Archive for July, 2021

Should you consider that the Book of Jasher contains the word of God?

Friday, July 2nd, 2021

COGwriter

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

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

While the Book of Jasher has information that often aligns with the Bible, what Amazon.com is selling there is NOT the version from (plus or minus) three thousand years ago.

Despite having a biblical name, the Book of Jasher, is not part of the Bible. It is really part of what is called pseudepigrapha.

The pseudepigrapha are books that attempt to imitate scripture that were written under false authorship. Many such books were written between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. The term pseudepigrapha comes from the Greek pseudo, meaning “false,” and epigraphein, meaning “to inscribe.” Basically, a pseudonymous writing is one where an author is falsely claimed to have written it, when in truth someone else wrote it and tries to deceive by putting a (normally) famous person’s name on it.

The “Book of Jasher” popped up much later than most other pseudepigrapha and sometimes has been claimed to be the Book of Jasher referred to in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18. Despite Amazon’s hint, it was not.

Now, the “Book of Jasher” is a long book. Here is how it starts:

1 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and God created man in his own image.

2 And God formed man from the ground, and he blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul endowed with speech.

3 And the Lord said, It is not good for man to be alone; I will make unto him a helpmeet.

4 And the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept, and he took away one of his ribs, and he built flesh upon it, and formed it and brought it to Adam, and Adam awoke from his sleep, and behold a woman was standing before him.

5 And he said, This is a bone of my bones and it shall be called woman, for this has been taken from man; and Adam called her name Eve, for she was the mother of all living.

6 And God blessed them and called their names Adam and Eve in the day that he created them, and the Lord God said, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.

7 And the Lord God took Adam and his wife, and he placed them in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it; and he commanded them and said unto them, From every tree of the garden you may eat, but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die.

8 And when God had blessed and commanded them, he went from them, and Adam and his wife dwelt in the garden according to the command which the Lord had commanded them.

9 And the serpent, which God had created with them in the earth, came to them to incite them to transgress the command of God which he had commanded them.

10 And the serpent enticed and persuaded the woman to eat from the tree of knowledge, and the woman hearkened to the voice of the serpent, and she transgressed the word of God, and took from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and she ate, and she took from it and gave also to her husband and he ate.

11 And Adam and his wife transgressed the command of God which he commanded them, and God knew it, and his anger was kindled against them and he cursed them.

12 And the Lord God drove them that day from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which they were taken, and they went and dwelt at the east of the garden of Eden; and Adam knew his wife Eve and she bore two sons and three daughters.

13 And she called the name of the first born Cain, saying, I have obtained a man from the Lord, and the name of the other she called Abel, for she said, In vanity we came into the earth, and in vanity we shall be taken from it.

14 And the boys grew up and their father gave them a possession in the land; and Cain was a tiller of the ground, and Abel a keeper of sheep.

But while most of the above is correct, notice that it seems to assert that Adam and Eve had two sons and three daughters, whereas the Bible does not so state.

That is part of the danger of writings like the alleged “Book of Jasher,”

Here is information about it from the old Radio Church of God:

Did God intend for the Book of Jasher to be preserved for us today?

Some people have assumed that one or another of the books that today fraudulently bear the title “The Book of Jasher” might be the same book called by that name in Joshua 10:13 and II Samuel 1:18. This is not true!

The spurious books that today exist under the false title “The Book of Jasher” can be historically traced to recent fraudulent origins.

Here is the proof that these are recent frauds. In the Schaff-Herzog Encyclopaedia of Religious Knowledge, volume II, in the article “Jasher,” we read: “The [original] volume itself has perished…. There have also been several books written which pretended to be the Book of Jasher, or, at all events, bore this title. Three of these are of Jewish origin. One is a moral treatise, written in A.D. 1394 by Rabbi Shabbatai Carmuz Levita, and exists in manuscript in the Vatican Library. Another, by Rabbi Tham (died 1171), is a treatise on the Jewish ritual. It was published in Hebrew in Italy (1544) … The third, which is a fabulous history or the events of the Hexateuch, was probably written by a Spanish Jew of the thirteenth century, and has been published at Venice (1625) … A fourth Book of Jasher was a palpable and malicious fraud, perpetrated by Jacob Ilive, an infidel printer and type-founder of Bristol, and published at London, in 1751, [as] The Book of Jasher, translated into English from the Hebrew by Alcuin of Britain, who went on a Pilgrimage into the Holy Land.”

Notice that all these volumes are recent and spurious!

Now let us examine another work which speaks authoritatively on this same subject. In the Davis Dictionary of the Bible, in the article, “Jasher, in A. V. Jasher,” we read: “In 1751 there appeared a volume which professed to be an English translation of The Book or Jashar (Jasher), alleged to have been found, but the production was an in, impudent forgery.” (emphasis ours).

Other authorities have equally proved the fraudulent qualities of these books. In the Encyclopaedia Biblica, volume II, in the article, “Jasher,” we also read: “In later Christian times the Book of Jasher’ is the title of a ritualistic treatise by Jacob B. Meir (died 1171), and of one or two forgeries which are only remarkable for the undeserved success they obtained….”

The fraudulent volumes deceptively labeled “The Book of Jasher” contain error and contradict Scripture. They were written one or two thousand years after the authentic “Book of Jasher” had become lost. In order to cloak their fraudulent works with respectability and make them look innocent — so that readers would trust the lies and hypocrisy contained in those books — the authors of these forgeries gave them a respected Biblical name.

No one need be concerned about any fraudulent book that claims to be a part of the Bible. God has not left us in doubt. There are ample records, both in the Bible and in secular sources, to show us which books are Scripture and which are not. God wisely allowed the original Book of Jasher to disappear because it, like many other contemporary works of the judges, was not needed for our instruction today. If God had wanted us to have The Book of Jasher as a part of the Bible, we would have it in the Bible today. God, however, purposed that only a few brief excerpts from it be quoted in His inspired revelation, the Bible.

The Book of Jasher referred to in the Bible was never destined to be Scripture. Any book claiming that title today is a deliberate fraud! (L920, 1960)

Although some have claimed that the Book of Jasher does not contradict the Bible, that is not so. Notice a partial list of contradictions:

Jasher 13:5 says that Abram went to the land of Canaan at the age of 50 then back to Haran and back to Canaan at age 75, Genesis 12:4 states that Abram was 75 when he departed Haran.

Jasher 18:9 states that one of the angels tells Abraham that Sarah will have a son, but Gen. 17:16 says that God told Abraham.

Jasher 22:44-45 says the Lord got the idea of presenting Isaac as an offering from Isaacs boast to Ishmael. We know, of course, that God is sovereign and as it says in Gen. 22:1-2 & 12 that the Lord was testing Abraham.

Genesis 28:5 states that Isaac sent Jacob to Padan-aram unto Laban but Jasher 29:11 says that he fled to the house of Eber and hid there for 14 years.

Jasher 47:9 says Isaac dies, according to the chronology of Jasher, Joseph was in Egypt but in Gen. 35:29 Isaac died before Joseph had his dreams. …

In Jasher 42:30-41, Rachel talks to Joseph from the grave. This is of course necromancy and is an abomination unto the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:11-12).

According to 53:18-22 Benjamin used a “map (or chart) of stars” to find Joseph. Deuteronomy 18:10 forbids this. It is an abomination to be “an observer of times” (astrologer). …

Jasher 81:3-4 claims that the Israelites sojourned in Egypt for 210 years whereas the Scripture says in Exodus 12:40-41 it was 430 years.

Jasher 81:40-41says that all but Pharaoh perished in the Red Sea. Pharaoh thanks the Lord and the Lord sends an angel who casts him upon the land of Ninevah where Pharaoh reigned for a long time. Scripture (Exodus 14:23 & 28) states that all perished.

Jasher 32:1-40 — Esau comes to harm Jacob but angels of the Lord scare Esau, v.55 Esau fears Jacob. Genesis 33:3 Jacob bows seven times to Esau.

Jasher 43:35 — Isaac went from Hebron to comfort Jacob, his son, because Joseph is dead (sold). Gen. 35:27-29 Isaac died before Joseph even dreamed his dreams.

Jasher 81:38 — “And the Waters of the sea were divided into twelve parts.” Exodus 14:22 “And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand and on their left.” (Schaub D. AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF JASHER (CALLED THE UPRIGHT BOOK) COMPARED TO THE AUTHORIZED KING JAMES BIBLE. Logos Research. © 2012 – 2015)

So, no, the mainly claimed version “Book of Jasher” was not inspired by God. Again, it is not that it might not have some interesting historical details that may be true, but it is not sacred scripture.

The improperly named “Book of Jasher” should never be relied on as sacred scripture–because it is not.

Some items of related interest may include:

Lost Books of the Bible? Is the Bible missing books? What about the Book of Jasher and the Book of Enoch? What are the pseudepigrapha?
Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete? Are there lost gospels? What about the Apocrypha? Is the Septuagint better than the Masoretic text? What about the Textus Receptus vs. Nestle Alland? Was the New Testament written in Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew? Which translations are based upon the best ancient text? Did the true Church of God have the canon from the beginning? Here are links to related sermons: Let’s Talk About the Bible, The Books of the Old Testament, The Septuagint and its Apocrypha, Masoretic Text of the Old Testament, and Lost Books of the Bible, and Let’s Talk About the New Testament, The New Testament Canon From the Beginning, English Versions of the Bible and How Did We Get Them?, What was the Original Language of the New Testament?, Original Order of the Books of the Bible, and Who Gave the World the Bible? Who Had the Chain of Custody?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

DW: China: Xi Jinping says Beijing will no longer be ‘bullied’ during CCP 100 year anniversary

Thursday, July 1st, 2021


China’s President Xi Jinping

COGwriter

China is celebrating 100 year since the founding of its Communist party:

China: Xi Jinping says Beijing will no longer be ‘bullied’ during CCP 100 year anniversary

Implementing its ultimate goal of becoming the sole deity revered in China, the CCP continues to smother the Christian doctrine, replaces it with the party line.

1 July 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping struck a defiant tone during a major address celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Beijing on Thursday.

Xi told a massive audience gathered at Tiananmen Square that “the era of China being slaughtered and bullied is gone forever.”

“Anyone who dares try to do that will have their heads bashed bloody against the Great Wall of steel forged by over 1.4 billion Chinese people,” the Chinese leader added to roaring applause.

Xi said the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical course.”

He credited the CCP with lifting millions of Chinese out of poverty and said it has built a “moderately prosperous society” during its 100-year reign.

“The people of China are not only good at destroying the old world, they have also created a new world,” Xi said. “Only socialism can save China.” …

In regards to China’s security, Xi said during his speech that China “must accelerate the modernization of national defense and the armed forces.”

Under Xi, China has increased the size of its military, and has built outposts on islands in the South China Sea, while claiming most of the waters as Chinese territory.

On Taiwan, Xi said he wants to achieve “complete reunification” of the country and “smash” any efforts to grant the island independence from the mainland.

Taiwan responded shortly after Xi’s speech, saying that its determination to defend its sovereignty and democracy remained unchanged. https://www.dw.com/en/china-xi-jinping-says-beijing-will-no-longer-be-bullied-during-ccp-100-year-anniversary/a-58115360

President Xi Jinping has called for unification with Taiwan in the past (see BBC: Xi Jinping says Taiwan ‘must and will be’ reunited with China). China and Taiwan will unite, despite current Taiwanese assertions to the contrary.

Notice also another report about China and President Xi Jinping today:

Xi Gives Blistering Taiwan “Reunification” Speech, Vowing Foreign Meddlers Will “Get Their Heads Bashed”

July 1, 2021

China’s President Xi Jinping issued a blistering “warning” to the West in a Thursday speech marking the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party. The most provocative part of the roughly hour-long address given from Tiananmen Square focused on Taiwan and thwarting foreign forces’ efforts at “meddling” in China’s affairs and in the region (read: American and its allies).

The gray Mao suit clad Chinese leader said the nation is committed to the “reunification” of Taiwan and ensuring continued “stability” in Hong Kong, vowing that any outside “bullying” powers will inevitably “get their heads bashed”. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/xi-gives-blistering-taiwan-reunification-speech-vowing-foreign-meddlers-will-get-their

While I do not believe that China will literally smash the head of the USA, which is the militarily strongest country supporting Taiwan, it could play a role against the USA in the future.

The following may be one reason for the strong statement from the Chinese President:

July 1, 2021

The Financial Times is reporting this week that Washington and Tokyo held “top-secret tabletop war games and joint exercises in the South China and East China seas” – though of course they now appear not-so-secret. The planning of the games reportedly started during the final year of the Trump administration.

Adding further insult to injury toward Beijing is that the games are centered around the hotly contested Senkaku Islands – which both Tokyo and Beijing claim as their own – with Japan long administering the tiny island chain.

What’s more is that the covert war games represent Japan becoming increasingly bold in shedding its fears of provoking Beijing, with FT underscoring it’s now creating an “integrated war plan for Taiwan”

The United States has long wanted Japan, an ally of the mutual defense treaty, to carry out more joint military planning, but Japan was constrained by its postwar pacifist constitution. That hurdle was eased, but not removed, when the Abe government in 2015 reinterpreted the constitution to allow Japan to defend allies that came under attack.

When the two allies began to strengthen their joint planning, Japan asked the United States to share its Taiwan war plan, but the Pentagon objected because it wanted to focus on pushing planning between the two countries in phases. A former US official said the ultimate goal was for the two allies to create an integrated war plan for Taiwan.

A major part of what likely helped Japan shift its perspective is the recent uptick in large-scale Chinese PLA flights into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/us-japan-conduct-rare-secret-war-games-simulating-china-taiwan-conflict-response

Xi Jinping would have known about this–and would not be happy about it. He seems to be sending the USA, Taiwan, and Japan a message.

China is making moves. USA influence around the world is in a state of decline, and China knows it. The relative reduction of USA power we are seeing as China and others advance will not end well for the USA, nor its British-descended allies.

That being said, as far as Taiwan goes, consider that it is in the far East–it is even east of the Peoples Republic of China. So is Japan.

This concept of united Asian involvement in a major battle is confirmed in the Book of Revelation. Notice the following:

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).

Taiwan and Japan are among the lands of the far east. The term “kings of the east” is also better translated “kings of the sunrise” and that would seemingly have to include Taiwan and Japan.

Notice that demons will influence the “kings of the sunrise” to get together militarily and that they will also gather at Armageddon (a place I visited several years ago, watch the short video Armageddon).

What about China?

Well, it is also in the far east–in the land of the sunrise.

A massive army will gather. China, Taiwan, and Japan would be expected to provide troops for the coming 200 million man army the Bible warns will form and be involved with Armageddon:

13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed–by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths(Revelation 9:13-18).

Only China, and possibly India and others in Asia (many of which will align themselves with China and Russia against the European Empire), are capable of fielding a two hundred million man army. Thus, Revelation appears to be discussing an Asian role in the end-time prophecies.

Interestingly, there were only about 100,000,000 males (including children) on the entire earth when God had the Apostle John pen the prophecy in Revelation 9:16 that a 200,000,000 man army would form (Rastogi VB, Kishore B. A Complete Course in ISC Biology. Pitambar Publishing, 1997, p. 24). This means, despite those who claim that the Book of Revelation was fulfilled centuries ago (see The Dangerous Rise of Preterists), that the prophecy about the 200 million man army is for a time like we are now in.

According to one researcher, since the late 1970s, 163 million abortions have been performed specifically for the purpose of eliminating female babies, and this makes the areas where there are significantly more males much more violent (for details, please see Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose). And thus China’s “one child” policy appears to be setting the stage for this 200 million man army in the 21st century. It may be of interest to note that because of abortions and cultural preferences, more males than normal are also being produced in India (India Producing More Males than Females).

Mara Hvistendahl put forth a figure that 163 million female babies were aborted since the late 1970s because of family preferences, mainly in India and China, for having sons. In China, male children tend to be the ones expected to provide for parents in their old age (and do not require huge expensive dowries as often do female children in India), this policy is a factor resulting in an excessively high male to female birth ratios–if parents feel that they need a son to support them and they can only have one child, often females get aborted away.

I have long believed that India would supply some of the 200,000,000 man army and its sex ratio imbalance would be a contributing factor–and still hold to that view.

Although the Chinese flag itself is basically red and yellow, it perhaps should be mentioned that the colors of the Chinese flag for its navy and air force is red, blue, and yellow. Also, notice the colors of the insignia that many of its troops wear:

Notice something about this from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

The second WOE, with its symbols of horses and horsemen … is also referred to as an event in the DAY OF THE ETERNAL in Joel 2:4. This refers to a tremendous military power … They come with an army of two hundred million! Think of it — an army of two hundred million! World events are now moving rapidly to make possible the creation of a … Eurasian army of that unbelievable manpower! (Armstrong HW. The Book of Revelation Unveiled at Last! 1972)

Notice what Joel 2 indicates some of what that two hundred million man army will do:

2…A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations. 3 A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run. 5 With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array. 6 Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. 7 They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks. 8 They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down. 9 They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief. (Joel 2:2-9)

That massive army will cause fear and massive destruction and even ‘climb into houses’–which is what raping armies tend to do!

I have long believed that part of why China itself will most likely help supply manpower for the 200,000,000 man army of Revelation 9:16 is because of its current “one child policy” (which it adopted in the early 1980s). This policy is resulting in an excessively high male to female birth ratio because of gender-driven abortions–thus more males than normal will be more willing to fight in the military. While not all the 200,000,000 man army will consist of unmarried males, unmarried males are often easier to persuade to be in the military.

Furthermore, China has been engaged in building roads and major seaports around the world as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Having seaports gives its navy access to supplies as well as gives it logistical advantages that it otherwise would not have.

That being said, China is not prophesied to dominate the world in the next decade or so. The Bible prophesies the re-emergence of Europe (Revelation 13:1-10).

However, after a few years, the Bible also shows that Europe will be defeated. And that defeat will involve powers such as Russia and China.

I suspect we will see Chinese military power being used against Europe as China will take advantage of its ports and other projects related to it Belt and Road Initiative.

Somewhat related to that, the Continuing Church of God put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:


10:49

China is working on something known as the ‘Silk Road’ project or the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. NBC reports that China intends to spend one trillion dollars to build roads, bridges, railroads, and maritime facilities to reach from China to Europe and China to the Middle East. Over 60 nations, including Russia, are involved with this. Could this Silk Road project possibly produce thoroughfares that could be used by troops that will amass at Armageddon? Dr. Thiel discusses this project and some of its potential prophetic ramifications in this video.

Here is a link to our video: Is China paving roads to Armageddon?

Now, for more on China, we made a sermon that is on our ContinuingCOG channel:

Where did the Chinese people come from? Is there evidence that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel? What do Chinese writings and characters help show? What about the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Flood, and the Tower of Babel? When did Christianity first come to China? What about the Apostle Thomas? Did Confucius say anything to get the Chinese to possibly consider Christianity? Is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath? What about the Ten Commandments? What type of Church of God witness has there been to China? What has been happening with China that ties it together with prophecies in Revelation? What about the 200 million man army and Armageddon? What about the Belt and Road Initiative and end time Babylon the Great? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to the sermon: China’s biblical past and prophetic actions.

Furthermore, the Continuing Church of God also put this sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:24:26

Asia in Prophecy

What is ahead for Russia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Armenia, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Iran, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Georgia, the Arab Gulf states, and others in Asia? Is there increased cooperation? What about Vladimir Putin’s Eurasian Economic Union and Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative? What about the 200 million man army and Armageddon? What do biblical prophecies reveal? When will Asians here about the gospel of the kingdom of God? Who will destroy the United States? Might China and/or Japan end up with Australia and New Zealand? What about Chinese, Hindu, Russian, and Greco-Roman Catholic predictions? Did Nostradamus make a prediction consistent with biblical prophecy? Did most Asians descend from Japheth and become the Gentile peoples of the coast lands per Genesis 10? Will Asians worship the coming Babylonian European Beast power? Could Marian apparitions, like Fatima, be a factor? What about signs and lying wonders? Did Jeremiah write of a power from the north and ends of the earth would destroy the daughter of Babylon? Did Daniel write that the King of the North would be troubled by a power north and east of Europe? Will all flesh see the salvation of God? Does that include former idolators? Will Asian not called now have an opportunity for salvation after the second resurrection? Is there a way of escape now that individuals, in Asia or elsewhere, can learn about? Will most Asians be saved? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to the sermon: Asia in Prophecy.

China’s has made major strides, but it is NOT prophesied to dominate the world the way many in and out of China think that it will.

But again, I do believe that before Jesus returns, China and Taiwan will cooperate and have much more unity than we see today.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? Japeth, Javan, Magog? Is there evidence that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel? What do Chinese writings and characters help show? What about the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Flood, and the Tower of Babel? Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia? A related sermon is also available: China’s biblical past and prophetic actions.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? What about the Apostle Thomas? Did Confucius say anything to get the Chinese to possibly consider Christianity? Is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath? What about the Ten Commandments? What type of Church of God witness has there been to China? What has been happening with China that ties it together with prophecies in Revelation? What about the 200 million man army and Armageddon? What about the Belt and Road Initiative and end time Babylon the Great? A related sermon is also available: China’s biblical past and prophetic actions. Watch also China’s Silk Road and Babylon the Great.
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? Here is a link to a related sermon: Asia in Prophecy. Two YouTube video are Is China THE Threat to the United States of America? and China: A King of the East.
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
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? 2028 or or 2031 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God’s Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone by 2028? Are there prophetic reasons to believe that the USA will not last two complete presidential terms? Yes. There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2021, 2022, or 2023? 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 la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: 2021: The Great Tribulation or the Great Reset? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
Is a Great Reset Coming? Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum has proposed a societal change that has been basically endorsed by the Vatican and many world leaders. Does the Bible prophesy a major reset? Here is a link to a related video: Will there be a “Great Reset”?
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.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Other videos include: Armageddon Will it come on Trump’s watch?, Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy, Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome, Is China paving roads to Armageddon?, and Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.

Can Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Be Cured? A Miracle in Canada?

Thursday, July 1st, 2021


Herbert W. Haddon

COGwriter

You may have heard of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease (Lou Gehrig was a famous American baseball player who died from it).

Here is some information about it from the US government:

What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease that primarily affects the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement (those muscles we choose to move). Voluntary muscles produce movements like chewing, walking, and talking. The disease is progressive, meaning the symptoms get worse over time. Currently, there is no cure for ALS and no effective treatment to halt or reverse the progression of the disease.

ALS belongs to a wider group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are caused by gradual deterioration (degeneration) and death of motor neurons. Motor neurons are nerve cells that extend from the brain to the spinal cord and to muscles throughout the body. As motor neurons degenerate, they stop sending messages to the muscles and the muscles gradually weaken, start to twitch, and waste away (atrophy). Eventually, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control voluntary movements.

Early symptoms of ALS usually include muscle weakness or stiffness. Gradually all voluntary muscles are affected, and individuals lose their strength and the ability to speak, eat, move, and even breathe. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from when the symptoms first appear. However, about 10 percent of people with ALS survive for 10 or more years.

ALS was once commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, following the retirement of the famous ballplayer in the 1940s due to the disease.

What are the symptoms?

The onset of ALS can be so subtle that the symptoms are overlooked but gradually these symptoms develop into more obvious weakness or atrophy.

Early symptoms include:

  • Muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity)
  • Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, the neck, or diaphragm
  • Slurred and nasal speech
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

The first sign of ALS usually appears in the hand or arm and can show as difficulty with simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt, writing, or turning a key in a lock. In other cases, symptoms initially affect one leg. People experience awkwardness when walking or running, or they may trip or stumble more often. When symptoms begin in the arms or legs, it is referred to as “limb onset” ALS, and when individuals first notice speech or swallowing problems, it is termed “bulbar onset” ALS.

As the disease progresses, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to other parts of the body. Individuals may develop problems with moving, swallowing (called dysphagia), speaking or forming words (dysarthria), and breathing (dyspnea). Although the sequence of emerging symptoms and the rate of disease progression can var from person to person, eventually individuals will not be able to stand or walk, get in or out of bed on their own, or use their hands and arms.

Individuals with ALS usually have difficulty swallowing and chewing food, which makes it hard to eat. They also burn calories at a faster rate than most people without ALS. Due to these factors, people with ALS tend to lose weight rapidly and can become malnourished.

Because people with ALS usually can perform higher mental processes such as reasoning, remembering, understanding, and problem solving, they are aware of their progressive loss of function and may become anxious and depressed. A small percentage of individuals may experience problems with language or decision-making, and there is growing evidence that some may even develop a form of dementia over time.

Individuals with ALS eventually lose the ability to breathe on their own and must depend on a ventilator. Affected individuals also face an increased risk of pneumonia during later stages of the disease. Besides muscle cramps that may cause discomfort, some individuals with ALS may develop painful neuropathy (nerve disease or damage). https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Amyotrophic-Lateral-Sclerosis-ALS-Fact-Sheet accessed 07/01/21

So, ALS is considered non-treatable, progresses terribly, and ends with death.

Could God heal someone with that?

Yes.

Does God still heal people today?

Yes.

I have received reports from various ones who have been healed in response to getting anointed cloths (cf. Acts 19:11-12) from the Continuing Church of God (CCOG). God does still heal people today, in accordance to His will of what is best for the sufferer.

Herbert (Herb) W. Haddon, our host in New Brunswick, Canada had been having severe health issues for many months. The medical profession diagnosed and confirmed that he was suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Herb and I discussed the diagnosis and my limited clinical experience with it–we did NOT send him supplements for it.

Consistent with James 5:14, Herb wanted the elders of the CCOG to pray for him.

So I prayed for him and requested prayers for him in the weekly Continuing Church of God Letter to the Brethren, several times (see Letter to the Brethren: March 25, 2021, Letter to the Brethren: May 20, 2021, and Letter to the Brethren: June 10, 2021).

Anyway, while I had been praying for him prior to his ALS diagnosis, I told him I would continue to pray–which I, and others, did. I also stayed in communication with his wife Gisele.

On June 17, 2021, the medical doctors told him to tell his family that he was about to die. The next day, Gisele told me he had taken a turn for the worst. One of Herb’s children contacted me later that day regarding how we would handle his funeral service.

However, on Monday June 21, 2021, Gisele sent an email that said Herb was doing better. On Thursday, June 24, 2021 deacon Richard Close sent me the following in an email:

Good morning Pastor Bob    Less than a week ago the Dr.s told Gisele that Herb was in his last stages and would not be coming home.  Now he is up and writing.    Miracles still do happen.   I expect more as this short time gets shorter.   regards   Richard

Last Sabbath, June 26, 2021, Herb asked me to telephone him, and I did. He told me he believed his ALS was gone as he was symptom free. It also turns out that he and I prayed in a similar manner for his healing. After the telephone call, I dropped to my knees and thanked God. My wife Joyce asked me if this was a miracle and I said it sounded like one.

I also emailed Richard Close after speaking to Herb, and copied elder Aleksandar ‘Sasha’ Veljic. Here is what Sasha sent me a few hours later:

Dear Bob and Richard,

I will be totally honest with you, as I have always been.  In my pleas to God about Herb, I pointed out that his death would have a devastating effect on CCOG.  And even after that update that he was run into hospital, I said to God: I ask you to spare Herb any pain.  I recently had a wisdom tooth surgery and I certainly appreciate what is pain, so please spare him from pain.  And, no matter his current condition, I don’t give up on my conviction that you can perform a miracle.

That was my prayer, and the reason for Herb’s healing I hoped for is that he has been a great example to all the believers.  He has never caused any trouble to anyone, he has never caused any accidents, as we sadly were witnesses to it some time ago, troubles caused by people who now by their age are supposed to be teachers in the Church.  Not only was Herb a superb example of Christ-like living, along with his wonderful wife Gisele, but he has always been very humble.  Prior to his first trip to Haiti, he contacted me (as I visited black Africa in 2017) to ask me for experience and advice on what to look for.  I gave him a very precise advice on how to identify the main needs and priorities and he has done exactly that for the benefits of Church members there and for the furtherance of the Work of God.

So, alike many of us, I was devastated to read about his health conditions.  I prayed, I fasted and I said to God: I am not giving up on my belief that you can perform a miracle!  And please, perform it because loss of Herb Haddon would have a devastating effect on so many of us, on the entire CCOG, and what would then happen with Haiti?  And, so, I am so relieved to see that my and our persistence on miraculous healing was answered miraculously.

So, thank you for sharing this news with me.

Sasha

Here is what Richard Close sent me:

Hello to Bill and ALL  I also wish to give a 2nd witness—“In the mouth of 2 or 3 witness’s let these things be established” I have talked with Herb almost weekly since early spring and my experience has been the EXACT  same as Bills as far as Herbs symptoms and steady downward spiral health wise including the Dr.s telling Gisele that Herb would not be coming home about 2 weeks ago–the turn around about 1 week ago–and going from a liquid diet to solid food and sitting up –out of bed –in a chair in one day–after being mostly in a coma for a week  –to the Dr.s–proclaiming him free of any and all symptoms of ALS on Sat. June 26, 2021—God’s HOLY SABBATH–to speaking with him personally this afternoon and noticing how strong and clear his voice was—and no labored breathing–still some weak but getting stronger by the day.  As I told Dr. Thiel, a short time back, I believe that this is a possible start to the miracles that OUR GOD  is going to do as part of the final witness to all as we enter the final phase of this work.  Acts 2 and 3 and other scriptures.

I also believe as Bill does –that this HEALING  is for many purposes to many different people—-as many as our GOD MAY CALL or reveal Himself to thru this event.    Richard Close  CCOG    a helper of your joy.

Another member who knew about this (whose wife is a prospective member) sent me the following last Sabbath after he spoke with Herb Haddon:

Obviously, he told me that you two spoke earlier.  First I started crying and then I exhausted myself thanking God for His intervention here.

The witnesses to this are far and wide.  Even my wife …. “Pooh Pooh’d” our efforts at prayer and fasting for Herb and Gisele.  She told me not to expect much – ALS is 100% fatal.  …  but I did point her to scriptures about healing and that nothing is impossible with God.  She, too, was brought to tears by the news.

While ALS is not 100% fatal in the sense some few live with it a long time, notice the following from the ALS Society of Canada:

ALS is progressive and does not go into remission. It is terminal, usually within 2-5 years after diagnosis, although some people have lived with ALS for 10 years or longer. (https://www.als.ca/what-is-als/about-als/progression/ accessed 06/29/21)

This, thus, looks like it could be a miracle.

Here is a report we received last evening:

Good evening Dr.Thiel,

For more than a year, probably even 2 or more years, my health has been deteriorating.  The medical profession figured I was suffering from asthma, so treatment was administered.  I continued to get worse.

In the past year, several specialists examined me to offer their opinions.  My breathing continued to regress.  I often lost my breath.  I began loosing muscle mass and strength throughout my whole body.  I could not stand without aid.  Even my voice was failing.

March 23 tests were performed for ALS.  The disease was confirmed.

On April 19 a lung specialist examined me. The lungs were in great condition.  It was the surrounding muscles to make the lungs function that were loosing their strength.

May 12 I saw the ALS specialist who confirmed everything.

Prayer requests were sent to the church for my healing. From the diagnosis forward everything is a blur.

I can remember after being diagnosed with ALS that the doctors were always coming up with new treatments, so perhaps a cure is around the corner.  A quick study online dashed those hopes. I was not prescribed any medication. I thought of natural medicines that you (Dr. Thiel) could administer.  Surely there was hope there?

As this disease has no cure, death is the only outcome. I was devastated!  I had to turn to God to heal me. Gisele’s faith would prove to be strong as well as the whole Church praying to our Father for my healing.  God has heard and answered.

As my breathing was getting worse by the day, the inevitable happened. On Thursday June 17th, my mouth and tongue turned blue and I was falling in and out of consciousness. From responsive to unresponsive. Called the ambulance and was taken to the hospital. Was unresponsive all day and by evening the situation deteriorated so much that they put me on a respirator. At that time the Dr. told Gisele that the end would come in about 1 hour. 

All my family were called to say their goodbyes. Gisele refused to believe that my time was up because my work was not done. Haiti had to be helped. Told the Drs that God would heal him. This was not the end. They tried to convince Gisele to not hold on to false hope. She told them that faith in God would heal him. God had a purpose for me yet. As Gisele was standing next to me and rubbing me to wake up, I opened my eyes and told her to let me go. She was very emphatic that she would not let me go. My work was not done. I repeated twice more my request for her to let me go and both times she gave the same answer. After a few minutes I turned to Gisele and said “you know what? I am healed!” Gisele agreed. 

I remained lucid for the rest of the evening and all my children had the opportunity to spend time with me. Then unresponsive the rest of the night. The Drs at this point did not understand why I was not dead. Co2 levels still very high. Well over 100 at this time. The next morning they moved me to a ward. Was still unresponsive and did not remember the night before or what was going on. This went on until Sunday. I was  put on oxygen and started coming around at the beginning of the week as the CO2 levels were starting to normalize and they had me on a different BIPAP with oxygen. From then on I could sit in a chair and walk a little bit. I was talking, no more confusion, no more hallucinations, these had been going on for about a week or two when I was home. They had me use a cough assist to clear my lungs as they were very full of phlegm. After a few days lungs all clear and barely out of breath. Could eat a meal without putting on BIPAP in the middle of my meal. Could carry a conversation without any problems. The Drs tried to explain away that my dramatic improvements were due to oxygen. They Removed the oxygen on Wednesday and oxygen levels are now between 93 and 99. So I guess oxygen was not the reason for improvement. Gisele told the Drs that God was responsible for his healing. She had faith that God would heal him through prayers. The Drs thought Gisele was in denial!! I believe they are the ones in denial refusing to believe that God can and does heal. She told them that medicine and science were not the answer to everything.

Finally after getting well enough they sent me home on Monday. I am feeling better than I was a year ago. All tremors and other ALS symptoms are gone. Still weak physically but getting stronger every day.

I truly believe in the power of faith, prayers and fasting. God was with me every step of the way. Praise be to Him.

Thank you to all my brethren for all your prayers. God did hear.

With love

Herb and Gisele

It should be noted that even though ALS is not supposed to go into remission, the medical doctors still believe that Herb has ALS.

While God has healed people in and out of the COG throughout the church age, this apparent healing may be a sign–particularly if other healings of this magnitude or even greater take place. A few years back, we had a deaf man experience a miracle in that he was able to hear after Pastor Evans Ochieng preached in Migawi, Malawi (see Letter to the Brethren: February 18, 2016).

God does heal! Healings can be a sign from God (Mark 16:18c).

Herb Haddon, who was lame, now walks. The deaf man in Malawi was able to hear.

Consider those in light of the following related to men John the Baptist sent to check up on Jesus:

4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” (Matthew 11:4-6)

As far as the poor having the gospel preached to then, we have more than 5,000 congregants in poor regions of Africa who are with us and regularly hear the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Yet, many Christian people in these times act like they are ‘above’ accepting that poor Africans are important, despite the prophesied need for the fulness of the Gentiles to come in per Romans 11:25 (see also What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?). Most end time Christians feel that they are ‘above’ accepting that God could have a prophet at this time (see Church of God Leaders on Prophets) and that God is intervening with dreams in the CCOG (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God) and accepting other supernatural signs now, despite that being prophesied for the last days per Acts 2:17-18 (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

The apostles were confirmed by signs that followed them (Mark 16:20) and there have been signs that have confirmed the Continuing Church of God

Laodiceans, sadly, seem to be offended by such things–or at least do not take them seriously enough to change.

Perhaps because the bulk of end time Christians were prophesied to be Laodicean (cf. Revelation 3:14-18), Jesus said:

8 … when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8)

Many in the CCOG had faith, and Herb Haddon’s medical team now says he does not have ALS. Real Philadelphian Christians have more faith than the bulk of the Laodiceans do.

The Bible teaches:

6 … ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

Herb Haddon’s recovery was not because of any nutritional intervention as he did not do that. Nor from any medical treatment, as the medical profession does not have a recovery treatment for ALS.

God, of course, is not limited and can heal. According to reports from the Haddons, He did so in Herb’s case.

The New Testament warns:

40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41 ‘Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.’ (Acts 13:40-41)

The Laodiceans were prophesied to have the wrong work and were condemned for it (Revelation 3:14-22)–while those of Sardis lost doctrines they should have held onto (Revelation 3:1-6). Those Christians are unwilling to accept the correct work in the end time, even when they are told.

The New Testament further warns Christians:

12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:12-19)

Sadly, most Christians are lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22) and have a heart of unbelief in the signs that God said He would use in these times.

Do you have faith to believe and understand that God has been dramatically intervening in the Continuing Church of God over the years?

Can you accept that the types of signs that have been prophesied are really happening?

If so, do not be lukewarm about it.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

Does God Heal Today? This historical article is by Herbert Armstrong and provides his views on healing circa 1952, which he seemed to later modify, at least to some degree.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?
Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit.
Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God How has God used dreams in the past? Does God still use dreams? Did He use any involving those in the Continuing Church of God? Here is a link in Spanish: Sueños, la Biblia, la Iglesia de Dios de la Radio, y la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. A related sermon is also available: Dreams, COGs, and One Man Rule.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses some early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, CG7-Salem, Jerusalem 7DCG, and COG-7th Day-Denver. Here are links to two historical sermons: Sardis Church Era: Beginnings, Doctrines, and Leaders and Sardis: SDBs, SDAs, & CG7s.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots.  They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?
How does the Continuing Church of God differ from other Sabbatarian COG groups? There are scores of different groups claiming to be Church of God. How is the Continuing Church of God different?

 

Canada is a year older, but it no longer holds to some of its important founding principles

Thursday, July 1st, 2021

COGwriter

On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain and a federation of four provinces: Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Ontario; and Quebec. The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982.

Since 1983, July 1 has been officially known as Canada Day. Today is the 153rd anniversary of Canada being granted its self-governing status. My wife and I were last there in October 2019.

Canada itself has grown:

As the bells rang out at noon on July 1, 1867, you were introduced for the first time as a fresh-faced nation of four provinces and 3,463,000 people.

Now here were are, 151 years later and you’ve grown into a country of 10 provinces and three territories and a population of 35,151,728. On a global scale, you rank 38th in total population while having the second-largest landmass. …

Canada Day carries many different meanings for people, with celebrations and protests as diverse as the country itself.

Depending on who you are it can be a source of pride and a celebration of independence from Britain; or it can be a source of contempt and derisively referred to as “colonial day” in protest of European settlement. 07/01/18 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/canada-day-confederation-constitution-1.4724575

Here is some insight from Time as to why Canada became self-governing and some other details related to it:

After the Northern U.S. states won the American Civil War, there was a big concern in British North America and London that “the victorious Americans up North would take Canada, and much of the motivation [for uniting the provinces] was to have a stronger line of defense against the U.S.,” says Peter H. Russell, a political scientist who specializes in Canadian history. “The other thing was, the constitution-makers — we call them ‘Fathers of Confederation’ — were convinced that what led to the Civil War was a weak federation, so they tried to create a much stronger federal government than America has.” …

The name Canada wasn’t established in 1867, however; it’s derived from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement” and had been in use since the 16th century, when locals pointed French explorer Jacques Cartier in the direction of the “village” now known as Québec City. That Canada became a “Dominion” is also a uniquely American story, Russell argues. The Confederation was originally to be named a “kingdom” of Canada until “the British foreign office said, ‘The Americans won’t like a kingdom on their border, call it something else, or we’re going to have bad relations with the Americans.'”

Leonard Tilley, one of the Fathers of Confederation, was inspired to suggest the word ‘dominion’ by Psalm 72:8, which states that Jesus Christ “shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” (The Latin version, “A Mari Usque Ad Mare,” became the country’s national motto.) So that’s why Canada Day was originally known as “Dominion Day” when the July 1 national holiday was established in 1879. http://time.com/4828595/canada-day-150-years/

Basically, Canada was granted a self-governing status as the British were concerned that the USA might take it over. And it chose the term “dominion” based on the Bible.

But Canada does not accept the Bible at this time. Since a court decision in 2002, Canada has restricted freedom to quote and cite the Bible (watch Canadian censoring of the Bible). It also passed a motion limiting giving one’s view of Islam (http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-03-24/canada-passes-blasphemy-bill-silence-critics-islam).

Last year, local Canadian officials prohibited a Protestant school from being able to teach certain scriptures from the Bible. Here is an account of this from Canada:

Our Constitution has religion hard-wired into it — the word Catholic is in our Constitution four times, specifically to protect religious education. That’s part of the grand bargain of Canada, uniting French Canada and English Canada.

It’s shocking, but it’s not surprising. Christianity has been driven out of the public square everywhere in Canada. But surely this is a new low — Christianity is actually being banned in a Christian school.

Government bureaucrats would never dream of telling Muslim schools they couldn’t teach passages from the Koran — even ones that call for the murder of infidels and apostates. But banning the Bible is now official school board policy.

And, not surprisingly, the media and the political class are silent. Even supposedly Christian or conservative politicians are keeping their heads down — they don’t want to be attacked by the leftist mob at the CBC.

The school board is digging in. They’re closing ranks around Laurie Skori the chair. They’re bullying the school. David Eggen, the NDP education minister, he hates Christian schools, wants to shut them down, has taken steps to shut others down. He’s an anti-Christian bigot who doesn’t seem upset about this censorship in the slightest. 06/19/17 https://news.google.com/news/section?hl=en&ned=us&q=%22Battle+River+School+board%22

So, Canadian officials are often not acting in a manner consistent with what Canada was supposed to stand for.

More and more, in Canada, as well as other lands (see Germany approves ‘same-sex marriage’ and sets fines for Facebook, etc. to crack down on ‘hate speech’) we are seeing governments taking steps to remove/control content on the internet.

This was partially because the prophet Amos was inspired to record the following:

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

Notice that the Bible tells of a time that will come when the word of God will not be found. I do not believe that this means that there will be no more Bibles–but that those wanting to better understand it will have trouble finding explanations.

Amos is referring to something as dramatic as having truth being scarce. In the 21st century that logically would point to it being taken off the internet. In the 21st century, the internet is accessed by people in every country, and thus some type of internet restriction/suspension/site removal is coming–more than what we have seen thus far.

We are getting closer to this time. More and more are starting to see that there are plans to censor speech from the internet.

That is part of why we in the Continuing Church of God are preparing for the ‘short work’ (Romans 9:28) and the coming ‘famine of the word.’

Jesus warned:

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:12-13)

Officials in the Canadian and other governments around the world do not respect the laws of the Bible and push their own morality–which is often biblically immoral.

Notice the following headline from a Canadian writer a while back:

Well, without national repentance, the answer is NO (cf. Hosea 11:3a, 5b-7). For some details about Canada’s future, here is a link to the sermon we recently made: Canada in Prophecy.

Sadly, this has affected many–though the faithful who endure will be saved and people can still repent.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future. A sermon of related interest is also available: Canada in Prophecy.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Canadian censoring of the Bible In 2017, Lauri Skori of the Battle River School board told a religious school in Alberta, Canada that it could not teach/read certain portions of the Bible. In 2002, a court in Canada ruled against one who referred to certain scriptures that some homosexuals objected to. In 2017, there was “An Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code” related to those who wish to be considered transgendered. Government officials in Canada and elsewhere have been ruling against the Bible. Is any of this prophesied? Will this get worse? What was the prophet Amos inspired to write? This is a video.
Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders? A related sermon is available titled Priority of the Philadelphia Work.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is a link to a related sermon: Could God be Calling You? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is a link to a related sermon: Could God be Calling You? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2021, 2022, or 2023? 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 la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: 2021: The Great Tribulation or the Great Reset? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. A video of possible interest may be Will Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 teaches “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come ” will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing? This is a sermonette length video.
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 are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
Internet Control, Famine of the Word, and 666 On October 1, 2016, the USA officially relinquished control over the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), despite objections from certain political leaders and former military officials. Might this lead to more censorship, imposition on non-biblical ‘community standards,’ and loss of first amendment rights? Could this transfer of control have any prophetic ramifications? Will the internet be a factor in the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28 and the coming ‘famine of the word’ that the Prophet Amos warned about? Will internet control be something that the 666 power will have? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters and more in this video.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and 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? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.