Church of God News

Medieval Abortion Drug Being Given

COGwriter

On January 22, 1973 the United States Supreme Court decided to overturn state laws prohibiting abortion in a case known as Roe vs. Wade. The decision was wrong and there are still some who argue against it.

Political leaders, such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton (to name just two), are big supporters of this horrible decision. Some politicians are opposed, but they have not tended to be successful in reversing nor highly limiting this.

The majority of the members of Congress are not opposed to Roe vs. Wade and even minor restrictions on abortion are often thwarted by the courts. Despite the Planned Parenthood baby-parts’ scandal in 2015, nothing really has changed in the law.

With President Donald Trump, some of this may change.  We will see. Unlike Barack Obama whose first (or one of the first) executive orders he signed encouraged abortions, I have not seen that Donald Trump reversed that executive order yet–perhaps he will soon.

Interestingly, the woman that the pro-abortion forces used to get the decision (Norma L. McCorvey, whose court case was filed under the alias of Jane Roe) that the pro-abortion forces wanted 43 years ago, later regretted her decision. So much so that in August 1995, she (Norma L. McCorvey) announced that she had become an advocate of Operation Rescue’s campaign to make abortion illegal.

The Bible condemns those that shed innocent blood, as that is something that God hates:

So you shall put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you when you do what is right in the sight of the LORD (Deuteronomy 21:9).

These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; Wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they have not known, And there is no justice in their ways; They have made themselves crooked paths; Whoever takes that way shall not know peace (Isaiah 59:7-8).

Thus says the LORD: “Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place (Jeremiah 22:3).

“Yet your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness, For shedding innocent blood, And practicing oppression and violence” (Jeremiah 22:17).

Babies are innocent. Killing them is the shedding of innocent blood.

Notice the following:

My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness (Psalm 119:172).

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34).

Killing babies through abortion is not righteous. It is a reproach to nations that allow and encourage it.

Those that consent to abortions are often proud, are normally lying to themselves that they are not doing violence to a human being, and often have abortions because of their own lusts and covetousness. Adding the sin of abortion to their other sins is simply not the answer.

They also place themselves in the same category as Judas Iscariot, for he admitted that when he betrayed Jesus Christ, he (Judas) betrayed “innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4). Jesus was betrayed by someone He considered to be a friend–no baby should be betrayed by the mother that is supposed to love them.

Women are struck emotionally for the rest of their lives when they consent to an abortion (the Bible even warns of curses for killing the innocent, Deuteronomy 27:25). That is not a choice they ever should make.

Since States began to “liberalize” or repeal anti-abortion laws, the economic situation in the USA began to change (bolding and italics in source):

Until 1970, the United States had a trade surplus and an inflow of money sometimes called a favorable balance of trade. After 1970, for the first time in a century, the United States was buying more goods abroad than it sold. It moved from a trade surplus to a trade deficit, when imports exceed exports, and money was flowing out of the United States in payments to foreign countries for imports. Since 1970, the unfavorable trade balance and trade deficit has grown…

After World War II until 1970, the United States was a creditor nation lending money to other countries. As a creditor nation, other countries owed more money to the United States than the United States owed to foreign countries.

After 1970, the United States became a net debtor nation. As a debtor nation, the United States owes more money to foreign countiress than the foreign countries owe the United States. The United States is now the largest debtor among all nations. (Howard J. Sherman, E. K. Hunt, Reynold F. Nesiba, Phillip Anthony O’Hara. Economics: An Introduction to Traditional and Progressive Views, 7th edition. M.E. Sharpe, 2008, p. 175)

The European Union is now the world’s biggest exporter and China is second largest. There was no European Union 41 years ago (the alliances that preceded it had a mere fraction of its current output) and China had little impact on international trade then. The situation has changed and a new world order is developing.

Furthermore, it may be of interest to note that since movement in the USA towards the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, not only have 57,000,000 or so babies been aborted/murdered, the USA has basically gone from being the world’s largest creditor nation to the world’s largest debtor nation–without national repentance the USA will be destroyed. The USA is officially in debt to the tune of about $20 trillion and it is much more than that if other items are included.

According to the Bible, debt is a curse of disobeying God:

43 “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 “Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you. (Deuteronomy 28:43-46)

The destruction of the USA is coming and abortion in one of the many reasons (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel). A new world order has began to develop, and once it fully does, the USA will no longer be on top.

Notice what has happened to the economy of the United States in the last 40 or so years:

In real terms, as mentioned above, US growth in the 21st century seems to have fallen back to medieval levels. Why?…Because the economy failed to produce real growth. After 1973, wages, for example, adjusted for inflation, went nowhere. (Bonner B. Economic Growth in the Internet Age. Daily Reckoning, June 23, 2011)

The typical working stiff earns less real money today than he did 40 years ago. (Bonner B. Economic Long Live the 1%. Daily Reckoning, November 25, 2011)

Coincidence or curse? Since the USA is also the most indebted nation in the history of humankind that does not bode well for the USA (Habakkuk 2). And that debt continues to increase.

Abortion is wrong. And promoting or simply approving sexual immorality is wrong (cf. Romans 1:18-32).

There are terrible consequences for sin, and instead of properly discouraging sexual immorality, abortion increases the tendency towards sin. This does not bode well for the United States.

While Europe, China, and certain other areas also have abortion and other issues, the reality is that the Bible shows that, for a time, they will do much better than the USA. So much so, because the time is coming when the USA will be no more.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt.

The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught? For a more detailed discussion of the first four commandments, please see the video The Ten Commandments: Loving God. For a more detailed discussion of the last six commandments, please see: The Ten Commandments: Loving Your Neighbor. Here is a link to a related article in Mandarin Chinese 十条诫命显示爱，违反诫命的就是邪恶的

Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.

Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill?  Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill?  Could a Donald Trump presidency be apocalyptic?  A related video is titled: 13 Ways President-Elect Trump is Apocalyptic.

COGwriter

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

16:45

COGwriter

Former Worldwide Church of God minister Dennis Diehl has a history of posting negative comments about me over at the
Banned by HWA website.

Of course, he is not alone in this. Many apostates and unbelievers at that website have done the same. For people “whose minds the god of this age has blinded” (2 Corinthians 4:4) will not believe.

But I thought that perhaps readers would like to see some of what Dennis Diehl posted concerning biblical interpretation and why the approach used at the COGwriter and CCOG websites is correct.

On January 14, 2017, I posted information about the Hebrew prophet Habakkuk in a post titled Do you take seriously the warnings God had the prophet Habakkuk record?

The webmaster at the Banned by HWA site, Gary Leonard posted about my post in an article later that day titled “Habakkuk Is Now In Our Midst! Heed His Warnings!.” The next day, Dennis Diehl posted the following comment in response:

DennisCDiehl said…

“For I will work a work IN YOUR DAYS Which you would not believe, though it were told you. 6 For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, A bitter and hasty nation Which marches through the breadth of the earth, To possess dwelling places that are not theirs”

Context, context, context

Notice how Dennis Diehl emphasized the words IN YOUR DAYS related to Habakkuk 1:5 (which my article quoted) and emphasized context.

His implication is that Habakkuk’s message was only for his day and my writing that we need to pay attention to Habakkuk’s message today is essentially unfounded.

Could Dennis Diehl be correct about this?

No.

Why?

Because there are other scriptures that demonstrate otherwise. For example, the Apostle Paul quoted Habakkuk 1:5 as having applicability centuries after Habakkuk died:

41 ‘Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.‘” (Acts 13:41)

Elsewhere, the Apostle Paul wrote:

20 Do not despise prophecies. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21)

Yet, many, sadly, do despise prophecies, including those from Habakkuk.

As far as Habakkuk goes, he also was told by God that he was writing prophecies for the appointed time of the end:

2 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. 4 “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:2-4)

Dennis Diehl, and many others, have ignored and/or despised the following instructions as to how to understand doctrine:

9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.

10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isaiah 28:9-10, KJV)

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Not satisfied to comment about my position on Habakkuk, Dennis Diehl later (1/18/17) lumped me in with a bunch of others, and posted the following at the Banned by HWA:

The hard facts are that the neither the original ministry of the Worldwide Church of God nor ANY of the resulting leadership/ministry of the splits, splinters and slivers, to this day, were properly trained in theological studies and it shows in everything from exegesis to their Christology. Their hermeneutics aren’t all that good either. Men such as Gerald Flurry, Dave Pack, Rod Meredith and Bob Thiel are “mere Bible readers”, as are the members, and are proof texters jumping around the Bible to conjure up their beliefs like the proverbial cat on a hot tin roof. They have no clue that their “here a little, there a little” is not the formula for how to arrive at the message of the Bible.

Line Upon Line: How NOT to Study The Bible

All of what Gerald Flurry, David C Pack, Roderick Meredith and Bob Thiel believe with regards to their unique selves and their message is simply bogus theology.

So, Dennis Diehl does not believe that line upon line is the proper way to study the Bible. Of course, that is in error according to what the Bible itself teaches.

Now, while I will not defend the improper teachings of the others Dennis Diehl listed in that post (as I have articles explaining areas where each of them did not properly follow “line upon line”–trying to demonstrate ‘proof by association’ is a regular improper technique that is employed by many people at the Banned by HWA site), I wish to address his comment that I was not ‘properly trained in theological studies.’

But before I do so, notice something else posted at the Banned by HWA site on 1/19/17, which was written by Miller Jones:

What about the training of the ministry? How did Christ train his apostles? Did he send them to colleges and seminaries? Weren’t most of the apostles and ministers of the early church mature individuals who had years of exposure to Christ’s teachings and more years of life experiences under their belts? How many young men or recent converts were elevated to the ministry? …

Does a license from a man-made organization make one a minister of Jesus Christ? Does an appointment by some board or some single individual (like someone claiming to be an apostle or prophet) make one a minister? Does obtaining a degree or completing some course of study qualify one to be a minister of Jesus Christ? Does recognition by the State entitle one to perform the functions of a minister of Jesus Christ? Does the vote of a congregation entitle one to be recognized as such? What kind of official credentials did Peter, John, Barnabas or Paul have?

The disciples were basically considered to be uneducated men:

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

Does that mean that all education is bad?

No.

FWIW, I personally have a lot of formal education in several fields, including theology, plus have been faithful in the Church of God for decades and have read the entire Bible itself probably a couple of hundred times.

But Dennis Diehl’s position that attending the world’s theological institutions is what ministers need to do is simply not consistent with the Bible.

It should also be mentioned that nearly all who have gone through the world’s theological seminaries have not properly learned how to interpret the Bible (see also What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation?).

For one example, people like Joseph Tkach, Jr., who helped transform the old Worldwide Church of God into to an apostate, anti-Church of God organization (which was later renamed Grace Communion International) did receive the world’s theological training.

When they did so, they ended up embracing doctrines such as Christmas, Sunday, and the Trinity. None of which are taught in the Bible, and none of which were beliefs/practices of the early Christians.

Oh yes, Jesus, to cite one example, was born–and you can find that by reading about His birth in Luke’s Gospel account. But if one went “here a little and there a little”one can see that December 25th was not possibly His date of birth. And historical research would demonstrate that 1) The Bible does not enjoin the celebration of any birthday (see also Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays?), 2) Early Christians did not celebrate Christmas (see also What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? ) 3) December 25 was celebrated as the birth of the sun-god Mithras (see also Do You Practice Mithraism?).

What is my point?

While education can have value, ignoring the biblical admonition to look here a little and there a little to learn doctrine is inappropriate.

Actually, the proof that Jesus was the promised Messiah was itself from “here a little, and there a little” etc. The religious leaders of Jesus day because they did not properly put scripture together, and that was one reason they did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah–the religious leaders expected Jesus to be different because of their traditional understandings instead. Just like false ministers today cannot put scriptures properly together to understand much of God’s true teachings.

Should you rely on the Bible and facts to understand doctrine or ‘traditions of men‘?

Dennis Diehl is really advocating the latter, whereas I, Bob Thiel (aka COGwriter) advocate the former.

Polycarp of Smyrna, in the second century, told Christians to forsake the ‘vanity of many’ who accepted false doctrines above those in the Bible and to “return to the word which has been handed down to us from the beginning (Polycarp.  Letter to the Philippians, Chapter VII). Polycarp). This was because “Polycarp related all things in harmony with the Scriptures” (Eusebius. The History of the Church. Book V, Chapter XX, verse 6; see also Polycarp of Smyrna: The Heretic Fighter)–using the Bible to explain doctrine like we in the Continuing Church of God strive to do.

The Bible is referred to as “the word of truth” (e.g. 2 Timothy 2:15). Those who want to learn the truth will be “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11, ESV).

The Bible said that the Bereans of old were “noble” because they did that.

Using the Bible to interpret itself is a proper Christian ‘hermeneutic’ and is endorsed by scripture (Isaiah 28:9-10; Acts 17:10-13, 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17).

Dennis Diehl and other anti-Church of God critics remain in my prayers.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood?
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Bible: Superstition or Authority? Should you rely on the Bible? Is it reliable? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they? A related sermon is titled Tradition and Scripture.
Banned by HWA and Ambassador Watch There are various ones that oppose the Church of God, but they will not prevail (Matthew 16:18). This is an article about some anti-Church of God tactics.
Polycarp of Smyrna: The Heretic Fighter Polycarp was the successor of the Apostle John and a major leader in Asia Minor. Do you know much about what he taught? A YouTube video or related interesy may be: Polycarp of Smyrna: Why Christians should know more about him.
Simon Magus, What Did He Teach? Sometimes called “the father early heretics” or the “father of heresies”, do you know what early writers claimed that Simon Magus taught? Sadly, most who profess Christ still hold to versions of his teachings.
Marcion: The First Protestant? Considered to have been an organized heretic, he taught against the Old Testament, the law, and the Sabbath. Some have considered him to be the first Protestant reformer. But was he? Here is a link to a related sermon: Marcion: The first Protestant reformer?
Valentinus: The Gnostic Trinitarian Heretic He apparently was the first Christ-professing heretic to come up with the idea of three hypostases.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
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.
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 Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links 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. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L’Histoire Continue de l’Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

Angela Merkel and Donald Trump

COGwriter

German leaders are pointing to US President Donald Trump as a reason for a change of direction for Europe:

German dismay at Trump inauguration

21 January 2017

Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared uninterested in the pomp and circumstance in Washington, DC, on Friday. …

With the characteristic aloofness with which she has approached Trump since his election victory, Merkel made no statement regarding the day’s events. Instead, her spokesman Steffen Seibert said merely that her team would “study with interest” the president’s inaugural address. Merkel, a center-right Christian Democrat (CDU), has already vowed to approach the Trump presidency with an open mind.

She has also previously eschewed his criticism of her leadership and the direction of the European Union, reminding the president that Europe’s “fate is in our own hands.” …

Trump speech akin to ‘political rhetoric of the 1920s’

Other German politicians were less dispassionate about President Trump’s first day in office. Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel of the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) expressed his profound concern about the tone of Trump’s first speech as president.

“From this day forward, it’s going to be only America first, America first,” Trump said, something Gabriel found deeply troubling.

Gabriel warned that the “highly nationalistic” tone of the president’s address was vaguely reminiscent of the “the political rhetoric of the conservatives and reactionaries of the 1920s. … He’s really serious about it, and I think we should prepare ourselves.” …

Germans plan solidarity marches with US protesters

Out on the streets, Germans made it clear that they stood in solidarity with the thousands of protesters who had gathered in Washington to show their opposition to Trump taking power. …

Across Germany, solidarity marches were planned for Saturday to coincide with the Women’s March on Washington. http://www.dw.com/en/german-dismay-at-trump-inauguration/a-37219302

Last week, Angela Merkel made other comments (see also Germany’s Merkel warns Europe on security in the age of Donald Trump):

The EU must take better care of its own security in the Trump era and must establish control of immigration, German chancellor Angela Merkel has said. …

She added that it would be “naive always to rely on others who would solve the problems in our neighbourhood”.

She also said that the UK’s decision to leave the EU ought to galvanise military cooperation among the 27 remaining member states.

“We should see this [UK] decision as an incentive to work together, to hold Europe together now more than ever”, she said. https://euobserver.com/foreign/136533

Here is something else from the German press about this:

20 January 2017

As expected of their profession, EU’s foreign ministers expressed themselves more diplomatically, but all in all, it was clear again this week that after Donald Trump’s inauguration as 45th president of the USA, Europe can no longer rely on Washington.

The EU must stabilize itself

What do you do when your closest partner just disappears on you? You do what the EU should have done long ago: you fix up your home, regardless of what “The Donald” is doing in the USA. …

Two areas have now become an absolute priority: defense and the economy.

EU must do more for its own defense …

It is true, however, that now, with more urgency than ever, Europeans have been reminded of what they have neglected for decades. Now Europe really has to end its full reliance on the USA and do more for its own defense. Everything must now be put on the table – from higher military spending to a British-French nuclear defense shield for the continent.

The potentially disastrous economic effects of President Trump’s policies are much more upsetting. …

If the fears of Donald Trump’s conduct makes Europeans show more cohesion and determination, then the US president may have done something good. http://www.dw.com/en/opinion-europe-needs-to-worry-less-about-trump/a-37217635

The Bible WARNS against that type of European unity (Revelation 13:1-10; 17:12-14), shows that Europe will destroy the USA (Daniel 11:39; USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses), that it will have a “great army” (Daniel 11:25), and will rise up as the world’s leading economic power for a time (cf. Revelation 18).

Europe sees Donald Trump as a motivator to work towards those goals. Europe also realizes that a highly indebted USA cannot be relied on to put Europe first.

Because of where we are in God’s 6000/7000 year plan, the timing of Donald Trump and Europe’s disdain for him fit (see also Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

Some believe that the end is not near. Notice something from a Roman Catholic source:

Are the End Times upon us?  You could make a case for it. But don’t. That’s the advice of Father Vincent Lampert, the designated exorcist for the archdiocese of Indianapolis …

“I would go to Scripture,” Father Lampert said and referred to Matthew 24:36. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

“God warns us not to get involved in the End Times,” he said. 01/06/17 http://www.pattimaguirearmstrong.com/2017/01/armageddon-exorcist-advises-dont-even.html

Does the Bible warn against being involved in the End Times?

Priest Lambert referred to Matthew 24. So, let’s look at that:

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. (Matthew 24:3-5)

Jesus warned to not be deceived about the end times. He then listed many end time events. After listing events that would happen, Jesus said:

42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. (Matthew 24:42-43)

Notice a few other statements from Jesus related to the end times:

33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.  34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.  35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming — in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning —   36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.  37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:33-37)

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.  35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.  36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. (Revelation 3:3)

Jesus did not warn against the End Times, He repeatedly is recorded as telling His followers to watch and pray so that the end would not come upon them unexpectedly.

The Apostle Paul told Christians to consider and watch:

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. (Romans 13:11)

3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:3-7)

While many Roman Catholics no longer believe that God has a 6000/7000 year plan, notice something in a book that was blessed in 1966 by Pope Paul VI:

E. Culligan (20th century):…the time of the First Resurrection will end…It is the time when the Seventh Millennium will set in, and will be the day of Sabbath in the plan of creation…It has been the common opinion among Jews, Gentiles, and Latin and Greek Christians, that the present evil world will last no more than 6,000 years…Christians and Jews, from the beginning of Christianity, and before, have taught that 6,000 years after the creation of Adam and Eve, the consummation will occur. The period after the consummation is to be the seventh day of creation–the Sabbath…St. Jerome said, “It is a common belief that the world will last 6,000 years.”

…I believe that as the last days come to an end so will the sixth day of creation (Culligan E. The Last World War and the End of Time. The book was blessed by Pope Paul VI, 1966. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), pp. 113-115).

We are getting closer to the end of that 6,000 years. To learn more about how close, check out the article: Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?

Because the end it getting closer, it is understandable that something would need to trigger Europe to take more steps to become more militaristic.

Consider the following:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (Revelation 13:1-10)

Notice that the above power, which is European (watch Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?), was basically considered to be dead, but will rise up, become a successful military power, and will lead the world for 3 1/2 years.

As anyone willing to look can easily prove, since Donald Trump won the US presidential election, the Europeans have intensified their desire to rise up, unify, and arm themselves. The time will come when Europe will reorganize and turn to a ‘strongman’ of its own (cf. Revelation 17:12-13; see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

We are getting closer to the end of the 6,000 years and biblical prophecies are coming to pass.

First portion of the Epistle of James in Greek from a 12th century document

COGwriter

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

1:17:11

Strong Meat: James 3-5

COGwriter

Defying most political pundits, Donald J. Trump is now the 45th President of the United States.

He is a controversial figure, both in the USA and abroad.

So what’s next?

Well, Donald Trump is expected to issue executive orders to reverse a variety of executive orders by the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.

Some evangelicals consider that Donald Trump is the “trump of God” and will fulfill his campaign promise to “make America great again.”

The United States needs national repentance. An admitted adulterer and promoter of pornography, Donald Trump has stated that he has never seen the need to repent before God. Nor has he called for national repentance. He also has stated that he is fine with homosexual marriage.

Many of the Protestants and Catholics who support him hope that he will appoint judges to the US Supreme Court who are anti-abortion. Donald Trump may well attempt to do that.

But even if he can do that, understand that abortions will remain legal in most, if not all, states if the union.

There were violent protests in Washington, D.C. today:

January 20, 2017

An inauguration protest in Washington, D.C., turned confrontational on Friday, as several hundred black-clad protesters broke windows and police responded with pepper spray and a concussive device.

Ninety-five people have been arrested across the city, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The city’s interim chief of police, Peter Newsham, told CNN that the violent group comprised a small proportion of the overall protests, distinguishing between that group and others protesting peacefully elsewhere.

Much of the violence broke out in Northwest D.C., not directly along the parade route. During clashes between police and protesters there, officers have used pepper spray in attempts to contain the protests, reports Patrick Madden of member station WAMU.

Patrick says that earlier in the day, protesters were running through streets, breaking windows with hammers and knocking over trash cans. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/20/510770716/in-d-c-group-of-protesters-breaks-windows-police-use-pepper-spray

Expect more violent protests now that Donald Trump is president (cf. Deuteronomy 32:25).

A few hours after I wrote the above, I saw the following:

January 20,, 2017

Washington (CNN) Six police officers were injured and 217 protesters arrested after they smashed windows, damaged cars and threw rocks at police near Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Friday in Washington.

At least two DC police officers and one other person were taken to the hospital for undetermined injuries after run-ins with protesters, DC Fire Spokesman Vito Maggiolo told CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/19/politics/trump-inauguration-protests-womens-march/

Donald Trump has stated that he will increase the debt of the USA to rebuild infrastructure and handle other projects. The Bible warns that debt is a curse (Deuteronomy 28:15, 44) and that the highly indebted nation will be destroyed in the end (Habakkuk 2:2-8).

Donald Trump has stated that he wants the Europeans to pay more for defense.  And he is correct that most European nations are not paying their agreed upon share:

January 20, 2017

Trump renewed his criticism of the 67-year-old North Atlantic Treaty Organization, saying more European countries than just the current four need to meet the target to invest at least 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-20/trump-will-keep-u-s-wedded-to-nato-alliance-s-stoltenberg-says

The USA actually spends more than twice as much on its military than all the other 27 NATO nations do combined.

Yet, when the Europeans start to pay more for their militaries, they will want more control.  The Bible shows that this will end in disaster for the USA (Daniel 11:39).

Not everything that President Donald Trump will do will be good. Not everything that Donald Trump will do will be bad.

But he is NOT the “Trump of God” that some hope he is and attempt to tie to him in with New Testament scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV.

As far more of what to expect with Donald Trump and prophecy, we have just produced a brand new book: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse. The print edition is available at Amazon for $12.99 at the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.

This 188 page book, has 11 chapters that deal with these exciting topics:

1. Donald Trump: Background, Controversies, and Hebrew Prophecy
2. Immorality has Prophetic Consequences
3. Europeans are Not Pleased
4. Islam and Prophecy
5. Is Donald Trump the Antichrist?
6. ‘Trump of God’ and Christianity?
7. 20 Reasons Why Donald Trump is Apocalyptic
8. Native American Prophecies
9. Nostradamus and Donald Trump
10. The King of the North, Donald Trump, and the End of the United States, and its Anglo-Saxon Allies
11. Donald Trump is Fulfilling End Time Prophecy

We have arranged with Amazon Kindle to give the Kindle edition away free for five days beginning yesterday (five days is the maximum that Amazon Kindle allows in this type of promotion). Otherwise, the electronic version will be $3.99.

Anyway, you DO NOT need a Kindle device to get it for free. Simply go to the link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse and then Amazon has an app there you can also get for free so that you should be able to download it for many electronic devices for free.

Some items of possibly related interest include:

Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased for $12.99 at Amazon from the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse: 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 Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse: Kindle Edition.
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors What are some errors that various Protestants hold to that will tend to prevent them from knowing when the Great Tribulation will begin? A related video is titled Ten Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors.
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous? A related sermon video is titled Preterism: You’ve Gotta Be Kidding…Right?
Is the USA now an Evil Empire? Dr. Thiel gives many reasons to consider. A related video is also available: Is the USA an Evil Empire?
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
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.
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: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
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?
The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben: France in Prophecy? What is the origin of this in France? What is prophesied to happen to them? A two-part sermon related to history and prophecy is available online: The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben and France and Prophecy.
Ten clues tying Belgium and Luxembourg with the tribe of Asher Who did some in Belgium and Luxembourg descend from?
Ten clues tying Zebulun with the Dutch Who did some in the Netherlands descend from?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? 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 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?

COGwriter

We have seen a lot of odd weather. Notice the following about record temperatures:

Temperatures hit new high in 2016

January 20, 2017

OSLO • World temperatures hit a record high for the third year in a row last year, creeping closer to a ceiling set by the Paris climate change deal, with unprecedented heat in India and ice melt in the Arctic.

The findings, providing new signs of the impact of greenhouse gases, were issued on Wednesday, two days before the inauguration of United States President-elect Donald Trump, who questions whether climate change has a human cause.

Average global surface temperatures last year were 0.83 deg C above a long-term average of 14 deg C from 1961 to 1990, according to the United Nations-affiliated World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

Temperatures, lifted mainly by man-made greenhouse gases and partly by a natural El Nino weather event, beat the 2015 record, which in turn eclipsed 2014. http://www.straitstimes.com/world/temperatures-hit-new-high-in-2016

Pope Francis, the United Nations, and many others wish to push their climate change agenda. The World Council of Churches’ President Olav Fykse Tveit went so far as to claim:

“We all sin against the Holy Spirit if we ignore climate change,”

His statement was horrifying. Irrespective of what one thinks about ‘climate change’ ignoring it is NOT sinning against the Holy Spirit (see also WCC: ‘We all sin against the Holy Spirit if we ignore climate change’).

Certain ‘liberals’ tend to believe that temperature records are proof of carbon-burning caused ‘climate change.’ Many of them think that those who disbelieve this are intentionally ignorant as there are facts behind some parts of some of their claims. Liberals do not seem to be able to conceive of the idea that weather problems could be a curse from God for things like the LGBT (for some details as to why that can be relevant, check out the article Weather Blessings and Sorrows).

Certain ‘conservatives’ are skeptical of the ‘climate change’ agenda as they have seen some statistics and facts about this falsified. Many of them also suspect that wealth redistribution and other liberal social goals are what is really behind this, and they can point to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si and the United Nation’s ‘New Universal Agenda as proof of this.

Politics aside, sin causes problems and we have had severe weather.

Over in California, we have had severe drought for years–but currently it is raining as I type this (in California) and the drought in California is considered to be over in most areas. The Bible warns that God uses drought to send a message, and then sends mildew if the people still do not turn to Him:

7 “I also withheld rain from you,
When there were still three months to the harvest.
I made it rain on one city,
I withheld rain from another city.
One part was rained upon,
And where it did not rain the part withered.
8 So two or three cities wandered to another city to drink water,
But they were not satisfied;
Yet you have not returned to Me,”
Says the Lord.

9 “I blasted you with blight and mildew.
When your gardens increased,
Your vineyards,
Your fig trees,
And your olive trees,
The locust devoured them;
Yet you have not returned to Me,”
Says the Lord. (Amos 4:7-9)

Expect areas to be hit with blight and mildew, as well as problems with vineyards, fig trees, and/or olive trees. All of which we have in California.

While many humans often seem to think otherwise, God is in charge and controls the weather.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; (Psalms 148:7-8)

26 “Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered. 27 For He draws up drops of water, Which distill as rain from the mist, 28 Which the clouds drop down And pour abundantly on man. 29 Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds, The thunder from His canopy? 30 Look, He scatters His light upon it, And covers the depths of the sea. 31 For by these He judges the peoples; He gives food in abundance. 32 He covers His hands with lightning, And commands it to strike. 33 His thunder declares it, The cattle also, concerning the rising storm. (Job 36:26-33)

25 For He commands and raises the stormy wind,Which lifts up the waves of the sea. 26 They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths;Their soul melts because of trouble. 27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. 29 He calms the storm,So that its waves are still. 30 Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. 31 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! 32 Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders. 33 He turns rivers into a wilderness, And the watersprings into dry ground; 34 A fruitful land into barrenness, For the wickedness of those who dwell in it. 35 He turns a wilderness into pools of water, And dry land into watersprings. 36 There He makes the hungry dwell, That they may establish a city for a dwelling place, 37 And sow fields and plant vineyards, That they may yield a fruitful harvest. 38 He also blesses them, and they multiply greatly; And He does not let their cattle decrease. (Psalms 107:25-38)

17 He casts out His hail like morsels;
Who can stand before His cold?
18 He sends out His word and melts them;
He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow. (Psalms 147:17-18)

3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. 4 After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. 5 God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. 6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. 7 He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work. 8 The beasts go into dens, And remain in their lairs. 9 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the scattering winds of the north. 10 By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen. 11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds. 12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them On the face of the whole earth. 13 He causes it to come, Whether for correction, Or for His land, Or for mercy. (Job 37:3-13)

God controls the weather. As the Book of Job records above, cold and snowy weather is sometimes used by God for correction. The following shows that God sometimes uses hail and snow for punishment:

22 “Have you entered the treasury of snow, Or have you seen the treasury of hail, 23 Which I have reserved for the time of trouble, For the day of battle and war? (Job 38:22-23)

Weather is not as random as most seem to want to believe.

As regular readers of this page are aware, I have repeatedly warned of weather problems coming. Back in 2009, in my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I wrote that the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters.

Matthew 24:7

The world is actually in a berserk transition, as the real age of peace is not yet here. It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows.

Matthew 24:8

Record smashing heat and odd weather problems should serve as a wake-up call.

What about record heat?

The Bible shows that it will get much worse later:

8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. (Revelation 16:8-9)

But, the above prophecy is for several years into the future–we are not too near that yet.

The Bible is clear that God controls the weather and various calamities, but wants people to heed His prophets:

6… If there is calamity in a city, will not the Lord have done it?

7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:6-7)

The Bible tells of weather-related blessings for obedience and weather-related curses for disobedience. Weather is not as random as many people seem to want to believe.

The Bible shows:

30 God…commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30)

And weather-problems are one way that God uses to urge people to repent (cf. Haggai 2:17; Amos 4:7-12).

Most will ignore weather changes and simply believe that weather changes all the time and the changes do not have to do with God or disobeying His laws.

Yet, the Bible shows that weird, severe, and odd weather patterns are part of the warning messages that God gives.

Are you paying attention to those messages?

Some items of interest may include the following:

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.
The ‘Unpardonable Sin’ and ‘Climate Change’?  On September 7, 2016, Olav Fykse Tveit, Church of Norway Pastor, and the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, essentially declared that those who ignore ‘climate change’ are committing the ‘unpardonable sin’ against the Holy Spirit. Are those two even related? In this video, Dr. Thiel answers that and explains from the Bible what the ‘unpardonable sin’ is and how you can avoid it. He also discusses aspects of Christianity and the environment.
The Bible, Christians, and the Environment How should Christians view the environment? Does the Bible give any clues? What are some of the effects of air, water, and land pollution? Is environmental pollution a factor in autism and death? Do pollutants seem to double the autism risk? What will Jesus do? A YouTube video is available titled Air Pollution, Autism, and Prophecy.
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? Two related videos include UN’s ‘New Universal Agenda’ is a False Gospel! and United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
Laudato Si: Pope’s Agenda or Kingdom of God? Pope Francis’ 2nd encyclical is titled ‘Laudato Si.’ In it, he goes over his views related to environmental, economic, social, moral, agricultural, and spiritual issues. He advocates international cooperation to solve various problems he believes are affecting humanity. Is that Pope’s agenda the solution? What about the Kingdom of God? does the Bible teach? Two related articles include Laudato Si: Will Pope Francis’ economic actions match his words? and Laudato Si: A call for a one-world government?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change? A related video sermon is titled: What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?
Pornography: A scourge on society Is pornography harmless fun? Does the Bible teach anything about it? What are the views of some involved with it? Here is a link to a YouTube video Pornography: Harmless Fun or a Scourge on Society?
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? 2026 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? 2017, 2018, or 2019? 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 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
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?
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill?  Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill?  Could a Donald Trump presidency be apocalyptic?  A related video is titled: 13 Ways President-Elect Trump is Apocalyptic.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 from the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-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 Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition.

Valentine Postcard (1910)

COGwriter

Some time back, a reader sent the following, which is such a classic, I would like to post again:

February 10, 2014

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been together for 2 1/2 years, living together for two. He says Valentine’s Day is a made-up holiday to get people to spend money. I told him every holiday is geared toward people spending money.I find myself feeling angry and hurt that I’m not receiving anything for Valentine’s Day. He never buys cards or flowers for me. How do I communicate to him that this is important to me without making things worse? — CRAVING A LITTLE ROMANCE

DEAR CRAVING: Your boyfriend may be cheap, but he also has a point. According to a report on npr.org, the celebration of Valentine’s Day started in ancient Rome and contains elements of both Christian and pre-Christian religions. In the third century A.D., two men named Valentine were executed by the emperor Claudius II in different years on Feb. 14, and a few hundred years later, a pope (Gelasius I) combined St. Valentine’s Day with Lupercalia — a fertility feast — to replace the pagan ritual. (Research this online if you wish, because I found it fascinating.) The holiday didn’t become romanticized until the Renaissance.

That said, allow me to point out that there are few things more unpleasant than feeling forced to give someone a gift.

‘Abby’ had several helpful points that all should consider. The woman that wrote her the question, should also consider the following scripture:

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Her lust for the things of the world is not Christian.

Valentine’s Day has pagan origins with direct ties to idolatry. All who profess Christ should consider what the Bible teaches about such practices:

29 When the LORD your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, 30 take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ 31 “You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. 32 Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it (Deuteronomy 12:29-32, NKJV).

2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe (Jeremiah 10:2-3, KJV).

Notice also want the New Testament teaches:

…abstain from things offered to idols (Acts 15:29, NKJV).

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

9 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. (1 Corinthians 10:19-21)

But because most who profess Christianity do not heed these warnings, they are disobeying God’s instructions. You can also watch a short YouTube video about this titled Should Christians Observe Valentine’s Day? or a longer, more complete sermon titled Valentine’s Day, Christianity, and Islam.

None who profess Christ should observe this February 14th “holiday”–it simply is not a Christian holiday.

For more information, please consider studying the following:

Valentine’s Day: Its Real Origins Christianity Today suggests that Valentine’s Day is good for Christians to observe. Is this true? There is also a YouTube titled Should Christians Observe Valentine’s Day? and a longer, more complete sermon titled Valentine’s Day, Christianity, and Islam.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well. Here is a version in the Spanish language:.¿Están vigentes todavía los diez mandamientos?
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for? A related sermon is titled Jesus, Pharisees, and the Ten Commandments.
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught? For a more detailed discussion of the first four commandments, please see the video The Ten Commandments: Loving God. For a more detailed discussion of the last six commandments, please see: The Ten Commandments: Loving Your Neighbor. Here is a link to a related article in Mandarin Chinese 十条诫命显示爱，违反诫命的就是邪恶的
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments: Cause and Effect Is everything random? Why do things happen? Should Christians keep the ten commandments?
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.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
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 Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links 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 and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L’Histoire Continue de l’Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

UCG’s Logo for Beyond Today

COGwriter

A minister in the United Church of God (UCG) was arrested and made the news:

A Minnesota father-of-one has been arrested and charged with murder for allegedly killing his wife and then staging her lifeless body to make her death look like a suicide.

Stephen Allwine, 43, of Cottage Grove, was taken into custody on Tuesday on a felony charge of second-degree intentional homicide in the slaying of his wife, Amy Allwine, last fall.

A detailed criminal complaint obtained by the Daily Mail Wednesday lays out a series of explosive allegations against Stephen Allwine involving infidelity, multiple failed murder-for-hire plots targeting his wife Amy and the use of Dark Web.

Mrs Allwine, 44, was discovered dead from a gunshot wound to the head inside the couple’s home at 7624 110th Street South at around 7pm on November 13, 2016.  …

According to his LinkedIn page, Stephen Allwine works as an IT specialist at an insurance company and has long been active in ministry at the United Church of God.

His late wife was the owner of Active Dogs Sports Training located next door to the family’s home, which went out of business a short time after her death. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4133592/Man-charged-slaying-wife-pretending-killed-self.html#ixzz4WFTVgEHu

The United Church of God has removed the profiles of both Amy and Stephen Allwine from their website (I just checked).

It is terrible when things like this happen. Amy’s friends and family are in my prayers.

Sadly, even in New Testament times there were false ministers as well as ministers who turned away from following God (cf. Acts 20:29; 1 John 2:18-19).

In other United Church of God news, its president, Victor Kubik, reported the following today:

January 19, 2017

This past week, our conference team traveled to Atlanta to conduct a one-day leadership workshop on Sunday, followed by a two-day conference for ministers in the Southeast region. For the leadership workshop, we had 107 in attendance (including 8 from the home office). Presentations focused on the theme of “What Every Member Supplies,” stemming from the Church’s Vision Statement.

Then, from Sunday evening to Tuesday afternoon, we held the Southeast regional ministerial conference with 57 in attendance (including 10 from Cincinnati). The theme was “Mentoring Disciples to Build Church Community.”

UCG has had a lot of conferences.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it? Here is a related article in the Spanish language: Unidad: ¿Cuál Iglesia de Dios para usted?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from two of the largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association Known as COGWA, this is the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it. UCG’s former president Clyde Kilough and UK CEO Peter Hawkins are part of it.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association Known as COGWA, this seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it. UCG’s former president Clyde Kilough and UK CEO Pater Hawkins are part of it.
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 Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links 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 and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L’Histoire Continue de l’Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders? A related sermon is available titled Priority of the Philadelphia Work.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 teaches “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 ” will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing? This is a sermonette length video.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.

COGwriter

Donald J. Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States tomorrow.

He is a controversial figure, so expect protests, etc. Notice:

January 19, 2017

For inauguration weekend, officials in Washington are preparing for the arrival of an unprecedented number of protesters in the nation’s capital, with about 200,000 people alone expected to participate Saturday in the Women’s March on Washington in the city. In addition to the main event, over 600 “Sister Marches” organized in solidarity with the march on Washington are set to take place around the world. https://www.boston.com/news/national-news/2017/01/19/here-are-some-of-the-protests-planned-for-trumps-inauguration

Donald Trump’s rise is also causing the Europeans to take actions:

The Moment of the Europeans

BERLIN …- Germany’s top politicians are calling on the EU to close ranks behind Europe’s “central power,” Germany, following President-Elect Donald Trump’s recent declarations in an interview. Trump suggested the possibility of “deals” with Russia, predicted the further disintegration of the EU and pointed to Germany’s dominant role within the EU. A new Russian-American world order is looming, according to Elmar Brok (CDU), Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, it is therefore imperative that the EU “close ranks.” Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed a similar opinion. Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, called for Russian and US disarmament and for enhancing the EU’s militarization. http://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en/fulltext/58999

But what about the Bible and the Apocalypse?

As reported on this page a couple of days ago, world events have already began to confirm at least four biblically-inspired predictions I warned would happen if Donald Trump was elected (for details, see Fourth COGwriter warning about Donald Trump confirmed).

Do you want to know more?

We have just produced a brand new book: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse. The print edition is available at Amazon for $12.99 at the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.

This 188 page book, has 11 chapters that deal with these exciting topics:

1. Donald Trump: Background, Controversies, and Hebrew Prophecy
2. Immorality has Prophetic Consequences       
3. Europeans are Not Pleased
4. Islam and Prophecy 
5. Is Donald Trump the Antichrist?
6. ‘Trump of God’ and Christianity?       
7. 20 Reasons Why Donald Trump is Apocalyptic     
8. Native American Prophecies
9. Nostradamus and Donald Trump
10. The King of the North, Donald Trump, and the End of the United States, and its Anglo-Saxon Allies
11. Donald Trump is Fulfilling End Time Prophecy

We have arranged with Amazon Kindle to give the Kindle edition away free for five days beginning today (five days is the maximum that Amazon Kindle allows in this type of promotion). Otherwise, the electronic version will be $3.99.

Anyway, you DO NOT need a Kindle device to get it for free. Simply go to the link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse and then Amazon has an app there you can also get for free so that you should be able to download it for many electronic devices for free.

Several items of possibly related interest include:

Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased for $12.99 at Amazon from the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.

Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse: 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 Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse: Kindle Edition.