted it as saying that “terrorists” from the insurgent Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, known as ISIS, had taken control of the materials.

The letter said almost 90 pounds of uranium compounds had been kept at the university and that the materials “can be used in manufacturing weapons of mass destruction,” Reuters said…

In her statement on Thursday, Ms. Tudor said that the I.A.E.A. “is aware of the notification from Iraq and is in contact to seek further details.”

She said that experts did not believe that the material could be fashioned into a weapon. “Nevertheless,” the statement said, “any loss of regulatory control over nuclear and other radioactive materials is a cause for concern.”  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/11/world/middleeast/iraq.html?_r=0

July 10, 2014

Iraq’s U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim told U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in the letter that nearly 40 kg (88 pounds) of uranium compounds were kept at Mosul University.

“Terrorist groups have seized control of nuclear material at the sites that came out of the control of the state,” he said.

However, a U.S. government source said the materials were not believed to be enriched uranium and therefore would be difficult to use to manufacture into a nuclear weapon.

Olli Heinonen, a former IAEA chief inspector, said that if the material came from a university it could be laboratory chemicals or radiation shielding, consisting of natural or depleted uranium.

“You cannot make a nuclear explosive from this amount, but all uranium compounds are poisonous,” Heinonen told Reuters. “This material is also not ‘good’ enough for a dirty bomb.”

In a so-called “dirty bomb,” conventional explosives are used to disperse radiation from any radioactive source, such as from hospitals and factories which are less well protected…

Any loss or theft of highly enriched uranium, plutonium or other types of radioactive material is potentially serious as militants could try to use them to make a crude nuclear device or a “dirty bomb,” experts say.

Because radioactive material is less hard to find and the device easier to make, experts say a “dirty bomb” – which could cause panic and have serious economic and environmental consequences – is a more likely threat than an actual atom bomb.  http://www.voanews.com/content/seized-nuclear-material-in-iraq-called-low-grade/1954549.html