Church of God News

Jews in Poland has to Wear the Above Badge After Germany Invaded in WWII (Daniel Ullrich, Threedots)

COGwriter

A Protestant author wrote the following:

Coming To Terms With History of Christian Antisemitism

27 June 2018

Does teaching Christians the thorny history of Christian persecution of Jews have the potential to change Christian-Jewish relations? Bob O’Dell, Christian co-founder of Root-Source, a web-based initiative that facilitates Israeli Jews teaching Christians worldwide, thinks so.

He told Breaking Israel News, “​If a large number of Christians were to become aware of the extent of the damage done to the Jews by their Christian forefathers, the relationship between [Jews and] Christians would have to change, because the basis for much conversation would change.”

While researching the Blood Moon phenomenon in 2013, O’Dell chanced upon historic details of the Christian persecution of Jews.

“I spent 25 years working daily with Israeli Jews, and visited Israel over 30 times, without ever knowing the massive extent of Jewish persecution by Christians. All I really knew about was the Crusades. I had no idea about Martin Luther’s role in the Holocaust, for instance, and I certainly didn’t know about the deplorable history of the church since the time of Constantine,” O’Dell wrote in a recent essay on the Root Source website.

Eventually, he accumulated a record of 500 specific incidents of Christian persecution of Jews throughout history; incidents that included pogroms, lynchings, riots, forcing Jews to wear special clothing, expelling Jews from a country, antisemitic writing from Church Fathers, burning synagogues with Jews trapped inside, forced conversions, accusing Jews of killing Christian children to use their blood to make matzah and the rape and murder of Jews.

This awareness shocked him. In his own words, “I was undone,” both by the violent history of Christians toward the Jewish people and also by the fact that he had never learned this history. https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/110062/coming-to-terms-with-history-of-christian-antisemitism/

While people who were referred to as “Christians” have committed atrocities and anti-Semitic persecutions, no real Christian would have done that (or at least would have repented if he/she sinned that way). Instead many who have claimed Christ have caused “the way of truth” to be blasphemed (2 Peter 2:2).

The Apostle Paul makes the following statement about real and not real Christians:

9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (Romans 8:9)

The antisemitic persecutors throughout history were NOT real Christians.

If we start with the pagan Roman emperor Constantine in the fourth century (who is considered as an Eastern Orthodox saint), we note that he stated:

Let us then have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd; for we have received from our Saviour a different way. ( Eusebius’ Life of Constantine, Book III chapter 18)

The way that Jesus, who was Jewish, taught differently was love. Jesus never taught to have ‘nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd.’ Roman Catholics refer to Constantine as ‘Constantine the Great,’ but he obviously held anti-semitic views.

Around 332, Constantine issued what is known as the Edict Against the Heretics which included persecution against Christians who held to the original faith and had practices, such as the date of Passover, the same as the Jews (see also Persecutions by Church and State).

In 387, the Eastern Orthodox saint and bishop John Chrysostom preached the following:

The festivals of the pitiful and miserable Jews are soon to march upon us one after the other and in quick succession: the feast of Trumpets, the feast of Tabernacles, the fasts. There are many in our ranks who say they think as we do. Yet some of these are going to watch the festivals and others will join the Jews in keeping their feasts and observing their fasts. I wish to drive this perverse custom from the Church right now…If the Jewish ceremonies are venerable and great, ours are lies…Does God hate their festivals and do you share in them? He did not say this or that festival, but all of them together. (John Chrysostom. Homily I Against the Jews I:5;VI:5;VII:2. Preached at Antioch, Syria in the Fall of 387 AD. Medieval Sourcebook: Saint John Chrysostom (c.347-407) : Eight Homilies Against the Jews. Fordham University. http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/chrysostom-jews6.html 12/10/05).

John Chrysostom preached the following in his Homily Against the Jews (of which there are at least eight anti-Semitic homilies):

But do not be surprised that I called the Jews pitiable. They really are pitiable and miserable (I:II:1).

So the godlessness of the Jews and the pagans is on a par. But the Jews practice a deceit which is more dangerous (I:VI:4).

Do you see that demons dwell in their souls and that these demons are more dangerous than the ones of old? (I:VI:7).

Since it is against the Jews that I wish to draw up my battle line, let me extend my instruction further. Let me show that, by fasting now, the Jews dishonor the law and trample underfoot God’s commands because they are always doing everything contrary to his decrees. When God wished them to fast, they got fat and flabby (VI:IV:2).

Indeed, the fasting of the Jews, which is more disgraceful than any drunkenness, is over and gone (VIII:I:5).

John Chrysostom is considered to be a major Roman Catholic saint. He is one of the four ‘doctors of the church’ who is shown supporting a large black chair that is called the Cathedra Petri (Chair of Peter) in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The late Joseph Tkach of the old Worldwide Church of God once referred to this chair as Satan’s throne (see Might Satan’s throne be the ‘Cathedra Petri’?).

The improperly named Protestant publication Christianity Today once had a link titled, “Person of the Week: John Chrysostom” which went to an article titled: John Chrysostom Early church’s greatest preacher. So, many Protestants too, endorse an anti-Semite. More on him can be found in the article John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople and Antisemite.

It perhaps should be pointed out that sometimes those in the true Church of God have been considered to be secretly Jews by some in Greco-Roman faiths:

In the Middle Ages, the Popes and the Councils were successful in destroying the Jewish revolutionary movements which appeared within Christianity in the form of false teaching and which were introduced by those who were Christians in appearance but Jews in secret. The latter then recruited upright and good Christians for the arising heretical movement by persuading the latter in a crafty way.

The secret Jews organised and controlled in secret manner the movements, which were the creative and driving force of wicked false teachings, such as those of the Iconoclasts, the Cathars, the Patarines, the Albigensians, the Hussites, the Alumbrados and others. (Pinay, Maurice. The Plot Against the Church, Part Four Chapter One. Translated from the German and Spanish editions of the same work. 1962)

The above book is still recommended by and for many Catholics (though some others distance themselves from it).  Hence, some of the Greco-Romans have considered some of whom we in the Continuing Church of God include in our tracing of our spiritual ancestors (like some of the Cathars and Albigenses) to have been a secret Jewish group that only professed Christ.

As far as Protestant leaders themselves with anti-Semitic views, one can notice some of the teachings of Martin Luther, who wrote in the 16th century:

My heart is fuller of these thoughts than my tongue can tell. I have come to the conclusion that the Jews will always curse and blaspheme God as all the prophets have predicted. He who neither reads nor understands this, as yet knows no theology, in my opinion. And so I presume the men of Cologne cannot understand the Scripture, because it is necessary that such things take place to fulfill prophecy. If they are trying to stop the Jews blaspheming, they are working to prove the Bible and God liars (“Martin Luther’s to George Spalatin,” from Luther’s Correspondence and Other Contemporan, Letters, trans. by P. Smith (1913), Vol. 1, pp. 28-29).

Furthermore he wrote:

I had made up my mind to write no more either about the Jews or against them. But since I learned that those miserable and accursed people do not cease to lure to themselves even us, that is, the Christians, I have published this little book, so that I might be found among those who opposed such poisonous activities of the Jews and who warned the Christians to be on their guard against them…They are so blind and stupid that they see neither the words found in Genesis 17 nor the whole of Scripture, which mightily and explicitly condemns this lie…They are real liars and bloodhounds who have not only continually perverted and falsified all of Scripture with their mendacious glosses from the beginning until the present day. Their heart’s most ardent sighing and yearning and hoping is set on the day on which they can deal with us Gentiles as they did with the Gentiles in Persia at the time of Esther…The worse a Jew is, the more arrogant he is, solely because he is a Jew — that is, a person descended from Abraham’s seed, circumcised, and under the law of Moses. David and other pious Jews were not as conceited as the present-day, incorrigible Jews…I wanted to present this to us Germans so that we might see what rascals the blind Jews are and how powerfully the truth of God in our midst stands with us and against them (Medieval Sourcebook: Martin Luther (1483-1546): On the Jews and Their Lies, 1543)

Martin Luther advised his followers:

…to burn down Jewish schools and synagogues, and to throw pitch and sulphur into the flames; to destroy their homes; to confiscate their ready money in gold and silver; to take from them their sacred books, even the whole Bible; and if that did not help matters, to hunt them of the country like mad dogs (Luther’s Works, vol. Xx, pp. 2230-2632 as quoted in Stoddard JL. Rebuilding a Lost Faith, 1922, p.99).

Accordingly, it must and dare not be considered a trifling matter but a most serious one to seek counsel against this and to save our souls from the Jews, that is, from the devil and from eternal death. My advice, as I said earlier, is: First, that their synagogues be burned down, and that all who are able toss in sulphur and pitch (Martin Luther (1483-1546): On the Jews and Their Lies, 1543 as quoted from Luther’s Works, Volume 47: The Christian in Society IV, (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1971). pp 268­293).

Leaders esteemed by the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and Protestants have all advocated horrible antisemitism. They were NOT real Christians.

Many people hate others, and the Jews tend to be one of the more hated groups. But that is not how people are to live.

Notice something that God had Moses record:

8 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18)

It is not just Jews that are hated or will be in the future. Throughout history, true Christians have sometimes been called “Jews” and have been subject to persecution supposedly directed towards Jews. True Christians also had to suffer through the so-called Inquisition, which utilized torture against those that had Church of God beliefs–and more is expected in the future (see Persecutions by Church and State). Protestant leaders have also promoted antisemitism and Church of God persecution (see The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong) and Eastern Orthodox (see John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople and Antisemite).

It is not just physical, ethnic Jews that are at risk–spiritual ones are as well (cf. Romans 2:28-29; John 15:20; see also The Spanish Inquisition and Early Protestant Persecutions).

There was a poem many years ago by Martin Niemöller:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Real Christians have always been on the side being persecuted and have never been on the side of the persecutors. And this will be true again in the future.

People should not be terrorists nor antisemitic. People should not hate others.

Sadly, many who claim Christ still hold anti-Semitic views, and some take direct anti-Semitic actions.

Sadly, we will see persecution greatly increase before Jesus returns (cf. Daniel 7:25; 11:30-35; see also Persecutions by Church and State)–this will affect Philadelphian Christians.

The underlying antisemitism in Europe and throughout the world will allow for this, especially when the time comes when the Beast’s government mandates it (Revelation 13:15-17).

January 2014 edition of the Bible News Prophecy magazine denounced various blood moon views

COGwriter

Years ago, I denounced the view that the ‘blood moons’ of 2014 and 2015 could mean that Jesus would return or that the ‘Day of the Lord’ was about to start. This was something that Mark Biltz (who practices Messianic Judaism) started promoting back in 2008–but he was wrong. I also denounced related views for 2018 and 2019 (see ‘Super Blood Moon’ expected next week: Mark Biltz claims prophetic ramifications).

A major blood moon is expected next month:

June 26, 2018

The summer of 2018 offers up a cornucopia of astrological activity. If you’re wondering what’s next, the blood moon 2018 happens July 27, and it will be the longest total lunar eclipse this century. This type of lunar eclipse is referred to as a blood moon because of the reddish hue that surrounds the moon, and historically, it’s prompted conspiracy theorists to attribute it to the apocalypse, Express UK reported.  …

The summer of 2018 offers up a cornucopia of astrological activity. If you’re wondering what’s next, the blood moon 2018 happens July 27, and it will be the longest total lunar eclipse this century. This type of lunar eclipse is referred to as a blood moon because of the reddish hue that surrounds the moon, and historically, it’s prompted conspiracy theorists to attribute it to the apocalypse, …While the blood moon will bring the longest lunar eclipse this century, unfortunately you’ll only be able to see it IRL if you’re located in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and much of Europe and Africa. Additionally, some parts of South America might be able to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, Newsweek noted.

“The eclipse will take place from 6:24 p.m. UTC (2:24 p.m. ET) and 10:19 p.m. UTC (6:24 p.m. ET),” Newsweek reported. “The event will begin with a partial eclipse until around 7:30 p.m. UTC before the skies are graced with the especially long total eclipse,” which will last almost two hours. https://www.bustle.com/p/when-is-the-next-blood-moon-in-2018-it-will-be-the-longest-total-lunar-eclipse-this-century-9579973

On July 27, the moon will glow orange across much of the world in the longest lunar eclipse of this century.

If the internet is to be believed, this magnificent spectacle is also a sign of an impending apocalypse. A flurry of headlines—mostly from British tabloids—ask if the end of days is really upon us.

“Blood moon ‘to bring end of the world’ as stargazers enjoy longest lunar eclipse this century,” proclaimed the Mirror. “The Blood Moon prophecy: Fears bible predicts end of the world in WEEKS,” read the Daily Star.

The publications variously claim conspiracy theorists are taking the blood moon as a sign of an incoming apocalypse. 06/26/18 http://www.newsweek.com/blood-moon-conspiracy-theory-lunar-eclipse-apocalypse-995282

A least one Protestant thinks the 70th week of Daniel may commence then:

• 2018 AD (beginning of the 70th Week of Daniel – Passover, March 30) = Full Blood Moon over Jerusalem on 27 July 2018 which will be on a total lunar eclipse. The moon will pass through the center of the Earth’s shadow.   Thus, on 27 July 2018, a central lunar eclipse or “Bull’s-eye Blood Moon” will be directly in line with Jerusalem and wholly visible in all of Israel.  It will occur within 7 days or 21-22 July 2018 (27 July vs. 21 July or 7 inclusive days) commemorating the 9th of Av – the DESTRUCTION of the Solomonic and Herodian Temples in Jerusalem (day of fasting).  From Passover, 30 March 2018 or Nissan 14/15 to 27 July 2018 will be precisely 120 days (inclusive dates), possibly signaling the onset of the 120 Jubilee cycles (120 * 50 yrs. = 6,000 years) … could this be the commencement of the 70th Week of Daniel’s Prophecy found in Daniel 9:24-27 (March 30, 2018)?  We think it highly probable! http://www.tribnet.org/cgi-bin/article.cgi?function=display_article&article_id=44
  

No, the blood moon for next month is not the commencement of the deal of Daniel 9:27. First that deal needs to be made, and then it must be confirmed by a ‘prince.’ So, unless something political happens in a major way very soon, that interpretation is totally false.

Some see ‘rapture’ connections:

The term is now so popular that you can find headlines referencing Blood Moons in as far flung places as India or the U.A.E.  It’s almost as if God used the previous tetrad of total lunar eclipses as a way to “correct” our language, so that the world would be using the terms used in Joel 2:31, Acts 2:20, and Revelation 6:12 at the time of the rapture of the Church and Christ’s subsequent return.

Also, just a big heads up that there is going to be an even more spectacular Blood Moon on July 27th.  It will be the longest total lunar eclipse in the 21st century and all of totality will be visible in the Israeli sky …

From the Great American Eclipse on August 21, 2017 to the Blood Moon is 340 days.

Strong’s 340 is “I make fresh again, renew, restore.”  Resurrection?

From the Revelation 12 Sign on September 23, 2017 to the historic Blood Moon on July 27, 2018 is 307 days.

Strong’s 307 is “I draw up.”  Thayer’s Greek Lexicon adds “to cause to go up or ascend.”  Rapture? https://www.unsealed.org/2018/01/pictures-from-historic-blood-moon.html

No, the tie to a Strong’s number is absurd and not a reason to believe Jesus will return on the 27th of July. People need to heed Jesus’ words in the Bible (cf. Matthew 24) and not nonsense.

Here is more from other rapturists:

2018 July 27^th Tu B’Av, central lunar eclipse, “Bull’s-eye Blood Moon”, directly in line with Jerusalem.

Time line (Luke 21:32, Psalms 90:10, Dan 9)

1948 + 70 years = 2018

1968 + 50 years = 2018

2011 + 7 years =2018 …

This is the layout of the eclipses discovered by Mark Biltz.

The following is from his webpage.

I’m sure if they were only seen in Israel someone would say then it doesn’t pertain to the nations!

Lu 21:24-28 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, thenlook up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Regarding knowing “the day or the hour” scenario. I do not set dates and will not set dates.  Closely looking at a span of roughly 530 days is not date setting. First I would like to ask, what do you think this verse refers to in the many events that will unfold during the tribulation? Does it refer to the day the tribulation begins, or when the antichrist is revealed or when Messiah’s feet land on the Mt of Olives, or the rapture and on and on? http://www.rapturecode.com/signsintheheavens.htm

World News Daily (WND) has repeatedly promoted Mark Biltz’s nonsense on this before. Yet, God is NOT sending some special message with a recurring natural phenomena.

Mark Biltz and WND also promoted falsehoods related to the eclipse of August 21, 2017 (see ‘Blood moon’ Mark Biltz claims massive eclipse a sign of God and Mark Biltz on the approaching Asteroid Apophis and the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse).

Both Mark Biltz and WND’s founder Joseph Farah consider themselves to be ‘Messianic Jews.’ While this means that they will avoid biblically unclean meats, keep the Sabbath, observe the biblical holy days, and hold to parts of a few Church of God doctrines, the Messianics are NOT Church of God Christians (see also Messianic Judaism Beliefs Differ from the Continuing Church of God). Like the Seventh-day Adventists, they are basically a type of Protestant.

So, before the longest blood moon of the century occurs, I again want to inform people that this eclipse is a natural phenomenon.

Because there are many false and heretical leaders that lead people astray on prophecy and sometimes they mention the Bible to try to act like God sanctions their nonsense, they should be denounced as false.

All should REALLY pay attention to the Bible.

We in the Continuing Church of God “have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).”

Thus, you can be certain that the upcoming ‘blood moon’ is not a message from God related to Jesus’ return or Daniel 9:27.

Iranian President and economic protestors (Fars news)

COGwriter

There have been major protests in Iran and its President is blaming the USA:

June 26, 2018

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday his country is in a “fight” with the U.S., a day after protesters angered by Iran’s tanking economy confronted police in front of parliament.

In a televised speech, Rouhani blamed the U.S. for Iran’s woes and said the U.S. is trying to damage the country by creating “an economic war.”

“The U.S. cannot defeat our nation, our enemies are not able to get us to their knees,” he said.

Rouhani’s comments came after protesters angered by Iran’s tanking economy confronted police in front of parliament Monday. It was the first such confrontation since similar demonstrations rocked the country at the start of the year.

The demonstration signaled widespread unease in the wake of President Donald Trump‘s decision to withdraw the U.S. from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers and restore sanctions on the country. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-iran-us-relations-20180626-story.html

Tehran’s grand bazaar was shut down Monday as merchants joined street protests and thousands defied thuggish regime riot police trying to quell the rebellion. Other big cities joined Tehran as well.

Protesters carried signs like “Leave Syria alone, think of us.” Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and the Houthis — all proxy arms of the Islamic Republic’s strategy of spreading its version of the “Islamic revolution” across the region — weren’t spared protesters’ ire either.

In a modification of the regime’s “death to Israel” staple, some merchants raised “death to Palestine” signs on Monday. And worse, from the regime’s point of view: “Death to the dictator.”

Iranians have been protesting all year. Truck drivers, unable to afford gasoline, have been on strike. Others, including past regime supporters, also turned against Tehran’s pricey adventurism in the region while ignoring troubles at home.

Much of it is because the mullahs can’t manage their moola.

In anticipation of new US sanctions set to hit in August, the Iranian rial is sinking fast: 42,890 rials could buy a dollar at the end of 2017. Now the dollar is worth 90,000 rials. For ordinary folks, such hyperinflation means thinner dinner, if at all. https://nypost.com/2018/06/25/protests-in-iran-prove-trump-is-getting-it-right/

COGwriter

The Queen has given royal assent to Brexit:

June 26, 2018

The Queen has given royal assent to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act.

A group of Conservative MPs cheered loudly in the House of Commons when Speaker John Bercow announced the key Brexit legislation had been given formal royal approval.

The historic legislation, which enables EU law to be transferred into UK law, has now completed every stage needed to become an act of Parliament. …

Also called the Great Repeal Bill, especially by the Prime Minister Theresa May, it will see around 12,000 pieces of EU regulations and transfer them into UK law, so they can be scrapped as and when the politicians decide. …

The Act gives Parliament the ability to leave the EU but whether it will be a hard or soft Brexit will depend on the negotiations between the UK and EU. https://metro.co.uk/2018/06/26/tories-cheer-in-the-commons-as-the-queen-gives-brexit-royal-assent-7661254/

This is going to be complicated and messy.

The negotiations between the UK and the Europeans have not gone well. Plus, the UK has concerns about the USA because of Donald Trump–who has not given the UK all the assurances it would like.

But something will be worked out between the UK and USA.

Despite what British and American politicians hope for, the world, under European influence, will turn against the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses) and the UK.

Brexit will not end well for the UK.

COGwriter

The European Union is working to reform trade rules:

June 26, 2018

BEIJING — As Washington and Beijing teeter on the brink of a possible trade war, the European Union and China have agreed to launch a working group to promote reform at the World Trade Organization. The move is part of an effort to upgrade the global trade system’s toolbox and ward off growing threats to the multilateral trade system and body.

According to a top EU official, the reform group would look at ways to modernize regulations and address the problem of state subsidies and other unfair trade practices.

How willing a participant Beijing will be in that effort is unclear as most of the EU’s proposed upgrades are connected to unfair trade measures, practices and policies that exist in China. …

European Union Vice President Jyrki Katainen admits that the effort to try and promote reform of WTO rules will not be easy. …

The European Union wants the reform effort to address issues such as industrial subsidies and unfair trade practices such as the forced transfer of technology in exchange for market access.

“The two issues together are some of the reasons why, not the only reasons but some of the reasons why the president of the United States is taking unilateral action,” Katainen said, adding that the issue instead has to be solved in an orderly manner.

The basic idea is to update the WTO so that it is better suited to the current realities of the modern world, he said.

“The EU is not siding with any party or any country, the only thing we are siding with is rules-based trade,” Katainen said. https://www.voanews.com/a/eu-china-work-together/4454868.html

Brussels – The global trade war is about to get worse, as the rules-based system of international commerce is poised to revert to an environment where the strong impose their will upon the weak, according to an internal memo circulated among European Union governments. …

The internal document, a copy of which was obtained by Bloomberg, singles out three main drivers of the upcoming trade apocalypse:

• Gaps in the rulebook of global trade “leading to distortions, many of which associated with non-market policies and practices in major trading nations, that the WTO does not seem able to address adequately”
• Aggressive unilateral actions by the US targeting allies and foes alike with punitive tariffs
• The US’s decision to block appointments of members to the World Trade Organization’s Appellate Body that serves as the final arbiter in trade disputes.

“As more appellate body members leave office while the new appointments are being blocked, the dispute settlement system will soon fall into paralysis, rendering enforcement of the rules impossible,” the commission says in its memo circulated ahead of this week’s summit of EU leaders to discuss trade, among other topics. “That would equate to a 20-year step backward in global economic governance.”

The EU, which shares some of the US concerns about shortcomings in the global trade order, is developing proposals to revamp WTO rules, as it seeks to save it from what is sees as an all but certain demise.

At their June 28-29 meeting in Brussels, the leaders of the world’s largest trading bloc, will invite “the commission to propose a comprehensive approach to improving, together with like-minded partners, the functioning of the WTO in crucial areas,” according to a draft of their joint statement also obtained by Bloomberg. https://www.fin24.com/Economy/World/eu-said-to-see-trade-apocalypse-nearing-as-it-seeks-wto-revamp-20180624

The global trade war is about to get worse, as the rules-based system of international commerce is poised to revert to an environment where the strong impose their will upon the weak, according to an internal memo circulated among European Union governments.

The disputes between the U.S. and its closest trading partners are set to escalate “in the coming months, as more unilateral measures are threatened and imposed, leading, in some cases, to countermeasures, or to mercantilist deals,” according to the memo drafted by the European Commission, which manages trade policy for the entire bloc. …

Our world will go back “to a trading environment where rules are only enforced where convenient and where strength replaces rules as the basis for trade relations,” according to the memo. … The internal document, a copy of which was obtained by Bloomberg, singles out three main drivers of the upcoming trade apocalypse: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-24/eu-said-to-see-trade-apocalypse-nearing-as-it-seeks-wto-revamp

To avert a ‘trade apocalypse,’ Europe wants to rewrite the rules for international trade. That is consistent with warnings in the Book of the Apocalypse, more commonly referred to these days as the Book of Revelation. That book teaches:

2 … Babylon … 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury. (Revelation 18:2,3)

The above is referring to the fact that nations of the world are prophesied to get wealthy trading with end time Babylon, which will be a European entity, that will have religious ties to the City of Seven Hills–the Church of Rome:

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” (Revelation 17:1-2)

9 Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. … 18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:9,18)

As far as ties between the Church of Rome and Europe, notice, for one example, something that happened today:

Pope Francis met President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, this morning June 26, 2018.

According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office this morning noting their discussions were cordial, it stressed that the parties evoked the good existing relations between the Holy See and France, further strengthened by the bilateral Accord signed in Cotonou on Oct. 21, 2016.

“The contribution of religions to the promotion of the common good of the country, with particular reference to the commitment of the Church,” it said, was highlighted. https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-receives-french-president-emmanuel-macron/

The Bible tells of a trading power arising in Europe that is tied to the City of Seven Hills.

One of the ways that this Babylonian European power will be able to dominate world trade is by developing/writing/controlling many of the rules for international trade.

Europe is intending to do that right now! With more and more of the world upset by US President Donald Trump, Europe is seizing an opportunity–an opportunity that will result in it fulfilling various end time prophecies.

In December 2017, I warned in my article (and sermon 18 items to prophetically watch in 2018), 18 items to prophetically watch in 2018, that trade was an area to watch. In 2018, it certainly has been.

Europe is now even using the term ‘trade apocalypse.’

Trade will be a factor in what can be called World War III.

As far as trade and our prophetic teachings go, here is a link to our latest video: Trade Disputes: CCOG Warnings Are Coming to Pass.

Chart of ‘Science’ (Efbrazil)

COGwriter

How scientific is the modern science community?

Notice something from the past:

Editors of World’s Most Prestigious Medical Journals: “Much of the Scientific Literature, Perhaps HALF, May Simply Be Untrue”

June 1, 2015

Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine are the two most prestigious medical journals in the world. It is therefore striking that their chief editors have both publicly written that corruption is undermining science.

The editor in chief of Lancet, Richard Horton, wrote last month:

Much of the scientific literature, perhaps half, may simply be untrue. Afflicted by studies with small sample sizes, tiny effects, invalid exploratory analyses, and flagrant conflicts of interest, together with an obsession for pursuing fashionable trends of dubious importance, science has taken a turn towards darkness. As one participant put it, “poor methods get results”. The Academy of Medical Sciences, Medical Research Council, and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council have now put their reputational weight behind an investigation into these questionable research practices. The apparent endemicity [i.e. pervasiveness within the scientific culture] of bad research behaviour is alarming. In their quest for telling a compelling story, scientists too often sculpt data to fit their preferred theory of the world. Or they retrofit hypotheses to fit their data. Journal editors deserve their fair share of criticism too. We aid and abet the worst behaviours. Our acquiescence to the impact factor fuels an unhealthy competition to win a place in a select few journals. Our love of “significance” pollutes the literature with many a statistical fairy-tale. We reject important confirmations. Journals are not the only miscreants. Universities are in a perpetual struggle for money and talent, endpoints that foster reductive metrics, such as high-impact publication. National assessment procedures, such as the Research Excellence Framework, incentivise bad practices. And individual scientists, including their most senior leaders, do little to alter a research culture that occasionally veers close to misconduct.

***

Part of the problem is that no-one is incentivised [to offer incentives] to be right.

Similarly, the editor in chief of the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Marcia Angell, wrote in 2009:

It is simply no longer possible to believe much of the clinical research that is published, or to rely on the judgment of trusted physicians or authoritative medical guidelines. I take no pleasure in this conclusion, which I reached slowly and reluctantly over my two decades as an editor of The New England Journal of Medicine.

In her must-read essay, Dr. Angell skewers drug companies, university medical departments, and medical groups which set the criteria for diagnosis and treatment as being rotten with corruption and conflicts of interest.

And we’ve previously documented that the government sometimes uses raw power to cover up corruption in the medical and scientific fields.

Postscript: Corruption is not limited to the medical or scientific fields. Instead, corruption has become systemic throughout every profession … and is so pervasive that it is destroying the very fabric of America.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-06-01/editors-world%E2%80%99s-most-prestigious-medical-journals-%E2%80%9Cmuch-scientific-literature-perhap

June 1, 2015

Those who think science is the measure of all truth might want to check the data first.

Here’s a quote for you: “A lot of what is published [in scientific journals] is incorrect.” Care to guess where those words appeared? Not on a website that questions the “consensus of experts on climate change.” Nor do they appear in a publication associated with intelligent design or other critiques of Neo-Darwinism.

They appeared in the April 11, 2015, issue of the Lancet, the prestigious British medical journal.

The writer, Richard Horton, was quoting a participant at a recent symposium on the “reproducibility and reliability of biomedical research.” Specifically, the symposium discussed one of the “most sensitive issues in science today: the idea that something has gone fundamentally wrong with one of our greatest human creations.”

And he’s referring to scientific research—the research that not only purports to tell us how the world works, but, increasingly, how people should order their lives and societies.

As Horton told Lancet readers, “The case against science is straightforward: much of the scientific literature, perhaps half, may simply be untrue. Afflicted by studies with small sample sizes, tiny effects, invalid exploratory analyses, and flagrant conflicts of interest, together with an obsession for pursuing fashionable trends of dubious importance, science has taken a turn towards darkness.”

He continues, “In their quest for telling a compelling story, scientists too often sculpt data to fit their preferred theory of the world.”

We recently saw an example of this in a story about a much-publicized study purporting to show that voters were likely to change their minds about same-sex marriage if they were visited by gay pollsters who shared their stories with them.

Researchers seeking to reproduce the findings found discrepancies in the data and asked the original researcher for the original data. The researcher was unable to produce the original data. This led the lead researcher to request that the study be withdrawn. Even supporters of same-sex marriage acknowledged that the study and the conclusions drawn from it were fraudulent. http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/12/27474?spMailingID=11525872&spUserID=OTQ0MjM5NDU2S0&spJobID=560044991&spReportId=NTYwMDQ0OTkxS0

The actual percentage is probably more than half. A lot more than half.

Notice something from 2017:

May 13, 2017

Expert: Scientific studies no longer trustworthy

Blame placed on people conducting research ‘and the subsequent media attention’

Don’t eat that! It will cause cancer. Wait, eat more of it! It will actually cure cancer.

A high-fat diet will make you obese! No wait, actually, a high-fat diet is the best way to get in shape!

It seems every day Americans are bombarded with breathless, contradictory headlines about their health. For Americans hoping to lose weight and avoid chronic illness, even reading the morning paper can be a baffling or infuriating process, as millions are told last week’s fad diet is now this week’s dangerous health risk.

But the phenomenon isn’t just a minor frustration. Science as a whole is suffering a “reproducibility crisis.”

For a discovery to have any value, different scientists repeating the same experiment under the same conditions need to get the same results. Yet research shows half of the medical studies trumpeted by the establishment media are found to be worthless after follow-up scrutiny.

Sometimes, the errors result from a wholesale failure to follow even the most basic scientific procedures. In one shocking example, research supposedly being conducted on breast cancer was actually being performed on melanoma cells that had been mislabeled. The mistake meant years of research and millions of dollars was completely wasted.

NPR science correspondent Richard Harris estimates taxpayers lose more than $28 billion a year because of such failures.

Adding to the problem is a sensationalistic media climate that often trumpets dramatic medical developments without waiting to see if the findings will hold up over further study. Marc Fitch, author of “Shmexperts: How Ideology And Power Politics Are Disguised As Science,” says media sensationalism conceals the more subtle and slow-paced reality of serious scientific research. http://www.wnd.com/2017/05/expert-scientific-studies-no-longer-trustworthy/

As a scientist, I have seen first-hand how biases, money, ‘political correctness,’ and corruption have affected the scientific community. Researchers who do not promote the product that they are funded to research have a tendency to lose future funding.

Many medications have serious problems that studies tend to overlook. A reality that few wish to admit is that in most cases, so-called ‘double-blind’ studies are not ‘double-blind’ as the researchers often know the ‘real’ (what is being tested) vs. placebo (something that supposedly appears identical but in reality contains nothing believed to be helpful) prior to the end of the trial when they are supposedly ‘blindly’ collecting data.

Notice also the following from Dana Ullman:

Is modern medicine actually “scientific”? The gold standard for modern medicine is the double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. But there are serious problems with these studies, unknown to most, but widely acknowledged by researchers.

Scientists can easily set up a study that shows a drug is effective for a very limited period of time. Most studies of drugs for psychiatric conditions last only six weeks. What happens after that? Do they still work? Do they start to cause terrible side effects?

The studies will not tell you. …

“One of the things that have come out recently about some of the antidepressant research is that it’s amazing how many studies had negative results but they are almost never published. Only the ones with the positive results are published and according to the FDA, drug companies only need to have two positive studies.

They can have 18 negative studies but if you have just two positive studies, that’s enough for acceptance. That’s a serious problem.” http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/22/lies-damn-lies-and-medical-research.aspx accessed 06/03/15

Dr. Mercola (MD) reported:

Back in 2005, Dr. John Ioannidis, an epidemiologist at Ioannina School of Medicine, Greece, showed that there is less than a 50 percent chance that the results of any randomly chosen scientific paper will be true.

Then, in 2008, Dr. Ioannidis again showed that much of scientific research being published is highly questionable.

According to his study:

“Simulations show that for most study designs and settings, it is more likely for a research claim to be false than true.”

He noted problems with experimental and statistical methods as the main culprits, including factors such as small sample sizes, poor study design, researcher bias and selective reporting.

The newer study, meanwhile, suggested that economic conditions, such as oligopolies, artificial scarcities and the winner’s curse, are largely to blame for incorrect research.

Because of the way this system runs, journals may be more likely to publish studies that show dramatic results, positive results, or results from “hot” competitive fields. For instance, a Cochrane Collaboration review and analysis of published flu vaccine studies found that flu vaccine studies sponsored by industry are treated more favorably by medical journals even when the studies are of poor quality.

None of this, of course, has anything to do with scientific merit or accuracy. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/22/lies-damn-lies-and-medical-research.aspx accessed 06/03/15

Much of the medical research that is published is bought and paid for by pharmaceutical companies interested in promoting unnatural products for human consumption. But it is not just a problem with conventional medicine.

The nonsense about evolution being ‘scientific’ has long been a joke. Some claims about the science related to that are so bizarre (see New Times: ‘There is no other side to evolution’) no right thinking real scientist could accept them. For some details, see our free online booklet” Is God’s Existence Logical?

Even in the days of the Apostle Paul, certain ‘knowledge’ was falsely called ‘science.’ Here are two translations:

20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge — 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:20-21, NKJV)

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:20-21, KJV).

Problems of contradictions of what is called ‘knowledge/science’ exist to this day. If there ever is an apparent contradiction between the Bible and ‘science’ remember that the Bible teaches:

160 The entirety of Your word is truth, (Psalms 119:160)

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. (Romans 3:4)

The Bible is scientific and reliable. Not all ‘scientists’ are.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. An animated video of related interest is also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator?
Does it Make Physical Sense to believe in God? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true? Here is a link to a YouTube sermon titled Is it logical to believe in God?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge. Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Is There Another View of Evolution? and another titled Quickly Disprove Evolution as the Origin of Life.
How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? Does the Bible allow for the creation of the universe and earth billions of years ago? Why do some believe they are no older than 6,000 years old? What is the gap theory? Where the days of creation in Genesis 1:3 through 2:3 24 hours long? Here is a link to a sermon: Genesis, ‘Prehistoric man,’ and the Gap theory. Here is a link to a related article in Spanish: ¿Cuán vieja es la Tierra? ¿Cuán largos fueron los Días de la Creación? ¿Teoría de la brecha?
Questions and Answers from Genesis Many wonder about certain early events that this article discusses.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
Building Character: Going on to Perfection Once you have accepted Jesus, do you need to strive for perfection and build character? A related video sermon is available: Going on to perfection and building character.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? There is also a video titled What is the meaning of your life?

US Consulate in Jerusalem (Magister)

COGwriter

Donald Trump was interviewed by Mike Huckabee:

June 25, 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump told former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee  in an interview released over the weekend that evangelical Christians are more grateful than Jews for his moving of the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump said that the reaction surpised him.

“I tell you what, I get more calls of thank you from evangelicals, and I see it in the audiences and everything else, than I do from Jewish people,” Trump said. “And the Jewish people appreciate it but the evangelicals appreciate it more than the Jews.”

“It’s not a surprise though Mr. President, because evangelicals are people of the book,” Huckabee replied. “And they believe you kept a promise, were fulfilling really a 3,000-year old commitment to recognize Jerusalem as the capital.”

“I think it’s a nice thing to say because it really affects Jewish people in theory more, but as you say people of the book, people of the Bible,” Trump said. “But the evangelicals really appreciate it and that makes me feel good.” https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/trump-says-evangelicals-appreciate-jerusalem-embassy-more-than-jews-1.6201541

President Donald Trump has been appreciative, if not surprised, evangelical Christians have been even more supportive of the U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem than the Jewish people …

The embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, despite decades of unfulfilled promises of past administrations.

“The embassy was a big thing, but it was for many presidents before me,” Trump told Huckabee. “Everybody campaigned that they were going to move the embassy and nobody did it, and I never understood why. I knew there would be pressure, but I never understood it.”

The world-wide pleas to not got through with it had to be ignored in the final weeks and days before the move, President Trump said.

“Once I did it, it was something very special,” he added. “It’s an important event.”  06/24/18 https://www.newsmax.com/politics/trump-more-appreciation-jerusalum-embassy/2018/06/24/id/867990/

Palestinians and much of the world community deplored what Donald Trump did.

But, as Donald Trump stated, what he did was an important event.

Various ones, including many evangelicals, consider the move of the US Embassy to Jerusalem as prophetic:

Half of evangelicals support Israel because they believe it is important for fulfilling end-times prophecy

May 14, 2018

In December, LifeWay Research conducted a poll evaluating the views of evangelical Americans on issues related to Israel and the politics of the Middle East. (The definition used to identify evangelicals, we’ll note, was more specific than most polls necessitate.) Among the questions was one about the biblical promise of the Holy Land to Abraham and his descendants. Two-thirds of respondents strongly agreed that the promise was an eternal one from God. …

But it’s also worth picking out another part of what Jeffress said to CNN. Jerusalem, he said, is “the touchstone of prophecy.” That prophecy is the biblical prophecy of the return of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the Rapture — the end times.

“What kick-starts the end times into motion is Israel’s political boundaries being reestablished to what God promised the Israelites according to the Bible,” Pastor Nate Pyle told Newsweek in January.

This is not an uncommon view.

The LifeWays poll found that 80 percent of evangelicals believed that the creation of Israel in 1948 was a fulfillment of biblical prophecy that would bring about Christ’s return. …

Sixty percent of those age 65 and older said the fulfillment of prophecy was an important factor in their support for Israel. In a follow-up question, 12 percent of respondents said the fulfillment of prophecy was the most important reason they supported the state of Israel. A third pointed to the promise made to Abraham. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2018/05/14/half-of-evangelicals-support-israel-because-they-believe-it-is-important-for-fulfilling-end-times-prophecy/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.23dc3a24760b

June 24, 2018

Speaking with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on his TBN Christian network last week, Trump complained that while the “mainstream media” and Jews have not offered much praise of the Israel embassy move, it has garnered him lots of thanks from evangelical Christians. …

In May, Fox News’ Jeanine Pirro said Trump fulfilled a “Biblical prophecy.”

“Donald Trump recognized history, he like King Cyrus before him, fulfilled the Biblical prophecy of the God worshipped by Jews, Christians and, yes, Muslims, that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Jewish state and that the Jewish people finally deserve a righteous, free and sovereign Israel,” Pirro said. http://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-evangelicals-jerusalem-move-more-jews-mike-huckabee-993013

January 12, 2018

Evangelical Christians overwhelmingly support President Donald Trump because they believe he’ll cause the world to end.

Many have questioned why devout evangelicals support Trump, a man who has bragged about sexual assault, lies perpetually and once admitted he never asks God for forgiveness. Trump’s lack of knowledge of the Bible is also well-known.

Nevertheless, many evangelical Christians believe that Trump was chosen by God to usher in a new era, a part of history called the “end times.” Beliefs about this time period differ, but it is broadly considered the end of the world, the time when Jesus returns to Earth and judges all people.  http://www.newsweek.com/trump-will-bring-about-end-worldevangelicals-end-times-779643

May 14, 2018

Trump …’s decision, announced in December 2017, to recognize Jerusalem as the official capital of the state of Israel. What is clear, however, is that, at least in part, that decision is a political gesture to American evangelicals …

Trump has good reasons to cultivate their support: Some 80 percent of evangelicals, representing approximately 36 percent of the electorate, supported Trump in the 2016 elections.

The decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, rather than as an issue to be decided in negotiations, drew condemnation from heads of Christian churches throughout the world, including Pope Francis. It widened the rift between American Christian evangelicals who support Israel’s hardline policies and the Christians in Israel and the West Bank, who identify politically as Palestinians. …

The inspiration for Christian support for Israel is linked to Genesis 12:3, in which God promises Abram: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on Earth will be blessed through you.” Theologically, support for Jews in the Holy Land dates back as far as the 16th century. Politically, it dates back to the late 19th and early 20th century, when British evangelical leader William Hechler worked with Theodore Herzl, the founder of political Zionism, to promote the idea of a Jewish homeland.

A 2015 research poll by the Nashville, Tennessee-based LifeWay Research reported that 69 percent of evangelicals say the nation of Israel was established as a result of biblical prophecy and 73 percent believe “events in Israel are part of the prophecies in the Book of the Revelation.” …

February 24, 2018

Some Christians believe World War 3 will start this year.

Serial predictor David Meade, who previously claimed the world would end on September 23 and November 19 in 2017, says WW3 will start in 2018. …

Mr Meade said: “Halfway through the Tribulation the Antichrist declares himself in the rebuilt Hebrew temple in Jerusalem. There’s major trouble from that point forward. Everything escalates a hundredfold. https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/922885/world-war-3-ww3-jesus-prophecy-kim-jong-un-donald-trump-end-of-the-world-nuclear-war

Because of Donald Trump’s decision related to Jerusalem, some think this will make it easier for a ‘Third Temple’ to be built there and that Donald Trump is the biblical ‘Cyrus’ (see Donald Trump reportedly a ‘Cyrus’ preparing the way for a new Jewish temple).

Many evangelicals believe that Donald Trump is ushering in the end times (watch Evangelical support for Donald Trump’s Jerusalem policy). Although we in the Continuing Church of God are NOT Protestant, hence not evangelicals, regular readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page are aware that I have written for years that Donald Trump was ‘apocalyptic’ (watch also Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic? and/or read my book Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse).

Is Donald Trump’s Jerusalem embassy move at all prophetic?

Yes.

Partially because of his decisions, in time, events will happen in Jerusalem that will one day result in animal sacrifices being resumed.

Bible prophecy shows that those sacrifices will be stopped by the King of the North (Daniel 9:27b, 11:31) who will align with the final Antichrist.

Until then, there will be conflict and even temporal peace in the Israel/Palestinian region.

For now, US President Donald Trump believes he has increased reasons for evangelical Protestants to vote for him, should he choose to run for re-election in a couple of years.

Donald Trump continues to be apocalyptic.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Evangelical support for Donald Trump’s Jerusalem policy BBC asked, “Why do US evangelicals support Trump’s Jerusalem policy?” BBC provided quotes from some believing it has to do with the ‘last days’ while others saying that is not the reason. Hal Lindsey’s book, ‘The Late Great Planet Earth’ is one of the sources pointed to. In this video, Dr. Thiel addresses scriptures related to Jerusalem as well as prophetic ones. He goes over the common ‘fig tree’ interpretation, belief about a ‘Third Temple,’ and statements about animal sacrifices. He explains biblical statements on those subjects as well as the views of certain modern Jewish organizations. This is a video.
Jerusalem, Donald Trump, and Prophecy On December 6, 2017, US President Donald Trump fulfilled a campaign promise related to the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. This brought anger, protests, and rockets from some Palestinians. It also brought condemnation from European allies–it has been claimed to be disruptive and even catastrophic. The Palestinian President (Mahmoud Abbas) said that this pronouncement eliminated the USA as being a fair mediator for a peace deal. Others have claimed that Donald Trump is an end time Cyrus and his pronouncement will lead to a Third Temple in Jerusalem. Is there ever going to be a peace deal? If so, will Europeans be part of it? Is Donald Trump a ‘Cyrus.’ Do the Jews require a Third Temple for sacrifices? Dr. Thiel answer those questions and more in this video.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to a sermon titled The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work.
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?
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
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. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?
Does the Church of God need to be headquartered in Jerusalem? Some say so. But what does the Bible teach? A related short video is also available: Does the Bible endorse Jerusalem as the Church of God headquarters now?
The Red Heifer, Jewish Beliefs, and the End of the World The Temple Institute is watching a ‘red heifer.’ Why might this be important in the sequence of end time events? Here is a related link in the Spanish language Novilla roja descubierta en EE.UU. e Instituto del Templo está interesado en ella. Here is a related video in English The Red Heifer and the End of the World.
Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill Could this building, often referred to as the Cenacle, which is located on a Mount Zion, possibly have been the oldest actual Christian church building?
Does the ‘Cenacle’ deal have prophetic ramifications? After a 20 year negotiation, the Church of Rome has negotiated the right to have Catholic mass in the building known as the Cenacle. It is in the area where the Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill once stood. This is believed to be the location of the earliest Christian church building. How does the Bible define the ‘temple of God’ in the New Testament? Could this be the area where the ‘man of sin’ will sit in the “temple of God’ that Bible prophecy discusses in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4? This is a YouTube video.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? A related video is also available: What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy.
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
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.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Who were the Nazarene Christians? What did they believe? Should 21st century Christians be modern Nazarenes? Is there a group that exists now that traces its history through the Nazarenes and holds the same beliefs today? Here is a link to a related video sermon Nazarene Christians: Were the early Christians “Nazarenes”?
Does the Church of God need to be headquartered in Jerusalem? Some say so. But what does the Bible teach?
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? Two related sermons are available Millennial Utopia and The Millennium.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return?
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: 主编： 谁是’大罪人’？Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? (And the Protestants) Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
Trump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy? BBC reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
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? Is a Donald Trump presidency proving to be apocalyptic? Two related videos are available: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic? and Donald Trump’s Prophetic Presidency.
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.

Maxine Waters

COGwriter

California Congresswoman Maxine Waters continues to call for protests against Donald Trump:

June 25, 2018

Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters on Saturday encouraged her supporters to fight back against the Trump administration amid backlash over the White House’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy — and said “the people” will “absolutely harass” Trump staffers.

Speaking on MSNBC, the California congresswoman said current administration officials who defend Trump “know what they’re doing is wrong” and said they soon won’t be able to peacefully appear in public without being harassed.

“They’re not going to be able to go to a restaurant, they’re not going to be able to stop at a gas station, they’re not going to be able to shop at a department store,” Waters said. “The people are going to turn on them, they’re going to protest, they’re going to absolutely harass them.”

Waters seemed adamant the protests would continue until cabinet members tell Trump, “No, I can’t hang with you. This is wrong, this is unconscionable.” http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/06/24/maxine-waters-pushes-supporters-to-fight-trump-wh-says-people-will-absolutely-harass-trump-staffers.html

“The View” co-host Meghan McCain went after Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) on Saturday after the lawmaker called for protesters to confront Trump administration officials in public.

“This is absolutely insane – and extremely dangerous,” McCain tweeted in response to recent comments from Waters. “My father in law works in the administration, does this mean when we go out to dinner we should be ambushed?!?”

“Don’t ever again give me any of the ‘when they go low, we go high’ lip service,” McCain added, referring to former first lady Michelle Obama’s speech from the 2016 Democratic National Convention. 06/24/18 http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/393878-meghan-mccain-tears-into-maxine-waters-calling-for-protest-of

Before going further, let me add that Maxine Waters sometimes brings religion into her speeches by essentially claiming that Jesus and the Bible are on her side and not on the side of her opponents.

The USA is more and more a house divided.

While it is appropriate to call out Donald Trump’s lies, bullying, etc., the types of protests some have called for are dangerous and not right.

Jesus taught:

25 Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25)

17 Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. (Luke 11:17)

There is division in the USA, and it is more than just opinions. Many do not know what facts and truth are.

Ultimately, consistent with Jesus’ words and various prophecies (e.g. Habakkuk 2:6-8; Daniel 11:39) the USA will fall.

Occult protests against Donald Trump seem to be happening as well. Notice the following:

25 June 2018

You shall not eat anything with its blood. You shall not practice divination or soothsaying. Leviticus 19:26 (The Israel Bible™)

Sales of tarot cards have risen sharply in the last year as self-proclaimed witches claim that divination and dark-magic are effective in opposing President Trump. One end-of-days expert cites this as an illogical yet divinely guided step in setting the stage for the Messianic showdown in which the two sides, Good and Evil, are clearly defined.

The BBC published an article last week noting a 30-percent increase in sales in tarot cards last year, citing data collected by US Games Systems, a publisher of tarot games. Tarot may be a modern trend but it’s roots are ancient, with some sources claiming the deck has its origins in the Book of Thoth, a legendary tome of Egyptian occult and idolatry. Based on four suits, tarot cards are similar to common playing cards but with some significant differences that serve its primary purpose: divination.

The Latin root of the word ‘divination’ means “to foresee, to be inspired by a god,” but the Torah expressly forbids the practice.

Let no one be found among you who consigns his son or daughter to the fire, or who is an augur, a soothsayer, a diviner, a sorcerer. Deuteronomy 18:10

Rabbi Daniel Asore, a member of the Sanhedrin, noted that the anti-divine aspect of divination is precisely the reason why the practice is proscribed and considered one of the more egregious forms of evil.

“Diviners and witches both try to take God out of heaven, out of the world, and replace him with ‘self’,’” Rabbi Asore told Breaking Israel News. “They assign the power to nature and try to control it using esoteric methods that do not include God. This has ancient roots but in our era, it has taken on the appearance of New Age. Even if it looks modern, it is exactly the same as the idol worship we read about in the Bible.” …

The BBC article cited another occult phenomenon as a negative reaction to Trump’s election: the #MagicResistance movement, a monthly call on social media to curse the president using explicitly arcane methods. Rabbi Asore explained the use of witchcraft and divination in politics is “Witchcraft, or its real name, Satanism, is explicitly a power struggle, which is why it is so readily dragged into politics. Satanism, in its essence, pits the adversary against God.” …

“According to Jewish sources, the end-of-days will see an enormous polarization of good and evil,” Rabbi Winston said. https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/109917/tarot-cards-recent-trend-ancient-evil/

Christians do not use tarot cards or otherwise engage in occult practices.

The USA is more and more divided, and improper religion plays a role.

I look forward to the elimination of deceit and the unity of faith that will occur after the establishment of the Kingdom of God.

What should you do about leaders in this age?

Christians are to pray for them!

Notice what Paul wrote:

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Notice that we are to pray for worldly leaders and those that have authority over us so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life.

Christians are also supposed to watch world events (Mark 13) and pray that we are accounted worthy to escape what is going to hit the world before Jesus returns (Luke 21:36).

COGwriter

Amazon.com has the following about the alleged Book of Jasher:

There are 13 ancient history books that are mentioned and recommended by the Bible. The Ancient Book of Jasher is the only one of the 13 that still exists. It is referenced in Joshua 10:13; 2 Samuel 1:18; and 2 Timothy 3:8. This volume contains the entire 91 chapters plus a detailed analysis of the supposed discrepancies, cross-referenced historical accounts, and detailed charts for ease of use. As with any history book there are typographical errors in the text but with three consecutive timelines running though the histories it is very easy to arrive at the exact dates of recorded events. It is not surprising that this ancient document confirms the Scripture and the chronology given in the Hebrew version of the Old Testament, once and for all settling the chronology differences between the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek Septuagint. The Ancient book of Jasher is brought to you by Biblefacts Ministries, Biblefacts.org

COGwriter

The World Health Organization considers that addiction to playing video games is a type of mental health disorder:

24 June 2018

The World Health Organisation is moving to classify excessive playing as a mental health disorder. Such recognition will make it easier for sufferers to find help and foster standards for the rehabilitation industry …

Classifying addiction to video game playing in a similar category to cocaine, as the World Health Organisation aims to, may seem extreme, but the thinking involved makes the decision justified. The draft of the latest edition of the United Nation body’s “bible” of recognised diseases and illnesses refers to the problem as a mental health disorder.

For people worried about the excessive screen time of children, friends and work colleagues, the move could not have come at a more timely moment. The digital and video game industry is booming and the more players who get hooked on its products, the greater the need for help. …

Such recognition is important to ensure the WHO, governments and health professionals acknowledge the existence of the condition. An estimated 2.6 billion people in the world play video games and the annual revenue of the gaming industry is expected to grow by 31 per cent over the next three years to US$181.1 billion. http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2152181/properly-diagnosing-gaming-addiction-will-yield-better

I consider that ‘gaming disorder’ is essentially a type of covetousness or lust. There are many forms of addictive lust, but sadly, governments promote many of them (including sexually immoral ones).

Now gaming is not limited to desktop computers, as games are now also often played on ‘smart phones.’ There is now massive use of cellular telephones around the world. Many seem to be addicted to them, whether they are gamers or not. This is something to consider.

Perhaps I should also mention that other forms of gaming, like gambling, can be another uncontrolled lust. Notice also the following that mentions gaming and gambling:

June 23, 2018

Nadja Streiter, a clinical worker and therapist at the center, said patients struggling with gaming disorder or gaming in general often have other diagnoses such as ADHD, anxiety and/or depression, as well as a lack of social skills. She sees the latter as being a real challenge for patients she currently helps.

“A lot of these kids become involved in gaming because they are socially isolated … So they turn to gaming. It’s entertaining. It’s accessible,” said Streiter, of Westport. “It gives them the opportunity to have friends, and that feels good. But the qualities of the game itself are very addictive.”

Marc Portenza, the director of the Yale Center of Excellence in Gambling Research, said he’s had his concerns about the addictive quality of gaming since the early 2000s, both as a researcher and a psychiatrist.

Also a professor of psychiatry, neuroscience and child study at the Yale University School of Medicine, Portenza surveyed about 4,000 Connecticut youths on gaming behavior about a decade ago. More recently, he’s been involved in collaboration with groups in Asia to understand how the brain of a person with a problematic internet or video-gaming disorder differs from a person without it.

“I think we do need to be mindful that gaming, like gambling is a prevalent behavior and many people do not encounter mental health concerns related to their gaming,” Portenza said. “But for the people who do, we should be able to have a means to identify, diagnose, and treat those individuals.” https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Gaming-disorder-Local-addiction-experts-13020466.php

While playing some video games (depending on the game) or having a cellular telephone is generally fine, some obviously focus too much on them.

Those overly addicted are not heeding what Jesus said:

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness  (Matthew 6:33)

48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

And many also do not heed what the Apostle Paul taught:

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11)

If you or a loved one have a problem with gaming or gambling, that can be helped. Some may need to speak with counselors who specialize in those areas.

Others may not.

But all who have problems of any type should repent and pray. Plus realize:

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Put your hope in Jesus.

Some items of possibly related interest include:

Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
Gambling and Sin: Is it a Sin for Christians to Gamble? What does the Bible reveal? A related video is Gambling: A Covetous Sin?
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free draft/unedited pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.Christian Success Does the Bible teach that Christians are to be successful? Are there at least seven laws of success that Christians should follow? How does the Bible teach we are to become successfully spiritually? Does the Bible really teach that Christians should be successful physically? This video answers these questions and more from the Bible. An outline of some of the scriptures used is here: Christian Success Outline.
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There are also two YouTube video related to this: Living as a Christian: How and Why? and Living as a Christian: Pure Milk of the Word.
Living as a Christian: Strong Meat Can you handle solid spiritual food? A related sermon is available: Strong Meat: James 1-2 and Strong Meat: James 3-5.
Priorities and the Most Broken Commandment Which commandment is broken the most? Which one is most involved with what should be your top priority? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Most Violated Commandment and Priorities.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This free booklet contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?