COGwriter
The German press reported the following about New Zealand:
Coronavirus digest: New Zealand extends lockdown amid delta fears
20 August 2021
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has extended New Zealand’s strict lockdown until midnight on Tuesday as the country races to control the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant of the virus.
“We have been here before…we know the elimination strategy works,” Ardern told the press on Friday. “Cases rise and then they fall until we have none. It’s tried and true… we just need to stick it out.”
With 11 new cases reported on Friday, New Zealand’s tally of infections has risen to 31. Critics have raised concerns about Ardern’s ability to stamp out COVID-19 as she did last year, as the country’s vaccine rollout has been sluggish.
The country had not recorded a new case of the virus in six months when an Auckland man tested positive earlier this week.
As the country remains under lockdown, the outbreak has spread beyond Auckland with three new cases reported in Wellington. Those infected had traveled to Auckland in recent days. https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-digest-new-zealand-extends-lockdown-amid-delta-fears/a-58915520
Let me add that I think because New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern was so overwhelmingly re-elected last year after implementing her draconian efforts on her relatively small population island nation, she feels this is a politically wise move.
But what about scientific?
Several scientists who have looked into lockdowns do not agree they are the answer. Notice the following from earlier this year:
Lockdowns cause 10 times more harm than good, says peer-reviewed study
January 17, 2021
A Canadian infectious-disease specialist who initially supported the lockdowns in response to the coronavirus has changed his mind, concluding in his peer-reviewed study that the harm is 10 times worse than the benefits.
In an interview with the Toronto Sun, Dr. Ari Joffe explained that he supported the lockdowns after “initial false data” suggested the infection fatality rate was up to 2% or 3% and that more than 80% of the population would be infected.
“But emerging data showed that the median infection fatality rate is 0.23%, that the median infection fatality rate in people under 70 years old is 0.05%, and that the high-risk group is older people especially those with severe co-morbidities,” he said in the interview, published Jan. 9.
Joffe’s paper is titled “COVID-19: Rethinking the Lockdown Groupthink.” …
He listed the “staggering” amount of “collateral damage” due to the lockdowns.
- Food insecurity [82-132 million more people]
- Severe poverty [70 million more people]
- Maternal and under age-5 mortality from interrupted healthcare [1.7 million more people]
- Infectious diseases deaths from interrupted services [millions of people with tuberculosis, malaria and HIV]
- School closures for children [affecting children’s future earning potential and lifespan]
- Interrupted vaccination campaigns for millions of children, and “intimate partner violence” for millions of women.
“In high-income countries, adverse effects also occur from delayed and interrupted healthcare, unemployment, loneliness, deteriorating mental health, increased opioid crisis deaths, and more,” he told the Toronto newspaper. https://www.wnd.com/2021/01/lockdowns-cause-10-times-harm-good-says-peer-reviewed-study/
COVID Lockdowns May Have No Clear Benefit vs Other Voluntary Measures, International Study Shows
January 14, 2021
A study evaluating COVID-19 responses around the world found that mandatory lockdown orders early in the pandemic may not provide significantly more benefits to slowing the spread of the disease than other voluntary measures, such as social distancing or travel reduction.
The peer reviewed study was published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation on January 5, and analyzed coronavirus case growth in 10 countries in early 2020.
The study compared cases in England, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the U.S. – all countries that implemented mandatory lockdown orders and business closures – to South Korea and Sweden, which instituted less severe, voluntary responses. It aimed to analyze the effect that less restrictive or more restrictive measures had on changing individual behavior and curbing the transmission of the virus.
The researchers used a mathematical model to compare countries that did and did not enact more restrictive lockdown orders, and determined that there was “no clear, significant beneficial effect of [more restrictive measures] on case growth in any country.” https://www.newsweek.com/covid-lockdowns-have-no-clear-benefit-vs-other-voluntary-measures-international-study-shows-1561656
This morning, a CCOG member in New Zealand sent me the following email:
Hello Dr. Thiel,
I was planning on sending an email earlier today regarding the COVID lockdown as it is my day off, we have been inundated at work due to the lockdown and I finish late, but saw it was in the letter to the brethren. I also wasn’t satisfied with the current information, and wanted to know more before I informed you.
Since Tuesday, 17 August, at 11:59pm Auckland and Coromandel are in a 7 day, level 4 lock down, while the rest of the country 3 days, from the Prime Minister at 3pm today, it has extended to the rest of New Zealand, until 11:59pm Tuesday, 24 August. Our COVID cases have increased to 31, majority in Auckland and 3 in Wellington. It is the Delta variant, the so called experts deem more contagious. According to the Director of Health, it is likely Auckland will face a longer extension, possibly to the end of August.
Face masks are mandatory, if you don’t wear one when you go out to use essential services, you will be turned away and there is a news report about a couple not wearing one at the supermarket were arrested “Police said the pair were charged with disorderly behaviour and breaching the Public Health Response Act in relation to the incident at about 12.30pm on Thursday. The woman was also charged with threatening behaviour.” https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/126120071/covid19-two-arrested-as-mask-use-becomes-compulsory-at-supermarkets However, there are exemptions to this rule, people who have medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask comfortably, etc.
The totalitarian government in New Zealand are using the old age fear tactics to control people, as soon as it was announced, people were panic buying toilet paper again, taking all the mains, not caring about others only thinking of themselves. Supermarkets closed early because they are out of stock. Promotions from anti-vaxxers are shut down quickly. Some are lining up in their cars at 3am in the morning so they won’t miss out on getting a COVID test, even anti-vaxxers have changed their stance and are getting vaccinated, 12-15 years old are now eligible, age group roll outs for the vax seem to be available earlier then planned, although not compulsory except for specific high priority workers, there is an increase in demand for vaccinations due to the delta variant/lock down. The government are highly relying on this strict lock down and the Pfizer vaccination to save them from this virus (we know worse is coming), instead of having faith in our Eternal God, obeying His laws and “eating what is good”, fortifying your immune system, keeping clean, quarantine those who have the virus not the whole country.
I recall we were in the same situation last year, approximately a month close to the Feast of Tabernacles, we were in lock down. I also remember, it lifted perhaps a week or two before FOT and we were able to attend. I am not panicking like the majority of my fellow Kiwi’s, we know the truth, we know what the Bible has prophesied for these last days, I will trust in God, walk by faith, not by sight, His will be done. We know it is God’s command to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, if it is God’s will we keep it in Rotorua this year, we will, if it is somewhere else then we will do that. …
Regarding FOT preparations, I booked my accommodation for FOT some weeks ago. The Festival site in Rotorua was secured months ago.
Here is another email I received written by another CCOG member in New Zealand yesterday:
Yes we are in lockdown after one community case found.
It will be likely that Auckland will stay in lockdown for a couple of weeks at least, which, if it does, will affect our Feast. …
At the moment we are in the waiting game – see what transpires on Friday. It might confirm we have to pull the pin or just leave us uncertain as to if we will be out of lockdown in time. Shirley and Fai are in Auckland. Ritchie is travelling up from the South and I have to travel through Auckland to get to our FOT destination.
There is pressure to be vaccinated, it is a constant rhetoric.
4 hour queues to get tested for those who were in the ‘places of interest’
Not allowed in two of the three supermarket chains without a mask.
Unmasked ‘in public’ can be fined $300
I wore a mask at the supermarket. My glasses steamed up.
I did not wear a mask walking my dogs in the woods and at the beach – both locations close to me. Hopefully I will not be challenged for driving to these locations as my two old dogs cannot walk very far but love to mooch through the woods and along the beach. It really makes their day!
People who test positive for covid are taken to a ‘government quarantine facility where they are ‘cared for’. They may need to consider facilities outside of Auckland who are constantly taking the brunt of these lockdowns.
Like Steve, I would definitely like to NOT have the vaccine, but if it comes to having to, in obedience to our authorities to enable us to do what we need to do to support the work and get to where we need to be to gather together, then I will do so, and trust in the power of the Living God to protect me from the poison as others in our little flock have had to do.
Yes, we are affected by various circumstances. Those of us in the ‘West’ are not used to our governments being as restrictive as we have seen in the past 1 1/2 years related to COVID-claimed policies.
Here is a report from the UK press about Australia:
20 August 2021
Sydney’s coronavirus lockdown is being extended for another month, with large swathes of the city facing curfew from Monday, as authorities battle a Delta outbreak that has seen record case numbers this week.
New South Wales reported 642 new local cases and four deaths on Friday, prompting premier Gladys Berejiklian to require masks to be worn outdoors throughout the state at all times except when exercising.
From Monday, curfews will be imposed in western Sydney’s council areas of concern and the city’s lockdown – which has placed five million people under stay-at-home orders since late June – has been extended to 30 September.
Altogether, half of Australia’s population of 25 million is now in lockdown, with the states of Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory also responding to outbreaks. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/20/sydney-faces-curfew-and-longer-lockdown-as-australias-delta-outbreak-grows
Received the following forwarded email from a CCOG supporter in Australia:
The construction mentioned is about 40 minutes from the centre of Melbourne, Australias second largest city.
Up till now, particularly overseas travellers have been required to quarantine at their own expense for 14 days in city hotels.
IF this virus is spread by airborne, then this new centre makes sense in that hotel airconditioning leaves much to be desired.
I believe the new centre will be multiple units with their own mechanical facilities, not large highrise. Additionally to be not in the centre of a large city also makes sense.
I cannot see a problem with this for the time being as long as it is for people coming into the country.
However if it is for (as some overseas reports allege) to allow local unvaccinated citizens to be forcefully removed from their homes and held for whatever reason, this would be completely evil.
As for the 24000 children report, I do not know where this has come from. The only thing I have heard is that some 160 teenagers at a high school in Sydney were vaccinated and the heirachy has come out and said this was a mistake.
However my state (Queensland) has now made it that even workers (many live just across the border) in essential areas in our state will not be allowed to come into our state unless they have had one jab.
Vaccine passports are being discussed? all over the country.
Some may have very good intentions even if misguided, but how many are evil.
Last week an engagement party was held in Melbourne whilst in lockdown, with I believe some 150 attendees. Every adult will be fined about A$5500 each.
Last week or so about 15 million out of total population of about 25 million were in lockdown.
Recently some 67 people were in a hospital (not sure which one) and the head doctor reported all had been vaccinated except for one who had only one jab.
Many totalitarian steps have been put in place, and others proposed.
What has been happening in formerly ‘free’ Western nations will pale with the totalitarian controls that will happen when the prophesied pandemic of Revelation 6:7-8 takes place.
People in many nations around the world have been experiencing a trial-run of what is coming.
Misreporting, use of fear, totalitarianism, and censorship will be factors in the rise of the totalitarian leader that the Bible calls the Beast.
Related to some of that, the Continuing Church of God is put out the following sermon on our ContinuingCOG channel:
1:16:57
Here is a link to the sermon: Fourth Horseman, COVID, and the Rise of the Beast of Revelation.
The massive and prolonged lockdowns and many other steps taken by various national, state, and local governments were simply not based on science, but to a major degree on political considerations–as well as some earlier misinformation by the World Health Organization and others who made scientifically inaccurate assumptions.
Few who call themselves journalists have covered this correctly. The political views most held made them not report the truth regarding certain interventions, while also exaggerating the COVID risks, essentially to push a false political narrative.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection. 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.Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Here is a link to a related sermon: Fourth Horseman, COVID, and the Rise of the Beast of Revelation. Some shorter related videos may include Amphibian Apocalypse: Threat to Humans? and Zombie Deer Disease is Here! Are the 10 Plagues on Egypt Coming? Here is a version of the article in Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety,’ Zephaniah 2 to ‘gather together,’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on fleeing to a place–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
COVID 19 is NOT the End, but could it be TEOTWAWKI? The novel coronavirus called COVID-19 is wreaking havoc around the world. Many states of the USA as well as countries in Europe are on lockdown with shelter in place /shelter in residence requirements. In France, a form is required when you are not at your house. In Spain, drones are being used to warn people who are outside to got back to their homes–does that bring up feelings of ‘Big Brother’? Italy, France, and other areas are using police and/or military force to encourage people to stay inside. According to the Bible could this be the end? If not, what has to happen first? Have the second and third of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse started their ride? Could COVID-19 be the fourth horseman? Why or why not? Could we be seeing The End of the World as We Know It (TEOTWAKI) like the R.E.M.’s 1987 single song discussed? Do Christians need to fear? What did Jesus teach? What did the Psalmist teach? This is a video. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: Corona 19 no es el final PERO es el TEOTWAWKI.
COVID-19 Leading to 666? The novel coronavirus of Wuhan, China fame, is now called COVID-19. It has also been called the ‘Coronapocalypse.’ Does COVID-19 have any prophetic ramifications? What did Jesus teach about pestilences and sorrows in the Olivet prophecy in Matthew 24? Could COVID-19 be the ride of the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse? Why was this type of disease expected according to the O. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: ld Testament prophecies in Deuteronomy and Leviticus? What has the US Centers for Disease Control warned about? What has the CDC reported about the flu? Were there lessons about fear and infections in the 2011 movie ‘Contagion’? Because of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO), nation of Iran, and certain French locations are telling people not to use cash, but instead electronic forms of payment. The US Federal Reserve is now quarantining money repatriated from Asia to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus on US currency bills. Is COVID-19 worse than we have been told or could this all be a ‘false flag’ event to encourage people to move towards a cashless society? If the thousands of deaths associated with COVID-19 are pushing parts of the world towards cashlessness, how much more likely will the ride of the fourth horseman and over a billion human deaths motivate people to move to making electronic payments that can be monitored? The Bible tells of a soon coming society that controls buying and selling to force allegiance to a coming European Beast power, known as 666 (Revelation 13:16-18). Does the ‘great tribulation’ begin before ride of the fourth horseman or with the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation 6? Do the words of Jesus helps us better understand the sequence of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse and the start of the Great Tribulation? Will the ride of the fourth horseman help lead to the rise of 666? Is that ride very close? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: El COVID-19 ¿Conduce al 666?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White. Here is a link to a prophetic video Six Financial Steps Leading to 666?
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? Two related sermons are available The Work per HWA and the Bible and 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.
Orwell’s 1984 by 2024? In 1949, the late George Orwell wrote a disturbing book about a totalitarian government called “nineteen-eighty four.” Despite laws that are supposed to protect freedom of speech and religion, we are seeing governments taking steps consistent with those that George Orwell warned against. We are also seeing this in the media, academia, and in private companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. With the advent of technology, totalitarianism beyond what Orwell wrote is possible. Does the Bible teach the coming a totalitarian state similar to George Orwell’s? What about the Antichrist and 666? Will things get worse? What is the solution? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more in this video.
The Mark of Antichrist What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?
Mark of the Beast What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?
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?
Biological Warfare and Prophecy. Is biological warfare possible? Was it prophesied? Scientists have long warned that pathogenic organisms like the coronavirus could be weaponized. Furthermore, back in 2017, there were concerns that the biological research facility being constructed in Wuhan, China was risky and that a coronavirus from it could be released. On January 25, 2020, China’s President Xi Jinping publicly stated that the situation with the Wuhan-related strain of the coronavirus was grave. Did Church of God writers like the late evangelist Raymond McNair warn that engineered viruses (the “Doomsday bug”) were consistent with prophecies from Jesus? Did a warning from CCOG leader Bob Thiel warn about risks of genetically-modified (GMO) mosquitoes come to pass? Could human research and/or the consumption of biblically-unclean animals such as bats and snakes be a factor in current outbreaks or coming future pestilences? What about famines? How devastating have pestilences been? How devastating are the prophesied ones going to be? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
21 items to prophetically watch in 2021 Much is happening. Dr. Thiel points to 21 items to watch (cf. Mark 13:37) in this article. Here is a link to a related sermon video: 21 Items to Watch in 2021.
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.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Will the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic 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?
Brexit Happened: Now What? At 11:00 pm January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom formally left the European Union. Many celebrated, while many mourned. Nigel Farage stated, “This is the greatest moment in modern British history.” What will happen to the United Kingdom? Will the UK be involved in trade deals with the United States of America and the Europeans? Will the UK regret the BRitish Exit (Brexit) from the EU?What will happen with the European Union? Is Europe prophesied to have a great army and many ships? Does the Bible prophesy a reorganization of Europe? Does it prophesy that the Europeans will become a conquering military power? Is the United Kingdom prophesied to be conquered? How does the Bible name the British-descended peoples? Was the British Empire the largest in world history? Was Brexit predicted by Church of God leaders in 1970 and the early 1990s? Will the European Union be negatively affected financially by the departure of the UK? Will this turn out well for the UK or the Europeans? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video.
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.
Australia and New Zealand in Prophecy Do biblical prophecies help explain the wealth blessings for Australia and New Zealand? Might cursings from disobedience come in the 21st century? Here is a link to a related sermon: Australia and New Zealand: Origins and Prophecy.
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: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
