Church of God News

Donald Tusk, President of the European Council

COGwriter

An agreement between certain European and Greek leaders was reached:

July 13, 2015

PARIS—After 17-hours of negotiations in Brussels, eurozone leaders reached a deal that would see Greece enact difficult reforms in return for a massive new bailout.

But the agreement reached by Greece and the other 18 eurozone members is by no means a done deal.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras must now get his country’s parliament to approve tough new austerity measures by Wednesday.

Tsipras must also sell the measures to a Greek public who rejected less stringent bailout terms in a referendum just the week before.

 

Several eurozone members, including Germany, one of the biggest skeptics of a new deal, must also seek parliamentary approval just to start negotiations on a new assistance package for Athens.

But leaders, starting with European Union President Donald Tusk, hailed the accord.

“The decision gives Greece a chance to get back on track with the support of European parliaments. It also avoids the social, economic and political consequences that a negative outcome would have brought,” Tusk said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said after Greek parliament approved the conditions, she would recommend “in full confidence” that German lawmakers approve the deal.

Merkel said there was a broad array of supports, which, if implemented, would pave the way for Greece to return to growth, but it would be a long and difficult path.

Tsipras faces some difficult days ahead as he seeks approval at home.

The new austerity demands come in return for a new three-year, $95 billion bailout agreement for Athens.

Tsipras said his team had fought a tough battle, but he had to make some tough decisions to avoid a harsher outcome.  Without an agreement, Greece risked bankruptcy and a possible exit from the eurozone.  http://www.voanews.com/content/greece-europe-making-progress-for-bailout-deal/2859251.html

The EU wants to help Greece, Greece wants the help, but difficulties remain.

The European Union wants Greece to be part of the Eurozone. It does not want Greece to possibly turn to Russia for financial assistance. This situation is tough for the Germans and the Greeks. The Germans feel that they have lent Greece money in good faith and that they are not being paid back as agreed, while the Greeks feel that they have sacrificed enough.

Here is a report related to what Greece needs to do as part of the agreement:

July 13, 2015

Here is a look at what Greece must do:

— Request continued support from the International Monetary Fund after its current IMF program expires in early 2016.

— Streamline consumer tax and broaden the tax base to increase revenue. Laws on this are due by Wednesday.

— Multiple reforms to the pension system to make it financially viable. Initial reforms are due by Wednesday, others by October.

— Safeguard the independence of the country’s statistics agency.

— Introduce laws by Wednesday that would ensure “quasi-automatic spending cuts” if the government misses its budget surplus targets.

— Overhaul the civil justice system by July 22 to make it more efficient and reduce costs.

— Carry out product market reforms that include allowing stores to open on Sundays, broadening sales periods, opening up pharmacy ownership, reforming the bakeries and milk market and opening up closed and protected professions, including ferry transport.

— Privatize the electricity transmission network operator unless alternative measures with the same effect can be found.

— Overhaul the labor market. This includes reviewing collective bargaining, industrial action and collective dismissal regulations.

— Tackle banks’ non-performing loans and strengthen bank governance.

— Significantly increase the privatization program, transferring 50 billion euros worth of Greek assets to an independent fund, based in Greece, to carry out the privatizations.

— Modernize, strengthen and reduce the costs of Greek administration, with a first proposal to be provided by July 20.

— Allow members of the three institutions overseeing Greece’s reforms — the European Central Bank, IMF and European Commission, previously known as the ‘troika’ — to return to Athens. The government must consult with the institutions on all relevant draft legislation before submitting it to public consultation or to parliament.

— Re-examine, with a view to amend, legislation passed in the last six months that is deemed to have backtracked on previous bailout commitments.  http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/07/13/look-at-key-points-in-agreement-between-greece-and-its-eurozone-partners/

One idea that had been floated, but is not listed above, is basically that Greece would pledge some of its islands as collateral.  Notice a report claiming that the deal will make Greece a colony of the northern Europeans:

July 13, 2015

Tsipras insisted he had fought “a righteous battle” to secure the deal. He predicted that the “great majority of Greek people will support this effort”.

But after sacrificing most of his election promises to keep the country in the euro, the novice premier’s political survival could be at stake, despite his high popularity.

Labour Minister Panos Skourletis, a former Tsipras spokesman, predicted Monday that the government would lose its majority in parliament and have to hold elections later this year.

“There is now an issue of government majority (in parliament)…. I see (elections) in 2015, it’s imperative,” Skourletis told state TV ERT.

‘Debt colony’

The Iskra website, which echoes the views of Tsipras’s chief party opponent, eurosceptic Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, did not pull its punches either.

“After 17 hours of ‘negotiations’, the leaders of eurozone states reached a humiliating agreement for Greece and the Greek people,” the website said.

Greece would become a “debt colony” in a “German-supervised EU,” the hardline leftist outlet said.

According to reports, Tsipras is considering reshuffling his cabinet to axe Lafazanis and a few other anti-euro hardliners. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/greece-crisis-bailout-talks-break-down-as-grexit-looms-closer/story-e6frg8zx-1227439431890

So, it would seem that many in Greece will not love this deal, and some in Germany will be disappointed with the lack of tangible assets.

The government of Alex Tsipras finally seems to realize that the Europeans/Germans have been subsidizing their nation for some time and that lack of subsidy will hurt.   (Of course, most Americans do not realize how much they have been subsidized and big problems will hit the USA because of it per Habakkuk 2:6-8.)

There will be difficulties in Greece. Notice something from the Wall Street Journal:

July 13, 2015

Greeks gave a mixed reaction Monday to news that Mr. Tsipras had reached a deal with lenders that includes punishing austerity measures that go far beyond the ones overwhelmingly rejected in a July 5 referendum.

Mr. Tsipras now finds himself in a surreal position politically. The new deal —in which Greece would receive bailout money totaling up to €86 billion ($96 billion) in exchange for heavily opposed reforms such as pension cuts and VAT hikes—represents a spectacular U-turn for Mr. Tsipras, who was swept into office in January on an antiausterity platform.

Now, he must back tougher versions of the measures he has vehemently disavowed for months. And to get the new package through Greece’s parliament by Wednesday, as required by Greece’s creditors, he must rely on backing from political opponents, rather than his own left-wing Syriza party. http://www.wsj.com/articles/tsipras-faces-hard-sell-of-bailout-to-parliament-1436792673

Every day of delay in the agreement would seem to mean a delay in Greece getting funds and funding, so ‘necessity’ may get this through the Greek parliament.  And on the European side, the leaders there are likely pleased that Greece will now not have to turn to Russia or China and away from Europe.

I still expect to see more civil unrest in Greece, as well as parts of Europe that civil unrest would seem to be almost unheard of, before Europe more fully comes together.

As regular readers of this news page are aware, the Bible is clear that the final European Beast power will be a mixture of of weak and strong parties that do not adhere particularly well together per Daniel 2:41-43. But it will adhere for a time and the end result will be that the Beast power will arise and surprise many (Revelation 13:1-4).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a link to a related sermon titled Germany in Bible Prophecy. Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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.
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?

Michelangelo’s Imagined Depiction of Joel

COGwriter

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

Do you know much about what he was inspired by God to write?

Here is how the Book of Joel starts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is something from Joel chapter 2:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Dreams, the Bible, and the Continuing Church of God Does God still use dreams? Did He use any involving those in the Continuing Church of God?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Weather Blessings and Sorrows Are weather problems a warning? What should be done? What does the Bible teach about weather? What about floods, droughts, heat, earthquakes, tornadoes, and solar storms? Here is a related YouTube video Does God Use Weather? A related item in the Spanish language would be Bendiciones y maldiciones del clima.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it? Here is a link to a related sermon video The Unpardonable Sin and the Prodigal Son.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
Elijah: Past and Prophesied Information about the original Elijah and some information about the Elijah-related prophecies.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets, yet many overlook what the Bible teaches about how to recognize a true one. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? This article contains a scripture-based checklist to assist with this determination.
How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God This is a sermon on YouTube addressing a subject that most in the Church of God do not seem to have looked into very much. It discusses scriptures and dispels some improper assertions that some associated with the COG have made about prophets in this time.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.

US ‘Bill of Rights’

COGwriter

A reader sent me the following:

July 12, 2015

U.S. Has Established a State Religion: What Now for Christians?

By Fay Voshell

The rainbow colors lighting up the White House immediately after the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage seem to indicate loyalty to a new flag of faith that signifies supremacy over the traditional stars and stripes of the American flag — or any other flag, including the Christian banner.

The acts of our president and the decision of the Supreme Court are strong indications the current administration and SCOTUS are disregarding entirely the First Amendment and are setting up a state religion based on sexual identity politics.  Their actions endorse a cult characterized by an extraordinarily reductionist view of the human being, who is now to be defined only in terms of sexual inclination and practice.  Absolute sexual “freedom” now heads up a new Bill of Rights.

Now the federal government will proceed to do everything possible to promulgate the new faith.

Some may protest, saying the Left’s promulgation of the LGBT movement as well as the federal government’s endorsement of the special interest group has been and still is about civil rights.

Not so.

The extremists of the LGBT movement display all the characteristics of a cult-like religion, including opposing critical thinking, severely penalizing any opposition, demanding complete and unwavering acceptance of its doctrines, putting loyalty to the cult above family and any other institution, including the Church, disallowing any member the right to change one’s mind and leave or seek change without dire consequences, as well as essentially demanding complete capitulation of conscience of doubtful converts.

Just as importantly, the LGBT movement deals with ultimate questions belonging to theology. The movement holds to theological doctrines concerning the nature of the human being, sexual identity and behavior, the definition of marriage, the family and the place of children, the role of government, and the transformation of traditional American institutions and documents adhering to Christian principles, particularly the Church — and the US Constitution. It has set itself up as a new sexual orthodoxy that usurps the place of orthodox Christianity and Judaism.

In brief, the establishment of the new state orthodoxy, the genesis of which can be found in ancient pagan phallic cults, is the culmination of several generations of efforts to displace Christianity and Judaism in America. Now that the modern sexual creed is woven into the very fabric of the executive and judicial branches, both will accelerate attempts to promulgate the sex cult, increasingly targeting Orthodox Christians and Jews.

… You are anti-government and a threat to civil society. Justified oppression awaits you.

The new state sanctioned cult also has its litmus tests.

“Will you or will you not bake a cake for our gay wedding and thus participate in a service of a faith that is in diametrically opposed to your own beliefs?”  No?  You are fined $135,000 and must obey a gag order.

“You object to having your sixth grade daughter fitted with an IUD?”  You must adhere to a strange morality diametrically opposed to the tenets of our cult.  You are a Christian? Your parental rights and your consciences are overruled by what your little girl and we choose.

“You don’t want your children to receive lessons on anal sex and incest?  You object to your school’s goal to teach students about homosexual, bisexual, and transgender identity?”  You probably should be visited by Social Services.

Very importantly, the new passwords and litmus tests of the new American state religion will make it relatively easy for a tyrannous United States government to persecute and prosecute the Christian Church, raiding it for its wealth by taxation and eventually seizing its assets, much as Henry VIII confiscated the wealth of the monasteries when he made himself the supreme head of the Church of England.

All that has to be done is to apply the sex cult’s litmus test to pastors and the congregants: “Will you marry same sex couples?” An answer in the negative will automatically make the church and every member within an enemy of the state and therefore worthy of exploitation of assets and, ultimately, complete destruction.

Hyperbole?  Scarcely. Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2015/07/us_has_established_a_state_religion_what_now_for_christians.html#ixzz3fgZaTYzm

Does the above sound far fetched to you?

Sadly, it should not.

The USA has changed.

Here is what its Bill of Rights states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The above used to be interpreted to mean that USA residents could practice their faiths and speak what they thought about issues or morality and religion.  This is no longer the case.

Notice what Hillary Clinton, former US Senator and former US Secretary of State, said this past Spring:

Hillary Clinton: Religious Beliefs Must Be Changed to Achieve Social Justice

In a fiery speech Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton argues that deep seated religious beliefs must be changed so that everyone can enjoy full participation in every aspect of society. …

Clinton, after discussing the pressing social justice issues of domestic violence and women’s reproductive health, said:

Laws have to be backed up with resources and political will. And deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed.

As I have said and as I believe, the advancement of the full participation of women and girls in every aspect of their societies is the great unfinished business of the 21st century and not just for women but for everyone — and not just in far away countries but right here in the United States.

Clinton’s astute observation was met with thunderous applause. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2015/04/hillary-clinton-religious-beliefs-must-be-changed-to-achieve-social-justice/#sthash.2ToNHTaz.dpuf

She and others want a state religion.

The USA is no longer a land with true freedom of religion.

The time will come when there will be a famine of the word per Amos 8:11-12 (watch also the short video Famine of the Word?).  We are seeing more and more steps leading to this.

Pope Francis

COGwriter

Pope Francis has been in South America.  Here are some reports about that:

July 12, 2015

On the final day of his Apostolic Visit to Paraguay, Pope Francis visited the people of Bañado Norte, at the chapel of St. John the Baptist. Bañado Norte is one of the poorest areas in the country where the Catholic Church is present. There is one local parish, Sagrada Familia (Holy Family), comprised of 13 chapels across the area where residents attend Mass. http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-francis-faith-brings-us-closer-together

July 12, 2015

Pope Francis has called for world leaders to battle corruption and unbridled capitalism in order to help the poor. 

It is the second time during his current trip to South America that the Pontiff used a major speech to champion the rights of the poor. …

He said those charged with promoting economic development must ensure it had ‘a human face’ and he blasted ‘the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose.’ 

He added: ‘Corruption is the plague, it’s the gangrene of society.’ 

The speech came after Francis made similar comments in Bolivia on Thursday where he urged the downtrodden to change the world economic order.  …

He denounced a ‘new colonialism’ by agencies that impose austerity programmes and calling for the poor to have the ‘sacred rights’ of labour, lodging and land.

After the speech and in a rare occurrence, the leader of a gay rights group took part in the gathering of 4,000 people at the invitation of local Catholic bishops.

Simon Cazal, director of SomosGay said: ‘I left with the impression that the pope really wants to change things.’ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3157848/Pope-rails-against-unbridled-capitalism-idolatry-money.html#ixzz3fghrTqjB

July 12, 2015

Pope Francis has again brought a message of hope for the poor and revival of charges by the believers in unregulated capitalism that we have a pope who is communist. In his current tour of Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay he has called for a new world economic order saying that the “goods of the Earth” are meant for everyone and must not be exploited by the wealthy few for short term profit at the expense of the poor.

The pope confronted this issue in an interview when he said: “ …land, housing, and work are increasingly unavailable to the majority of the world’s population …if I talk about this some will think the Pope is a communist…They don’t understand that love for poor is at the center of the Gospel. Demanding this is not unusual, it’s the social doctrine of the Church.”

In an interview in Rome less than two weeks ago, the pope said: “When at the core of the system we don’t have men but money, when money becomes an idol, men and women become nothing more than instruments of a social system dominated by profound balances.” …

In this trip to South America, Pope Francis has called unbridled capitalism as the “ Dung of the Devil.”  http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2015/07/12/1476055/pope-francis-communist

What religious leader is not against corruption?  While on the surface the Pope’s word are what a ‘lamb’ may say, could it be part of the speech of a dragon (Revelation 13:11)?

Saw a video on YouTube today that claims that Pope Francis basically was calling for a revolution for his ‘new world order’ in his Laudato Si encyclical (information on the encyclical itself is in the video Laudato Si: Pope’s Agenda or Kingdom of God?).  Calling for the downtrodden to change the system would seem consistent with the call for a revolution.

So far, Pope Francis has repeatedly made statements about the poor, but has not done much that seems tangible that way.

Notice that financial pressures will be something that the Antichrist is associated with:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Revelation 13:16-17)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But is it possible that before the Beast rises up that the Antichrist will use material items for bait?

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

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

Nor do I believe the Vatican will limit its support to Europe–parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia would likely benefit. The Church of Rome has a lot of worldly wealth–it is a version of that church that is being discussed above in Revelation.

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

When he spoke to the people of Bañado Norte today, he told the poorest Catholic parish:

I want to be your neighbor. I want to bless your faith, your hands and your community. http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-s-address-to-people-of-banado-norte

Pope Francis must be aware that the Bible teaches:

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:15-17)

Someday, he or another pontiff, will decide that on this point that they should walk the walk and not simply talk the talk.

I suspect the time will come when the Vatican will actually sell/give away/pledge some of its wealth to influence world events and affect communities. Pope Francis has been hinting of this for over two years, so at some point in time, he probably intends to take action to match his rhetoric. This will increase his popularity with the media, European leaders, and others in the world.

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

The Pope wants unity among the world’s religions and nations while pushing his economic views. Putting the Vatican’s ‘money where his mouth is’ could be something that he will do to try to support that.

Some items of related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis?
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.
Sunday and Christianity Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? Who clearly endorsed Sunday? What relevance is the first or the “eighth” day?
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
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?
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?
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?
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis I 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 I be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? This is a YouTube video.
The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would seem to be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
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. [Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja do deus?]
The Last Pope Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Why might Pope Francis be the last pope? What happens if he is? Biblical and other prophecies help explain what to expect.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Amazon Book What does the Bible say about a pope near this time? Is the final pope to be an antipope and antichrist? Does Catholic prophecy point to Pope Francis as being the dreaded “Peter the Roman”? This 186 page book provides information and answers.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle This electronic version of the printed book which 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 The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle.

COGwriter

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

22:51

Princess Charlotte, Infant Baptism, and Holy Water

The baptism of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge was July 5, 2015. She was just two months old. ‘Holy water’ from the Jordan river was flown in. A special baptismal font was used, and ‘godparents’ were part of this. Was this a truly biblical thing to do? Did early Christians use ‘holy water’, sprinkle for baptism, or baptize infants? What about Polycarp of Smyrna? Dr. Thiel cites the Bible and historical records to answer these questions.

A written article of related interest is titled: Princess Charlotte, ‘Holy Water,’ and Infant Baptism.

Here is a link to our video: Princess Charlotte, Infant Baptism, and Holy Water.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Baptism, the Early Church, and the Continuing Church Was it by immersion? Did it include infants? Does Polycarp prove infant baptism? Here is a link to some information in the Spanish language: Bautismo de infantes o bendición de los niños pequeños. A related sermon video is titled Baptism: What is it and how should it be done?
Did Real Christians Practice Nude Baptism? This is not a joke. Find out what was taught in the second and later centuries.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Real Conversion Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion.
False Conversion Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this article on this important subject.
All About Water Baptism What is baptism? Would you like to know more about it. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. As far as early history, see also Baptism and the Early Church.
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.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.
Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos. It is also available as a mobile app.
Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them at that channel.

US Military Helicopter over Nangahar Province, Afghanistan

COGwriter

Voice of America reported the following:

July 11, 2015

The head of the so-called Islamic State group in Afghanistan, Hafiz Saeed Khan, has been killed in a drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s intelligence agency said 30 other members of the group also died in the strike Friday in Achin district.

Haseeb Sediqi, spokesman for the National Directorate for Security, called Khan “the so-called Ameer of Khurasan province from Daesh group.”

Daesh is another term for the Islamic State group.

‘Major impact’

The death, along with the killings of three other top commanders last week, will have a “major impact” on the group’s activities, Sediqi said.

“We will feel a considerable decrease and disruption in their activities,” he said.

The three commanders killed last week included Islamic State group military commander Gul Zaman; his deputy, Jahadyar, and Shahidullah Shahid, a former spokesman of the Pakistani Taliban who was ousted by them when he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, Sediqi said.

The Pentagon confirmed Friday that the U.S. conducted two drone strikes on July 6 and 7 but did not confirm who was killed in the strikes.

Sediqi said Afghans considered three factors when they decided to call on international allies for a drone strike to kill Khan, rather than sending in their own forces: effectiveness, speed and minimizing collateral damage through a precision airstrike.

Concentration of IS

The Islamic State group has shown a considerable concentration of fighters in the Nangarhar province lately and many airstrikes conducted in the last month have targeted groups of up to 20 people.  http://www.voanews.com/content/head-of-islamic-state-in-afghanistan-killed/2857940.html

Some in Afghanistan think what the USA has done will really help defeat the Islamic State there:

July 11, 2015

Officials in Afghanistan said Saturday that recent U.S. airstrikes it assisted destroyed the top leadership of a fledgling local affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), potentially striking a major blow to an insurgent group already targeted by local Taliban fighters.

While U.S. officials declined to confirm it, Afghan authorities said an American airstrike Friday killed ISIS affiliate leader Hafeez Sayeed and more than 30 other militants.

That comes after Afghan officials earlier said another U.S. airstrike killed the affiliate’s second-highest official, Gul Zaman, and six others, including a former Pakistani Taliban spokesman named Shahidullah Shahid who earlier had joined the group.

“With the killings of Hafiz Sayeed, Gul Zaman and Shahidullah Shahid, who were the high-profile figures of Daesh in Afghanistan, we have destroyed the base of ISIS,” said Abdul Hassib Sediqi, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security, using two alternate names for the militant group.  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/afghanistan-says-u-s-strikes-destroy-isis-branch/

The Bible tells of a time that a leader of nations that are now predominantly Islamic will arise.  He is called the King of the South in Daniel 11:40.  He will make various deals with the West (cf. Daniel 11:27; Psalm 83:4-8), but eventually be involved in a direct war with Europe, which he will lose (Daniel 11:40-43).

Despite the fact that the group calling itself a caliphate and the Islamic State, I have written since they had much notoriety that its leader would NOT be the prophesied (see ISIL declares itself ‘Islamic State’ and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as caliph).

The ‘Islamic State’ was upset enough of the Muslim countries, that they will not support its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Most of the Islamic world is unified in its desire to be rid of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his group.  The same can be true for the Europeans, Americans, and Russians.

US military successes, at times, are expected.

That being said, the very existence of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s Islamic State is encouraging the Arab nations and others to consider forming a lasting confederation, consistent with those that the Bible warns will end in disaster in Ezekiel 30:2-8 and Daniel 11:40-43.  However, since the Islamic world does not interpret those passages like we in the Continuing Church of God do, many Muslims are determined to form such a group.  Lke the ‘Islamic State’ they would like the group to be an Islamic caliphate–just with a less extreme interpretation of Islam.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq?  What about the Islamic State? Is Iraq the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? A related video is Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in Prophecy What is ahead for North Africa? What does the Bible teach?
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation logo

COGwriter

Certain of the Gentile nations are coming closer together, with the intent to establish a new international order:

July 11, 2015

The five countries that make up the Brics account for nearly half of the world’s population, and now they officially have their own bank.

At their annual summit last week, leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa said that their New Development Bank is getting ready to lend after years of haggling. http://online.barrons.com/articles/brics-create-their-own-imf-1436593683

July 11, 2015

BEIJING, July 11 (Xinhua) — Countries need not to be alarmed by an expanding Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), for a bigger SCO will play a bigger role in helping preserve global stability and prosperity.

Leaders of SCO member states — China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — gathered this week in Ufa, Russia, to chart the course of future cooperation amid growing economic and security challenges in the region.

A SCO Development Strategy until 2025 was approved, setting targets and tasks for the next decade.

However, the highlight of the summit came Friday as leaders ratified a resolution on initiating the inclusion of India and Pakistan as full members of the bloc.

Belarus was also elevated to the status of observer from dialogue partner, and Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal were accepted as dialogue partners. http://www.globalpost.com/article/6611745/2015/07/11/china-voice-expanded-sco-booster-regional-security-economy

July 10, 2015

BRICS, SCO, EAEU can define new world order: China, Russia

China and Russia have described BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as the core of a new international order, defined by a multipolar world.

Far from being rival organisations, the three groupings should be looking at their ties from a “strategic and long-term perspective,” Xinhua quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as saying. Briefing leaders of the three organisations on China’s Belt and Road initiatives, the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the $ 40 billion Silk Road Fund, Mr. Xi underscored the convergence in the development strategies of the three groupings.

China’s Belt and Road initiative is meant to integrate the economies of Eurasia through physical and cyber-connectivity, energy pipelines, industrial parks and smart-cities. The EAEU is primarily a Russian initiative, but in May, Beijing and Moscow commenced talks to harmonise the two initiatives. On Wednesday, Mr. Xi also proposed a similar exercise with India that has launched its own “Act East” policy, which includes establishing connectivity with countries belonging to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Echoing Mr. Xi’s perceptions, Russian President Vladimir Putin, also said at Ufa — the site of the BRICS and SCO summits — that the three grouping can premise an “a powerful economic breakthrough.”  …

The BRICS summit also slammed the United States for blocking reforms of the international financial architecture — a move, which analysts say, helped persuade China to form the AIIB. …

The summit also acknowledged “the potential for expanding the use of our national currencies in transactions between the BRICS countries.”

“We ask the relevant authorities of the BRICS countries to continue discussion on the feasibility of a wider use of national currencies in mutual trade,” the declaration said. http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/brics-sco-eaeu-can-define-new-world-order-china-russia/article7407865.ece

July 11, 2015

View from abroad: Europe and the new world order

While many Europeans voice fear that China is “buying up” European assets, cooler heads are urging the EU to join forces with China’s ambitious ‘One Belt, One Road’ transport networks to boost domestic growth and jobs.

Similar arguments for and against cooperating with emerging nations are likely to come to the fore as Europeans discuss membership of the New Development Bank (NDB) being set up by the BRICS to fund projects in member countries.

Headquartered in Shanghai, the bank is expected to be operational by end of 2015. Once fully operational, it will become an alternative financing source for the BRICS nations and other emerging markets.

Like the head of the AIIB, the first chief of the BRICS bank, India’s K. V. Kamath has been quoted as saying that the NDB sees other multilateral lending institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) as partners rather than rivals. … While Europe may not like the new world out there, emerging nations know that in an interconnected and interdependent world, what happens in Europe affects them.  http://www.dawn.com/news/1193662/view-from-abroad-europe-and-the-new-world-order

July 10, 2015

Ufa (Russia): Welcoming SCO’s expansion, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said admission of India and Pakistan as full members will inject new impetus into the grouping’s all-ranging cooperation.

India and Pakistan were on Friday accepted as full members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a six-member regional grouping that currently has China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as members. http://www.firstpost.com/world/admission-of-india-pakistan-to-sco-will-inject-new-impetus-to-group-says-xi-2337440.html

July 10, 2015

Get ready for ground shattering geopolitical changes. At the crossroads of Asia and Europe, it has been decided that the Russian city of Ufa will be the point of convergence for all the initiatives and projects of the Silk World Order of trade and integration that China and Russia are spearheading. Ufa, which is the capital of Russia’s Bashkortostan, is being used to simultaneously host an extraordinary summit for both the BRICS—which has increasing become an alternative forum to that of the G7—and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) respectively from July 8 to 9 and from July 9 to 10, 2015. 

The Coming Together of Eurasia and Beyond

The joint BRICS and SCO summit in Ufa has been organized by Moscow as the simultaneous holder of both the rotating chairmanships of the BRICS and the SCO. It is no coincidence, however, that the Seventh BRICS and Fifteenth SCO summits have been amalgamated as one large international summit. The Kremlin has used the opportunity to bring Russia’s partners together. This is part of the integration process of the Silk World Order. There will be joint BRICS and SCO sessions and many important exchanges and discussions about a new archetype for the world. …

While Washington and NATO are making a general call to arms, the Chinese are busy building trade infrastructure and transport networks. In Belarus, the Chinese are building the first «modern city of the Eurasian continent» in the forests next to the Minsk National Airport as part of what Bloomberg calls «a manufacturing springboard between the European Union and Russia. …

The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), the first institution of the BRICS, is being launched by Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa. It is joined by the SCO Development Bank and by the recently launched Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in the assault on Bretton Woods.

Gone are the days of unchallenged US domination. http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-us-dollar-and-bretton-woods-are-finished-the-bricssco-summits-in-ufa-marks-the-start-of-a-silk-world-order/5461828

Russia, China, India, and others are determined to topple the US dollar’s dominance and put in their version of the ‘time of the Gentiles.’  Challengers are attempting to set the stage for the end of USA domination.

I happened to have watched more network television news (ABC/NBC/CBS/CNN/FOX/MSNBC) than normal the past couple of days, and I did not see any coverage of the conference that just took place.  There could have been some that I missed, but it certainly was not considered to be a major news item by the networks I watched.

Partially because of that, most in the USA do not know much, if anything, about what is going on with the BRICS, EAEU, and the SCO.  These nations represent around three billion people.  These Gentile organizations are growing in global economic influence.  They want to topple US dominance in the world, both financially and politically.

The time will come when Europe will more directly align with them on this point (European leaders already want to do this, but are not ready to do so yet as they need to develop European military capacity first, so that they will no longer need to rely on the USA for that).

When the USA dollar loses its dominance as the world’s reserve currency, this will mean high inflation and ultimately disaster for the USA.

The current world order dominated by the USA, and formerly by the UK is being changed.

The Bible shows that the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) is getting nearer.

The Bible also tells of the final time of the Gentiles ()–and while Europe will lead, the Bible shows that the Beast power will prosper the merchants of the earth (Revelation 18:3)–and that will include the SCO nations.

The Bible also teaches that the time will come when the ‘kings of the east’ will truly come together in a type of military confederation (cf. Revelation 16:12 and 9:13-18)–and one of the goals of the SCO is to basically be able to do that.

However, I should add that despite the BRICS/SCO/EEU nations, the Bible shows that it will be a power in Europe that will control much of the world’s economies for a while (Revelation 13:16-18; cf. Revelation 18), as well as being considered a successful military power (Revelation 13:3-4).  Europe will get involved when it senses that the time is right–and some of the steps for this to occur have already happened.

The world is changing, but much of the mainstream media does not see a lot of it.

For some items of possibly related interest, please check out the following:

Armageddon Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel, discusses Armageddon, some of its history, and what the Bible says about it. Is this the place where forces in the world will gather to fight? Will they fight here or is the related battle somewhere else. Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more.  This is a short video.
Market Collapse then New World Order in 2015?  A long-time financial adviser named Harvey Organ claims that claims that because of insufficient gold in the central banks of USA and UK, that Shanghai would bring about exposing this and that this would lead to a massive, overnight, rise in the price of gold and silver, diminished value of their currencies. He states a market collapse will occur before the end of 2014, that the petroyuan will replace the petrodollar, and that a Chinese led New World Order will be in place for 2015. Is this possible? Where does the leader of the ‘New World Order’ come from? What does the Bible teach?  This is a video.
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? A YouTube video of interest may be Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
India and the Beast of Revelation 13 Do biblical, Catholic, and even Hindu prophecies suggest that many in India will follow, for a while, the Beast and False Prophet/Antichrist? Here is link to a related YouTube video Will People in India Worship the Beast of Revelation 13?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel. Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
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?
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here are links to two sermon videos Germany in Bible Prophecy and The Rise of the Germanic Beast Power of 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?
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?

COGwriter

The latest issue (says #174, print date June 30, 2015) of The Journal was sent out electronically and received today.

Items covered included an upcoming 2017 reunion for ex-students of the old Ambassador College from the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG), leadership changes at Church of God International (CGI), women, and Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2015.

The Journal also continued its series related to  the apostasy/falling away in the old WCG and someone called the ‘Bible Answer Man.’ Here is some of the information in the current edition of The Journal:

By Dixon Cartwright

Two leaders of the Worldwide Church of God, including the pastor general, took to the air Feb. 7 and 10, 1997, to answer calls from listeners to an international radio talk show.

Pastor General Joseph Tkach Jr. and Plain Truth magazine editor Greg Albrecht appeared on The Bible Answer Man with the answer man himself, Hank Hanegraaff, who also directs the Christian Research Institute in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. Mr. Tkach, who took over the pastor generalship after his father, Joseph Tkach Sr., died in September 1995, answered questions along with Mr. Albrecht on heaven and hell, church leaders’ sincerity throughout the WCG’s massive doctrinal changes, their view of the WCG’s founder, the late Herbert W. Armstrong, pagan holidays, unclean meats and their “journey through the valley of the shadow of death,” as Mr. Albrecht characterized their coming out of the “cultic” teachings of the old WCG and entering the “pale of orthodoxy.”

They also spoke of British-Israelism, Mr. Armstrong’s track record as a foreteller of the future (if not a prophet), the splinter groups spawned by the Worldwide Church of God and the church’s stand on abortion. The same two leaders appeared on The Bible Answer Man several times…

The Worldwide Church of God, after Mr. Armstrong’s death, in 1986, was led by the senior Mr. Tkach until his death, in 1995.

He, beginning in 1993 and 1994, began going public with sweeping fundamental changes in the official doctrines of the Worldwide Church of God, including basic teachings such as the law of God, the Old and New Covenant and the nature of God, resulting in tens of thousands of WCG members leaving the fellowship to regather with others in several break- away groups—or, in many cases, to quit attending church altogether or join traditional Protestant denominations. At the beginning of the radio pro- gram Joseph Tkach Jr. wondered out loud why God chose him to lead the WCG out of the kingdom of the cults. “I wonder why did He put His finger on me to be the one in this position at this time,” he mused. “But that’s not for me to question.” Concerning the people who have held onto the traditional doctrines of the Worldwide Church of God, Mr. Tkach said their blindness is more than just a veil. “It’s more like a welder’s mask,” he explained to Mr. Hanegraaff. …

Mr. Tkach attributed his methods— which critics characterize as imposing new doctrines on a church body unilaterally and by fiat, rather than involving the general membership and ministry in the process—to Mr. Arm- strong, whom he quoted as saying, “Don’t believe me. Believe the Bible.” “If the Bible teaches something and we need to correct what we’re doing, then that’s what we’re going to do.

Well, if you tell a lie often enough, you often tend to believe it.  The reality is that when the Tkach Administration changed doctrine, it was not because of the Bible, but to fit in with traditional Protestant teachings–teachings that did not come from the Bible nor early Christianity.

Here are links to some documented articles which demonstrate doctrinal truths that the Tkach Administration changed to be like some of the world’s Protestant churches:

The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings. A related sermon is titled: Christians and the Ten Commandments.

Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it? Here is an old, by somewhat related, article in the Spanish language LA DOCTRINA DE LA TRINIDAD.

Did Early Christians Teach They Were Going to Heaven? What do the Bible and scholars teach? What about ‘near-death experiences’? Here is a link to a related sermon: Heaven and Christianity.

Are The Wicked Tormented Forever or Burned Up? How does one explain Revelation 14:11 in light of Malachi 4:3? What happens to the incorrigibly wicked?

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days. (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Calendario Anual de Adoración –Una crítica basada en la Biblia y en la Historia: ¿Hay un Calendario Anual de Adoración en la Biblia?

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god? Here is a link to a related sermon: What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas?

The New Testament Church, History, and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous? There is also a sermon-length video on this: Christians and Unclean Meats.

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?

Is the Genuine Church of God a Cult? There are misleading statements on the internet that this article tries to address.

I remember some of the false information that WCG leaders were giving at the time and some from the falsely named ‘Bible Answer Man.’ WCG leaders kept telling the membership that the changes were not planned, but more information points to a plot to introduce heretical doctrines–that was a lie at the time (here is a link to a post that has some information on that Cartwright’s Journal Out: ‘Bible Answer Man,’ Walter Martin, & the ‘Council of Venice’). WCG is now named Grace Communion International and is basically just another Protestant sect. Real Church of God groups, like the Continuing Church of God are NOT Protestant, as our histories and doctrines greatly differ (see details, for two examples, in the booklets Where is the True Christian Church Today? and Continuing History of the Church of God).

Here is information on a planned reunion for those who once attended one of the three campuses of the old Ambassador College:

Bob Gerringer and other organizers plan a reunion of former Ambassador College students for 2017 in Las V egas, Nev. Unlike several reunions in recent years, this one will target all three AC campuses, which operated in California, Texas and Britain. …

Students from all three campuses— Pasadena, Bricket Wood and Big Sandy—who attended AC during its first 30 years, 1947 to 1977, are “warmly and enthusiastically invited to attend the 2017 reunion. …

Bricket Wood, England, former students are asked to E-mail Jean Ehlert Updegraff (jean@acpasadenareunion. com) so she can add them as “guests” on the Pasadena website (acpasadena reunion.com). The organizers thought about settling on Pasadena as the 2017 site but chose Las Vegas for several reasons including economic. For example, the hotel rooms in the Nevada city are 60 percent less expensive than the rates at Hilton Pasadena Hotel. The reunion will run from Sunday, March 12, to Thursday, March 16, 2017, at the Orleans Hotel and Casino on Tropicana Boulevard. Sign

Despite false statements from some on the internet, I personally did not attend nor graduate from the old Ambassador Collage.  That being said, my wife and I were married on the Pasadena Campus of Ambassador College and were frequents WATS line volunteers there for the old Worldwide Church of God.

Here is some of what was reported about Church of God International (CGI):

TYLER, Texas–The Church of God International, based in Tyler, announced June 29, 2015, a change in top-level employees prompted by the impending retire- ment of Charles Groce, chief execu- tive officer and chairman of the board. Mr. Groce, 67, who has served as CEO of the church since 1998, plans to retire from his salaried duties Sept. 1. Succeeding him will be two men: Vance Stinson, 63, as CEO and chairman, and Jeff Reed, 45, as pastor of the headquarters congregation. …

CGI history

Four people, including Garner Ted Armstrong, founded the CGI in 1979 after his falling out with his father, Herbert Armstrong, pastor general of the Worldwide Church of God, in 1978. The three other CGI founders were Shirley Armstrong, Guy Carnes and Benny Sharp. All were former WCG members. All founders except Mr. Sharp have died.

Mr. Groce replaced Mr. Armstrong as the chief executive of the CGI on Jan. 9, 1998, when the board asked Mr. Armstrong to accept a paid retirement. He refused, he said, because the retirement provisions would prevent him from preaching or otherwise communicating with CGI members. At the time of Mr. Armstrong’s taking leave of the CGI, a board member, Bronson James, told THE JOURNAL that the board’s request for Mr. Armstrong to retire was based on concerns about his “ministerial qualifications.”

The Church of God International continued with Mr. Groce at the helm. Mr. Armstrong and other Church of God International members who supported Mr. Armstrong founded the Intercontinental Church of God and the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association, currently headed up by Garner Ted Armstrong’s son Mark Armstrong.

Garner Ted Armstrong was asked to retire basically because of sexual impropriety.  He then founded the Intercontinental Church of God and remained there until he died in 2003.

The Journal also had a listing Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2015.  Those interested in learning more about the Feast of Tabernacles may wish to study the article The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians?

The Journal also had the usual letters to the editor and other advertisements, various comments, and opinion articles.  One of the articles had to do with women, and I would suggest those interested in the subject of women and the New Testament study the article Women and the New Testament Church.

The Journal itself is available by paid subscription (though Dixon Cartwright says some subscriptions are free to those who cannot afford it).  It tends to have a non-Philadelphian approach to many matters.

Fragment from the Gospel Written by John (Ryland’s Papyrus c. 125 A.D.)

COGwriter

Cal Thomas (Photo by Gage Skidmore)

COGwriter

A reader tipped me off about the following:

Cal Thomas: Evangelicals should return to core beliefs

July 10, 2015

In the matter of the “culture wars,” evangelical Christians are asking, “what do we do now?” The question is being raised in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision striking down state laws reserving marriage for heterosexual couples.

The “culture wars,” while well-intentioned, were a mistake from the beginning. Evangelical Christians, whose Leader said, “My Kingdom is not of this world,” thought they could organize people of like mind and like faith and create a voting bloc to elect people who would impose something resembling that other kingdom on people who do not see themselves as members of that kingdom. Given the number of politicians who seem to have difficulty imposing a moral code of any sort on themselves, such a strategy was doomed from the start. Why didn’t they learn from previous “moral improvement” movements that if one wants to change culture, one must first change individuals? For evangelical Christians that can only be done by the transformation of the heart, soul and mind, something that is beyond the power of secular – or even religious – politicians.

Conservative Christians wanted to be liked and respected by the world. Republican politicians saw them as a reliable voting bloc and were happy to have them in the party, but party leaders and elected officials did little to advance their agenda. Leaders gave them lip service, saying what Christians wanted to hear and in some cases even quoted a Bible verse, but in reality most party leaders were embarrassed, even offended, by people many regarded as throwbacks, if not to the Dark Ages, then to the rural South.

Fundraisers and TV evangelists were happy to promote this “kingdom of the world” mentality because it brought them the illusion of influence, money and a place at the table. Few minds were changed, and culture became more deformed than reformed. The country grows increasingly secular in part because conservative evangelicals gave the impression that being born again means instant adoption into the Republican Party.

As a longtime fan of Broadway musicals and plays, I believe that the original cast is always better than the touring company. Evangelicals should return to the “original cast,” whose members include Jesus of Nazareth, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James and Timothy. Consider their lives and tactics as they faced a hostile political and religious environment that brought persecution, even death. These men – and their followers – had little interest in an earthly kingdom. Instead, they focused on that other kingdom, and billions of lives have been transformed in the centuries that followed.  http://www.saratogian.com/opinion/20150710/cal-thomas-evangelicals-should-return-to-core-beliefs

While term ‘culture wars’ does not directly come from the Bible, the following does:

1 “Cry aloud, spare not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)

True Christian leaders should be doing that.  If ‘culture wars’ are defined by voting, that would not be something that the Bible endorses (for details, see Should a Christian Vote?).

As far as homosexuality goes, true Christian leaders should teach what the Bible really says about it (see The Bible Condemns Homosexuality), not what some Protestants who endorse it claim the Bible teaches (watch also What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?).

As far as the kingdom of God goes, this is something that Jesus and His faithful early followers taught.  Here are a few scriptures related to that:

14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

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

More on the gospel of the kingdom can be found in the article The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church.  Preaching the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness is something we in the Continuing Church of God are doing (see also The Final Phase of the Work and Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work?).

Now, another point to touch upon is that Cal Thomas stated that Christian leaders should teach what “Jesus of Nazareth, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James and Timothy” and presumably other early faithful Christian leaders taught.

While I agree with Cal Thomas on that point, I would add that evangelicals do not do that.  Nor will they?

Why?

Because they have absorbed so many non-biblical traditions and practices that they tend to call true Christianity a cult–a cult that they denounce.

Here is a list of some of the views that early Christians held that differ from those held by most evangelical leaders:

A Binitarian or Semi-Arian view, that acknowledged the Holy Spirit, was held by the apostolic and post-apostolic true Christian leaders.

Birthdays were not celebrated by early Christians.

Born-Again meant being born at the resurrection, not at the time of conversion, which is when a spiritual begettal occurs.

Church Governance was properly hierarchical.

Christmas was not observed by any professing Christ prior to the third century, or ever by those holding to early teachings; December 25th did not come from the Bible.

Circumcision, though not required, was long practiced by original Nazarene Christians.

Deification of Christians (which begins after the first resurrection) was taught by the early leaders of the Church.

Easter per se was not observed by the apostolic church.

The Fall (and Spring) Holy Days were observed by true early Christians.

The Father was considered to be God by all early professing Christians.

The True Gospel included the kingdom of God and obedience to the law of God and was so understood by the faithful.

Heaven was not taught to be the reward of Christians.

Holy Spirit was not referred to as God or as a person by any early true Christians.

Hymns were mainly psalms, not praises to Christ.

Idols were taught against, including adoration of the cross.

Immortality of the soul or humans was not taught.

The Kingdom of God was preached.

Leavened Bread was removed from the homes of early Christians when the Jews did the same.

Military Servicewas not allowed for true early Christians.Monasticism was unheard of in the early Christian church.

Passover was kept annually on the 14th of Nisan by apostolic and second century Christians in Asia Minor.

The Resurrectionof the dead was taught by all early ChristiansThe Sabbath was observed on Saturday by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church.

Salvation was believed to be offered to the chosen now by the early Church, with others being called later, though not all that taught that (or other doctrines) practiced “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

God’s Six Thousand Year Plan for humankind to rule itself was believed by early professors of Christ.

Sunday was not observed by the apostolic and original post-apostolic Christians.

The Ten Commandments were observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians–and in the order that the Church of God claims they are in.

Tithes and Offerings were given to support the ministry, the churches, the needy, and evangelical travels and proclamation.

Tradition had some impact on the second century Christians, but was never supposed to supersede the Bible.

The Trinity was not a word used to describe the Godhead by the apostolic or second century Christians, though a certain threeness was acknowledged.

Unclean Meats were eaten by the early allegorists, but not by true Christians.

There are other beliefs, but relatively few evangelicals have the same beliefs as shown above–even many of those who claim to keep the Ten Commandments.

Anyway, those interested in learning more about the beliefs of the early Christian leaders may wish to check out the free online pdf booklet Continuing History of the Church of God.  Those who would like to learn more about true Christianity may also wish to read the free online pdf booklet Where is the True Christian Church Today?

Cal Thomas is correct that the evangelicals are not winning their ‘culture war’ and the focus for Christians should be the coming kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).