Church of God News

COGwriter

COGwriter

CNBC reported the following:

Iran’s reaction to US sanctions could cause an ‘unintended’ military conflict

September 5, 2018

Iran’s reaction to the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions in November could lead to some kind of “unintended military escalation” – a risk currently underappreciated by markets, RBC Capital Markets closely-watched oil market expert Helima Croft said on Wednesday. …

“An unintended military escalation through miscalculation continues to be one of the most underappreciated risks in our view,” Croft and her team warned.

“Even if the probability of such a scenario remains relatively low, it would serve as the ultimate high-impact event for oil prices.” …

Sanctions on Iran’s oil industry are being re-imposed by the U.S. on November 4 after President Trump’s decision to withdraw from an international nuclear deal. …

The U.S. has warned other countries that they too will be hit by secondary sanctions if they buy Iran’s oil.

The sanctions are expected to lead to export losses for the Islamic republic that surpass 1.2 million barrels a day (mb/d) during the first quarter of 2019.

“Beyond the barrel loss and the tightening fundamental backdrop, we think oil’s fear premium could stage a comeback depending on the Iranian response,” Croft and her team wrote. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/05/irans-reaction-to-us-sanctions-could-lead-to-military-conflict.html

COGwriter

The situation between the UK and EU related to the Brexit vote remains tense.

Essentially, there are two options for the British to leave the European Union.

The first is called a hard Brexit. That means no real deal between the EU and the UK. Under this scenario the UK hopes to trade with the EU under World Trade Organization standards, somehow resolve the Irish border issue, and keep Gibraltar more or less as is. Some consider, however, that there will be immediate trade and bureaucratic issues that will lead to massive shortages and other problems in the UK (see Brexit and the ‘Doomsday Brexit Plan’ and “‘No-deal’ Brexit advice published by UK government” and “The US under Donald Trump will not play the same role that it has in the past”).

The other option is a negotiated Brexit. This is already massively behind schedule. But there is pressure to make this happen. Pressure on both the UK and the EU. It is fraught with many pitfalls, including the fact that all the EU members will need to agree, and Spain and Ireland have special reasons to nix such a last minute deal.

With or without a Brexit deal, things will get messy.

Yet, things for the UK will one day get much worse than messy.

Consider that in early 2017, BBC’s Kevin Connolly reported (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.

Now, notice proof of this from European Union leaders in 2018:

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said he is “strongly” opposed to key parts of Theresa May’s proposals for a future trade deal.

This morning the prime minister said she would not compromise on the UK government’s Chequers plan.

But Mr Barnier said plans for a “common rulebook” for goods but not services were not in the EU’s interests. …

In an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Mr Barnier said Mrs May’s plans “would be the end of the single market and the European project”.

“The British have a choice,” he said.

“They could stay in the single market, like Norway, which is also not a member of the EU – but they would then have to take over all the associated rules and contributions to European solidarity. It is your choice.

“But if we let the British pick the raisins out of our rules, that would have serious consequences.

“Then all sorts of other third countries could insist that we offer them the same benefits.” 09/02/18 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-45389610

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, … “It is important that this guarantee must be valid regardless of how the EU and Britain will shape its new relationship.” … “It cannot be that Britain on its side just picks out all the positive points for itself,” the German minister added, leaving the impression that “leaving the European Union entails no disadvantage at all.” 08/29/18 https://www.dw.com/en/germany-and-eu-tell-uk-no-brexit-cherry-picking/a-45284510

The UK will come to “regret” the decision to leave the EU, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has warned.

Addressing the European Parliament, Mr Juncker was cheered by Eurosceptic MEPs as he noted the UK’s departure was due on 29 March, 2019.

In response he said the time would come “when you will regret your decision”. …

Mr Juncker repeated the EU side’s line that “cherry-picking is not going to be possible” in the future trade relationship between the UK and EU.

“I would rather have preferred Britain not to have decided to leave the European Union, but anyone who leaves the European Union has to know, frankly, what this means,” he said.

“If you decide to jettison, leave behind, the common agreements and rules, then you have to accept that things cannot remain as they are.” 03/13/18 http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-43384357

Leaders in the European Union have repeatedly gone on record to state that the UK must somehow suffer for its decision to leave the EU. The EU does not want other nations to follow the lead of the British to leave the EU.

Now, in the past couple of days, some talk of compromise has been in the air.

Notice the following:

5 September 2018

LONDON (Reuters) – Former Bank of England governor Mervyn King said the United Kingdom was probably heading towards a ‘Brexit in name only’ because the British political elite had been so incompetent in negotiating an exit from the European Union. …

King said the UK would probably find itself with Brexit in name only, dubbed BRINO, which he said was the worst of all worlds, the BBC reported. …

Brexit in name only would leave Britain closely linked to the EU after leaving, a state Brexiteers say would leave it subject to EU rules but unable to reap the benefits of a full divorce.  https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-king/former-boe-chief-says-uk-heading-for-brexit-in-name-only-idUKKCN1LL0K1

September 5, 2018

The British and German governments have abandoned key Brexit demands, potentially easing the path for the U.K. to strike a deal with the European Union, Bloomberg News reports.

People familiar with the matter said Germany is ready to accept a less detailed agreement on the U.K.’s future economic and trade ties with the EU in a bid to get a Brexit deal done. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-05/germany-and-u-k-drop-key-brexit-ask-easing-path-to-deal

Brexit in name only means compromise from the UK. Furthermore, Germany does not want its economy harmed by Brexit. Especially since “secondary” US sanctions against Iran are also expected to hit Germany.

But, Germany is not the only voice in these negotiations on the EU side.

And the UK?

Well, Theresa May was against Brexit before being made UK Prime Minister. She still does not like it. So she may well be willing to compromise so much as we will see something close to BRINO: Brext in name only.

However, even with that, the EU will long remember Brexit and will one day make the UK pay a massive price for it.

Despite British hopes for its future, loss of territories will one day include Northern Ireland and Gibraltar. Notice a couple of prophetic warnings that are consistent with that:

24 ‘Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you. 25 For the land is defiled; therefore I visit the punishment of its iniquity upon it, and the land vomits out its inhabitants. 26 You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations, either any of your own nation or any stranger who dwells among you 27 (for all these abominations the men of the land have done, who were before you, and thus the land is defiled), 28 lest the land vomit you out also when you defile it, as it vomited out the nations that were before you. (Leviticus 18:24-29)

23 ‘And if by these things you are not reformed by Me, but walk contrary to Me, 24 then I also will walk contrary to you, and I will punish you yet seven times for your sins. 25 And I will bring a sword against you that will execute the vengeance of the covenant; when you are gathered together within your cities I will send pestilence among you; and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. (Leviticus 26:23-25)

58 “If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, 59 then the Lord will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues — great and prolonged plagues — and serious and prolonged sicknesses. 60 Moreover He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt, of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you. 61 Also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in this Book of the Law, will the Lord bring upon you until you are destroyed. 62 You shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of heaven in multitude, because you would not obey the voice of the Lord your God. 63 And it shall be, that just as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good and multiply you, so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing; and you shall be plucked from off the land which you go to possess. (Deuteronomy 28:58-63)

These territorial losses will include Northern Ireland and Gibraltar, as well as England, Wales, and Scotland. Yes, one day, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be no more.

For many years, the major sea gates of the world were possessed/controlled by the United States (Panama Canal and certain locations in the Pacific ocean) and the British Empire (Straits of Malacca, Singapore, Suez Canal, Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Simon’s Town/Cape of Good Hope, etc.). And while that is no longer the case for many of them, they seem to have been prophesied to be taken away for disobedience as well (cf. Deuteronomy 28)—and certainly the USA and UK have disobeyed the God of Abraham during the process of actually losing many of those gates. Thus, it seems logical to conclude that the remaining “sea gates” that the UK has such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands will be separated from UK control. Spain directly, or perhaps, through the EU (or some other European confederation) indirectly, will force out British control over Gibraltar.

And I expect that the Republic of Ireland (or at least an Irish leader) will have control over Northern Ireland and probably other lands as well.

That does not mean that I expect that the UK will negotiate away Northern Ireland in the Brexit talks. It will likely take military action, though the Irish think that a vote will do it.

Notice what Article 3 of the Irish Constitution states:

It is the firm will of the Irish Nation, in harmony and friendship, to unite all the people who share the territory of the island of Ireland, in all the diversity of their identities and traditions, recognising that a united Ireland shall be brought about only by peaceful means with the consent of a majority of the people, democratically expressed, in both jurisdictions in the island. Until then, the laws enacted by the Parliament established by this Constitution shall have the like area and extent of application as the laws enacted by the Parliament that existed immediately before the coming into operation of this Constitution.

While the democratic way is one way, if that does not work, military pressure will accomplish this (cf. Daniel 8:24-25, 11:39; Isaiah 17:3).

Europe is not going to ‘get over’ the Brexit and will one day take actions that most of those in the UK (as well as USA and Canada) will not consider possible (cf. Daniel 8:24-25, 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

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.
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.
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? For many years, the major sea gates of the world were possessed/controlled by the United States (Panama Canal and certain locations in the Pacific ocean) and the British Empire (Straits of Malacca, Singapore, Suez Canal, Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Simon’s Town/Cape of Good Hope, Malta, etc.), and many are no longer under their control. Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). UK Prime Minister David Cameron says the UK will defend the Falklands Gibraltar. Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with those ‘sea gates’? Do promises made the Jacob’s mother Rebekah play a role? What about Deuteronomy 28? This is a video.
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.
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 version of the article in the Spanish language would be ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)?
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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
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.
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.
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?

An animal horn trumpet.

COGwriter

The Feast of Trumpets begins after the setting of the sun on September 9th and runs through sunset on September 10th in 2018. The modern Jews keep a version of it which they call Rosh Hashanah.

But they have some differences from the Continuing Church of God.

Let’s look at seven points from an article titled The Rosh Hashanah Guide for the Perplexed, 2014 (http://www.algemeiner.com/2014/09/24/the-rosh-hashanah-guide-for-the-perplexed-2014/) which is intended to give an explanation to Jews about the current Jewish meaning of the day. I will also provide some CCOG (Continuing Church of God) comments on each of the points.

Here is Jewish point one:

1. Rosh Hashanah is a universal, stock-taking, renewal, and hopeful holiday, celebrated on the 6th‎ day of The Creation, which produced the first human being, Adam.

The Bible states that on the first day of the seventh month on the biblical calendar, there will be “a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation” (Leviticus 23:23-24). The idea that this coincides with the sixth day of creation is a view put forth by certain rabbis in the Talmud. The Talmud is basically a book of traditions written between 70 – 500 A.D.

Certain Jewish teachers taught that the creation was most likely in the Fall, rather than in the Spring, because in Genesis 1:11 when God states, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit,” this would be the Fall, for that is when there is both grass and fruit on trees.

The creation probably was in the Fall. Yet Genesis 1:3-4 more likely was the first day of the seventh month as it is called the first day, rather than the sixth day when humans were created (Genesis 1:24-31). However, that seventh month designation for the creation is not absolutely certain from the Bible.

Here is Jewish point two:

2. Rosh means, in Hebrew, ”beginning,” “first,” “head,” “chief.” The Hebrew spelling of Rosh (ראש) is the root of the Hebrew word for Genesis (בראשית), which is the first word in the Bible.

While that is interesting, it should be understood that the day was not called Rosh Hashanah by the Jews until Talmudic times (Kramer, Amy J. Rosh Hashana Origins. Copyright © 1998-1999 Everything Jewish, Inc. http://www.everythingjewish.com/RoshH/RH_origins.htm 9/16/04).

The term ‘Rosh’ is not used in the scriptures that specifically mention the festival on the first day of the seventh month, and the term is an interpretation of Jewish tradition, not a strictly biblical one.

Notice a few scriptures:

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts. …

23 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. (Leviticus 23:12, 23-24)

Since Leviticus 23:2 states it lists God’s feasts, and the one that begins on the first day of the seventh month is a feast for the memorial of blowing trumpets, we in the Continuing Church of God believe that the name Feast of Trumpets conveys the name better than the later adopted Jewish term Rosh Hashanah.

Here is Jewish point three:

3. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated at the beginning of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which means beginning/Genesis in ancient Akkadian.The Hebrew spelling of Tishrei (תשרי) is included in the spelling of Genesis (בראשית).

It is correct that the Feast of Trumpets is to be observed starting at the beginning of the seventh month of the biblical calendar that the Jews now call Tishri/Tishrei. In the Bible the month has a different name, Ethanim:

2 Therefore all the men of Israel assembled with King Solomon at the feast in the month of Ethanim, which is the seventh month. (1 Kings 8:2)

It should be noted that the months in the Bible can have different names. The first month is called Abib (cf. Exodus 12:2; 13:4) and Nisan (Esther 3:7) in the Hebrew scriptures. Renaming the seventh month probably came from a Talmudic tradition.

Here is Jewish point four:

4. Rosh Hashanah is also referred to as “Ha’rat Olam” (the pregnancy of the world), and its prayers highlight motherhood, optimism, and the pregnancies of Sarah and Rachel, the Matriarchs, and Hannah, who gave birth to Isaac, Joseph and Benjamin, and the Prophet Samuel respectively.

While it may be likely that the world was created in the seventh month, calling the day the “pregnancy of the world” is a Jewish tradition. The Bible does not refer to it as a time of motherhood. Because of the visit from the angels in Genesis 19 along with the mention of unleavened bread in verse 3 and that juxtaposition to the promise to Sarah in Genesis 18, her pregnancy could seem to perhaps more logically have been in the Spring or Summer.

Here is Jewish point five:

5. Rosh Hashanah underlines human fallibility, humility, soul-searching, responsibility (as a precondition to the realization of opportunity), renewal/rebirth, memory (lessons of history), and the need for systematic education.

Humans are fallible and in need of humility, repentance (Acts 2:38; 17:30), and learning the truth (cf. John 8:31-32; 2 Peter 3:18). Nearly all times of holy convocations are times to reflect on that.

Here is Jewish point six:

6. The Shofar (ritual horn) is blown on Rosh Hashanah as a wake-up call to mend human behavior. Rosh Hashanah is also called “Yom Te’roo’ah” (the day of blowing the Shofar). Shofar (שופר) is a derivative of the Hebrew word for enhancement/improvement (שפור), which is constantly expected of human beings. It requires humility, symbolized by the Shofar, which is bent and is not supposed to be decorated.

A Shofar is blown on this day. Notice the following:

3 Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon,
At the full moon, on our solemn feast day.
4 For this is a statute for Israel,
A law of the God of Jacob. (Psalms 81:3-4)

The Hebrew word for shofar is the one translated as “trumpet” in Psalm 81:3. The idea that it is a naturally bent horn and that humans need improvement is an interesting one that is consistent with the truth.

Here is Jewish point seven:

7. The pomegranate – one of the seven species blessing the Land of Israel – features during Rosh Hashanah meals and in a key blessing on Rosh Hashanah: “May you be credited with as many rewards as the seeds of the pomegranate.” The pomegranate becomes ripe on time for Rosh Hashanah and contains – genetically – 613 seeds, which is the number of Jewish statutes (of Moses).

There are two different points to make here. The first is about a possible connection between pomegranates and trumpets. Notice the following which mention the pomegranate tree and the blowing of a trumpet:

12 The vine has dried up,
And the fig tree has withered;
The pomegranate tree,
The palm tree also,
And the apple tree —
All the trees of the field are withered;
Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men.

13 Gird yourselves and lament, you priests;
Wail, you who minister before the altar;
Come, lie all night in sackcloth,
You who minister to my God;
For the grain offering and the drink offering
Are withheld from the house of your God.
14 Consecrate a fast,
Call a sacred assembly;
Gather the elders
And all the inhabitants of the land
Into the house of the Lord your God,
And cry out to the Lord.

15 Alas for the day!
For the day of the Lord is at hand;
It shall come as destruction from the Almighty. (Joel 1:12-15)

1 Blow the trumpet in Zion,
And sound an alarm in My holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble;
For the day of the Lord is coming,
For it is at hand:
2 A day of darkness and gloominess,
A day of clouds and thick darkness,
Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. (Joel 2:1-2)

Notice that the pomegranate tree is referred to in Joel 1:12 in a destructive time, and that the trumpet (from the Hebrew word for Shofar) is telling of the time of the day of the Lord (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? What is the Day of the Lord?). So, it could be said that there seems to be a type of connection.

But what about the 613 seeds of pomegranates?

Notice what one Jewish rabbi wrote:

Misconception: According to rabbinic tradition, a pomegranate (rimon) has 613 seeds.

Fact: The pomegranate is used in rabbinic tradition as an example of a fruit that contains many seeds, but not necessarily 613. …

The misconception about the pomegranate having 613 seeds is widespread, but its source is readily apparent. In a discussion on the meaning of seeing the fruit in a dream, the gemara in Berachot4 explains that “seeing small ones portends business being as fruitful as a pomegranate, while seeing large ones means that business will multiply like pomegranates. If, in the dream, the pomegranates are split open, if the dreamer is a scholar he may hope to learn more Torah … while if he is unlearned, he can hope to perform mitzvot ….” Drawing upon a verse in Shir HaShirim (4:3; 6:7), the gemara concludes by stating that even “the empty ones among the Jews are full of mitzvot like a pomegranate [is full of seeds].”5 Many misread this gemara to mean that there are precisely 613 seeds in a pomegranate, as there are 613 mitzvot. It should be clear, however, that the gemara uses pomegranates to imply an abundance. In fact, the very name “pomegranate” is derived from Latin’s “pomum” (apple) and “granatus” (seeded), alluding to the fruit’s many seeds. (Zivotofsky A. What’s the Truth about … Pomegranate Seeds? Jewish Action, September 20, 2008. http://www.ou.org/jewish_action/09/2008/whats_the_truth_about_pomegranate_seeds/

So, there are not normally 613 seeds in a pomegranate.

What about the so-called 613 Jewish statutes of Moses?

As it turns out, many of them are NOT statutes that God inspired Moses to write. Instead, they were developed by a Jewish rabbi and based upon various traditions, many of which were not adopted from the Bible. (See also Which Laws were Superceded? Which Remain? What about the 613 mitzvot? and/or Messianic Judaism Beliefs Differ from the Continuing Church of God.) Moses did NOT write all of the 613 statutes that Jews and certain others believe they need to keep.

Anyway, as far as the Feast of Trumpets goes, some of the Jewish points are accurate, some have a scriptural connection, and some others are based more upon tradition than biblical truth.

We in the Continuing Church of God are Christian. And while we believe that the Bible and church history enjoin the observance of the Feast of Trumpets on true believers, we are not Messianic Jews (many of whom claim that they should keep the 613 mitzvot) nor do we fully share the views of the Jews on this Holy Day.

We, unlike the Jews, also accept the New Testament as scripture, which means some of our understanding of this day comes from the New Testament, hence we have a better understanding of this day and how it fits in with God’s plan of salvation.

In the New Testament, the Bible shows that during the time period known as the Day of the Lord there will be seven trumpets blown. And the last one, the seventh one, announces the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the saints, and meeting Jesus in the air:

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)

Those are points that the Jewish interpretation of this Holy Day seem to miss. As Christians, we can draw comfort from the words of the New Testament, while we appreciate that there is a tie to the Old Testament.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Feast of Trumpets: Why Should You Keep It? What does the Bible say? What does this festival picture? A related sermon is available: Seven Trumpets: Jesus Returns.
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.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should Christians keep the Fall Biblical Holy Days?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not? What does the Feast of Trumpets, which the Jews call Rosh Hashanah, help teach? Related sermon videos include: The Last Trumpet and the Book of Life and The Trumpet Release. The article has links to hear shofar blasts. they related?
Offertory: Blowing the Trumpet Why should there be an offertory on the Feast of Trumpets. What does the Bible teach? How is the ‘trumpet’ being blown now? How is the Continuing Church of God reaching the world with the gospel of the kingdom? Do those in the Church of God also need to pay attention to the trumpet? Shofar blowing is also heard in this video. Here is a link to the: Donation page of the Continuing Church of God, which includes the ability to use PayPal.
The Trumpet Release This is a sermon focused on the Feast of Trumpets for 2013. What is the Feast of Trumpets? How can this be part of God’s plan of salvation? Why do the Jews refer to it as Rosh Hashanah? What is the seventh year of release? Should it be restored and proclaimed? Did early Christians keep the Feast of Trumpets? Why should any one keep it now? What will happen with the seven trumpets of Revelation? Why do many not understand aspects of it?
Messianic Judaism Beliefs Differ from the Continuing Church of God Both groups keep the seventh-day Sabbath, but have important differences in doctrines and practices. Here is a link to a related sermon: Messianic Jewish Beliefs.
Which Laws were Superceded? Which Remain? What about the Ten Commandments? What about the 613 regulations (called 613 Mitzvot) in the Old Testament? Which were ‘done away’?
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?
Questions and Answers from Genesis Many wonder about certain early events that this article discusses.
Proof Jesus is the Messiah This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020? 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 2018 o 2019? ¿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: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?
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.
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement.” Does it have any relevance for Christians today? What is the Jubilee? Is fasting healthy? Here is a link to a sermon: Day of Atonement: How Jesus fulfilled His part for the Atonement. Here is a link to a related article in the Spanish language: El Día de Expiación –Su significado cristiano.
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach? A related sermon video is Feast of Tabernacles from Israel.
Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2017 This is information on the Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for the Continuing Church of God in 2017. The Feast in 2017 Services will begin the evening of October 4th.
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。.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god? Here is a link to a related sermon: What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas?

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God continues to get additional materials translated into the Spanish language.

Here are links to the latest items we received today:

US & China Confront in South China Sea: What will happen to Asia and Australia?
Los EE.UU. & China se enfrentan en el mar del sur de China: ¿Qué ocurrirá con Asia y Australia?
http://www.cdlidd.es/los-ee-uu-china-se-enfrentan-en-el-mar-del-sur-de-china-que-ocurrira-con-asia-y-australia/

Temple Institute continues to push ‘foundation stone’ teaching for the Temple
El Instituto del Templo continúa impulsando la enseñanza de la ‘piedra fundacional’ para el Templo
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-instituto-del-templo-continua-impulsando-la-ensenanza-de-la-piedra-fundacional-para-el-templo/

‘New US Sanctions Would Be Declaration Of Economic War’ ‘Somebody must find a solution and say ‘stop’ to the United States’
‘Nuevas sanciones de los EE.UU. serían una declaración de guerra económica’ ‘Alguien debe encontrar una solución y decir ‘pare’ a los EE.UU.’
http://www.cdlidd.es/nuevas-sanciones-de-los-ee-uu-serian-una-declaracion-de-guerra-economica-alguien-debe-encontrar-una-solucion-y-decir-pare-a-los-ee-uu/

PCG pushing view that Vladmir Putin is prophesied as the ‘Prince of Rosh,’ while Russia also moves further away from the USA dollar
PCG impulsando la opinión de que Vladimir Putin está profetizado como el ‘Príncipe de Rosh’, mientras Rusia también se mueve hacia adelante para apartarse del dólar de los EE.UU.
http://www.cdlidd.es/pcg-impulsando-la-opinion-de-que-vladimir-putin-esta-profetizaco-como-el-principe-de-rosh-mientras-rusia-tambien-se-mueve-adelante-para-apartarse-del-dolar-de-los-ee-uu/

PCG’s King Gerald Flurry and the Place of Safety
El Rey de la PCG Gerald Flurry y el Lugar de Seguridad
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-rey-de-la-pcg-gerald-flurry-y-el-lugar-de-seguridad/

VOA: Nearly Quarter of Americans Carry Lucky Charms
VOA: Casi un cuarto de los americanos porta amuletos de la suerte
http://www.cdlidd.es/voa-casi-un-cuarto-de-los-americanos-porta-amuletos-de-la-suerte/

‘Former Vatican official calls for Pope’s resignation amid sex abuse scandal’
‘Antiguo oficial del Vaticano pide renuncia del Papa en medio de escándalo de abuso sexual’
http://www.cdlidd.es/antiguo-oficial-del-vaticano-pide-renuncia-del-papa-en-medio-de-escandalo-de-abuso-sexual/

‘End of the World prophecy ROCKS Vatican hours before ‘last Pope’ leaves for historic visit’
La profecía del fin del mundo SACUDE AL Vaticano horas antes de que el “último Papa” se vaya para una visita histórica
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-profecia-del-fin-del-mundo-sacude-al-vaticano-horas-antes-de-que-el-ultimo-papa-se-vaya-para-una-visita-historica/

‘Is Trump Pushing Germany and Russia Together?’
‘¿Está Trump impulsando a Alemania y Rusia a unirse?’
http://www.cdlidd.es/esta-trump-impulsando-a-alemania-y-rusia-a-unirse/

CNBC: There’s a very high probability we’re in the end game for dollar strength, strategist says
CNBC: Hay una gran probabilidad de que estemos en el juego final para la fortaleza del dólar, dice un estratega
http://www.cdlidd.es/cnbc-hay-una-gran-probabilidad-de-que-estemos-en-el-juego-final-para-la-fortaleza-del-dolar-dice-un-estratega/

UK expects to ban ‘gay conversion therapy’: Is there a basis to allow it?
El Reino Unido espera prohibir la “terapia de conversión gay”: ¿hay alguna base para permitirlo?
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-reino-unido-espera-prohibir-la-terapia-de-conversion-gay-hay-alguna-base-para-permitirla/

It’s been over 6 years and the evolutionists still have not found the ‘proof’ they are looking for–actually one of their main beliefs has been overturned
Han pasado más de 6 años y los evolucionistas aún no han encontrado la ‘prueba’ que están buscando, en realidad una de sus principales creencias ha sido revocada
http://www.cdlidd.es/han-pasado-mas-de-6-anos-y-los-evolucionistas-aun-no-han-encontrado-la-prueba-que-estan-buscando-en-realidad-una-de-sus-principales-creencias-ha-sido-revocada/

Pope speaks & CGBS attendee published about sex scandals
El Papa habla y el asistente de CGBS publicó sobre escándalos sexuales
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-papa-habla-y-el-asistente-de-cgbs-publico-sobre-escandalos-sexuales/

Germany creates DARPA-like cybersecurity agency
Alemania crea una agencia de ciberseguridad similar a DARPA
http://www.cdlidd.es/alemania-crea-una-agencia-de-ciberseguridad-similar-a-darpa/

France’s Macron says Europe must develop its military as it should not rely on the USA
Macron de Francia dice que Europa debe desarrollar su ejército, ya que no debe depender de los EE. UU.
http://www.cdlidd.es/macron-de-francia-dice-que-europa-debe-desarrollar-su-ejercito-ya-que-no-debe-depender-de-los-ee-uu/

Trump’s deal with Mexico will not stop Mexico from moving towards Europe
El acuerdo de Trump con México no impedirá que México se mueva hacia Europa
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-acuerdo-de-trump-con-mexico-no-impedira-que-mexico-se-mueva-hacia-europa/

Terrorists strike Sweden and UK
Terroristas atacan en Suecia y el Reino Unido
http://www.cdlidd.es/terroristas-atacan-en-suecia-y-el-reino-unido/

Could there have been humanoids before Adam?
¿Pudo haber humanoides antes de Adán?
http://www.cdlidd.es/pudohaberhumanoidesantesdeadan/

‘Why Is Nobody Talking About The Union For The Mediterranean?’
‘¿Por qué nadie habla de la Unión para el Mediterráneo?’
http://www.cdlidd.es/por-que-nadie-habla-de-la-union-para-el-mediterraneo/

Francis says no comment on resignation letter; ‘By secular standards, the Catholic Church is a corrupt organization’
Francisco dice que no hay comentarios sobre la carta de renuncia; ‘Según los estándares seculares, la Iglesia Católica es una organización corrupta’
http://www.cdlidd.es/francisco-dice-que-no-hay-comentarios-sobre-la-carta-de-renuncia-segun-los-estandares-seculares-la-iglesia-catolica-es-una-organizacion-corrupta/

Have you seen what the late Joe Tkach. Sr. called ‘Satan’s throne’?
¿Has visto lo que el difunto Joe Tkach. Sr. llamó ‘el trono de Satanás’?
http://www.cdlidd.es/ha-visto-lo-que-el-difunto-joe-tkach-sr-llamo-el-trono-de-satanas/

Is Joel Richardson right about the Rapture and wrong about the Antichrist?
¿Tiene razón Joel Richardson sobre el Rapto y está equivocado sobre el Anticristo?
http://www.cdlidd.es/tiene-razon-joel-richardson-sobre-el-rapto-y-esta-equivocado-sobre-el-anticristo/

More protests in Germany against Islamic immigrants
Más protestas en Alemania contra inmigrantes islámicos
http://www.cdlidd.es/mas-protestas-en-alemania-contra-inmigrantes-islamicos/

Satanists want Ten Commandments out or Baphomet in
Los satanistas quieren los Diez Mandamientos afuera o a Baphomet adentro
http://www.cdlidd.es/los-satanistas-quieren-los-diez-mandamientos-afuera-o-a-bahomet-adentro/

The Continuing Church of God has a separate Spanish language website http://www.cdlidd.es. The term Continuing Church of God translates into La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios in the Spanish language, also called Castellano or Español.

The Continuing Church of God is reaching people around the world in multiple languages via the internet, printed literature, and human church leaders. We also reach people over the radio and through videos in the English language.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?

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.

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?

Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God “Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, NKJV), “Let brotherly love (Philadelphia) continue” (Hebrews 13:1) “…continuing stedfastly in the teaching of the apostles” (Acts 2:42 YLT). So, what does that really mean in terms of specific beliefs? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Declaración de las Doctrinas de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. Here is a related link in Tagalog: Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. Here is a related link in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明. Here is a related link in Kiswahili: KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI. Here is a related link in Dutch: Verklaring van geloofspunten van de Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Deutsche (German): Glaubenserklärung der Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Italiano: Dichiarazione del Credo della Continuing Church of God. Here is related link in the French language: Déclaration des croyances de L’Église Continue de Dieu.

Faith for those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Here is a link to a pdf. booklet titled Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido.Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese 一篇关于信仰的小文章

CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?

CCOG Animations channel. The Continuing Church of God has some animations to teach aspects of Christian beliefs.

Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them there.

ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos. Here is a link to a short intro: ContinuingCOG Channel.

CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo.

BibleNewsProphecy Podcast. This has audio-visual podcasts of the Bible News Prophecy channgel. It plays on i-Phones, i-Pads, and Windows devices that can play i-Tunes.

Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos. It is also available as a mobile app.

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

CCOGAFRICA.ORG This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.

CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.

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.

PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.

Anti-immigration rally in Czech Republic (Novis-M)

COGwriter

More are concerned about migrants in Europe:

“Europeans Are Shocked And Frightened”: Czech PM Blast Europe’s Migrant Policy

September 4, 2018

In an apparent bid to join the Italian-Hungarian “anti-immigration axis“, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis declared that Europe must fight for its culture and values amidst the migration crisis, and said the recent riots in Germany show how the uncontrolled influx of migrants leads to explosive situations.

“Chemnitz is just right around the corner!” Babis said on Sunday referring to the chaos that engulfed the eastern German city last week during pro and anti-migrant rallies held there. “I’ve been thoroughly explaining that this is a fight to preserve our European civilization and culture. We don’t want to live in Africa or the Middle East here. We must fight for our values.”

“Have you seen the pictures of migrant ships heading for tourist beaches? Europeans are shocked and frightened. The same thing happened in Chemnitz. There was not only a murder committed, but also the murders of teenage girls and sexual assaults,” Babis raged. …

Andrej Babis spent last week traveling to Italy, Hungary, and Malta, where he sought solidarity with his approach to tackling migration. He is set to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Wednesday. https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-09-03/europeans-are-shocked-and-frightened-czech-pm-blast-europes-migrant-policy

In the past couple of weeks, there have been protests in Germany (see More protests in Germany against Islamic immigrants).

Two months ago, Austria announced that it was ready to stop Libyan and other migrants from coming in via Italy:

4 July , 2017

Italy has summoned Austria’s ambassador after the government in Vienna announced it was ready to deploy border troops to block any migrant influx.

Austrian Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil told Kronen Zeitung daily that troops could go to the Brenner Pass.

He said four Pandur armoured personnel carriers had been sent to the Tyrol region and 750 troops were on standby.

Austria has border checks with Hungary and Slovenia. But elsewhere it adheres to the EU open borders system.

Mr Doskozil said a military deployment at the busy Alpine pass, on the Italian border, would be “indispensable if the influx into Italy [across the Mediterranean] does not diminish”.

Later Italy’s foreign ministry said it had summoned Austrian Ambassador Rene Pollitzer “following the Austrian government’s statement about deploying troops to the Brenner (pass)”.

People-smuggling gangs have been exploiting the violence and chaos in Libya. The shortest crossing from Libya to Italy is only about 460km (290 miles).

Italy has warned that the current scale of migrant arrivals is unsustainable and that it could even close its ports and impound aid agencies’ rescue ships. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40491497

Although Italy is objecting to Austria’s plan, Italy is calling the waves of migrants unsustainable. If a situation is actually unsustainable, it will thus have to change.

Consider also the following:

July 4, 2017

• Many so-called asylum seekers have refused to relocate to Central and Eastern Europe because the financial benefits there are not as generous as in France, Germany or Scandinavia. In addition, hundreds of migrants who have been relocated to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which rank among the poorest EU countries, have since fled to Germany and other wealthier countries in the bloc.
• “It needs to be said clearly and directly: This is an attack on Europe, on our culture, on our traditions.” — Poland’s Prime Minister Beata Szyd?o.
• “I think we have a right to decide that we do not want a large number of Muslim people in our country. That is a historical experience for us.” — Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, referring to Hungary’s occupation by the Ottoman Empire from 1541 to 1699.

The European Union has initiated legal action against the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland for failing to comply with a controversial order to take in thousands of migrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The so-called infringement procedure, which authorizes the European Commission, the powerful executive arm of the European Union, to sue member states that are considered to be in breach of their obligations under EU law, could lead to massive financial penalties.

The dispute dates back to September 2015, when, at the height of Europe’s migration crisis, EU member states narrowly voted to relocate 120,000 “refugees” from Italy and Greece to other parts of the bloc. This number was in addition to a July 2015 plan to redistribute 40,000 migrants from Italy and Greece.

Of the 160,000 migrants to be “shared,” nine countries in Central and Eastern Europe were ordered to take in around 15,000 migrants. Although the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia voted against the agreement, they were still required to comply.

Since then, several Central European EU member states have vehemently refused to accept their assigned quotas of migrants. Poland, for example, has a quota of 6,182 migrants, not one of whom has been admitted. The Czech Republic has a quota of 2,691 migrants, of whom only 12 have been taken. Hungary has a quota of 1,294, none of whom have been admitted.

In the EU as a whole, so far only around 20,000 migrants have been relocated (6,896 from Italy and 13,973 from Greece), according to the EU’s latest relocation and resettlement report, published on June 13, 2017. Of the 28 EU member states, only Malta has taken in its full quota — 131 migrants.

Many so-called asylum seekers have refused to relocate to Central and Eastern Europe because the financial benefits there are not as generous as in France, Germany or Scandinavia. In addition, hundreds of migrants who have been relocated to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which rank among the poorest countries in the EU, have since fled to Germany and other wealthier countries in the bloc. …

Leaders in Central and Eastern Europe have held their ground. In Poland, Prime Minister Beata Szyd?o said her country would not be blackmailed by European Union officials. In a speech to Parliament on May 24, two days after the jihadist attack in Manchester, England, in which a Polish couple was killed, she said:

“We are not going to take part in the madness of the Brussels elite…. Rise from your knees and from your lethargy or you will be crying over your children every day.

“If you cannot see this — if you cannot see that terrorism currently has the potential to hurt every country in Europe, and you think that Poland should not defend itself — you are going hand in hand with those who point this weapon against Europe, against all of us.

“It needs to be said clearly and directly: This is an attack on Europe, on our culture, on our traditions. Do we want strong politicians who can see the danger and can fight against it efficiently?”

Polish Interior Minister Mariusz B?aszczak said that agreeing to European Union quotas would “certainly be worse” than any punishment meted out by Brussels …

In the Czech Republic, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said that “given the deteriorating security situation in Europe and the non-functioning of the quota system, the Czech government will not participate in it.” He added: “We are ready to defend our position in the EU and the relevant judicial institutions.”

Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Lubomír Zaorálek said that EU should focus on “economic and social convergence among EU countries, rather than attempts to distribute migrants with forced quotas.” …

In Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico said that mass migration and forced multiculturalism would change the essence of his country …

In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has warned of the “explosive consequences” of a culture clash between Europe and migrants from the Muslim world: …

“Let us not forget that those arriving have been raised in another religion, and represent a radically different culture. Most of them are not Christians, but Muslims. This is an important question, because Europe and European identity is rooted in Christianity. Is it not worrying in itself that European Christianity is now barely able to keep Europe Christian? If we lose sight of this, the idea of Europe could become a minority interest in its own continent.”

Referring to Hungary’s occupation by the Ottoman Empire from 1541 to 1699, Orbán said:

“I think we have a right to decide that we do not want a large number of Muslim people in our country. We do not like the consequences of having a large Muslim community that we see in other countries and I do not see any reason for anyone else to force us to create ways of living together in Hungary that we do not want to see. That is a historical experience for us.”

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-07-03/europes-migrant-crisis-views-central-europe

Notice that Poland’s Prime Minister was calling for STRONG POLITICIANS to deal with this. The time will come when strong leaders will rise up in Europe, and one that the Bible refers to as the “Beast of the Sea” (watch Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?) and the King of the North will rise up.

Here is a headline about Sweden:

Sweden’s Anti-Immigration Party Set For Record Wins As Election Days Away

When my wife and I were in Sweden last year, I was able to confirm that anti-immigrant sentiment was brewing. It is now starting to get more prominence.

Notice something from a German named Stefan Mudry, who left Germany, that I saw today as a link to the bottom of a news article:

Also, the election results in Austria and Italy show that populist parties are beginning to gain ground. In Sweden, there’s the hope that a pro-people government will come to power by September 2018, to end the so-called “Rapefugee-Crisis”. Several other Western European countries are in a similar situation.

But precisely therein lies the danger. People keep waiting for things to become better instead of reacting to a situation that, as the evidence and history seems to suggest, can only worsen, regardless of which party comes to power. …

The question thus arises as to what will happen in Europe after the mood has flipped and millions of refugees, who refuse to assimilate into their societies of residence, are being told that they are no longer “welcome”.  … it may be assumed that the intention is to bring populist movements to power. This will ultimately lead to confrontation and civil wars, as radical Muslims, once they see themselves faced with hostility, will begin to resort to real terrorism, attacking so-called soft targets, such as kindergartens and schools. Only this time, they won’t be leaving their passports behind. https://www.fincabayano.net/1_emigration/introduction/ accessed 09/04/18

Christians need to realize that they need to do something themselves (cf. Luke 21:34-36; Zephaniah 2:1-3) before it it too late! But in the end days, most Christians will be too lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-21; see The Laodicean Church Era) to take the steps that they should (Revelation 3:7-13; see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra).

As far as Europe goes, the reality is that Europe will not continue to tolerate Islamic terrorism or even Islam itself. There will be conflict between the Europeans and the Arabs (watch also the video sermonette War is Coming Between Europeans and Arabs).

For years, I have warned that problems with Islam will be a factor in the rise of the European Beast power.

Notice something I wrote about this back in 2010:

The reality is that most Germans do not consider that Islam is part of Germany. The stage is being set for a more forceful German leader (perhaps Karl Guttenberg) to rise up and take this to the next level. If, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared, multiculturalism is a total failure and those from Islamic countries will not totally integrate, the next step may be to insist they integrate or leave. (Thiel B. Germany’s Merkel: Multiculturalism a Total Failure. COGwriter, October 18, 2010)

Germany will be a leader in pushing out Islam (watch also European Unity to be like Hitler?). Muslims will not like this, yet the reality is that more and more in Germany want to do something NOW about the Islamic situation.

Europe will change. The Bible shows that Europe will reorganize and a strong leader will emerge:

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, NKJV)

The final European Beast leader, who is also known as the final King of the North, will ultimately promote his religion (Daniel 11:36-38; which will not be Islam, he will at first feign and claim a form of Roman Catholicism). He will make a deceptive deal with the leader of a confederation of peoples in North Africa and the Middle East (cf. Daniel 11:27; Psalm 83:3-8) and then destroy the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (Daniel 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

Yet, Islamic issues will be a factor in the rise of this Beast leader–the Bible shows that a European Beast leader will, after destroying the USA (Daniel 11:39), push against and overwhelm a power from the Middle East and North Africa (Daniel 11:40-43).

It should be noted that this Beast leader is NOT Russian (see also Is Russia the King of the North?). Despite claims from Protestant Joel Richardson, this Beast leader is NOT Islamic (see also Is There an Islamic Antichrist?).

The time will come when Europe will take stronger steps against Islam.

We made a video:

Will Islam be Pushed Out of Europe?

On June 8, 2018, Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced the closing of seven Islamic mosques in an effort to reduce “political Islam.” In the past several years, at least 6 European nations have banned the wearing of a commonly used garment by Islamic females. Heinz-Christian Strache (later Vice Chancellor of Austria) has declared that Islam has no place in Europe. Did Germany’s Angela Merkel call multiculturalism a failure? Will there be deals between the Muslims and the Europeans? Will a European Beast leader rise up after a reorganization that will eliminate nationalism? Will Europe push out Islam? What does Catholic prophecy teach? What does the Bible teach in Daniel and Revelation? Is Islam prophesied to be pushed out of Europe? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link: Will Islam be Pushed Out of Europe?

The Bible, in the Book of Daniel tells of one called the King of the North (Daniel 11:21-44). In Revelation, he is called the Beast of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10).

This leader is described as a warring man who essentially changes religion and gets people to ultimately worship him. The Bible also shows that he will specifically eliminate the nominally Protestant USA (Daniel 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses) and then the predominantly Muslim nations of the Middle East and North Africa (Daniel 11:40-43).The Bible teaches that Europe will one day reorganize and allow a dictator to rule (Revelation 17:12-13; cf. Revelation 13).

Events in Europe and within Islam are leading to the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.

A strong leader will arise in Europe, despite the views of some that this will not happen (see also FT: ‘Why there will never be a Trump in today’s Europe;’ CDU: USA is no longer a friend).

Islam will be pushed out of Europe. We are getting closer to this time.

Brett Kavanaugh

COGwriter

The Brett Kavanaugh hearings for the US Supreme Court are in the news:

September 4, 2018

U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh goes before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday as it begins confirmation hearings that President Donald Trump hopes will lead to a solid conservative majority on the nation’s highest court.

The proceedings begin with opening statements from Kavanaugh and committee members.

On Wednesday, Kavanaugh is scheduled to face direct questioning on a range of issues, including his stance on abortion, gay rights and presidential power.

The White House is hoping the full Senate will confirm the 53-year-old Kavanaugh to the nine-member court in September, in time for him to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy when the court opens a new term October 1.

However, Democrats have vowed to fight Kavanaugh’s nomination from the start, fearing his lifetime appointment could ensure a strongly conservative court for a generation.

Democrats will likely try to portray Kavanaugh as someone too tied to President Trump and who will push a conservative agenda on the high court. Republicans are expected to try to paint the nominee as an independent thinker and a principled jurist. https://www.voanews.com/a/supreme-court-nominee-brett-kavanaugh-tough-questions/4556252.html

September 4, 2018

WASHINGTON, Sept 4 (Reuters) – U.S. Senate Democrats plan to hammer President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on his views on abortion and presidential power in hearings starting on Tuesday but the conservative judge looks likely to be confirmed. … “There will be sparks at this hearing. Sparks will fly, and there will be a lot of heat,” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the judiciary committee that will convene the hearings, said on Friday. https://www.aol.com/article/news/2018/09/04/democrats-vow-sparks-will-fly-over-trumps-supreme-court-pick/23516365/

What can be expected?

Duplicity and hypocrisy.

Most, if not all, of the Democrats that ask Brett Kavanaugh questions are not interested in his technical qualifications. Nor will they vote for his confirmation almost no matter how he answers their questions. The process is blatant hypocrisy.

Brett Kavanaugh, on the other hand, will try to be careful what he says. He does not want to give opponents more “ammunition” such as to make his possible confirmation fail. Unless there is some ‘surprise’ Republicans are expected to vote to confirm him–and not based on what he is expected to say in the hearings.

Both Republicans and Democrats will be involved in duplicity.

The mainstream media will be “out for blood” (to use an American expression)–hoping to find some statements to emphasize with the hope of stopping Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

Bible prophecy warns about the destruction of “an hypocritical nation”:

5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. 6 I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down* like the mire of the streets. 7 Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few. 8 For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings? 9 Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus? (Isaiah 10:5-9, KJV)

Germany/Europe represents end time Assyria; details are in the article Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History. Samaria is basically represented by the USA; details are in the article Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel.

So, although the European power does not think it wants to, it will end up destroying “an hypocritical nation.”

Expect to see hypocrisy related to the Brett Kavanaugh hearings.

If Brett Kavanaugh does get confirmed, consider the following:

So, we see talk of civil war related to a Supreme Court nominee.

While Donald Trump selected Catholic Brett Kavanaugh, most of the mainstream media and many political operatives would have had similar problems with anyone that Donald Trump was likely to have nominated instead.

But because of the horrible attachment that many have to abortion, there would seem to be even more hate from the abortion-pushers (which includes much of the media) against Brett Kavanaugh.

It would be nice if the Supreme Court of the USA considered that unborn babies are humans and should have the right to life. Note something from the US Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

One would think that US Supreme Court justices would agree with the nation’s Declaration of Independence. Murdered babies lose life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The federal government should not encourage that.

But the abortionists do not care about such matters.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt.
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?
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?
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change? A related video sermon is titled: What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?
Pornography: A scourge on society Is pornography harmless fun? Does the Bible teach anything about it? What are the views of some involved with it? A related sermons is titled: Pornography, False Comfort, and False Religion. Here a shorter YouTube video Pornography: Harmless Fun or a Scourge on Society?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach? Here is a link to a related sermon titled Race and Grace; Do you view race as God does?
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? 2027 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020? 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 2018 o 2019? ¿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: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
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?
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 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

The ‘Fall’ Holy Days will start soon for 2018. The biblical month of Ethanim (1 Kings 8:2), also known as Tishri, begins at sunset September 9th this year.

The Continuing Church of God has this sermon which is at its ContinuingCOG channel.

Most who profess Christ do not keep the Holy Days in the Bible. Why is that? Should they? What does the Bible teach? The Fall Holy Days are the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Why do some think that they should be observed by Christians? Did early Christians keep the Fall Holy Days or were they too Jewish? What do these days represent? Do they have anything to do with God’s plan of salvation? Are non-biblical religious holidays enjoined on Christians? What did Jesus, Paul, and Polycarp do? What should you do? Here is a link to the sermon: Should Christians keep the Fall Biblical Holy Days?

Those of us faithful in the Continuing Church of God who are able, keep the Feast of Tabernacles and believe that it foreshadows the coming millennium.

Notice also that the Catholic, Orthodox, and Church of God Saint Polycarp of Smyrna kept the Fall Holy Days:

I will give the narration in order, thus coming down to the history of the blessed Polycarp…

So also he pursued the reading of the Scriptures from childhood to old age, himself reading in church; and he recommended it to others, saying that the reading of the law and the prophets was the forerunner of grace, preparing and making straight the ways of the Lord, that is the hearts, which are like tablets whereon certain harsh beliefs and conceptions that were written before perfect knowledge came, are through the inculcation of the Old Testament, and the correct interpretation following thereupon, first smoothed and levelled, that, when the Holy Spirit comes as a pen, the grace and joy of the voice of the Gospel and of the doctrine of the immortal and heavenly Christ may be inscribed on them. And he said that they could not otherwise receive the impression of the seal which is given by baptism and engrave and exhibit the form conveyed in it, unless the wax were first softened and filled the deep parts. So also he thought that the hearts of the hearers ought to be softened and yield to the impress of the Word. For he said that it unfolded and opened, like closed doors, the minds of recent comers; and accordingly the prophet was bidden by God, Cry out mightily and spare not, Raise thy voice as a trumpet. What must one say, when even He that was gentler than all men so appeals and cries out at the feast of Tabernacles? For it is written; And on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, If any man thirsteth, let him come to Me and drink. (Pionius, Life of Polycarp (1889) from J. B. Lightfoot, The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 3.2, pp.488-506.)

Polycarp, according to the above, seems to have endorsed the Fall Holy Day season which begins with the Feast of Trumpets, includes the Feast of Tabernacles, and ends on The Last Great Day. And while the Day of Atonement was not specifically mentioned above, it was mentioned in the Book of Acts, where it is referred to as the Fast (Acts 27:9).

While the Greco-Roman churches have some acknowledgement of the Spring Holy Days, historically they have not observed those that are in the Fall, despite the fact that people that they claim as saints, such as the Apostle Paul and Polycarp of Smyrna actually did.

During the Middle Ages the fall holidays were observed, though records are limited.

Notice the following report:

Under the name of Passagini, we have the clearest sort of statement that these people, about 1200, observed the whole Old Testament law, including the Sabbath and FESTIVALS! People called Cathars at Cologne, Germany, kept a fall festival, called “Malilosa”, even before Waldo began to preach. Compare this unexplained name with Hebrew “melilah” (a harvested ear of grain — Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance) and the Biblical title “Feast of Ingathering” (Ex. 23:16). How much more we might have known about these Middle Ages’ Feasts of Tabernacles had not the Inquisitors so zealously burned the records! The three-part division of tithes paid the Waldensian Church is significant. Even in the 1500′s the same division continued. “The money given us by the people is carried to the aforesaid general council, and is delivered in the presence of all, and there it is received by the most ancients (the elders), and part thereof is given to those that are wayfaring men, according to their necessities, and part unto the poor” (George Morel, Waldensian elder, quoted by Lennard, “History of the Waldenses”). 1. Compare this practice with Num. 18:21 and Deut. 14:22-25, 28-29. Isn’t it exactly what the Bible commands?… Most authors have ASSUMED the “wayfaring men” were the traveling “barbel.” But THEIR expenses would have been paid from the money given the elders, at EVERY time of year, for the direct conduct of the Work — “first” tithe and offerings. Notice that in Numbers 18:21. What Morel then mentions is a “second” tithe, for those traveling to and from the festivals — wayfaring men; and following it, the “third” to the poor. See the explanation in Deut. 14. Feast goers who had more “second tithe” than they needed shared their excess with those who had need, even as they do today! (LESSON 51 (1968) AMBASSADOR COLLEGE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place …” Rev. 12:6).

Furthermore, Sabbath-keepers in Transylvania in the 1500s and probably later kept the Fall Holy Days such as the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Trumpets (called Day of Remembrance below):

The Sabbatarians viewed themselves as converted Gentiles..They held to the biblical holidays…The Day of Atonement was a day of fasting, although they emphasized that pentinence is more easily acheived by a peaceful and quiet meditation on the law and one’s life than by fasting. The Day of Remembrance (New Year, which they celebrated in the Fall of the year) was the day on which they thanked God especially for the creation of the universe. There is no mention of circumcision, so it is unlikely that they practiced circumcision (Liechty D. Sabbatarianism in the Sixteenth Century. Andrews University Press, Berrien Springs (MI), 1993, pp. 61-62).

And the Fall Holidays are still observed into the 21sth century by many Sabbath-keeping Church of God groups, such as the Continuing Church of God.

The biblical Holy Days (both Spring and Fall) were kept by early, faithful Christians, and this is clear from both scripture and early church records. And there is a scattering of later records showing that they have been kept by some professors of Christ throughout history. More information can be found in the free online booklet Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?

The first Holy Day this Fall season is the Feast of Trumpets (called Rosh Hashanah by the Jews) which begins September 9th at sunset until sunset September 10, 2018

The second Holy Day this Fall season is the Day of Atonement (called Yom Kippur by the Jews) which begins September 18th at sunset until sunset September 19, 2018.

The seven day Feast of Tabernacles begins at sunset September 23rd, continues until sunset September 30th, and is immediately followed by the Last Great Day, which ends October 1st 2018 at sunset. Most people travel to attend the Feast of Tabernacles (here is a link to CCOG’s Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2018). This has limited information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this Fall feast.)

Then, other than the weekly Sabbaths, after the Last Great Day there are no Holy Days until Passover in the Spring.

The early, faithful, Christians kept what many now refer to as “Jewish” holidays. Jesus, Paul, and the apostles did. They were part of “the faith once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

Perhaps you should look into them more?

Again, the first one this year is the Feast of Trumpets which starts sunset September 9th.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should Christians keep the Fall Biblical Holy Days?
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.
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not? What does the Feast of Trumpets, which the Jews call Rosh Hashanah, help teach? A related sermon video would be Feast of Trumpets and the Book of Life as well as The Trumpet Release. The article has links to hear shofar blasts.
Feast of Trumpets: Why Should You Keep It? What does the Bible say? What does this festival picture?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement.” Does it have any relevance for Christians today? What is the Jubilee? Is fasting healthy? Here is a link to a sermon: Day of Atonement: How Jesus fulfilled His part for the Atonement. Here is a link to a related article in the Spanish language: El Día de Expiación –Su significado cristiano.
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach? A related sermon video is Feast of Tabernacles from Israel.
Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2018 This is information on the Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for the Continuing Church of God in 2018. The Feast in 2018 Services will begin the evening of September 23rd and run through (inc;uding the Last Great Day) October 1st.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?
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。.

COGwriter

Bloomberg reported the following:

Secret Oil Shipments Could Help Iran Cushion U.S. Sanctions Blow

Discounts, bartering and smuggling are among the tactics Iran may lean on to keep almost 800,000 barrels a day of its oil exports flowing after U.S. sanctions resume in November. …

China, Turkey and India will likely continue to buy Iranian oil after the resumption of sanctions on November 4, …

History shows that Iran can keep exports going, albeit at a far lower rate, …

Many buyers won’t be able to resist steep discounts, and some may revamp a barter trade that was effective earlier this decade.

“Barter trade and special funding mechanisms are among ways that could allow payments to Iran to continue within the framework of the sanctions,” said Ehsan Khoman, head of Middle East and North African research at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. He said India devised agreements between 2012 and 2016 to buy Iranian oil with rupees, and then Iran used the proceeds to import goods from India. …

Despite access to these tactics, there is little doubt that Iran’s energy industry and economy will be hurt by the U.S. penalties. The country’s exports to Europe have already plunged 45 percent, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-03/secret-oil-shipments-could-help-iran-cushion-u-s-sanctions-blow

Although the world’s two most populous nations (China and India) are expected to continue trading with Iran, what about the Europeans?

Well, Turkey, which is a type of bridge between Europe and Asia is also being hit by USA sanctions, so it is likely to increase its trade with Iran (at least while US sanctions against Turkey are in place).

Here is some information about the sanctions and the EU:

European Firms Hit Hard By U.S. Sanctions On Iran

As Iran is turning to the UN’s International Court of Justice to have the US-imposed sanctions against its oil suspended, the EU is preparing for the hit its economies will have to absorb once the full weight of Washington’s punitive measures comes into effect in the fourth quarter of this year. … Will Europe’s economies take the hit – or will they fight back? …

As foreign firms are closing down their operations in Iran, the sanctions-induced oil price surge is already hurting America’s allies, particularly the EU. The bloc is reliant on oil imports for 98 percent of demand, and with the Euro continuing to perform poorly against the Dollar, the impact of rising prices will only be magnified. Higher oil prices are hitting Germany, the continent’s economic powerhouse, …

However, if oil prices are already one negative side effect of Iran sanctions, then the EU should also fear their extraterritorial reach. …

European refiners too began winding down Iranian oil purchases upon the sanctions announcement, but EU governments are pushing back. They hope to neutralize the effects of US sanctions via a “blocking statute” intended to shield businesses working in Iran from US actions. In a show of defiance, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker remarked that “It is the duty of the EU… to protect European business and that applies particularly to smaller and medium-size businesses.” The statute entered into force on August 7, …

The EU’s staunch resistance to Washington is not based just on principle, but on economic necessity. Indeed, Europe is facing a double onslaught by the end of the year: not only are Iran sanctions coming into effect in November; in late October, biting sanctions on Russian aluminium giant Rusal will go live. The world’s second biggest producer, Rusal supplies 20% of the Union’s consumption of the metal. As such, member states could be exposed to the twin shocks of oil and aluminium shortages – a gale-force headwind on economic indicators. …

Washington’s foreign policy is clearly increasingly at odds with Europe’s core interests: oil and aluminium are crucial to keeping the economic engines running. Donald Trump’s flurry of sanctions should be seen for what they are: an existential threat to the EU and to the countless firms that hold up the struggling Eurozone. 09/01/18 https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/European-Firms-Hit-Hard-By-US-Sanctions-On-Iran.html

The EU is more and more considering that USA policies in general, and Donald Trump in particular, are threats to its existence.

Speaking of Donald Trump and the EU, notice the following:

3 September 2018

TEHRAN – Marc Finaud, France Former spokesman of Foreign Ministry says that “EU did not wait for Trump to start building its common security and defence policy, including by including in the Lisbon Treaty an assistance clause even stronger than the one in the NATO Treaty.”

Former Senior Resident Fellow at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) adds “If the United States confirms Trump’s policy of distancing itself from Europe, for instance by withdrawing more forces from Europe, there could be a rebalance of power in favour of Europe.”

Senior member of Geneva Centre for Security Policy also says that “history has shown that Russia is necessarily linked to the security of Europe.” https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/427098/EU-not-wait-for-Trump-to-start-building-its-common-security

US President Donald Trump has branded Angela Merkel “ridiculous” in his latest attack on European leaders.

During an explosive interview with Bloomberg, the US leader also rejected the EU’s proposal to scrap auto tariffs as “simply not good enough”.

President Trump intensified his rhetoric against Brussels, claiming that the EU’s trade policies were “as bad as China”. …

European Commission President Jean-Claude junker has said that if Washington decides to impose tariffs on vehicles, “then we will also do that”.

The US leader also ratcheted up the risk of an all-out trade war, after saying that the US could pull out of the World Trade Organisation. …

President Trump also attacked Mrs Merkel in the interview with Bloomberg, hitting out at her relationship with Russia, and Germany’s reliance on Vladimir Putin for oil. 09/02/18 https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1011997/Donald-Trump-Angela-Merkel-US-president-EU-trade-war-WTO-Juncker

Just like Iran is looking to take steps to get around USA sanctions, the EU is looking to take steps to insure its future existence–including militarily!

The USA will NOT like how this will end (cf. Daniel 11:39). Notice also the following videos:

Here is a link to our video: US Sanctions and Tariffs leading to New World Order?

Is Donald Trump pushing Europe to Russia?

A recent headline was “Is Trump Pushing Germany to Russia?” There have been comments by German and Russian leaders that they have aligned interests that Donald Trump opposes and need to take financial, military, and other steps to assist Europe. Russia and the EU (European Union) still support the Iran nuclear deal, Paris Climate accords, and the World Trade Organization, despite Donald Trump’s actions against them. Have there been comments to replace the USA’s SWIFT system by the Russians and Germans? What is Russia’s MIR payment system? What about talks for the EU to have trade and other arrangements with the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union)? Did the old Radio Church of God foretell of the development of a Russian and German plan to eliminate the USA? Has Russia indicated that it wants Alaska back? Is the giving of USA territories to Russia by a coming European leader consistent with a prophecy in the Book of Daniel?

Here is a link to our video: Is Donald Trump pushing Europe to Russia?

Will Europe’s Revolt Against Donald Trump Lead to WWIII?

The reaction of many leaders in Europe to US President Donald Trump’s trade statements and his withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear arms deal has led some to state this is a “revolt” from Europe. Some say ‘America First.’ should lead to ‘Europe First.’ It has been reported that Europe needs to be “clever” as it develops its military and economy to be less dependent upon the USA. EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that with friends like the USA, who needs enemies. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said , “We have to replace the United States.” Will some of the unintended consequences of Donald Trump’s actions lead to World War Three and the end of the USA? Does the Bible teach this? Does the Bible teach that friendly allies will become enemies? Will an ally that defeats the USA say it happened because of being clever? Are things the same or are we seeing real changes that align with properly understood biblical prophecies? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link: Will Europe’s Revolt Against Donald Trump Lead to WWIII?

Notice also:

Washington’s decision to ramp up tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union has cost European producers billions in lost revenue and exacerbated US-EU tensions.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has urged the European Union to stand up for its interests in the face of sanctions and excessive tariffs imposed on its partners by Washington.

“We should not sit like a rabbit in the headlights in the face of [US] economic sanctions and tariffs. We must protect our own interests. It is not only the 80 million Germans we are talking about, it is Europe and the 500 million people living there,” Maas said in an interview with the newspaper Bild published on Sunday.

“It leaves me wondering when Trump lumps Europe together with Russia and China and calls them all enemies of the US,” he noted. …

A second wave of sanctions to target Iran’s energy sector is scheduled to come on November 4.

Brussels, for its part, has pledged to protect the interests of European companies that could suffer as a result of Washington’s sanctions. https://sputniknews.com/business/201809021067684052-germany-maas-eu-us-sanctions/

Europe is looking for ways around the Iranian sanctions (see USA reimposing sanctions against Iran, while EU resists and ‘European Powers Prepare To Ditch Dollar In Trade With Iran’).

Furthermore, the USA does not seem to realize that it is undermining its position as the world’s primary reserve currency through its sanctions and other policies.

This is an unintended consequence of Donald Trump’s policies.

As is the pushing of the EU closer to Russia and Iran.

There is a cost to USA sanctions.

They are pushing the Gentile nations to come up with something that the USA will not like.

This will not end well for the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Boris Johnson

COGwriter

The BBC reported the following:

3 September 2018

Downing Street has hit back at Boris Johnson over his criticism of Theresa May’s approach to Brexit, saying she is providing “serious leadership” and “a serious plan”.

Mr Johnson has written in the Daily Telegraph that the approach agreed at Chequers “means disaster” for Britain.

The ex-foreign secretary said the PM’s plan would hand the EU “victory”.

But Mrs May’s official spokesman said: “There’s no new ideas in this article to respond to.”

And former home secretary Amber Rudd told the BBC’s Politics Live: “Once again, it’s a case of leap before you look – there’s absolutely no proposal here.”

Ms Rudd said the Chequers plan represented “the best shot we have of Brexit that’s going to work for the UK”.

• EU ‘strongly opposed’ to PM’s Brexit plan …

Mr Johnson said negotiations based on the Chequers plan had so far seen the EU take “every important trick”, adding: “The UK has agreed to hand over £40bn of taxpayers’ money for two-thirds of diddly squat.” …

Mr Johnson also accused some members of the government of using the issue of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland to “stop a proper Brexit”, but added: “They have been rumbled.”

The “scandal” around the border problem was “not that we have failed, but that we have not even tried”, he added. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-45398095

Many in the European Union have been upset because of the vote in the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. Boris Johnson was a major supporter of the winning ‘leave’ side.’

Bloomberg put out a report about Brexit that contained the following:

Tuned out of Brexit over the summer? Now’s time to tune back in. With November emerging as the new deadline for a divorce agreement to be sealed, the next few weeks will be crucial. …

When it comes to EU negotiations, May is clear. “There will be no compromises,” she wrote on Sunday, “that are not in our national interest.” That doesn’t rule very much out.

May doesn’t like Brexit

The prime minister regularly trots out language that sounds a pro-Brexit — “no deal is better than a bad deal” — but the thing that’s become clear during 2018 is that that she basically thinks Brexit is a bad idea. That’s not such a surprise, as she campaigned against it. It explains why her goal is to stay as close as she dares to the EU. …

‘No Deal’ might happen …

The Irish Question Persists

On Friday, Barnier set Raab some homework: Tell us details on where and how you propose to do checks on goods crossing the Irish border, if not at the border and not in the Irish Sea. This problem remains as unresolved as it has been for two years. …

Divided parties

Will anti-Brexit Tories leave the party? Will Labour split? https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-03/what-did-you-miss-what-brexit-did-while-europe-hit-the-beach

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)

The UK is quite divided on Brexit.

The fact that it put in an anti-Brexit Prime Minister to get a deal should have sent alarm bells out.

The UK voted to leave the European Union in June 2016 and gave official notice on March 29, 2017. It is scheduled to depart at 11pm UK time on Friday 29 March, 2019. This BRitish EXIT from the EU is called Brexit.

Ultimately, the Brexit will move the UK closer to the USA on more trade matters. But one day the Brexit will come back to haunt the UK (cf. Daniel 8:24-25).

And I mean beyond the disruptions that will occur in 2019 after Brexit is to be official.

While interim years will vary, Brexit will not turn out well for the UK (see also Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?).

Neither Boris Johnson nor Theresa May will be able to fix that.