Church of God News

COGwriter

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

1:24:17

Claims of Apostolic Succession

Various churches claim to have something termed ‘apostolic succession.’ Does any church have this? Where does the concept come from and what does it teach? Is there biblical support for apostolic succession? Is the doctrine of the laying on of hands related? Did the gospel writer Mark found the Alexandrian Orthodox Church? How long could the Church of God in Antioch have held true succession? Did succession cease in Jerusalem in 135 A.D.? What about Constantinople? Was their apostolic succession in Asia Minor until about 250 A.D.? What about Rome? What do Catholic scholars really understand about early claims of succession? Of the two churches that Irenaeus and Tertullian claim had succession from the apostles, which was faithful to the teachings of the Bible and the apostles? Is there still such a church today? Why is any of this important to Christians in the end times? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more from the Bible and historical writings.

Here is a link to the video sermon: Claims of Apostolic Succession.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view?  Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches?  Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter! Here is a version in the Spanish language La sucesión apostólica. ¿Ocurrió en Roma, Alejandría, Constantinopla, Antioquía, Jerusalén o Asia Menor?
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups that Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups? A related sermon is also available Christianity: Two groups.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differs from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! [Português: Esperança do salvação: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes] Here is a link to the video sermon: How Does the Church of God Differ from Protestantism?
What Was the Original Apostles’ Creed? What is the Nicene Creed? Did the original apostles write a creed? When was the first creed written? Are the creeds commonly used by the Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholics original?
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?
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, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
Congregations of the Continuing Church of God This is a listing of congregations and groups of the Continuing Church of God around the world.
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.
CCOGAFRICA.ORG This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.
CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo.
Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos as well as some ContinuingCOG channel sermons. It is also available as a mobile app.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced scores of YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.

Jean Claude Juncker

COGwriter

European Commission president Jean Claude Juncker blamed the UK for abandoning the EU and dissed the relevance of the English language:

May 5, 2017

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker took a swipe at Britain on Friday, saying he would not give a speech in English because the language was becoming less significant following Brexit.

“Slowly but surely English is losing importance in Europe,” Juncker told a conference in Florence before switching into French and drawing applause from his audience of EU officials, local leaders and Italian students. …

The conference, on the state of the European Union, comes at a time of tensions between Brussels and London ahead of formal negotiations over Britain’s withdrawal from the 28-nation bloc.

Juncker said Britain’s decision to leave was “a tragedy”.

“We will negotiate fairly with our British friends, but let’s not forget that the EU is not abandoning the United Kingdom. It is the other way around. And that will make a difference in the years ahead.” …

Juncker acknowledged that the European Union had its “weaknesses” and was partly to blame for the British decision to abandon ship. But he said the bloc’s successes, including helping maintain peace between nations, were often overlooked.

“We are criticized, torn to pieces, but elsewhere in the world we are admired,” he said. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-idUSKBN18116K

So, President Juncker is getting some of his frustrations out against the UK. Yet, English is still an EU language:

May 5, 2017

Juncker’s view of the English language are an exaggeration. Although the U.K. might be leaving the bloc, English is an official language in both Ireland and Malta, which are both EU members. The language has also been dominant across the 28-member EU since 2004 when eastern and central European countries joined. Indeed, the language remains widely spoken across much of the EU—with more than a third of the population claiming fluency in at least 13 member states—not counting the U.K. and Ireland. https://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2017/05/eu-english-brexit/525573/

Perhaps it should be mentioned that year ago, UK Prime Minister David Cameron was publicly opposed to Jean-Claude Juncker becoming EU Commission President. He felt that the policies of Jean-Claude Juncker may well persuade voters in the UK to pull out of the European Union. He also tried to negotiate a better deal for the UK to stay in the EU with Juncker last year. But the concessions granted were apparently not considered adequate enough as most voters in the UK choose to leave the European Union (called the Brexit).

The EU will continue to have problems. That view is consistent with biblical prophecies:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-43)

The Bible further shows that Europe will have at least three major changes in Revelation 17 (two of which are discussed in more depth in the article Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?):

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)

The above will result in a temporarily united European power.

A dictatorial power that will have military (Revelation 13:4; Daniel 11:39-43) and economic influence (Revelation 18).

Notice something from a few years ago:

18 February 2014

There are powerful forces in the EU pushing for a dictatorship, which is what political union would ultimately mean.

Democracy in Europe is a fragile thing, just a couple of decades old in the continent’s centre and east; only a few decades more than that in most of the rest. Only a fool with no sense of history would dismiss the possibility that authoritarianism could reassert itself, or that European soil is anything other than fertile ground for it to grow in. …

Without coming within a million miles of being explicit about it, that was what European Commission Vice President Viviane Reding was on about yesterday in Cambridge.

“There is a strong case for a true fiscal and ultimately political union. In my personal view, the eurozone should become the United States of Europe,” she said, while acknowledging Britain would not be part of it.

Political union must mean a form of dictatorship since power would be removed from the nation state — the only political construct with a meaningful demos — and placed in a no man’s land dominated by the bureaucracy. This point surfaces now and again, but is rarely internalised. It needs to be. (The EU dictatorship they want but won’t get. The Commentator, 18 February 2014. http://www.thecommentator.com/article/4735/the_eu_dictatorship_they_want_but_won_t_get viewed 11/08/14)

While some believe that Europe is determined to be democratic, it will not remain that way.

Notice a couple of warnings I made about that over the years:

Similar to how Germany gave Adolf Hitler dictatorial powers in order to run Germany, the EU will ultimately give power to a European dictator (biblically called “the beast” and “the King of the North“) who will run things his way.

And for a while, he will be quite victorious.

The power transfer is prophesied in the Book of Revelation … (Revelation 17:12-13). (Thiel B. Sweden Wants EU to Use its Battle Groups. COGwriter, September 9, 2009)

The Bible is clear that the someone who sounds like a dictator will rise up in Europe:

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.  (Revelation 17:12-13)

And while now is not quite yet the dictator’s time, despite problems (Daniel 2:40-43), a major dictator in Europe (and I do not anticipate at this time that it will be Herman van Rompuy) will rise up (Revelation 13:1-8), Europe will reorganize (Revelation 17:12-13), and become the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:21-44). (Thiel B. On ‘Europe Day’ Van Rompuy says EU ‘Never to become the United States of Europe,’ Yet Farage Says Dictatorship Planned. COGwriter, May 9, 2012).

In light of that, consider something that came out yesterday:

4 May 2017

Just half of Europeans aged 16-26 believe democracy is the best form of government. The figure was revealed in a survey that polled 6,000 young Europeans in seven countries. http://www.dw.com/en/study-reveals-half-of-young-europeans-are-skeptical-about-democracy/a-38689788

A less democratic government will come to Europe and we are starting to see signs that more there will accept it.

Getting back to Jeane-Claude Juncker, he is correct that various ones in the UK and elsewhere are criticizing the EU, but he has been one calling for more European unity as well as a European army.

The day AFTER the US Presidential election, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sent out a tweet over Twitter:

Trump wins … Wake up call for Europe to further unite & take charge of its own destiny (11/09/16)

Donald Trump was one of the most prominent non-UK leaders to publicly support Brexit before the Brexit vote last June. Notice another report about Jean-Claude Juncker the next day:

10 November 2016

Europe should build its own army and not rely on security guarantees from Washington, the European Commission president said following the election of Donald Trump. At the same time, Jean-Claude Juncker called for the preservation of the transatlantic partnership. …

“We need more security in Europe, and I do not mean just the anti-terror fight,” Juncker said.

“Talking about security we need a different way of organizing a European defense … the French National Assembly in 1954 prevented the European community of defense.”

“We need it now. The idea that the Americans will eternally see to … European security is not true. Independent of the outcome of the US election, the Americans will not see to Europe’s security forever. We have to do it ourselves. And this is why we need a new approach to the European community of defense, including a European army,” Juncker said. …

The EU ministers are expected to meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss plans to strengthen the EU military cooperation and capabilities. https://www.rt.com/news/366177-european-army-security-juncker/

Jeane-Claude Juncker is upset with the UK as well as the USA. He wants a united and militaristic European power.

And the Europeans will have a great army according to Bible prophecy:

25 He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. (Daniel 11:25)

The ‘he’ above is identified as the European King of the North (Daniel 11:40). As far as the King of the South goes, this is a power in the Islamically-dominated lands in the Middle East and North Africa.

Before going against those in North Africa and the Middle East, notice what the Bible teaches this King of the North will do:

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:39)

This is a takeover of the USA (which is the power with the strongest military fortresses in the 21st century) and its closest military allies–which would include the UK.

This European Beast power will rely on technology for at least part of its military strength and Jean Claude Juncker wants more investment in military technology (see also European Technology and the Beast of Revelation).

The success of the European Beast, King of the North, power will cause the world to marvel:

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?” (Revelation 13:3-4)

Europe will arise. And it is now starting to tell the world publicly that it intends to do so. The world will be surprised this will happen, which is part of why I believe European technology will be a key factor in this (as will be deception and problems in the USA).

Currently Europe relies on the USA, as the real military partner of NATO, to defend it. This has been convenient for Europe and has allowed the Europeans to enjoy a standard of living that may not have been otherwise possible. However, Europe is developing its own military technology (see European Technology and the Beast of Revelation) and the time will come when it concludes it not only does not need the USA, but that it wants to take it over.

I suspect that after the Europeans and the USA and UK have some strained relations in the future, the Europeans may call for/agree to a joint military exercise, possibly under the conditions of NATO, in the USA. This would allow the Europeans to bring military aircraft, troops, and other military items to the USA, without the USA getting concerned it would soon be attacked.

For those who think that the Europeans are just too peaceful for this, consider that the Bible teaches:

5 “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger
And the staff in whose hand is My indignation.
6 I will send him against an ungodly nation,
And against the people of My wrath
I will give him charge,
To seize the spoil, to take the prey,
And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Yet he does not mean so,
Nor does his heart think so;
But it is in his heart to destroy,
And cut off not a few nations. (Isaiah 10:5-7)

And consider that more in Europe are calling for a European military (see also ‘Post-Brexit summit could pave way for European army’ or is it ‘laughable’?).

The Bible shows that the end-time European power will take advantage of circumstances, trust, and timing (cf. Daniel 8:23-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:3). While various people will claim that the Europeans are the friends and allies of America and Britain, notice the following prophecy:

1 How lonely sits the city
That was full of people!
How like a widow is she,
Who was great among the nations!
The princess among the provinces
Has become a slave!

2 She weeps bitterly in the night,
Her tears are on her cheeks;
Among all her lovers
She has none to comfort her.
All her friends have dealt treacherously with her;
They have become her enemies. (Lamentations 1:1-2)

The USA and Great Britain (including its Anglo-Commonwealth members, like Australia and Canada) were “great among the nations.” And the Bible is clear that betrayal is coming from national FRIENDS! Like many of those in NATO.

Jean Claude Juncker and others appear committed to getting Europe to the place it can fulfill the military and other prophecies related to it.

In the nearer term, we will see what happens to current UK territories such as Northern Ireland and Gibraltar as they are expected to be significant factors in the Brexit negotiations.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Brexit and the fate of Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, the UK, and the USA On April 29, 2017, 27 of the nations of the European Union agreed to certain guidelines for the negotiations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which gave its notice to leave on March 29, 2017. These guidelines are contrary to what the UK wants. Does the EU intend the UK to pay a price for leaving the EU? What does Spain want? What does the Republic of Ireland want? Will Northern Ireland and Gibraltar eventually fall under European control? Will the UK and USA be conquered? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel answer these questions and more in this video.
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)? Here is a version in Mandarin Chinese ‚ñVý\Y1S»vô^W–@TŒyQKQp¤\›.
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.
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.
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: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or 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.
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?
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 video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
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.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to a scripture that points to the USA in the 21st century? This article does.
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?
Forbes’ Brexit Monster is the Beast of Revelation Various ones have been properly convinced that there is a plan for a European superstate. Forbes’ writer Tom Worstall wrote that the Brexit vote was about the United Kingdom “not joining the monster of the European Union to come.” The Bible tells of a Beast monster that will arise in the end times in Europe. Dr. Thiel cites news reports, as well as the Old and New Testaments, to show that the monster many fear will arise in Europe, despite the vote by the British to exit the European Union.
Post Brexit Prophecy On June 23, 2016, the voters of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) chose to leave the European Union. Now with this BRitish EXIT (Brexit) vote, what is prophesied to happen to the UK? Will the UK do well or be taken over and made slaves? Dr. Thiel explains from biblical prophecies what is ahead for the UK, Europe, and even the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is a video.

COGwriter

Some are concerned about a racial genocide and theft coming to South Africa:

White South Africans Are Preparing For “Removal of All Whites Within Five Years”

May 5, 2017

Back in March, the President of South Africa made a shocking suggestion, which left many white landowners fearing that they may face a race war in the near future. In a speech, Jacob Zuma announced that he wanted the government to begin confiscating white owned lands, before redistributing them to black South Africans.

Zuma wants a “pre-colonial land audit of land use and occupation patterns” to help decide which lands need to be taken, and has said that “We need to accept the reality that those who are in parliament where laws are made, particularly the black parties, should unite because we need a two-thirds majority to effect changes in the constitution.”

It’s believed that Zuma is calling for this radical action in response to the rise of a rival political party known as the Economic Freedom Fighters, who have long called for the confiscation of white owned lands.

Obviously, this kind of talk doesn’t bode well for the future of South Africa. You have the leaders of the first and third most popular political parties, both of which promote socialist ideas, openly declaring that they want the government to steal from an entire racial group. Since these political parties wouldn’t be in power unless they had some degree of popular support, it’s clear that black South Africans are increasingly turning against their white neighbors. It’s a perfect recipe for genocide.

It’s conditions like that which have spawned organizations like the Suidlanders; a massive civilian-run civil defense group that is dedicated to protecting Afrikaaners in the event of social collapse or civil war. They’re currently getting ready for the possibility of a government implemented genocide of white South Africans. One of their leaders recently spoke to Infowars, and explained how they plan to respond to that threat.

Roche told Infowars that leftist South African leaders have in recent months threatened “the slaughter of all whites, and the removal of all whites within five years,” prompting Suidlanders to prepare for a surprise civil war event which they now believe is imminent.

“Then we would, in such an open civil war, in such a crisis, gather our people together and seek sanctuary in a remote location and then to remove ourselves from being wiped out or slaughtered,” Roche said.

However, the organization doesn’t plan to take up arms, and their best plan so far will only accommodate a minority of whites in the country. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-05-04/white-south-africans-are-preparing-slaughter-and-removal-all-whites-within-five-year

When my wife Joyce and I visited South Africa back in 1985, we met a woman in the old Worldwide Church of God who had fled Rhodesia because on anti-white politics, land confiscation, etc. She told us that she expected that the same thing would happen to South Africa later, and that seems to be the case. Rhodesia was once one of the most prosperous African nations. It is now called Zimbabwe and is considered a massive economic disaster.

The old Worldwide Church of God warned that there could be race wars in Rhodesia and then later in South Africa back in 1976:

Race War in Southern Africa?

Encouraged by their victory in Angola, Soviet- and Cuban-supported African nationalist guerrillas may seek to “complete the job” by launching an offensive aimed at overthrowing the last remaining white minority governments in southern Africa. …

First Target – Rhodesia

The immediate threat is to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe to African nationalists) – a nation of 270,000 whites ruling over 6 million blacks. As we go to press, Mozambique has closed its border with Rhodesia and has declared a “state of war,” seizing all Rhodesian property and assets within Mozambique. …  It is believed by most observers that the Rhodesian government forces, even though well trained and adequately equipped, could not withstand a major guerrilla campaign for long on their own. Yet despite the threat of eventual Soviet domination of the area, British and U.S. officials have made it clear that there will be no American or British military intervention to defend the minority Rhodesian regime if fighting breaks out. Both governments have instead been urging “realistic” negotiations to forestall the threat of violence.

Second Target – South Africa

War in South Africa itself is seen as very unlikely. … The militant South-West African Peoples Organization (SWAPO) – a nationalist group recognized by the U.N. as ” the sole legitimate representative of the Namibian people ” – is reportedly ready to ” invite external intervention ” to drive the South Africans out. … Surrounded by black Africans in overwhelming numbers, the white populaces of Rhodesia and South Africa may be in for a long and bloody struggle to retain their right in the African sun. (Race War in Southern Africa? Plain Truth, April-May 1976)

And yes, changes happened in Rhodesia, there was racial violence and most whites fled or suffered various losses. South Africa is heading that way as well.

Back in 1977, the old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

The Birthright Blessing

The truth is, the prosperity enjoyed by Rhodesia’s whites has not been gained at the expense of, or through the “oppression” of their far more numerous black countrymen. Hard work, the entrepreneurial spirit, the ability of the European mentally to adapt to the modern industrial world as opposed to the approach of the average African still attuned to traditional tribal customs and ways of doing things is in large part responsible for the large white-black prosperity gap. But there is another, even more important reason for the prosperity Rhodesians have heretofore enjoyed. Rhodesia’s whites, like English- speaking Anglo-Saxons everywhere else, have been the beneficiaries of a unique blessing, one not earned, in the final analysis, even by the stint of their own efforts. They have been the recipients, strange as it may seem, of the birthright blessings conferred upon them by a distant biblical ancestor – the patriarch Abraham. (Hogberg G. Rhodesia: Why No Peace is in Sight. Plain Truth, 1977)

There were blessings as well as cursings prophesied for the descendants of Israel (cf. Deuteronomy 28). The blessings as well as cursings promised to the descendants of Israel are coming to pass. We have seen that in Rhodesia, we are seeing that in South Africa, and we will see that in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

On his first visit to South Africa, the late WCG Pastor General Herbert W. Armstrong observed that while things appeared fine on the surface, racial issues were deep:

My first visit to South Africa was some years overdue. I had expected. from reports printed about South Africa and apartheid to find whites arrogantly dominant and blacks cowering in fear. But I found instead – on the surface – apparent racial peace. I found black s holding their heads up just like whiles. I found both blacks and whites. for instance, in the hotel’s large coffee shop in equal numbers. each going about their respective jobs just as if they were all the same race. Then, suddenly, the day before yesterday, I arrived back in Johannesburg from a visit to South-West Africa and found in the evening newspaper the full-page-wide headline. “SIX DIE IN RIOTS.” That was Wednesday, June 16. The morning paper on Thursday, June 17, had a giant page-wide headline of two words. “Flaming Night.” Under it was a seven-column, full-color picture of motor trucks in flame. All had seemed to be at PEACE here – on the surface. (Armstrong HW. Personal. Plain Truth, August 1976)

But he also wrote that God had a plan to solve this:

In th e WORLD TOMORROW, which is coming SOON, two things will bring about RACIAL PEACE: One, human nature will be changed. Two, the segregation-integration issue will be settled in a way to bring PEACE;. And there will be NO DISCRIMINATION, no one race over any other. Opportunity for success and welfare will be EQUAL. Then humans will learn, as the apostle Paul said to the Athenian “thinkers” on Mars’ Hill that God the Creator “hath made of one blood all nations of men.” And not of “white” blood, or so me other colored blood. We all have one ancestor, Adam. and ultimately we shall be ONE FAMILY, not in color, but in spirit and in LOVE. (Armstrong HW. Personal. Plain Truth, August 1976)

While it is good news that the Kingdom of God will be established and eliminate racial hatred that we see today. That will not be implemented until Jesus returns. Until then, Jesus spoke of their being troubles and sorrows (Mark 13:8), the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), and the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 2:12-21; Ezekiel 30:2-3).

Until then, of course, true Christians are to love, and not hate, people of all races (see also God’s Grace is For All and The Philadelphia Remnant: It’s All About Love).

Artist Depiction of Pentecost (Cadetgray)

COGwriter

The Day of Pentecost for 2017 is approaching, and is June 4th in 2017. Unlike other biblical holy days, some version of the Day of Pentecost is observed by a lot of mainstream churches, both Catholic and Protestant. And of course, since Pentecost is a biblical holy day, it is observed by Church of God groups like the Continuing Church of God. Pentecost is the day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the shape of fire (Acts 2:3-4).

Most groups that profess Christ consider that Pentecost marked the formal beginning of the New Testament church.

The term Pentecost is a Greek term meaning 50th. That term is derived from the following Hebrew description of calculating the date:

And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath (Leviticus 23:15-16).

Early Christians believed that they were supposed to observe Pentecost. And they probably understood this from the Bible and the practices of the early apostles.

For example, the Apostle Paul continued to keep Pentecost decades after the Pentecost mentioned in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. Notice what he wrote, about 56 A.D.:

For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8).

This shows that Paul knew when Pentecost was, that he felt that the Corinthians must know when Pentecost was, and that the Ephesians would have known when Pentecost was. Thus, it apparently was being observed by Paul and the Gentiles in Ephesus and Corinth.

In another year, the Apostle Paul also wished to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost, around 60 A.D.:

For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16).

Thus, Christians in Jerusalem were still observing Pentecost and Paul was observing it too. Otherwise, there would be no obvious reason why Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

This was clearly understood by second century writers such as Irenaeus who wrote (circa 180):

Paul taught with simplicity what he knew, not only to those who were [employed] with him, but to those that heard him, he does himself make manifest. For when the bishops and presbyters who came from Ephesus and the other cities adjoining had assembled in Miletus, since he was himself hastening to Jerusalem to observe Pentecost (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book III, Chapter 14, Verse 2). Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

An old document that was probably altered in the 4th century, titled The Life of Polycarp, specifically mentions the Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost. And it records that the Apostle Paul said that they should be kept:

In the days of unleavened bread Paul, coming down from Galatia, arrived in Asia, considering the repose among the faithful in Smyrna to be a great refreshment in Christ Jesus after his severe toil, and intending afterwards to depart to Jerusalem. So in Smyrna he went to visit Strataeas, who had been his hearer in Pamphylia, being a son of Eunice the daughter of Lois. These are they of whom he makes mention when writing to Timothy, saying; Of the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and in thy mother Eunice; whence we find that Strataeas was a brother of Timothy. Paul then, entering his house and gathering together the faithful there, speaks to them concerning the Passover and the Pentecost, reminding them of the New Covenant of the offering of bread and the cup; how that they ought most assuredly to celebrate it during the days of unleavened bread, but to hold fast the new mystery of the Passion and Resurrection. For here the Apostle plainly teaches that we ought neither to keep it outside the season of unleavened bread, as the heretics do, especially the Phrygians…but named the days of unleavened bread, the Passover, and the Pentecost, thus ratifying the Gospel (Pionius. Life of Polycarp, Chapter 2. Translated by J. B. Lightfoot, The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 3.2, 1889, pp.488-506).

Notice that Paul is shown to have taught Gentiles to keep the biblical Holy Days, including Pentecost. Polycarp, himself, was a faithful early Christian leader who was apparently ordained by the Apostle John and was believed to be a Gentile.

Since the Apostle Paul and other faithful Christians kept Pentecost, shouldn’t you?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues” and led by the Holy Spirit? (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Pentecostés: ¿Es más que Hechos 2? plus one by Herbert Armstrong HWA sobre Pentecostés). Here is a YouTube sermon titled Pentecost: Feast of Firstfruits.
Pentecost Quiz This is a Pentecost quiz based upon the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.
Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。. 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.
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?

Anne Catherine Emmerich Claimed to See Purgatory

COGwriter

The following article claims that ‘Purgatory’ is part of the Gospel!:

The great good news of Purgatory

Far from a “cheap grace,” Purgatory is the sensible and just means of becoming fit for the mercy we receive.

When Jesus walked out of the Tomb, he opened the door to Purgatory. We don’t think about this when belting out “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia,” at least I don’t, but we should. It’s Gospel, as my Evangelical friends say.

I tried to write a new verse for the hymn. I got as far as “Jesus Christ is risen today, Purgatory is here to stay,” and gave up.

Besides being Gospel, Purgatory attracts people to the Church, too. It supplies a need we all feel, at least when we’re at our best. The Protestant C. S. Lewis saw this at the very end of his life. In his last book, Letters to Malcolm, he says that “Our souls demand Purgatory.”

We want it. We feel the need of it. …

Not cheap grace

Purgatory’s not cheap-grace Christianity. We have our versions of that just as the Evangelicals do, with their get-out-of-jail-free conversions and wipe-the-slate-clean view of grace. The Evangelicals themselves accuse us of using the sacraments mechanically, and that can be fair hit. For that matter, we can think of Purgatory as the place we’ll pay the bill for the indulgences we enjoy now. …

The Purgatorian Gospel

I said that Purgatory was “Gospel” and that it attracts people to the Church. It’s one of the great distinctive Catholic doctrines. You want the Purgatorial cleaning Lewis wrote about, come to the Catholic Church. http://aleteia.org/2017/05/03/the-great-good-news-of-purgatory/

Jesus spoke of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Notice the following from a Roman Catholic translation:

14 Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the gospel from God saying, 15 ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the gospel.’

Purgatory, as the Church of Rome teaches it, was not part of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

One of the reasons that Aletia (an online Catholic news and information website) claims Purgatory is “one of the great distinctive Catholic doctrines” is precisely because what the Church of Rome teaches about Purgatory does not come from the Bible–and this doctrine has been unique to them.

Furthermore it should be noted, the Church of Rome still does offer indulgences related to Purgatory (see Vatican offering ‘indulgences’ to reduce time in ‘purgatory’ for following Pope Francis on Twitter, etc.). My wife and I were actually offered an indulgence for each of us if we attended Pope Francis’ Wednesday message in Vatican City a couple of years ago.

The ‘Purgatorian Gospel’ essentially seems to be that it is fine to sin and not truly repent as God will have you suffer enough in Purgatory to earn your salvation. Although promoters of it deny this, that is the end result of their doctrine and that is a false gospel. The ‘Purgatorian Gospel’ promotes iniquity as it does not result in proper repentance for sin in this life–which is something Christians must do (cf. Acts 2:38; Hebrews 12:14-17).

The Apostle Paul warned that “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” in his time (2 Thessalonians 2:7), but that it would worsen (2 Thessalonians 2:6-12). The ‘Purgatorian Gospel’ is part of that ‘mystery of lawlessness’ (see also Mystery of Iniquity).

Before getting to some related history, you may wonder if God has a plan for those who are not called, chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14) in this age who are not incorrigibly wicked and have not committed the “unpardonable sin”?

Yes. But is is NOT purgatory.

Notice a passage that many do not understand today:

20 No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed. (Isaiah 65:20)

And did early professors of Christ realize this verse had to do with God’s plan of salvation?

Yes.

While I have articles with many scriptures on this subject (see, for example, Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis), let’s start out with a second century interpretation of Isaiah by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox saint Irenaeus to show what seemed to be common knowledge in the days not too long after the death of the last of the original apostles:

Now, that the promises were not announced to the prophets and the fathers alone, but to the Churches united to these from the nations, whom also the Spirit terms “the islands” (both because they are established in the midst of turbulence, suffer the storm of blasphemies, exist as a harbour of safety to those in peril, and are the refuge of those who love the height [of heaven], and strive to avoid Bythus, that is, the depth of error), Jeremiah thus declares: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye nations, and declare it to the isles afar off; say ye, that the LORD will scatter Israel, He will gather him, and keep him, as one feeding his flock of sheep…

And yet again does he say the same thing: “Behold, I make Jerusalem a rejoicing, and my people [a joy]; for the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. Also there shall not be there any immature [one], nor an old man who does not fulfil his time: for the youth shall be of a hundred years; and the sinner shall die a hundred years old, yet shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them themselves; and shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them themselves, and shall drink wine. And they shall not build, and others inhabit; neither shall they prepare the vineyard, and others eat. For as the days of the tree of life shall be the days of the people in thee; for the works of their hands shall endure” (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book V, Chapter 34, Verses 2-3,4. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Others, such as Origen of Alexandria, also wrote that God had a plan to offer salvation to all.

Many Catholic and Protestant scholars hold that Origen was one of the greatest of the early theological writers (he lived from around 185-232 A.D.). While active, Pope Benedict XVI publicly praised Origen.

The noted Protestant historian K.S. Latourette wrote that Origen “was, indeed, one of the greatest Christian minds.” And while I cannot agree with that, it is of interest to note that Latourette observed:

Origen taught that ultimately all the spirits who have fallen away from God will be restored to full harmony with Him. This can come about only with their cooperation, for they have freedom to accept or reject the redemption wrought in Christ. Before full restoration they will suffer punishment, but that punishment is intended to be educative, to purge them from the imperfections brought by their sin. After the end of the present age and its world another age will come, so Origen believed, in which have been born again will continue to grow and the unrepentant will be given further opportunity for repentance (Latourette K.S. A History of Christianity, Volume 1, Beginnings to 1500. Harper Collins, San Francisco, 1975, p.151).

Origen was close, in that not all will repent, for there will also be those raised to “everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2, KJV), meaning that those who would not properly repent will not receive salvation–but we in the Continuing Church of God consider them to be a small minority. But Origen was correct that this will only come about by the cooperation of those currently unsaved.

Here are some quotes directly from Origen:

…the good Father has not entirely deserted those who have fallen away from Him (Origen. Commentary on the Gospel of John (Book I). Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 9. Edited by Allan Menzies, D.D. American Edition, 1896 and 1897. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

It is to be borne in mind, however, that certain beings who fell away from that one beginning of which we have spoken, have sunk to such a depth of unworthiness and wickedness as to be deemed altogether undeserving of that training and instruction by which the human race, while in the flesh, are trained and instructed with the assistance of the heavenly powers; and continue, on the contrary, in a state of enmity and opposition to those who are receiving this instruction and teaching. And hence it is that the whole of this mortal life is full of struggles and trials, caused by the opposition and enmity of those who fell from a better condition without at all looking back, and who are called the devil and his angels, and the other orders of evil, which the apostle classed among the opposing powers. But whether any of these orders who act under the government of the devil, and obey his wicked commands, will in a future world be converted to righteousness because of their possessing the faculty of freedom of will, or whether persistent and inveterate wickedness may be changed by the power of habit into nature, is a result which you yourself, reader, may approve of, if neither in these present worlds which are seen and temporal, nor in those which are unseen and are eternal, that portion is to differ wholly from the final unity and fitness of things (Origen. De Principiis, Book I, Chapter 6, verse 3).

…and thus, through the numerous and uncounted orders of progressive beings who are being reconciled to God from a state of enmity, the last enemy is finally reached, who is called death, so that he also may be destroyed, and no longer be an enemy. When, therefore, all rational souls shall have been restored to a condition of this kind, then the nature of this body of ours will undergo a change into the glory of a spiritual body. For as we see it not to be the case with rational natures, that some of them have lived in a condition of degradation owing to their sins, while others have been called to a state of happiness on account of their merits; but as we see those same souls who had formerly been sinful, assisted, after their conversion and reconciliation to God, to a state of happiness (Origen. De Principiis, Book III, Chapter 6, verse 6).

While we in the  Continuing Church of God would not word it quite that way, these quotes do show that the idea that God has a plan that will give the unrepentant an opportunity after this present age is not a new concept.

Actually, the doctrine of purgatory developed among Latin Catholics after they began to condemn certain of Origen’s ideas in the sixth century. When that happened teachings related to the offering of salvation to all (known as apocatastasis) were also somewhat condemned. However, this left a gap in Roman theology and the idea of purgatory then developed.

The Greek Catholics (now known as the Eastern Orthodox), however, never did accept the Latin idea of purgatory and still to this day have many who believe that God has some type of plan to offer salvation to those who did not intentionally reject salvation.

The Catholic Encyclopedia itself admits that early Christians did not teach its current concept of its purgatory doctrine:

Some stress too has been laid upon the objection that the ancient Christians had no clear conception of purgatory, and that they thought that the souls departed remained in uncertainty of salvation to the last day … There are several passages in the New Testament that point to a process of purification after death. Thus, Jesus Christ declares (Matthew 12:32): “And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but he that shall speak against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in the world to come”… (Hanna, Purgatory. The Catholic Encyclopedia).

No, in the second century, it was believed that God’s plan would allow all to be offered salvation, either in this age or the age to come if they did not commit the “unpardonable sin” (Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; Acts 3:17-21; Ephesians 1:21; Hebrews 6:4-6; cf. Matthew 10:15; 11:22-24; Mark 6:11; Luke 10:12-14).). And the New Testament is very clear that:

“all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6).

In the thirteenth century, the famed Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas wrote the following:

Nothing is clearly stated in Scripture about the situation of Purgatory, nor is it possible to offer convincing arguments on this question…

Some say, however, that according to the common law the place of Purgatory is where man sins. This does not seem probable, since a man may be punished at the same time for sins committed in various places. And others say that according to the common law they are punished above us, because they are between us and God, as regards their state. But this is of no account, for they are not punished for being above us, but for that which is lowest in them, namely sin (Aquinas T. The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas, Appendix II, Article 1. Second and Revised Edition, 1920. Nihil Obstat. F. Innocentius Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor. Theol. Imprimatur. Edus. Canonicus Surmont, Vicarius eneralis. Westmonasterii. APPROBATIO ORDINIS Nihil Obstat. F. Raphael Moss, O.P., S.T.L. and F. Leo Moore, O.P., S.T.L. Imprimatur. F. Beda Jarrett, O.P., S.T.L., A.M., Prior Provincialis Angliæ).

The above shows that even into the Middle Ages, the idea of purgatory was unclear, even among the leaders of the Church of Rome.

Purgatory was essentially adopted after certain teachings associated with Origen were condemned in the 6th century:

From the moment, however, that anti-Origenism prevailed, the doctrine of the apokatastasis was definitely abandoned. St. Augustine protests more strongly than any other writer against an error so contrary to the doctrine of the necessity of grace…(Batiffel, Apocatastassis. The Catholic Encyclopedia).

History suggests that after apocatastasis was condemned in the mid-6th century, something that resembles modern concepts of purgatory were being pronounced by the Roman Bishop Pope Gregory I around 600 A.D.

Perhaps I should mention that although the Catholic saint Anne Emmerich claimed to see purgatory, she also claimed to have seen “limbo” and while pope, Benedict XVI has indicated that “limbo” does not exist. Hence, a claim to see one place that does not exist should tell all that the same one claiming to see something else does not mean it exists either. There is no place that fits the modern Roman description of purgatory.

The Church of God originally taught apocatastasis, not purgatory. And still does so today. God is a God of love and does have a merciful plan of salvation–and it includes getting the gospel out in this age (Note: The “short work” that Paul speaks of in Romans 9:28 and the completion of Matthew 24:14 will likely include massive news coverage of what the most faithful flock is teaching. This, of course, does not mean that the most faithful should sit around and wait and not do their part–cf. John 9:4; Matthew 9:37-38–as the priority of proclaiming the gospel remains). Of course, people should respond once they learn–those who reject the truth are risking committing the unpardonable sin.

Yet, God has always had a plan for the unsaved and those who did not truly ever understand His loving plan, it is revealed in scripture, and while there is an “age to come,” it is not the same as the relatively modern idea of purgatory.

Some articles for further inquiry may include:

Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory? Is there a place called purgatory? Does God have a plan to help those who did not become saints in this life?
What is Limbo? Is There Such a Place as Limbo? What Happens to Babies When They Die? When did Limbo start being taught? What is the truth about dead babies?
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel? Who is preaching the gospel? Here is a version in Korean ¼õÇLÇt·€ »4ÅÇÇx¬?
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 Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermons Why Teach the Kingdom of God, The Gospel of the Kingdom, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Mystery of Iniquity What is the mystery of iniquity? How did it start? How will it end? Two related sermons are also available: The Mystery of Iniquity and The Mystery of Lawlessness.
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account? Related sermon videos include Universal Offer of Salvation I: God is love  and Universal Offer of Salvation II: The Age to Come and the ‘Little Flock’ and Universal Offer of Salvation III: All Are to Know Jesus, But When? and Universal Offer of Salvation IV: Will the Guilty be Pardoned? and Universal Offer of Salvation V: All Israel Will be Saved? A version of the main article was also translated in the Spanish language: Oferta universal de salvación: Hay cientos de versículos en la Biblia que apoyan la verdadera doctrina de la Apocatastasis.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differs from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! [Português: Esperança do salvação: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes]. A sermon is also available: How Does the Church of God Differ from Protestantism?
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 evangelists?
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. Here is a link to a shorter video The ‘Unpardonable Sin’ and ‘Climate Change’?

COGwriter

Are there plans by China, Russia, and some in Europe to dethrone the USA dollar as the world’s reserve currency?

Yes.

Here is a report pointing to Russia and China:

China’s Plan To Subvert The Global Dollar Standard

May 4, 2017

China dominates world trade. Her own economy is already significantly larger than that of the US on the purchasing power parity (PPP) estimates. While being the largest consumer of raw materials, China also exports more finished goods by value than any other country. As the Asian powerhouse, she has lifted the economies of all the countries on the western side of the Pacific Ocean, which including her own between them have a GDP of $50 trillion. Her exports into Asia now exceed her exports to the US. Yet despite this dominance, most of China’s trade is conducted in US dollars, something China is bound to change, if she is to contain external economic risk and replace America as the dominant global empire. Both objectives can only be achieved by China replacing the dollar as a medium of exchange.

Why Gold Is Central to China’s Future Trade-Settlement Policy

China’s challenge is the yuan as a purely fiat currency will take decades to replace the dollar, possibly never. And that assumes that China follows more stable monetary policies than the US. This has not been the case since the Lehman crisis, with China’s M2 broad money quantity expanding rapidly, accounting for much of the world’s monetary growth in recent years. The rate of monetary expansion is criticized as a dangerous credit bubble by western analysts, who are quick to condone monetary expansion in their own developed nations, but turn into hard-core monetarist critics over China. No, China will never replace the dollar with her own currency without a golden guarantee.

Therefore, China needs to deploy gold to displace the dollar. This might be done in one of two ways, one encouraging markets to evolve away from dollars toward gold, or alternatively by the state forcing the pace.

China provides the facility to convert yuan into physical gold in the Shanghai market through the Shanghai Futures Exchange. This gives an exporter of raw materials to China a sound-money option instead of being paid only in yuan or dollars. It does not require China to use state-owned gold, the physical gold being sourced through the market. In time, liquidity in the yuan futures contracts should improve, and Shanghai is already the largest physical gold market. Note that only last month it was announced that Russia’s central bank has opened an office in Beijing, and is tasked with resolving the technical aspects of gold deliveries from Russia into China. The importance of the Shanghai Gold Exchange will increase further through this link to Moscow. Using the Chinese market for physical gold delivery over time should impart some stability to the yuan relative to the dollar, particularly if American banks trading on Comex continue to discourage taking delivery of physical bullion.

That might take for ever. Alternatively, China could announce plans to make her currency convertible into gold at a fixed rate …

The alternative, with China announcing its true gold reserves and a rate of exchange with its own currency was always viewed as an extreme option, only to be resorted to upon severe provocation.

North Korea might become the trigger for that event, but so would a domestic financial crisis in America, insofar as it might be expected to affect America’s foreign policy. …

But if China decides to revalue gold, western capital markets will be wholly unprepared for the fall-out. China itself will be affected, as will all other nations that trade with the US or trade with countries that trade with the US. The advanced welfare-driven nations dependent on capital markets are at risk. The great financial crisis of nine years ago will be a light rehearsal compared with what could follow.

The irony is that the countries isolated from the dollar, especially Russia and Iran, will come out best. Iran will be significantly stronger relative to Saudi Arabia, with important consequences for the power-play in the Middle East. Russia will also have an interest in pushing China for this action, partly because it should tip the balance in Syria in Russia’s favor, and partly because the destruction of US hegemony will free Western Europe from being tied to America’s apron strings. …

Perhaps China and Russia no longer have the luxury of time. America’s increased military belligerence in Trump’s first hundred days might force their hand. Perhaps America, knowing her demise is becoming increasingly inevitable, has some dramatic plan under wraps to seize the financial initiative, as dramatic perhaps as the Nixon shock, when America abandoned the post-war gold standard. The instability brought into the geopolitical equation by the Trump presidency, and the early signs the US economy is grinding to a halt under the sheer weight of consumer and government debt, are increasingly likely to prompt China and Russia into firm financial action, if only to protect themselves in an unstable financial and monetary environment. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-05-03/chinas-plan-subvert-global-dollar-standard

Much of the world wants to dethrone the USA dollar. The USA once had a gold-backed currency, but has not had one now for over four decades. The use of a gold-backed currency is seen by many as the means where those in Europe and Asia may be able to dethrone the dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency.

As far as Europe goes, we made a video related to Germany and gold this year. Here is information about that:

Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar

In February 2017, Germany announced that it repatriated more of its gold three years ahead of schedule. Why would Germany do this? Are various nations accumulating gold with the intention to dethrone the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency? Will the US dollar ever collapse? Does the Bible teach that gold will have value after the currency of the USA is no more? Will gold deliver people in the end? What does the Bible teach?

Here is a link to our video: Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar.

Germany has brought much of its gold back from storage in the USA and UK. But few in the Anglo-Saxon descended nations seem to care or consider the ramifications.

There are reasons and consequences.

The USA is now the most indebted nation that the world has ever seen. Many are concerned.

Those in Russia, China, India, and Europe are looking more towards gold, and less towards the USA dollar to back their economies and their currencies.

The Bible talks a fair amount about gold. The NKJV has the word gold 451 times and the word golden 38 times.

Gold is mentioned in the first and last books of the Bible.

Prophetically, the Bible shows that gold will have value into at least the first few couple of years of the Great Tribulation–and that the Europeans and those that trade with Europe will also value it.

Here are some end time prophecies from scripture that help show that gold will have value:

40 At the time of the end … 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver (Daniel 11:40,43)

14 … And the wealth of all the surrounding nations Shall be gathered together: Gold, silver, and apparel in great abundance. (Zechariah 14:14)

12 … merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls … 16 … ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! (Revelation 18:12, 16)

4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls (Revelation 17:4)

There are no similar statements in the Bible backing up the future value of paper items, like the US dollar or the British pound (scripture, indirectly, teaches their elimination, for details see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel). Daniel 11:24 shows that the leader mentioned in Daniel 11:43 will somehow also be accumulating wealth prior to this time, and that may involve gold accumulation. Perhaps to back up a European supported currency, he also may end up with personal and/or national gold reserves and/or wealth from the Vatican. The Vatican has a vast amount of wealth and is prophesied to be improperly involved with the kings of the earth in the end times per Revelation 17.

Jesus told of the final time of the Gentiles (Luke 21:20-24). Essentially, this would be a rising up of continental Europe and Asia, but also with economic benefits to those in Africa and Latin America as well.

The Bible is clear that a leader in Europe will be interested in gold in the end times. Gold will have value when the USA dollar becomes worthless. Now this does NOT mean that gold will only go up in value. It will have ups and downs and probably will drop in value once associated with the temporary peace deal that Daniel 9:27 alludes to (see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27). When I last checked, gold had dropped in value today.

Unless there is national repentance across the USA, the USA dollar will ultimately be worth less than the cotton-paper it is printed on. US political leaders will be unable to stop it.

Unlike the USA dollar, gold seems to be prophesied to retain value past the time the USA is gone (cf. Daniel 11:43; Revelation 18)–though it too will end up with issues and one day be worthless (Ezekiel 7: 19). Nations around the world are looking to gold and other means to dethrone the USA dollar. And it will happen as the Bible shows that the highly indebted nation at the end will face disastrous consequences (cf. Habakkuk 2:2-8).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Russia and Ukraine: Their 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? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now? Another could be Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code).
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?
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?
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.
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?
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: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or 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.

COGwriter

May is a month that the Church of Rome dedicates to their version of Mary. A version that differs from what the Bible teaches. A version that needs to be warned against. Pope Francis recently brought it up:

May 3, 2017

For Mary’s month of May, Pope Francis has recommended the “simple and effective” prayer of the rosary.

At his weekly General Audience this morning, May 3, 2017, Francis gave pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square this advice: “At the beginning of May, let us invoke the heavenly intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus.”

During his greetings to Polish pilgrims, the Pope invited the crowd to applaud the Virgin Mary “Queen of Poland” on the day of the national holiday.

While to young people, Francis urged, “learn to pray with the simple and effective prayer of the rosary,” to sick people, he encouraged, “may the Blessed Virgin be your support in the trial of suffering.” https://zenit.org/articles/for-marys-month-of-may-pope-suggests-simple-effective-prayer-of-rosary/

Of course, only Jesus is our intercessor/mediator:

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV).

For there is one God, one also mediator of God and men, man Christ JESUS (1 Timothy 2:5, RNT).

Thus any others who claim to be a mediator clearly contradict the Bible (from both the Catholic and Protestant translations) and CANNOT BE OF GOD.

The so-called ‘Lady of Fatima,’ which showed itself to three young children in Portugal on May 13, 1917 (which Pope Francis wants to celebrate on May 13, 2017), urged people to pray the rosary. Few seem to realize the origin of the rosary. The rosary is not mentioned in the Bible but was added because of a “private Catholic prophecy” to the Catholic church over 1000 years after it was founded (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p.9).

Some feel that the rosary either came from St. Dominic or later Dominicans as the result of an apparition:

Some histories of the rosary claim this tradition, too, originated with Saint Dominic. One legend holds that the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Dominic in the church of Prouille, in 1208, and gave the rosary to him. However, other sources dispute this attribution and suggest that its roots were in the preaching of Alan de Rupe between 1470-1475. (Saint Dominic. New World Encyclopedia. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Saint_Dominic viewed 06/29/11 )

Here is information from The Catholic Encyclopedia on the development of the rosary:

Impressed by this conspiracy of silence, the Bollandists, on trying to trace to its source the origin of the current tradition, found that all the clues converged upon one point, the preaching of the Dominican Alan de Rupe about the years 1470-75. He undoubtedly was the one who first suggested the idea that the devotion of “Our Lady’s Psalter” (a hundred and fifty Hail Mary’s) was instituted or revived by St. Dominic. Alan was a very earnest and devout man, but, as the highest authorities admit, he was full of delusions, and based his revelations on the imaginary testimony of writers that never existed (see Quetif and Echard, “Scriptores O.P.”, 1, 849).

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to suggest two videos on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy which explains some of the risks associated with Marianism:

11:13
Marian Apparitions May Fulfill Prophecy

On May 13, 1917, a Lady appeared in Fatima, Portugal. Pope Francis had his pontificate consecrated to ‘Mary’ on Monday, May 13, 2013. Prophecies in Isaiah 47 and Revelation 18 tell of a woman involved with signs and enchantments. Could you be affected by Marian apparitions? The more Pope Francis promotes his version of Mary, the bigger the risks to the world falling for it.

16:48

Fatima and Pope Francis

Could end time prophecies be fulfilled by apparitions? May 13, 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of a ‘Lady’ that appeared before three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will declare them Catholic saints on the 100th anniversary–how did the children describe what they saw? Is it possible that Jesus’ mother Mary appeared at Fatima? Could signs and lying wonders come from apparitions? How could the Fatima hype be setting the world up for the end? Did the old Radio Church of God teach about Fatima?  Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

The Marian-claimed apparitions are relevant to us, because despite repeated warning from the Catholic Church as well as warnings in the Bible, people have overlooked its errors and dangers. So much so, that possibly partially because of them, many people on earth will be deceived about accepting the coming Beast power (cf. Revelation 13:1-4, 8; 18:23; Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Isaiah 47:5, 12; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

The Bible warns of a “virgin” that uses enchantments who is also called the Lady of Kingdoms–and those are titles that some have used related to “Mary” or Marian apparitions:

1 Come down, sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne for the daughter of the Chaldeans, for thou shalt no more be called delicate and tender…4 Our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel. 5 Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called the lady of kingdoms. 6 I was angry with my people, I have polluted my inheritance, and have given them into thy bend: thou hast shown no mercy to them: upon the ancient thou hast laid thy yoke exceeding heavy.

7 And thou hast said: I shall be a lady forever: thou hast not laid these things to thy heart, neither hast thou remembered thy latter end.

8 And now hear these things, thou that art delicate, and dwellest confidently, that sayest in thy heart: I am, and there is none else besides me: I shall not sit as a widow, and I shall not know barrenness.

9 These two things shall come upon thee suddenly in one day, barrenness and widowhood. All things are come upon thee, because of the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great hardness of thy enchanters. 10 And thou best trusted in thy wickedness, and hast said: There is none that seeth me. Thy wisdom, and thy knowledge, this hath deceived thee. And thou best said in thy heart: I am, and besides me there is no other. 11 Evil shall come upon thee, and then shalt not know the rising thereof: and calamity shall fall violently upon thee, which thou canst not keep off: misery shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. 12 Stand now with thy enchanters, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, in which thou hast laboured from thy youth, if so be it may profit thee any thing, or if thou mayst become stronger. 13 Thou hast failed in the multitude or thy counsels: let now the astrologers stand and save thee, they that gazed at the stars, and counted the months, that from them they might tell the things that shall come to thee. (Isaiah 47:1, 4-7, 11-13, DRB)

Interestingly, the second of the seven wonders of the ancient world has been called, “Babylon the Great, the Lady of the Kingdoms, the glory of the whole earth“ (and the fourth wonder was called the temple of Diana of the Ephesians). The Bible also seems to connect the Lady’s haughty comments in verses 7 & 8 with those of the harlot of Revelation 17:1, 18; 18:7-8, 11 and the city in Zephaniah 2:15.

Pope Francis’ dedication to Mary and Fatima may well signal a shift in the end times–a shift that the Bible warns about.

Some items of related interest may include:

Fatima and Pope Francis Could end time prophecies be fulfilled by apparitions? May 13, 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of a ‘Lady’ that appeared before three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will declare them Catholic saints on the 100th anniversary–how did the children describe what they saw? Is it possible that Jesus’ mother Mary appeared at Fatima? Could signs and lying wonders come from apparitions? How could the Fatima hype be setting the world up for the end? Did the old Radio Church of God teach about Fatima? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more. This is a video.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Eastern/Greek Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers? Here is a link to a YouTube video Marian Apparitions May Fulfill Prophecy. Here is a link to a sermon video: Why Learn About Fatima?
The ‘Lady’ of Guadalupe: Any Future Ramifications? It is claimed that a female apparition appeared near Mexico City on December 12, 1531. How has it affected the world? What might it suggest about the future? A video of related interest is titled: The ‘Lady of Guadalupe’ and Prophecy.
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Feast of the Immaculate Conception? Did early Christians teach Mary had an immaculate conception and led a sinless life?
Origin of the Marian Dogmas: Where Do Catholic Scholars Say The Four Dogmas of Mary Came From?
Assumption of Mary Did Mary die? Was she taken to heaven on August 15th? What is known? What does the Bible show?
The 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?
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.
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.
Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! is a highly documented book by Bob Thiel for those interested in the real truth about Fatima and how future apparitions may affect the future. In addition to the print version, there is a Kindle version of Fatima Shock! which you can acquire in seconds.

COGwriter

The United Kingdom and the European Union have differing goals for the British exit (BrExit) from the EU. Notice something from the British press:

3 May 2017

The UK won’t pay a 100bn-euro (£84bn) “divorce bill” to leave the EU, Brexit Secretary David Davis has said, as the two sides clashed over the issue.

He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain the UK would pay what was legally due, in line with its rights and obligations, but “not just what the EU wants”.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said there was no desire to punish the UK but “its accounts must be settled”.

While he wanted a “cordial” Brexit, he warned the “clock was ticking” now. …

On Wednesday, the Financial Times claimed the likely bill had risen sharply from 60bn to 100bn euros, basing its calculations on new data from across Europe. …

Mr Barnier said there was no agreed figure but the UK and EU had entered into “mutual commitments” which must be honoured. “There is no Brexit bill. The final settlement is all about settling the accounts.”

Mr Davis said the negotiations had not started in earnest but he indicated the UK would set down a marker when it came to talks over the divorce settlement.

“We are not supplicants,” he said. “This is a negotiation. They lay down what they want and we lay down what we want.”

Various figures ranging from 50bn to 100bn euros had been knocking around, he said, but he had “not seen” any official numbers. Asked directly whether a figure of 100bn euros – was acceptable, he replied: “We will not be paying €100bn.” http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-39789903

The UK was not inclined to pay a 60 billion euro bill, so, it is not likely that they will want to pay a €100 billion bill either as David Davis stated. Both sides seem to want to start off tough. Notice the following related item from the German press:

3 May 2017

The EU’s negotiator has unveiled recommendations for forthcoming Brexit talks. The announcement came as the UK’s Brexit minister said the country ‘would not pay a 100-billion-euro divorce bill.’

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator has unveiled recommendations for the forthcoming split. Michel Barnier’s suggestions come four days after leaders of the 27 countries that intend to remain in the European Union met without British Prime Minister Theresa May and unanimously agreed on a tough overall strategy for seeing the island nation out.

“It is an illusion that Brexit will have no material impact on people’s lives and that a deal can be done quickly and painlessly,” Barnier said on Wednesday. Talks, Barnier added, will begin as soon as Britain is ready for them.

Barnier said Britain would need to put energy and effort into negotiations and respect the “financial engagements” of its current membership in the European Union – including existing debts – before talks about future ties can begin and would also need to withdraw from EU institutions in a timely manner. He called for the European Court of Justice to have jurisdiction in settling disputes during the negotiations. Barnier said he hoped to report significant progress in the talks by late autumn.

European commissioners adopted Barnier’s recommendations before he briefed the press. The 66-year-old former government minister in France and onetime European commissioner will present his formal recommendations for the talks based on guidelines covering “people, money, Ireland” agreed to at last Saturday’s EU 27 summit. On May 22, the EU 27 plans to give Barnier a formal mandate to conduct talks with British officials over the next two years. …

‘Bloody difficult woman’

After four decades, Britain is set to leave the European Union following the results of a narrow 2016 referendum vote. Formal negotiations will begin after Britain’s June 8 elections. Barnier intends to wrap up talks by October 2018 to get the deal through the European Parliament in time for the United Kingdom’s scheduled withdrawal on March 29, 2019.

Campaigning ahead of snap elections she called for June, British Prime Minister Theresa May attempted to convince voters to rally behind her Conservative party to strengthen the government’s hand in exit discussions. May, who wants talks toward an EU-UK trade pact to begin alongside Brexit negotiations, told British voters that the remaining 27 EU member states have taken a united stance against their country ahead of talks.

The prime minister promises that EU officials will face “a bloody difficult woman.” Britain’s opposition has warned that May could sink a positive deal by approaching the talks heavy-handedly.

“These negotiations will not be easy,” May told supporters in the eastern part of the city of Bristol, where voters chose a Labour lawmaker in Britain’s last elections, in 2015. “There are 27 European member states united in their determination to get the deal that works for them. We must show the same unity of purpose here at home to ensure that we get a deal that works in our national interests, too.” http://www.dw.com/en/eu-negotiator-barnier-reveals-plan-for-brexit-talks/a-38672036

It’s more than EU unity that the UK faces. The European Union feels that the Brexit is all the UK’s fault, it wants the UK to pay, and it does not want another other EU nations to leave. As BBC’s Kevin Connolly reported on Saturday (see EU states that UK must pay a price for Brexit and be worse off than EU member states):

The 27 EU Remainer states are adamant that Britain will pay a price for leaving and will be worse off outside than the union than it is on the inside.

Increasing the amount that it expect the UK to pay is one way to punish the UK while attempting to scare other EU nations from wanting to leave. Notice the following as well:

May 3, 2017

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May has accused the European Union of not wanting Brexit negotiations to be a success, as tensions between both sides escalate ahead of official talks.

“The events of the last few days have shown that – whatever our wishes, and however reasonable the positions of Europe’s other leaders – there are some in Brussels who do not want these talks to succeed,” May said Wednesday afternoon outside Downing Street.

Her comments follow media reports that the EU’s Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker left London “10 times more skeptical” than he was before after a dinner with Prime Minister May last week. Their meeting has been described in the press as a disaster with both leaders clashing over key negotiating issues.

Earlier on Wednesday, Juncker described May as a “tough woman”. May has said that she will be a “bloody difficult woman” during Brexit talks.

Speaking outside Downing Street, the head of the Conservative party went further and accused the European Union of wanting to interfere in the upcoming general election.

“Britain’s negotiating position in Europe has been misrepresented in the continental press. The European Commission’s negotiating stance has hardened.Threats against Britain have been issued by European politicians and officials. All of these acts have been deliberately timed to affect the result of the general election that will take place on 8 June,” the prime minister said. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/03/eu-chief-negotiator-brexit-bill.html

The EU wants people matters, the exit bill, and Northern Ireland resolved by the date of the official British departure (March 29, 2019) and then afterwards it says that it will discuss trade. That is not what the UK wants, but if the EU will not discuss future trade with the UK out of the EU, there is little that the UK can do about that.

Although EU representatives have said that the UK is not allowed to negotiate trade deals with other nations while still in the EU, the UK still intends to do that. Though it may refrain from signing new formal trade agreements until after it is out of the EU.

Donald Trump was one of very few non-UK major voices supporting Brexit. And he said that he would like to make a trade deal with the UK. So, this is likely to happen.

The Bible itself is clear that Europe will reorganize and unite (Revelation 17:12-13), but it is also clear that there will be problems of unity in Europe:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-43)

Despite that, when Europe finally emerges the world will marvel:

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?” (Revelation 13:1-4)

Notice that the military power of the Beast was something that the world will marvel, be astonished about.

Why?

Because few truly thought that the European Beast power had the ability to rise up militarily.

And when it does, it will lead to the end of the UK, as well as the USA:

24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power;
He shall destroy fearfully,
And shall prosper and thrive;
He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.

25 “Through his cunning
He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule;
And he shall exalt himself in his heart.
He shall destroy many in their prosperity.
He shall even rise against the Prince of princes;
But he shall be broken without human means. (Daniel 8:24-25)

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:39)

The ‘he’ is the European King of the North. The strongest fortresses in the 21st century belong to the USA, and to a much lessor degree, its British-descended allies. And these lands will be divided (see also Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?). Part of the King of the North’s power will come from the USA and UK, as well as through deceiving them and taking much of what they have (cf. Daniel 8:25; Lamentations 1:1-2).

The Bible shows after problems happen, the UK peoples will try to make another deal with the Europeans, prophetically sometimes referred to as the Assyrians (cf. Isaiah 10; see also Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History and Germany in Biblical Prophecy).

Notice that in Hosea 12:1, Ephraim tries to make a deal with the Assyrians:

1 Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians. And oil is carried to Egypt.

And in Hosea 7:11-12 Ephraim also tries to make a deal with Egypt and Assyria. This deal seems to be made after the USA has been eliminated or is on its way out.

11 Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without sense—They call to Egypt, They go to Assyria. 12 Wherever they go, I will spread My net on them; I will bring them down like birds of the air; I will chastise them, According to what their congregation has heard.

There is nothing that I am aware of in world history that shows that Ephraim calls to Egypt after Hosea was written in a manner to fulfill that prophecy. Since this is a prophecy that must come to pass, this is one more reason why I believe the Bible supports the concept that the King of the North invades the U.S.A. and its English-speaking allies before it invades the King of the South (consider also Daniel 11:39-43).

The Bible clearly shows that Europe will be a great military and economic power (Revelation 13, 17, & 18), have a “great army” (Daniel 11:25), will persecute God’s people (Daniel 7:25; 11:29-35; Revelation 13:7), takeover many countries (Daniel 8:24-25, 11:39-43), lead the world to the brink of destruction (cf. Matthew 24:21-22), and ultimately be destroyed (Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 19).

The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), also known as the Great Tribulation, is coming. The UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will be conquered during it.

The Europeans will one day severely punish the UK for its Brexit. But until then, expect ups and downs in the relations between the UK and the EU.

Some items of related interest may include:

Brexit and the fate of Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, the UK, and the USA On April 29, 2017, 27 of the nations of the European Union agreed to certain guidelines for the negotiations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which gave its notice to leave on March 29, 2017. These guidelines are contrary to what the UK wants. Does the EU intend the UK to pay a price for leaving the EU? What does Spain want? What does the Republic of Ireland want? Will Northern Ireland and Gibraltar eventually fall under European control? Will the UK and USA be conquered? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel answer these questions and more in this video.
Trade Wars: Are COG warnings coming to pass? Trade issues, tariffs, and talk of trade wars are in the news. Can trade wars lead to World War III like they did to World War II? Are the events going on with the USA, UK, Asia, and Europe consistent with warnings published by the true Church of God (COG) over the past several years and decades? Do Germany and China hope to take advantage of trade frictions involving the Trump Administration and the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement? What about Mexico and South America? Does the Bible teach that Europe will become a major trading power? Will the final European Babylonian trading power be destroyed? In this video, Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.
Forbes’ Brexit Monster is the Beast of Revelation Various ones have been properly convinced that there is a plan for a European superstate. Forbes’ writer Tom Worstall wrote that the Brexit vote was about the United Kingdom “not joining the monster of the European Union to come.” The Bible tells of a Beast monster that will arise in the end times in Europe. Dr. Thiel cites news reports, as well as the Old and New Testaments, to show that the monster many fear will arise in Europe, despite the vote by the British to exit the European Union. This is a video.
Collapse of the Euro and Dollar? War in 2020? Larry Edelson of Money and Markets described aspects of current economic difficulties and explained why he felt matters would get a lot worse. He said war, like World War III, could break out as early as 2020. What did he call the ‘granddaddy of all cycles”? Will matters go as he said? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel provides biblical insights that secular sources often miss. This is a video.
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?
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?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)? Here is a version in Mandarin Chinese 英国将失去直布罗陀和福克兰群岛.
Post Brexit Prophecy On June 23, 2016, the voters of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) chose to leave the European Union. Now with this BRitish EXIT (Brexit) vote, what is prophesied to happen to the UK? Will the UK do well or be taken over and made slaves? Dr. Thiel explains from biblical prophecies what is ahead for the UK, Europe, and even the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is a video.
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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
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. A video of possible interest may be Will Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?.
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: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or 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.

Minuteman launching from Vandenberg

COGwriter

The US test-launched another missile:

In Latest Warning To North Korea, US Releases Video Of Overnight Minuteman III ICBM Launch

May 3, 2017

… this morning the US Air Force confirmed that another unarmed Minuteman III ICBM missile capable of sending a nuclear bomb across the world was launched early on Wednesday from California’s Vanderberg Air Force base, in what was a second clear signal of nuclear deterrence aimed squarely at North Korea and took place one week after the US test fired another ICBM under identical circumstances. …

It also released the following video of the ICBM launch, which we are confident will be closely watched by everyone in the Kim Jong-Un administration.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-05-03/latest-warning-north-korea-us-releases-video-overnight-minuteman-iii-icbm-launch

May 3, 2017

For the second time in two weeks, a Minuteman III missile with a mock warhead, made a middle-of-the-night flight early Wednesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base in a test of the weapon system.

The three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile blasted out of its underground silo on North Base shortly after midnight, the opening of the six-hour window.

Upon liftoff, the military tracked the weapon as it traveled for less than 30 minutes and some 4,200 miles southwest of Vandenberg to a predetermined target. …

The United States has 450 Minuteman III weapons sitting on alert near Maelstrom AFB, Mont.; Minot AFB, N.D. and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. https://www.noozhawk.com/article/minuteman_iii_missile_rumbles_away_from_vandenberg_afb

Vandenberg is very near Grover Beach, California, where the Continuing Church of God USA office is located. I had heard about the launch on the radio. Perhaps I should mention that I spent nearly 5 years working on Vandenberg: 3 1/2 years while in the military and 1 1/2 working for an aerospace firm.

The USA likely believes that the success of its past couple of launches, compared to the failure of two recent North Korean missile launches (some believe that the USA somehow could have sabotaged North Korea’s attempts) is sending a message to leaders in North Korea that they are foolish to attempt to fight the USA.

China also is possibly sending North Korea a message:

May 3, 2017

As Korea Times reports, Chinese news outlets have previously said Beijing could turn its back on Pyongyang if the latter conducted a sixth nuclear test. But the rumor that China has given North Korea a final warning has drawn particular interest from Weibo users.

China has sent a final warning to North Korea over its military provocations.

The rumor cited the May issue of Hong Kong monthly news outlet Dong Xiang.

It said a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs junior minister invited Park Myung-ho, an official of North Korea, for a meeting. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the meeting and asked his junior to read aloud the warning to the North over the nuclear test.

The memorandum mentioned that China will condemn strongly, pull back on all economic cooperation and even blockade North Korea if it conducted the test.

A Chinese netizen said: “Maybe the bond between the nations is not that strong as we thought. North Korea is completely surrounded by enemies now.”

The Chinese government did not provide any explanation or correction to the rumor, but this follows reports of China’s embassy warning citizens in North Korea to “return home” as fears grow of escalation with the US. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-05-03/china-reportedly-issues-final-warning-north-korea

If China truly does consider North Korea to be an enemy nation, it may well push over the border and may decide to take some territory. China does not want the US ally South Korea to control the entire peninsula.

While North Korea would not ‘win’ in an all-out war against the USA or China, North Korea could still cause harm. Notice also the following:

May 3, 2017

North Korea’s nuclear weapons development could be used as “blackmail” to influence the U.S. to abandon its ally in South Korea in order to make it easier for Pyongyang to overtake its archrival, a White House official said Tuesday.

Matt Pottinger, the Asia director on President Trump’s National Security Council, said there might be some truth to the idea that North Korea wants a nuclear deterrent to protect its communist regime, but the country’s robust conventional military has worked as a deterrent for decades.

“They have made no secret in conversations they have had with former American officials, for example, and others that they want to use these weapons as an instrument of blackmail to achieve other goals, even including perhaps coercive reunification of the Korean Peninsula one day,” Pottinger said at a conference in Washington.

Pottinger said North Korea also wants the U.S. “to leave the peninsula and abandon our alliances.” He said the U.S. is not seeking a regime change in North Korea, but the U.S. wants the North to end its nuclear weapons program.

“We really have no choice but to increase pressure on North Korea to diplomatically isolate them, to bring a greater economic pain to bear until they are willing to make concrete steps to start reducing that threat,” he said. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/north-korea-threat-wh-official-says-kim-could-use-nuclear-weapons-as-blackmail.html

It is true that North Korea could harm South Korea with a nuclear attack. Through its submarines, it could possibly harm the USA that way–though it might be more inclined to covertly use nuclear terrorism and/or a so-called dirty bomb (a bomb with radioactive fallout) to reduce a strong response from the USA.

Jesus warned of the following:

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

We are certainly in a time of wars and rumors of wars. Issues related to North Korea, could well cause ‘troubles’ for those in the USA.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Syria, North Korea, and Prophecy On April 7, 2017, 59 US Tomahawk missiles hit a military installation in Syria. While praised by NATO nations, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, this was denounced by Syria, Russia, and North Korea. Is this the start of World War III? Will the Bashar al-Assad regime remain as it is? What about North Korea? What will happen to North Korea? What does the Bible show will happen? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more. This is a video.
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?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? Here is a machine-translated link to that article in Korean: 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?; here is a link to that article in Mandarin Chinese: 在预言中的韩国：有任何证人吗？.
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel? Who is preaching the gospel? Here is a version in Korean 복음이란 무엇인가?.
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?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
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?
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?
Russia and Ukraine: Their 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? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now? Another could be Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code).
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?
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: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or 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.

COGwriter

Today is World Press Freedom Day:

World Press Freedom Day 2017

When, local time:

Monday, 1 May 2017 – 9:00am to Thursday, 4 May 2017 – 6:00pm

Where:

Indonesia, Jakarta

Type of Event:

Category 4- International Congress

Contact:

Saorla McCabe (s.mccabe@unesco.org)

Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.

It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom – a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.

It is a date to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide.

3 May acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story. http://en.unesco.org/events/world-press-freedom-day-2017

Here is something that the United Nations stated related to it in the past:

United Nations officials today issued a call to action to ensure the safety of journalists in every country, echoing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who declared; “When it is safe to speak, the whole world benefits”.

“Every day, freedom of expression faces new threats. Because they help ensure transparency and accountability in public affairs, journalists are frequent targets of violence,” said Secretary-General Ban and Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in a joint message for World Press Freedom Day…

Mr. Ban and Ms. Bokova emphasized that press freedom “does not happen automatically,” but requires the creation of a safe environment for dialogue, where they can execute their jobs without fear of reprisal.

They also noted that action must encompass both traditional media as well as digital mediums, where news is increasingly produced and consumed.

“Bloggers, citizen reporters and social media producers, as well as their sources, face increasing threats to their safety,” they said. “In addition to physical dangers, they are being targeted with psychological and emotional violence through cyber-attacks, data breaches, intimidation, undue surveillance and invasions of privacy.

“Such assaults not only limit the right to freedom of expression and threaten the safety of online journalists and their sources – they undermine the ability of all people to benefit from a free and open Internet.”

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Afghanistan is one of the top ten countries where crimes against journalists go unpunished. Iraq, Somalia and the Philippines top the list.

The United Nations notes that in Somalia, journalists risk not just death on a daily basis but also arbitrary arrests, as happened earlier this year when a reporter was accused of fabricating a rape story based on an interview which was never published.

In related activities, UNESCO is organizing a series of events in San José, Costa Rica, over three days, focusing on securing freedom of expression in all media. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44809&Cr=&Cr1=#.UYLE7UpJRrQ

Despite calls for freedom of the press, we have seen more and more calls for censorship and government monitoring of reports on the internet . And this includes from Western nations (e.g. California considering internet political censorship; Canada again restricts speech and NY Senator proposing more censorship: Can this lead to Amos’ prophesied famine of the word? and Germany to force social media companies to report to ‘Big Brother’).

Even those who speak out on certain issues are subject to ridicule. A couple of years ago, someone was chastised who publicly stated that as a Christian he could not support the homosexuality of a US basketball star. He was essentially told that those type of comments are not acceptable in the “tolerant” society of the USA. A while back, the CEO of Mozilla felt compelled to step down because of pressures for him making a donation years ago that the homosexual lobby opposed.

Liberal Western societies are not as open as many seem to pretend. As the trend towards more public acceptance of sexual immorality increases, many have turned further away from biblical morality.

The Bible tells of a time, which to a degree we are now in, when a certain amount of self-censorship will be needed:

2 For I know your manifold transgressions
And your mighty sins:
Afflicting the just and taking bribes;
Diverting the poor from justice at the gate.
13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time,
For it is an evil time. (Amos 5:12-13)

And while some COG groups overly “keep silent,” hence pull-punches in proclamation, the reality is that there is not truly full freedom of truthful speech in countries like the USA without consequences.

We in the CCOG have faced at least two problems (one restricting access to radio and another when YouTube temporarily pulled a video).

However, the work will be done and it will trigger strong persecution.

The Bible talks about the fact that God will finish the work and cut it short (Roman 9:28). Notice also the following which could be related to that:

11 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God,
“That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
And from north to east;
They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
But shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

The above could only happen in the 21st century if the internet was down and/or internet content related to the truth of God was no longer permitted. Governments are taking steps, including cyber warfare research, which could bring that about.

In my article on the King of the North, I have the following quote from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

And the abomination that maketh desolate set up.” What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15…From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ’s coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, “Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days.” Never before have we understood these periods of 1260, 1290. and 1335 days. But it seems evident, now, a blessing is pronounced on us–GOD”S CHURCH–who wait and endure until the 1335 days–approximately 1335 days prior to Christ’s coming. But since no one can know the day or hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. That will be a time when the UNITED Europe shall appear–the revival of the medieval “Holy Roman Empire.” (Armstrong HW. Personal. Good News magazine January 1980).

As the above shows, Herbert W. Armstrong clearly wrote that there would be a future fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 and other verses in Daniel. And as the above shows, he taught that something would stop the work forty-five days prior to Daniel 11:31. A portion of the final phase of the work will be finished (Matthew 24:14) by Daniel 11:31. And there will be persecution (Revelation 12:13-17).

Even the Catholic Jerome indirectly understood some of this concerning these passages in Daniel 11 as he wrote:

Verses 27—-30…”And his heart shall be against the holy covenant, and he shall succeed and return into his own land. At the time appointed he shall return and shall come to the South; but the latter time shall not be like the former. And the galleys shall come upon him…But these events were typically prefigured under Antiochus Epiphanes, so that this abominable king who persecuted God’s people foreshadows the Antichrist, who is to persecute the people of Christ (Jerome. Commentary on Daniel, Chapter 11. Translated by Gleason L. Archer. (1958). http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/jerome_daniel_02_text.htm viewed 12/20/08).

The work may be stopped by government officials (like on the internet, radio, etc.) and persecutions began because people of the holy covenant are warning the world of the results of their sins (which they will not want pointed out) and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling these prophecies in Daniel 11. The faithful may be saying things that are not “politically correct” to the point that one or more governments will take action.

Jesus clearly taught that persecution would affect His people just prior to the Great Tribulation beginning:

7 And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another (Matthew 24:7-10).

21 For then there will be great tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

So notice that after “the beginning of sorrows,” the true Christians will be delivered up and many killed and many will be betrayed by those pretending to be Christians. And then the Great Tribulation will come shortly thereafter. This clearly ties in with the events of Daniel 11.

The USA itself has engaged in massive espionage which also can be expected to limit certain forms of expression.

Despite it being World Press Freedom Day, the US government and others are now taking steps that are helping to set the stage for this.

Some items with more related details include the following:

Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work.
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
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.
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist? This video quotes all scriptures that mention the terms Antichrist or antichrists. It also gives examples of the type of deceptions, signs, and results of the time of the final Antichrist. It mentions certain Catholic prophecies and provides some disturbing quotes about Pope Francis. It discusses Antichrist’s role in Armageddon. It quotes Jesus about the coming deception and what Christians should do. This is a video.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.