Archive for May, 2015

PCG’s improper teaching that Joseph Tkach Jr. is the ‘man of sin’

Monday, May 18th, 2015


Joseph W. Tkach, Jr. (JJBowks)

COGwriter

Gerald Flurry of the improperly named Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) has long claimed that Joe Tkach, and then later his son Joe Tkach, Jr. is the ‘man of sin’ of 2 Thessalonians 2.  Here is something he posted about that before:

Revealing Satan

By Gerald Flurry

2 Thessalonians 2 records a spectacular end-time event in God’s Church. There is nothing like it in all the previous history of the Church!

“And now ye know what [restrains] that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now [restrains] will [restrain], until he be taken out of the way” (verses 6-7).

God has given the Philadelphia Church of God amazing understanding about this verse. On Jan. 16, 1986, a man was taken out of the way. From time to time, God reminds us how important the anniversary of that day is. We can read these scriptures and point out the specific individuals they refer to. What other church can do this?

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” (verse 8). Verses 3-4 say the man of sin will be revealed, but verse 8 specifically says this Wicked (Satan) will be revealed as well.

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (verse 9). There are signs, lying wonders and power coming from the devil…

The court battle we fought against the Worldwide Church of God to gain the copyrights to Herbert Armstrong’s writings has been a gold mine of information about the devil…

In our court proceedings, Joe Tkach Jr. gave two depositions…

Tkach: “When someone tells you that they’re being used by God in a way that no other human being who has ever lived is being used, I would consider that to be a bit on the heresy side, to say that he received a message from God and then won’t share it with you.”

None of this happened. Mr. Tkach Jr. knew he was lying! … He tried to picture me as a weird prophet you see in Hollywood movies…

When I sat listening to those words during the deposition, I didn’t understand what those lies were all about. But God later revealed to me what it all meant. God always has to reveal these truths to us.

2 Thessalonians 2:4 says this man of sin “Opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”…

I don’t think Joe Tkach Jr. really understood what he was saying or from whom he got these lies. It was Satan talking to us…

“For the mystery of [lawlessness] doth already work: only he who now [restrains] will [restrain], until he be taken out of the way” (verse 7). That “mystery of lawlessness” was there before the man of sin came on the scene. Revelation 3:7-9 call it the synagogue of Satan. The devil was plotting and planning even while Mr. Armstrong was alive. He inspired and directed a group of people to get ready to take over the Church of God. And he succeeded!

The icc says, “[A]s the indwelling Christ works in Paul, so Satan operates in the [man of sin] with the result that his advent is attended by all power to work wonders.”

2 Thessalonians 2:8 shows that the work of Satan will be destroyed, but verse 9 reveals that, first, the man of sin will have “all power and signs and lying wonders.” This is what Joe Tkach Jr. said about me! What a lying wonder! It came right out of 2 Thessalonians 2.

Like false prophet Ronald Weinland, Gerald Flurry is much too much into allegory. Whether or not Joe Tkach, Jr. lied, this does not qualify as the “signs and lying wonders” that the Apostle Paul was warning about.

Of course, this is not a new teaching of PCG, just a somewhat changed one as I alluded to at the beginning of this post. In his book, Malachi’s Message (1995 edition), in the chapter titled “Man of Sin,” Gerald Flurry wrote:

God’s Church has applied 2 Thessalonians 2:4 to the world for the most part. But it doesn’t apply to the world…

“Even him [the “son of perdition”], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The word “signs” is rendered “pretended signs” by the Revised Standard Version. This “son of perdition” is heavily influenced by Satan…In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul discusses signs and lying wonders of a false leader or lying apostle (Revelation 2:2)…

Mr. Tkach was an innermost disciple—more so than other Church leaders—in those last seven years of Mr. Armstrong’s life. The leadership discussed in 2 Thessalonians 2 must be in Pasadena today. (pp. 79,88,89,99)

The Mr. Tkach mentioned by Gerald Flurry was J. Tkach Sr., not his son that Gerald Flurry originally identified in that book. Gerald Flurry’s ‘inspiration’ for both his conclusions about Sr. and then Jr. being the prophesied ‘man of sin’ are false.

While we may suspect who the ‘man of sin’ is, his identification has not yet been accompanied with signs and lying wonders. Since lying is very common, the Apostle Paul was not simply referring to someone who lied about something–signs and lying wonders are more unique than than.

Sadly, many COGs do not understand who the ‘man of sin’ in 2 Thessalonians 2 is (and because of this they will not understand certain end time prophecies).  However, Gerald Flurry may have the most absurd explanation of his alleged identity.

Those who do not know who the ‘man of sin’ is will not realize that certain end time prophecies are being fulfilled when they are. Because they will not recognize him, they will not be able to properly warn their people nor the world what is happening. Those who do not know the identity of the man of sin are most likely not going to be protected from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world (cf. Revelation 3:10; 12:14-17).

Jesus only promised to protect the true Philadelphian Christians from that (Revelation 3:7-10) and not those who simply call themselves that (cf. Revelation 3:9). Most in the various COG groups do not know the proper identity of the man of sin (for some details, see Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?). Since most Christians in the end are not truly part of the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God, they will not be protected–but end up being subject to Satan’s wrath per Revelation 12:17.

Although Gerald Flurry seems to be mainly relying on his own influenced imagination, most others are relying on improper tradition as opposed to what the Bible teaches. Those who wish to understand what the Bible teaches on this, should study the article Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” or a variety of other titles make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
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?
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?
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE?
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.
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?

USA and Muslim Brotherhood concerned over Dr. Morsi death sentence announcement

Sunday, May 17th, 2015

Mohamed Morsi, Official Photograph

COGwriter

Egypt’s former President Morsi was given a death sentence.  The USA, Muslim Brotherhood, and others are concerned about this:

May 17, 2015

The United States says it is “deeply concerned” about the death sentences handed down to former President Mohamed Morsi and more than 100 other defendants for a 2011 mass prison break.

“We have consistently spoken out against the practice of mass trials and sentences, which are conducted in a manner that is inconsistent with Egypt’s international obligations and the rule of law,” a State Department official said Sunday.

The sentences were handed down Saturday in a Cairo court.

The Grand Mufti, Egypt’s top religious authority, will make the final decision on the sentences on June 2.

The former president is also facing espionage charges.

A lawyer for Morsi said he would appeal his client’s death sentence.

Muslim Brotherhood supporters called for protest against Morsi’s death sentence.

The Cairo court also issued a separate verdict against several top Muslim Brotherhood leaders for conspiring with the Hamas and Hezbollah groups in organizing the prison break.

Last month, Morsi – the country’s first democratically elected leader – was sentenced to 20 years in prison in connection with the killing of protesters outside the presidential palace in 2012. The criminal court also found 12 other Muslim Brotherhood leaders and supporters guilty of intimidation and violence, but not murder.

The Egyptian military toppled Morsi in 2013 after millions took to the streets accusing his government of abusing its power. Since then, the government of then army chief and current President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has jailed tens of thousands of Muslim Brotherhood members and supporters.  http://www.voanews.com/content/us-deeply-concerned-over-morsi-death-sentence/2773935.html

Hours after ousted former Egyptian president Mohamad Morsi was given a preliminary death sentence, three judges were killed and another seriously wounded in North Sinai when they were attacked by an armed militia while traveling to a North Sinai court.

No group has yet to claim responsibility for the attack, however the State of Sinai, formerly known as Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis, is considered to be the most active armed group operating in the area, and could be a possible culprit, according to Daily News Egypt. The group often targets those associated with state security and members of the military – and has been been fighting the government in the Sinai since Mr. Morsi’s government was removed from power in July 2013. …

“All the world will pay for this death sentence, will pay for their silence about the sentence, and for betraying the principles of freedom and justice,” Ahmed Ramy Elhofy, a Muslim Brotherhood co-defendant tried in-absentia,  told The Guardian.

The Times of Israel reported, that by carrying out a death sentence for Morsi, Egypt’s government may trigger unrest in cities across the country rather than deterring enlistment in Muslim Brotherhood activities. However, Morsi’s fate will not be decided until after Egypt’s Grand Mufti, the highest Sunni Muslim authority in Egypt, weighs in on the matter on June, 2, and even if he rules in favor of the death penalty, Morsi still has the right to appeal.

Morsi’s death penalty sentence is considered another sign that Egypt is doubling down on Islamist groups even as it fights ISIS-affiliated groups in Libya as well as in its own backyard in the Sinai Peninsula. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2015/0516/President-Morsi-sentenced-to-death-How-will-the-Muslim-Brotherhood-respond-video

As many readers are aware, Dr. Morsi was elected by the people of Egypt and removed by way of a military coup. Dr. Morsi took steps that secularists were opposed to, as well as some that Egypt’s military was opposed to. Egypt has had an ‘interim government’ since Dr. Morsi’s ouster last Summer.

Eventually, the moves against Dr. Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood will backfire. Unrest is likely to ultimately be the result, and those killed by the current Egyptian government will be considered to be martyrs.

Notice also the following prophecy:

1 The burden against Egypt.

Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.

2 “I will set Egyptians against Egyptians; Everyone will fight against his brother, And everyone against his neighbor, City against city, kingdom against kingdom. 3 The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst; I will destroy their counsel, And they will consult the idols and the charmers, The mediums and the sorcerers. 4 And the Egyptians I will give Into the hand of a cruel master, And a fierce king will rule over them,”

Says the Lord, the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 19:1-4)

As I have written before, while the some (or all) of the above is likely to happen after the King of the North invades the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43), it is also possible that massive unrest will happen prior to the final rise of the King of the South. The King of the South may well rise up after massive unrest and fighting in Egypt (Isaiah 19:1-4). The King of the South would be expected to be a ‘fierce king.’ A massive amount of people killed via capital punishment could be a trigger for the rise of the King of the South.

As many readers know, Dr. Morsi and many of his supporters have been members of a group known as the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Muslim Brotherhood wants a pan-national Islamic caliphate ruled by an Imam/Caliph who would rule at least most of North Africa and the Middle East. This appears to be a Sunni Muslim goal and is consistent with the territory that the King of the South of Bible prophecy will lead:

40 At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. (Daniel 11:40-42).

Though Egypt will have issues, the reality is that a confederation will form in the areas near Egypt with a multi-national leader. Egyptian involvement with the final King of the South is prophesied. Despite attempts to silence, kill, jail, etc. supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, a king of the south similar to what the Muslim Brotherhood wants will rise up.

The Muslim Brotherhood is generally NOT considered to be as radical as the so-called Islamic State.  And irrespective of what a group is called, a confederation of nations that are currently predominantly Muslim will arise.  Egyptian government leaders are unknowingly stoking the fire for this, while they think they are putting it out.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
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.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Who were the Nazarene Christians? What did they believe? Should 21st century Christians be modern Nazarenes? Is there a group that exists now that traces its history through the Nazarenes and holds the same beliefs today? Here is a link to a related video sermon Nazarene Christians: Were the early Christians “Nazarenes”?

Israel’s Jerusalem Day

Sunday, May 17th, 2015

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Today, those in Israel celebrate ‘Jerusalem Day’:

May 17, 2015

Today, Israel celebrates 48 years since the reunification of Jerusalem during 1967’s Six Day War.  The day was declared a religious holiday by the Chief Rabbinate in recognition of the miracles that took place during the war.

In 1948, the Jordanians conquered the eastern part of Jerusalem, including its Old City, forcibly expelling its Jewish residents.  For the next 19 years, Jews were denied access to the Western Wall (Kotel), one of the Jewish nation’s most holy prayer sites. The Jordanians destroyed 48 of the 49 historic synagogues within the Old City and desecrated ancient graves located on the Mount of Olives by using them as latrines.

In 1967, Israeli paratroopers liberated the eastern half of the city, making their way to the Kotel at the base of the Temple Mount. Their experiences have inspired song and literature, and a photograph of forces standing at the Wall, taken mere hours later, is one of the city’s most famous images. http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/40198/jerusalem-day-marks-48-years-of-israels-undivided-capital/#YeMQ51ORGazRymeq.99

May 17, 2015

Jerusalem demographic stats released

The Jerusalem Municipality and the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies have published some statistics related to the city, two years ahead of the fiftieth anniversary of its unification. According to the Jerusalem Institute, updated to the end of 2013, Jerusalem has 829,900 inhabitants. Of these, 522,200 (63%) are Jewish and other non-Arabs, whereas 307,600 (37%) are Arabs. Of the Jews, 34% declared themselves to be ultra-Orthodox, 30% are religious, and 36% are secular or ‘traditional’. http://www.haaretz.com/news/israel/.premium-1.656782

Jerusalem Day (Hebrew: יום ירושלים‎, Yom Yerushalayim) is an Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel declared Jerusalem Day a minor religious holiday to thank God for victory in the Six-Day War and for answering the 2,000-year-old prayer of “Next Year in Jerusalem”.

The day is marked by state ceremonies, memorial services for soldiers who died in the battle for Jerusalem, parades through downtown Jerusalem, reciting the Hallel prayer with blessings in synagogues, and saying the Pesukei Dezimra of Sabbath and High Holidays. (Wikipedia, viewed 04/30/2013)

(Now, the timing of this is may seem a little strange from the Roman calendar perspective as the 6 day war was not until the month of June in 1967, but this is the day Israelis have chosen for this particular celebration, based upon the biblical/Hebrew calendar.)

It would not surprise me if at some point, Syria will take overt or covert actions on this date.

Notice something about Jerusalem Day in the past:

Israeli ministers held a special cabinet meeting at Ammunition Hill on Sunday to celebrate Jerusalem Day when the Jewish state captured the Arab eastern sector 45 years ago during the Six-Day War.

Celebrations were lined up throughout the day with formal ceremonies, parties and the annual flag march through east Jerusalem to mark the “reunification” of the city which took place after the 1967 Middle East war.

For Israel, which annexed the eastern sector in a move not recognised by the international community, Jerusalem is its “eternal and undivided capital.” http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/israel-celebrates-45th-jerusalem-day-1.1300267

Despite, the above Israeli assertion about its capital, the Bible shows that it will be taken over in Daniel 11:31-43.

But the main point I would like to make today is to remind people what happened about 48 years ago. Egypt’s leader, Gamal Abdel Nasser, called for the elimination of Israel and wanted to become the leader of the Islamic world–he essentially led the United Arab Command, which included Syria, Jordan, and some other Arab nations. Egypt and Iraq moved their military forces nearer to Israel. Israel seeing the danger, then put together a majority government, and decided to strike the Arabs before they were ready to attack Israel. Israel quickly won the war and got Jerusalem.

Fast forward to the present. Iran’s leaders have called for the elimination of Israel. In 2011, Iran put out a video where it claims that it will take over Jerusalem to prepare the way for the Imam Mahdi to rise up and leader the Islamic world. Iran has made a deal with Syria and some others. Iran has attempted to increase its military power, including nuclear pursuits. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has seen this as dangerous. Many believe Israel will attack Iran before it believes Iran will attack it.

Yet, while if this happens Iran and Syria (cf. Isaiah 17:1) may not end up well, Israel is kidding itself if it feels that it will get off relatively unscathed this time. Unlike the 1960s, Iran and its allies have better equipped militaries, better protected militaries, chemical weapons, biological weapons, longer range missiles, likely dirty bombs, possibly EMP bombs, and also will more likely also use various terrorist tactics.

So, while those in Israel are celebrating today, they should realize that if they do try to take out Iran that this will not be like what happened in 1967. We all should watch (Mark 13:37).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
Israel, 1948, and Prophecy
  Was the formation in 1948 of the nation of Israel prophetically significant? Was this event what Jesus referred to in His “parable of the fig tree”? Are most Israelites in the modern nation of Israel? Are most Jews in that nation? If the prophecies Jeremiah 23:3-6 and Ezekiel 34:13-30 do not point to 1948, when will those prophecies be fulfilled? Are there prophecies that will be fulfilled related to the nation of Israel? What was the first sign that Jesus said would be seen by a particular ‘generation’? When might that have happened? What are the signs that Jesus’ fig tree parable point to?  This is a video.
Messianic Judaism Beliefs Differ from the Continuing Church of God Both groups keep the seventh-day Sabbath, but have important differences in doctrines and practices. Here is a link to a related sermon: Messianic Jewish Beliefs.
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?
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 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.
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.
Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
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.

BibleNewsProphecy: Jade Helm, Captivity, and Prophecy

Sunday, May 17th, 2015

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce our latest video on our Bible New Prophecy YouTube channel:


25:51

Jade Helm 15 is scheduled by the US Army Special Operations Command to be held from July 15 – September 15, 2015. Some are concerned that this is a prelude to martial law and imprisonment of American political dissidents by the Obama Administration. Is there anything to this? Will the USA be one day taken captive? If so, by whom? What does the Bible teach about conspiracies like Jade Helm?

Here is a link to our video: Jade Helm, Captivity, and Prophecy.

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?
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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2022 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 188 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Hillary Clinton and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also discusses Republicans. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Hillary Clinton Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Hopi, and other America-Related Prophecies? $11.99.
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. 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 Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition.
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.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. Two related sermon links would include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries. In Spanish: Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.
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。 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
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.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and other British-descended dominated lands.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God and has articles in español/castellano.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
Bible News Prophecy
channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them at that channel.

Thérèse of Lisieux and Satan’s Plan

Saturday, May 16th, 2015


Therese at age 15

COGwriter

Thérèse of Lisieux was canonized as a ‘Catholic saint’ on May 17, 1925, by Pope Pius XI. She died in 1897. She became quite popular in the 20th century and is still popular now.

Her remains have traveled the world. They have been viewed, adored, worshiped and prayed to by various Catholic in more than 40 nations. Some claim her remains have even restored sight to the blind. A few years ago, about two million turned out to see St. Terese’s remains when they were in Ireland (The Independent, August 23, 2009).

Here is some of what Catholic OnLine reported about her:

Over the years, some modern Catholics have turned away from her because they associate her with over- sentimentalized piety…

Therese became so ill with a fever that people thought she was dying. The worst part of it for Therese was all the people sitting around her bed staring at her like, she said, “a string of onions.” When Therese saw her sisters praying to statue of Mary in her room, Therese also prayed. She saw Mary smile at her and suddenly she was cured. She tried to keep the grace of the cure secret but people found out and badgered her with questions about what Mary was wearing, what she looked like. When she refused to give in to their curiosity, they passed the story that she had made the whole thing up…

Every time Therese even imagined that someone was criticizing her or didn’t appreciate her, she burst into tears. Then she would cry because she had cried! Any inner wall she built to contain her wild emotions crumpled immediately before the tiniest comment. http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=105

Both biblical (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) and non-biblical sources suggest that signs and wonders will deceive many at the end.  I believe that she, partially because of her promoting her false view of Jesus’ mother Mary, but also because of other false doctrines she promoted, has been used a part of Satan’s Plan.

Some of the warnings of the Bible about lying wonders will likely involve apparitions claiming to be Mary as well as people who have claimed to somehow see Mary.

The prevalence of such claims this century even caused the Vatican to issue statements and policies warning against many of them (see Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions).

It needs to be emphasized that just because a Catholic nun claims to have seen Mary and passes on messages, that this does not mean that the messages are from God–and even the Church of Rome teaches that (for some documentation please see Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?).

In August 1895, in her “Canticle to the Holy Face” Thérèse wrote:

“Jesus, Your ineffable image is the star which guides my steps. Ah, You know, Your sweet Face is for me Heaven on earth. My love discovers the charms of Your Face adorned with tears. I smile through my own tears when I contemplate Your sorrows”. (Wikipedia)

This should set off warnings to all as the reality is that she never actually saw Jesus’ face/image, hence to claim that it was an His image that guided her steps would not be correct.

The Apostle John wrote:

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

And that is what all should do. God’s true prophets do not ever claim God told them something and then been shown to have been in error.

Thérèse of Lisieux is popularly known as “The Little Flower of Jesus” or “The Little Flower.”  She was declared a Catholic ‘doctor of the church’ in 1997.

Pope Francis considers that the deceased Thérèse of Lisieux responded to his request for peace through his version of ‘Mary’ back in 2013:

On Sunday 8 September, the day after the long prayer vigil for peace in Syria – when some passages from texts written by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux were read out – Pope Francis received a white rose as a surprise. Francis considers the flower to be a “sign” linked to the devotion of the saint. The Archbishop of Ancona and Osimo, Edoardo Menichelli broke the news, with Francis authorisation…

“The Pope told me he received the freshly-picked white rose out of the blue from a gardener as he was taking a stroll in the Vatican Gardens on Sunday 8 September,” Mgr. Menichelli said. “The Pope sees this flower as a “sign”, a “message” from Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, whom he had turned to in a moment of worry the day before.”…

Bergoglio mentions it in “El Jesuita” (“The Jesuit”), a book interview written by Sergio Rubin and Francesca Ambrogetti when he was still a cardinal. In a description the two journalists give of Bergoglio’s library in Buenos Aires, they write: “We pause before a vase full of white roses standing on a shelf in the library. In front of it is a photograph of Saint Thérèse. “Whenever I have a problem,” Bergoglio explained to the journalists, “I ask the saint not to solve it, but to take it into her hands and to help me accept it and I almost always receive a white rose as a sign.” Pope Francis’ devotion for the Carmelite mystic who died at the young age of 24 in 1897, was canonized by Pius XI  and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by John Paul II in 1997, is common knowledge.  http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/the-vatican/detail/articolo/28151/

We are increasingly learning about supposedly ‘signs’ associated with Pope Francis.  This should give pause to those those in the real Church of God:

24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  25 See, I have told you beforehand. (Matthew 24:24-25; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

Pope Francis is a big promoter of Mary as well as the apparition in Fatima. He consecrated his pontificate to ‘Mary and even further had his pontificate consecrated to the Lady of Fatima (Pope Francis’ pontificate consecrated to ‘Lady of Fatima’).  Now as far as ‘peace’ coming to Syria, what happened back in 2013 is that the USA decided not to intervene militarily because of Syrian use of chemical weapons–this did not lead to peace–instead it got opposition leaders to Syria’s President Assad to turn further away from the USA, and ultimately support a group now calling itself the Islamic State.  Thus, the flower ‘sign’ that Pope Francis allegedly received from Thérèse of Lisieux was not of God.

Thérèse of Lisieux was not a true prophet of God (see How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God), but instead is one of many throughout history that seems to have been used to set people up for the deception that is still going to come (Matthew 24:24) who do not truly have the “love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

Some items of related interest may include:

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?
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception? Did early Christians teach Mary had an immaculate conception and led a sinless life?
Origin of the Marian Dogmas: Where Do Catholic Scholars Say The Four Dogmas of Mary Came From?
Assumption of Mary Did Mary die? Was she taken to heaven on August 15th? What is known? What does the Bible show?
The ‘Lady’ of Guadalupe: Any Future Ramifications? It is claimed that a female apparition appeared near Mexico City on December 12, 1531. How has it affected the world? What might it suggest about the future? A video of related interest is titled: The ‘Lady of Guadalupe’ and Prophecy.
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! provides concerned Christians with enough Catholic-documented facts to effectively counter every false Marian argument. In addition to the print version, there is a Kindle version of Fatima Shock! which you can acquire in seconds.
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
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?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.

Pope Francis calls Palestinian President an ‘angel of peace’

Saturday, May 16th, 2015


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Vatican Pope Francis

COGwriter

Pope Francis called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas an “angel of peace” today:

May 16, 2015

VATICAN CITY— Pope Francis praised Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as an “angel of peace” during a meeting Saturday at the Vatican that underscored the Holy See’s warm relations with the Palestinians.

Francis made the compliment during the traditional exchange of gifts at the end of an official audience in the Apostolic Palace. He presented Abbas with a medallion and explained that it represented the “angel of peace destroying the bad spirit of war.”

Francis said he thought the gift was appropriate since “you are an angel of peace.” During his 2014 visit to Israel and the West Bank, Francis called both Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres men of peace.

Abbas is in Rome for the canonization Sunday of two 19th-century nuns from what was then Ottoman-ruled Palestine. The new saints, Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas, are the first from the region to be canonized since the early days of Christianity.

Abbas on Saturday offered Francis relics of the two new saints.

Church officials are holding up the new saints as a sign of hope and encouragement for Christians in the Middle East at a time when violent persecution from Islamic extremists has driven many Christians from the region of Christ’s birth.

Abbas’ visit also comes days after the Vatican finalized a bilateral treaty with the “state of Palestine” that made explicit its recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The Vatican said it had expressed “great satisfaction” over the new treaty during the talks with the Palestinian delegation. It said the pope, and later the Vatican secretary of state, also expressed hopes that direct peace talks with Israel would resume.

“To this end, the wish was reiterated that with the support of the international community, Israelis and Palestinians may take with determination courageous decisions to promote peace,” a Vatican statement said.

It added that interreligious dialogue was needed to combat terrorism.  http://www.voanews.com/content/pope-calls-abbas-angel-of-peace-during-visit/2771647.html

So, the Vatican wants to take up where the USA failed, but it decided to lavish fairly high praise on the Palestinian President.

Neither Israel nor Hamas seem to see President Abbas that way.  Israel considers that he promotes violence and terror, whereas Hamas contends he is not the legitimate president:

November 3, 2014

Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the Palestinian Authority (PA), openly supported terrorism in a letter of condolence sent to the family of the gunman who tried to assassinate Rabbi Yehudah Glick last week in Jerusalem. Abbas, who is considered a “moderate Palestinian” and a “partner in peace with Israel,” endorsed the acts of Muatez Hijazi, the Islamic Jihad terrorist who attempted to murder Rabbi Glick, and was later shot by Israeli security forces as they tried to arrest him.

Abbas praised Hijazi as a defender of the Palestinians’ rights, and expressed rage at the Israeli security forces who killed him.

“We received with anger the announcement about the despicable crime perpetrated by the gangs of killing and terror in the Israeli occupation army, against [your] son, Muatez Ibrahim Hijazi, who rose to the heavens as a martyr for the defense of the rights of the Palestinian nation and the holy places.” …

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Abbas for the letter, stating that Abbas was responsible for the continuation of the wave of violence: “When we are trying to calm the situation, Abu Mazen [Abbas] sends condolences over the death of one who tried to perpetrate a reprehensible murder. The time has come for the international community to condemn him for such actions.”

Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman supported Netanyahu blasting Abbas for this inflammatory letter of support for terror and murder.

“The letter of support the Chairman of the PA, Abu Mazen, wrote to the family of the terrorist who shot Yehuda Glick is indicative more than anything that Abu Mazen is in fact a partner: a partner to terror, a partner to terrorists, a partner to murderers.Abu Mazen’s despicable letter is an explicit support of terror and an encouragement for additional murders.”

He called on the international community to reject Abbas and denounce him for leading on the violence.  http://unitedwithisrael.org/shocker-abbas-admits-he-supports-terrorists/

January 2015

Senior official Mahmoud Zahar says Palestinian leader should be more concerned with own people, not trying to win sympathy of world leaders. …

The Hamas official also called Abbas illegitimate leader of the Palestinian people as he and his Fatah movement had lost the 2006 election. He noted that Abbas’ legal term as president of the Palestinian Authority had also ended several years ago.  http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4614194,00.html

It is also reported that President Abbas (also known as Abu Mazen) and his family has personally amassed massive wealth through embezzlement and other forms of corruption.

That being said, the West may decide that Pope Francis’ praise may be what is needed to gain credibility with the Palestinians as the West would like to see peace in the region.

Pope Francis’ ecumenical and inter-faith movements are making progress.  The time will come when there is a temporary peace deal in the Middle East. It will be hailed as a massive victory for the world.  Yet, it WILL NOT RESULT IN REAL AND LASTING PEACE. The Bible shows that a certain deal, as explained in Daniel 9:27, will end in destruction. The breaking of the deal in Daniel 9:27 will usher in the start of the Great Tribulation, and the end of the USA (Daniel 11:39). And shortly thereafter (Daniel 11:40), War is Coming Between Europeans and Arabs!

The Bible also tells that the ecumenical/inter-faith movement will also end in destruction (Revelation 18).  Pope Francis is working on both. The Bible tells of a religious power based in the area of Rome that commits ‘fornication’ with the kings of this world (Revelation 17:1-9) and we continue to see more political actions by Pope Francis. Consider also the following scriptures:

14…For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. (Revelation 13:11)

Pope Francis is very popular in the media–they often think he has a righteous message.  Many agree with his inter-faith message, but it will not end up well (cf. Revelation 17-18).

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?
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video of related interest could be Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated Many want Jerusalem. Who does the Bible teach will control Jerusalem? Will the Jews be forced out of Jerusalem and many made captive? What did Jesus teach about this? Are nations even now considering providing the prophesied armies to surround Jerusalem? What is Jerusalem Day? What is Nakba Day? What events should Christians watch in Jerusalem as signs that the Great Tribulation will begin? What is the solution to Jerusalem? This is a video.
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?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White. Here is a link to a prophetic video Six Financial Steps Leading to 666?
The Mark of Antichrist What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?
Mark of the Beast What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? Former Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now Pope Francis. According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? Could Francis be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? Could a Jesuit be “the black pope”?
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
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.

Sermon: Galatians 2 & 3: What Law was Added? What was Abolished?

Saturday, May 16th, 2015


Artist depiction of the Apostle Paul writing his epistles

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce this sermon from its ContinuingCOG channel:


1:10:39

Does doctrine come from just one part of the Bible or do precepts need to be upon precept, and scriptural lines looked at in various books of the Bible? What are the ‘works of the law’? When were they added? Are they still in effect? Which are not? What about the Ten Commandments? What did early leaders who claimed Christianity understand? What about Marcion of Pontus? This is the second part of a multi-part sermon series on the Book of Galatians.

A written article of related interest is titled: Comments on Galatians.

Here is a link to the first part of this video sermon:  Galatians and the False Gospel.

Here is a link to the video sermon: Galatians 2 & 3: What Law was Added? What was Abolished?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Comments on Galatians Did the Apostle Paul do away with God’s law as some claim the Book of Galatians teaches? What is the false gospel? A sermon of related interest is titled What does the Book of Galatians really teach?
Marcion: The First Protestant? Considered to have been an organized heretic, he taught against the Old Testament, the law, and the Sabbath. Some have considered him to be the first Protestant reformer. But was he?
Real Conversion Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion.
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel? Who is preaching the gospel? Here is a version in Korean 복음이란 무엇인가?
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.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! [Português: Esperança do salvação: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes]
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the genuine Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example? Here is a related sermon video: Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong: Reformers with Differences.
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. A related sermon link would be Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.
CCOG.ORG 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 are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. 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。 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
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.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.
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.
Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos as well as some ContinuingCOG channel sermons. It is also available as a mobile app.
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.

Islamic State captures major city in Iraq; Gulf leaders concerned about their security

Friday, May 15th, 2015


Islamic State Fighters

COGwriter

The Islamic State has apparently taken over a provincial capital city in Iraq:

May 15, 2015

BAGHDAD —Islamic State fighters took control of key sites Friday in the heart of Ramadi, capital of Iraq’s largest province, in what appeared to mark a significant blow to a U.S.-backed military campaign to retake territory from the militants.

The Islamic State offensive — which began with ambush-style attacks after sundown Thursday — touched off panicked attempts to flee the city and avoid the militant’s tightening noose on routes to safety.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/isis-gains-control-of-major-iraqi-city/2015/05/15/68a8036c-fb0c-11e4-a47c-e56f4db884ed_story.html

May 15, 2015

Islamic State militants took over the local government compound in the Iraqi city of Ramadi on Friday, raising their black flag over the capital of Anbar province.

An Iraqi parliamentarian told VOA’s Kurdish service the city is not in complete Islamic State control, however. Government forces are believed to still be holding out at a military command center in western Ramadi.

IS fighters used bombs overnight to blast their way into the city center.

The offensive is a blow to government forces, who are fighting on multiple fronts to regain territory claimed by the insurgents and earlier this year took back Tikrit from the militant group.  http://www.voanews.com/content/islamic-state-raises-flag-over-ramadi-iraq/2768913.html

The USA spent a lot of time, money, training, plus lost US lives, in Iraq.  The military of the USA then mainly abandoned Iraq as its political leaders forced them to.  The end result in Iraw has not been as the USA expected.

Many in the Middle East are concerned.  Notice the following:

Obama Reassures Nervous Gulf Partners

Published May 14, 2015

President Obama has told Gulf Arab partners at a Washington summit that the United States will stand by them against external attacks and will deepen security cooperation against threats that include Iran and violent extremists.  http://www.voanews.com/media/video/obama-reassures-nervous-gulf-partners/2768462.html

The fact that those leaders felt that they had to come to Washington to get reassurance suggests that they are having concerns about the depth of USA commitment to the region.  Further, notice the following:

CAMP DAVID, Md. — President Obama on Thursday offered Saudi Arabia and smaller Arab states new support to defend against potential missile strikes, maritime threats and cyberattacks from Iran, calling his commitment to their security “ironclad” in an effort to allay fears that a nuclear accord will empower Tehran, their main rival in the Middle East.

But in a daylong meeting here, Mr. Obama stopped short of offering a formal defense pact that would obligate the United States to come to the nations’ aid if they were attacked. …

“I am reaffirming our ironclad commitment to the security of our gulf partners,” Mr. Obama said at a news conference … But he went on to issue a carefully worded pledge that was far less robust than the mutual defense treaty that the gulf nations had sought. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/15/world/middleeast/obama-saudi-arabia-iran-persian-gulf-security.html?_r=0

Arab leaders did NOT get what they really wanted.  The actions and inactions of the USA are a concern to many, if not all, Arab nations.

The actions by the group calling itself the Islamic State are pushing the US to push for a militarized Arab coalition as well as pushing many Arab leaders to push for a militaristic coalition.  The deal that the USA has been negotiating with Iran has also been a major concern to Arab leaders who are starting to figure out that they need to figure out how to handle military matters with less USA involvement (e.g. the bombing in Iran allies in Yemen by Saudi Arabia).

After this week’s meeting with US President Obama, I believe that the Arabs are more and more coming to the conclusion that they need their own MAJOR military force.

According to biblical prophecy, a military force of Arabs and certain others in the Middle East and North Africa will come to pass–and this force will be led by one called the King of the South in Bible prophecy:

40 “At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. 41 He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train. (Daniel 11:40-43, ESV)

The peoples listed above are mainly located in North Africa and the Middle East. They are in Muslim-dominated lands and include the Arabs and some of the Turks. The Arab League is working on the framework for that type of coalition–and an Arabic coalition with Turkish and Cushite (the word commonly mistranslated as “Ethiopians” is the plural of the word Kuwshiy–it is not a direct reference to the nation known as Ethiopia) involvement will come to pass.

Actions by the Islamic State and negotiations with Iran by the USA are convincing more and more Arab leaders that they need to get together their own military confederation.  Such a confederation is in the beginning stages of forming now, but will come to pass.   However, the Bible shows it WILL NOT end well for many of those who will be involved in it (Ezekiel 30:2-8; Daniel 11:40-43).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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. Others have many misunderstandings about him. 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
Obama Administration Pushing for an Islamic Empire? Because of the rise of groups such as the Islamic State, the Obama Administration and others are pushing for a coalition of Arab nations along with Turkey. Does this resemble the final King of the South of Bible prophecy? Is there an Islamic antichrist? Does the Bible teach that terrorism and the sword will affect the USA and some of its allies? What does the Bible teach in Ezekiel about a confederation involving Egypt? Will an Arabic confederation end in destruction for those who strongly support it? Are the 10 nations in the Arab coalition the ten kings of Revelation 17:12-13? Are the 10 nations including the USA and Turkey the ten nations of Revelation 17:12-13? Who is? Was the pushing of the Obama Administration to do this predicted by in 2009 in a writing by Dr. Thiel? What does the Bible show? 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.
Differences Between Islam and the Continuing Church of God What are some of the main differences? Are there any similarities?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
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.
Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
The 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.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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.

California senate votes to remove ‘personal beliefs’ vaccination waiver

Friday, May 15th, 2015


COGwriter

Similar to what has been proposed in Australia (see Vaccinations, Money, California, and Australia), the California State Senate has voted to remove personal choice when it comes to vaccination of school children:

May 15, 2015

SACRAMENTO –  California parents who do not vaccinate their children would have to home-school them under a bill passed Thursday by the state Senate, the latest move in a battle between public health officials and “anti-vaxxers” who fear vaccines are dangerous.

The bill, which eliminates the so-called personal beliefs exemption allowing parents to forego vaccinations if opposed to them for any reason, was introduced after a measles outbreak at Disneyland last year that sickened more than 100 people.

“The personal beliefs exemption is endangering the public,” said Democratic state Senator Richard Pan, a pediatrician and co-author of the bill. The measure still allows children to attend school without vaccinations for medical reasons. …

Under the bill, which still must be approved by the Assembly, unvaccinated children who do not have a medical exemption would have to study at home or in organized, private home-schooling groups. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/05/15/california-senate-votes-to-end-beliefs-waiver-for-school-vaccinations/

How is the public endangered by allowing a personal beliefs exemption?

Well, since according to pro-vaccine advocates vaccines improve defense against various pathogens, the ‘public’ that gets said vaccinations should be ‘safe’ according to basic pro-vaccine theory.  However, they also believe that over 92% of the public needs to be vaccinated or vaccinations do not ‘work’ well enough.

Using the Disneyland example is odd as it is commonly believed that foreign tourists brought the measles with them, thus this was not caused by the unvaccinated. Sadly, many are following the advice of vaccination advocate Hillary Clinton, who publicly stated in 2009, while US Secretary of State, to “never waste a good crisis” (Harrison P. Never waste a good crisis, Clinton says on climate. Reuters, March 7, 2009).  Or in other words, when people are distracted by a crisis, pass laws that the people otherwise would not support. Certain politicians in California and elsewhere lately seem to have followed that ‘advice.’

As far as measles goes, the following might be of interest:

May 14, 2015

There may be many people who think as I did, that tens of thousands of people died yearly from the measles in the United States before the measles vaccine was introduced. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website reads, “In the decade before 1963 when a vaccine became available, nearly all children got measles by the time they were 15 years of age. It is estimated 3 to 4 million people in the United States were infected each year. Also each year an estimated 400 to 500 people died, 48,000 were hospitalized, and 4,000 suffered encephalitis (swelling of the brain) from measles.”

That means that the vast majority survived the measles, and many acquired lifetime immunities and possibly stronger immune systems. No need to vaccinate. Surely with today’s medicine, the 400 to 500 deaths could have been reduced.

Instead, the medical establishment decided to spend millions to vaccinate and re-vaccinate hundreds of millions of people, which carries additional risks. http://www.newsday.com/opinion/letters/letter-vaccines-add-new-kinds-of-risks-1.10436485

Australia and California are not the only places taking steps against personal liberty.  Notice what happened in Vermont earlier this week:

MONTPELIER – The Vermont House on Tuesday repealed the state’s decades-old philosophical exemption to mandatory school vaccinations.

Lawmakers voted 85 to 57 on a House amendment by Rep. Paul Poirier, I-Barre, to H. 98 that removes the exemption but sets back the effective date to July 2016. …The state also allows exemptions for medical and religious reasons, which will be unaffected by passage of the bill. http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2015/05/12/house-repeals-philosophical-exemption-vaccines/27207235/

At least Vermont is allowing the religious exemption–it is not clear that California intends to do that, though it might.

It needs to be pointed out that vaccines do pose risks themselves.  Some peoples’ immune systems are not bolstered by them and some others have negative reactions.  Actually, I received a telephone call from a Canadian woman on Tuesday where she told me how her son started to have major health problems (infantile spasms) after he was vaccinated decades ago–and that he was still having seizure problems now that the vaccinations triggered.

Years back, the fairly pro-vaccine publication Consumer Reports mentioned that that vaccinations seem to increase the probability of developing asthma.  Others have pointed out the massive increase in autism rates–though many have disputed that vaccines could have caused that, the reality is that the autism rates have gone way up.

Let again state that having met with health officials in California, including giving testimony about two decades back before the Assembly Health committee, I have seen first hand how certain decisions appear to be made, and money and political considerations are normally more important than health and true public welfare.

Of course, vaccines per se are not a massive doctrinal issue, but the trend this year is to reduce rights of parents and others who have concerns about them. Much of the world is moving towards a more totalitarian government–and moving away from religious freedom.

And while I believe it will take the rise of the final European Beast power to make that happen worldwide (as the Bible shows that all the world will be involved in his religious worship per Revelation 13:4,8), even the American and Anglo-Saxon nations are taking more and more steps pointing to that direction.

As mentioned before, one candidate for US President, Hillary Clinton, once stated that giving vaccinations was one of the three most important things needed to be a good parent (see also Hillary Clinton in Prophecy). Yet, teaching the word of God and being a proper example is what parents are biblically supposed to do (see also Five Rules for Effective Parenting), but Mrs. Clinton did not say that.

Also as mentioned before, my wife and I did not vaccinate any of our three children. Nor have she or I had any vaccines in adulthood despite traveling to various countries around the world.

Am I saying that all vaccinations are necessarily wrong?

No.

But I also do not believe that one must intentionally expose oneself or ones’ children to the pathogens and other elements involved with vaccines. Nor do I believe that vaccines should be mandated to parents. Vaccines are not going to save society. Decades ago, the late Ernest Martin wrote:

Leading doctors have warned that there is no substitute for clean living – that drugs cannot nullify the damage done by wanton breaking of all health laws – and that wholesale vaccinations can weaken man’s overall natural resistance to disease. But as long as we appear to be well, almost no one gives these warnings a second thought.(Martin E. Will we ever learns? Plain Truth, August 1965)

Turning from sin, eating only what is good, and obeying sanitary principles in the Bible are more effective than vaccines. But most political leaders will not truly advocate all of that.

Various parts of the world are taking bigger risks mandating vaccines and reducing religious freedoms than the proponents realize.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
Five Rules for Effective Parenting Do you know that there are five simple rules that can make you a more effective parent? Here is a link to a version in Mandarin Chinese 五条简单有效的子女养育规则. There is also a 12 1/2 minute English language YouTube video on this, also titled Five Rules for Effective Parenting.
What Psychologists do not Know About Child Rearing This is an article by Herbert Armstrong that was used as the introduction to the pdf booklet The Plain Truth About Child Rearing.
The Plain Truth About Child Rearing This is a pdf booklet that the old WCG put out.
Hillary Clinton in Prophecy Prophecy, Hillary Clinton? Are there prophecies that Hillary Clinton may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that she has already helped fulfill? Could Hillary Clinton be apocalyptic? Could Hillary Clinton be the final Antichrist? A video of related interest is titled Hillary Clinton and Bible Prophecy.
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?
GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here is a related YouTube video GMO Risks and the Bible.
Chimeras: Has Science Crossed the Line? What are chimeras? Has science crossed the line? Does the Bible give any clues?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 188 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Hillary Clinton and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also discusses Republicans. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Hillary Clinton Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Hopi, and other America-Related Prophecies? $11.99.

Nakba Day and Jerusalem

Friday, May 15th, 2015

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Each year thousands of Palestinians rally in Jerusalem to celebrate ‘Nakba Day.’  This year, with this week’s official recognition of the state of Palestine by the Vatican, they probably believe that they have more to celebrate.

Here is a report about some observances related to it:

May 13, 2015

In a massive protest march, thousands of Palestinians marched Wednesday, to late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat’s square in Ramallah, to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the Nakba which befell the Palestinian people in 1948. …

The events featured speeches delivered by key Palestinian officials, in addition to national musical performances by Palestinian traditional troupes. Protestors with Palestinian Keffiyeh draped around their shoulders hung up big banners stressing the Palestinian refugees’ internationally-recognized right to return to their homes they were expelled from and condemning the Nakba. Similar events were organized across the West Bank districts. http://www.imemc.org/article/71572

May 15, 2014

Palestinians mark ‘Nakba’ day amid violence

Israeli troops kill two Palestinians during a Nakba day demonstration near the West Bank city of Ramallah. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/05/palestinians-mark-nakba-day-amid-violence-2014515123517302113.html

People hold torches as Palestinians hold a rally to commemorate the 1948 creation of the Israeli state, known in Arabic as “Nakba Day,” or “Day of the Catastrophe”

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Tens of thousands of Palestinians took to the streets in the West Bank and Gaza on Wednesday to mark the 65th anniversary of their mass displacement during the war over Israel’s 1948 creation.

Every May 15, Palestinians commemorate the “nakba,” or “catastrophe” — the term they use to describe the displacement. Hundreds of thousands fled or were driven out during the fighting…

The Israeli military said Palestinian protesters across the West Bank threw rocks at soldiers who responded with tear gas. Palestinians hurled a fire bomb at a military vehicle near Hebron, causing it to overturn and injuring four soldiers, the military said. Gaza militants fired a rocket into southern Israel that exploded in an open field causing no injuries, the military said.

Sirens wailed at noon in the West Bank for 65 seconds, the number of years since 1948. Thousands marched in Ramallah from the grave of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to the city center. Many wore black in a sign of mourning, holding Palestinian flags and large keys symbolizing the homes they left behind.

“The right of return will not die,” chanted the protesters. http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Palestinians-mark-their-1948-displacement-4517149.php

On May 17th, there is to be an Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967, called Jerusalem Day. So, both the Jews and the Palestinians observe something related to who is controlling the city.

So there is a real social division in Jerusalem. A formal political division may also come.

The Bible also suggests that Jerusalem will be divided (although this could be more of a Palestinian vs. Catholic division or one between Beast supporters and non-supporters as it is to occur during the Day of the Lord):

1 Behold, the day of the Lord is coming,
And your spoil will be divided in your midst.

2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;
The city shall be taken,
The houses rifled,
And the women ravished.
Half of the city shall go into captivity,
But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:1-2)

The longstanding conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, the current conflict between Iran and Israel, the unrest in Syria and the Muslim Brotherhood, and other Islamists rising up in the Middle East, combined with European/United Nations/USA views are setting the stage for the dividing of Jerusalem in the 21st century. And based upon other prophecies about the Gentiles controlling Jerusalem for a certain period (e.g. Revelation 11:2), it suggests that it will be the Israelis that will ultimately be taken captive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As far as Jerusalem being “surrounded by armies,” like some previous USA presidents, about three years ago, USA President Barack Obama proposed something just like that (see Will Obama’s Plan Have Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies?). Biblical prophecy will be fulfilled.

Various rallies by the Palestinians shows that they remain committed to Jerusalem. To a degree, some in the international community will support them.

We all should watch (Mark 13:37).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
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?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The 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?
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.
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.