Church of God News

COGwriter

There is talk of WWIII. Notice the following:

Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, criticized Western efforts to justify supplying weapons to Kyiv as an attempt to prevent a global conflict. Medvedev used his Telegram account to write “firstly, defending Ukraine, which nobody needs in Europe, will not save the senile Old World from retribution if anything occurs. Secondly, once the Third World War breaks out, unfortunately it will not be on tanks or even on fighter jets. Then everything will definitely be turned to dust”. In his post, Medvedev specifically addressed the statement made by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto that a Third World War would break out if Russia’s tanks reached Kyiv and the borders of Europe, and that the arms sent to Ukraine were intended to prevent escalation, as per a report from TASS. 01/31/23 https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/russia-ukraine-crisis/russia-warns-west-against-defending-kyiv-everything-will-turn-into-dust-if-wwiii-starts-articleshow.html

Is WWIII about to happen?

No.

Why?

To answer that, we put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel, the audio portion of which was sent also for broadcast on WRMI shortwave at 5850 kHz at 0130 UTC Monday (which is 8:30 pm Eastern Standard Time on Sunday) as well as the European Gospel Radio station AM 1323 kHz Monday  21:30-21:45 CET (European Central Time):

15:31 

Nuclear WWIII from Russia?

Are we close to a nuclear third world war? Is Russia’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine the start of WWIII? what did Ukrainan Defense Minister Guido Crosetto say related to WWIII? Does Ezekiel 38 involves Russia? Are certain Protestant writers correct that it is for our day and that Russia will launch a massive nuclear attack against the USA? Did Herbert W. Armstrong say that Russia would not attack the USA? Is a direct military skirmish between the USA and Russia possible? If the Bible does discuss the destruction of the USA, is this from a power that borders the Mediterranean sea according to biblical prophecies in the books of Revelation and Daniel? Why has the military devastation in Ukraine been a “wake-up call” for Europe? Has Europe been taking military steps? Is Europe prophesied to dominate the world? Are there biblical prophecies pointing to Europe being attacked by Russia? Does the Bible describe anything that sounds like nuclear devastation? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.

Here is a link to the video: Nuclear WWIII from Russia?

Gold bullion (Pixabay)

COGwriter

While the West continues to push sanctions against Russia (and some other lands) as well as arms into Ukraine, there are various consequences.

In Russia, many have been buying gold bars:

Russians bought record number of gold bars in 2022, data shows

February 3, 2023

Russians bought an all-time record number of gold bars in 2022, finance ministry data showed on Friday, as tax cuts on precious metals encouraged people to stock up on bullion as a safe asset.

Moscow scrapped its 20% VAT on physical gold trades for individuals last March in a bid to draw people away from using the US dollar as a safe haven.

It also exempted people from paying income tax on profits gained from selling gold bars, further boosting demand for the metal.

According to the data, Russians bought over 50 tonnes of gold bars in 2022, ten times more than the year before. The most sought after were 1 kilogram bars which accounted for about 60% of those sold.

The figures are not yet final and only cover the period ending November 2022, the finance ministry told Reuters. https://www.mining.com/web/russians-bought-record-number-of-gold-bars-in-2022-data-shows/

It is not just Russians that are buying gold, many people around the world, including many governments are buying gold.

Here are some comments about what one believed Russia wants to do:

Gold & Geopolitics

October 2, 2022 …

Together with the Russian Central Bank’s reserves, Russia’s state fund and its National Wealth Fund are believed to hold about 12,000 tonnes of gold.

Steps have been taken to “mobilise” the non-reserve gold.

This is not for emergency war funding as some commentators think, but more likely to be so that they can be included in central bank reserves.

Russia could then declare the largest monetary gold reserves in the world.

Together with the recently announced Moscow gold standard and plans for a new trade settlement currency to replace the dollar, enhanced gold reserves will provide support a new gold standard for cross-border trade.

It would replace payments to Russia for energy in weak Asian currencies, and probably force China to declare its true gold reserves as well.

If this is Putin’s plan, the consequences for Western fiat currencies are likely to be devastating – suffering the financial equivalent of a nuclear attack. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/gold-geopolitics

Yes, Russia and China, along with the other BRICS nations, are looking at gold to push aside the USA dollar. Brazil’s president even said that a major purpose for BRICS was to bypass the USA dollar (see BRICS was created as a tool to attack US dollar dominance as former Brazilian president states). The two other BRICS founders are also involved with gold, with South Africa a major producer and India a major buyer.

As far as BRICS goes, notice the following which is in our free online book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

Those in Iran and some of the Arab lands, along with nations such as Brazil, China, and India have discussed plans for the removal of the dominance of the U.S.A. in global trade as well. The former (again current) President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, even claimed that eliminating the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status was one of the reasons that the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) was formed in the first place. [i] Others have  noted that bypassing the USA dollar is still an object of BRICS—and officially BRICS nations “are currently working on setting up a new global reserve currency,”[ii] which may have gold-backing.[iii] The expansion of BRICS (which is in progress) may ultimately even hurt Australian trade as well as “severely weaken primacy of the US Dollar as an international currency.”[iv]

The Bible clearly warns against cheapening the money supply and encourages having money hold its value (Proverbs 25:4 Isaiah 1:25, Ezekiel 22:18-22). Debt is also warned against (Habakkuk 2:6-8). Yet policies enacted under the Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations, following certain other administrations, have ignored these warnings.

[i] Escobar P. BRICS was created as a tool of attack: Lula. Asia Times, August 28, 2019

[ii] BRICS developing new global reserve currency – Putin. RT, June 22, 2022

[iii] Helms K. Economists Discuss Russia, China Potentially Developing Gold-Backed Currency. BRICS Information Portal, November 11, 2022

[iv]Hunter M. BRICS Is Becoming The Big Kid On The Block: Implications For Australia – Analysis. Eurasia Review, November 1, 2022

While much of the mainstream media in the USA seems focused on internal politics, much of the world is moving towards a type of integration that will result in the final time of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24; see also The Times of the Gentiles) and the end of Anglo-American dominance.

More and more nations will realize that hard assets are real and USA dollars are not. This will not end well for the USA–and yes, Europe faces pressures as well.

Instead of taking steps to help its dollar, the USA continues to push sanctions as well as measures that look to increase its debt–which is something that will ultimately end in destruction per Habakkuk 2:6-8.

Gold will outlast the USA dollar.

Hard assets will, for a time, have value when the USA dollar no longer does.

Notice something else from our free online book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

The Bible warns about silver becoming “dross” (Isaiah 1:22; Ezekiel 22:18-22) and says to reverse it once it happens (Proverbs 25:4a; Isaiah 1:25). But the Anglo-American nations have not done that, their old silver coins are now dross (made/filled with cheaper materials) and their massive debts have made dross out of their fiat currencies (currencies that are not tied to gold or some other hard asset).

Furthermore, the “U.S. is highly vulnerable to loss of confidence by foreign creditors.”[i] U.S. government debt is “extremely vulnerable to foreign attack because of the high percentage of foreign ownership — almost 40% of the market.”[ii]

Interestingly, in the past, one foreign creditor, China, has raised concerns about the U.S. debt that are so serious, that its potential dumping of that debt has been called China’s “nuclear option”[iii] against the U.S.A.—an option that involves no military intervention, but that could greatly harm the U.S.A.

Many have complained about the U.S.A. “weaponizing” its dollar through sanctions, bank restrictions, and other means.[iv] By doing so, the U.S.A. has inadvertently been  building up a coalition to push aside the dollar—and this will happen when the timing is considered to be better. European leaders have been working for years to establish a new reserve currency for the world, partially with the intent to remove the U.S. dollar from its position as the world’s primary reserve currency. The fact that Europe would develop its own currency, as well as for that purpose, was predicted by Church of God writers no later than 1971[v] –which is over two decades before the euro was officially agreed to.

Those in Iran and some of the Arab lands, along with nations such as Brazil, China, and India have discussed plans for the removal of the dominance of the U.S.A. in global trade as well. The former (again current) President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, even claimed that eliminating the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status was one of the reasons that the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) was formed in the first place. [vi] Others have noted that bypassing the USA dollar is still an object of BRICS—and officially BRICS nations “are currently working on setting up a new global reserve currency,”[vii] which may have gold-backing.[viii] The expansion of BRICS (which is in progress) may ultimately even hurt Australian trade as well as “severely weaken primacy of the US Dollar as an international currency.”[ix]

The Bible clearly warns against cheapening the money supply and encourages having money hold its value (Proverbs 25:4 Isaiah 1:25, Ezekiel 22:18-22). Debt is also warned against (Habakkuk 2:6-8). Yet policies enacted under the Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations, following certain other administrations, have ignored these warnings.

Destruction is coming.

However, the relationship between debt accumulation and prophesied destruction remains unapparent to many. Because there is a time lag, many ignore that there will be real consequences (cf. Ecclesiastes 8:11; Habakkuk 2:3,6-8). Yet, massive increases of debt are utterly dangerous.

When the time comes that the Federal Reserve is no longer able to keep interest rates low enough, the U.S.A. will continue past the point of no return. That will become one of the final factors that will cause creditors to rise up and destroy the U.S.A. …

One more verse should be perhaps touched on in this chapter is Daniel 11:43.

43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians* shall follow at his heels.

* Note: The Hebrew word is כשׁים kushı̂ym, meaning Cushites, like from Sudan, and is not specifically a reference to the land of Ethiopia.

The “he” is the King of the North. This is the same King of the North that valued gold and silver in Daniel 11:38. Although other scriptures also show that gold and silver will have value around this time (like Revelation 18; 9:20), the Bible is clear that gold and silver will be worthless for a short time before Jesus returns (e.g. Ezekiel 7:19).

The fact that the King of the North himself will accumulate gold (and some silver) is consistent with several Byzantine (“Greek” Orthodox) prophecies of their predicted Great Monarch:

Emperor Leo the Philosopher (died 912): You will amass gold … And you will be the leader of the surrounding nations …

Addressed to Emperor Manuel II, Palaeogous (died 1425): The Emperor … will discover gold and silver…

Saint Andrew Fool-for-Christ (c. 4^th century):  God will reveal to this king all the gold wherever it happen to lay concealed from view …[x]

One side note is that, in Egypt, major gold deposits were found in 2006 [xi] and the government announced increasing investment in gold mining in 2022. [xii] This is relevant as it does suggest that Egypt seemingly has enough gold that a foreign power could be interested in taking/using it as Bible prophecy teaches.

Since many are now questioning the role of the U.S.A. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, more are looking into other currencies as well as gold.

Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms.

In 2017, I also published that last statement in my book related to Donald Trump, and it did hit records in July and August in 2020. [xiii] Now, despite having ups and downs, gold will set further records in U.S. dollar terms in the relatively near future.

It has been asserted that:

The only replacement for fiat {currency} is a currency credibly backed by gold.[xiv]

Although the above can be debated, the reality is after the elimination of the U.S.A. and the crash of its dollar, the world will want something more stable than unbacked currency. Thus, it is likely that some type of gold-backed currency will emerge as the preferred reserve currency in the world.

It has been long been reported that various nations around the world are already in the process of accumulating gold to one day overthrow the U.S. dollar—and that the “U.S. is unprepared for this strategic alternative to dollar dominance.”[xv] Various steps were also taken in 2022.xvi]

When the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the euro (or something similar) is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer.

The collapse of the U.S.A. dollar will shake a lot of the world’s confidence in non-gold backed currencies. The Europeans do not have to have a perfect currency, only one that is perceived to be in better shape than the U.S.A. dollar or various other currencies.

Having the European power acquiring more gold to back the Euro or possibly another future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro or even a basket of currencies) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe, even if the backing is only implied.

i] Rickards J. Axis of Gold. The Daily Reckoning, December 20, 2016

[ii] Ibid

[iii] Gertz B,  China Debt Threat.  Washington Times, March 2, 2011

[iv]  Jayakumar V. The weaponization of finance threatens the future of the dollar standard. The Hill, March 1, 2022

[v] Hogberg G. Rising World Colossus. Plain Truth magazine, May 1971

[vi] Escobar P. BRICS was created as a tool of attack: Lula. Asia Times, August 28, 2019

[vii] BRICS developing new global reserve currency – Putin. RT, June 22, 2022

[viii] Helms K. Economists Discuss Russia, China Potentially Developing Gold-Backed Currency. BRICS Information Portal, November 11, 2022

[ix] Hunter M. BRICS Is Becoming The Big Kid On The Block: Implications For Australia – Analysis. Eurasia Review, November 1, 2022

[x] Tzima Otto, pp. 76, 102, 114

[xi] A Gold Mine Worth LE 23 Billion (and counting).  Egypt Today, August, 2006

[xii] Hosny H. Egypt to invest in gold, mineral mining. Al-Monitor, June 13, 2022

[xiii] Gold hits new record, posts best month since 2016 CNBC, July 30, 2020; Woodall T. Gold surges to new highs as US dollar weakens despite growing macro risks. S&P Global, August 10, 2020

[xiv] MacLeod A. Designing a new currency is impractical. Goldmoney Insights, March 24, 2022

[xv] Rickards J. Axis of Gold. The Daily Reckoning, December 20, 2016

[xvi] Guistra F. Why the U.S. dollar will be replaced as the dominant global currency — sooner than you think. Toronto Star, July 5, 2022

That said, the Bible is clear that gold and silver will, for a while, be less than worthless. Notice:

19 They will throw their silver into the streets, And their gold will be like refuse; Their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them In the day of the wrath of the Lord; They will not satisfy their souls, Nor fill their stomachs, Because it became their stumbling block of iniquity. (Ezekiel 7:19).

This is probably because gold and silver cannot be eaten (in times of massive and severe food shortages many people will not be interested in it) and because of the fact that if nuclear weapons are exploded, and people are ill or dying from radiation sickness, that they will not want to have gold and silver (which retain radiation) near them

The Bible teaches:

11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 11:4)

72 The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver. (Psalm 119:72)

However, this does not mean that owning some may not help a little bit, but that a relationship with God counts much more. It seems to also include a warning that some will apparently focus on gold and silver and not rely on God or truly give as they should to God (tithes and offerings).

Notice that the Apostle Peter clearly taught that salvation was more precious than gold and silver:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-9)

17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:17-19).

God’s plan of salvation will work and that, and not metals, is what really should be precious. And unlike precious metals, it will not perish.

Do not place your trust in the USA dollar or precious metals.

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; here is a message in Spanish: Me Está Llamando Dios Hoy? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
The End of US Dollar Dominance Is the USA losing its economic status? What about the petro-gold-yuan? A related video is also available: US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan.
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold and silver? Two videos of related interest may be: Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar and Silver, Science, and Scripture.
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 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?
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Four related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code), and Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Europe and the ‘Holy Roman Empire’.
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.
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.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North, and Christian Persecution from the Beast; and WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

TST Health is proud to announce the launch of Samuel Alito’s Mom’s Satanic Abortion Clinic in New Mexico. TST Health believes in honoring those, like the clinic’s namesake, who couldn’t choose legal abortion, no matter how much they may have wanted to.⤵️ https://t.co/a4U0wodhyB pic.twitter.com/0a44XmsrPr

— The Satanic Temple (@satanic_temple_) February 2, 2023

COGwriter

The Satanic Temple, a pro-abortion group, is about to open a ‘religious’ baby-killing facility. Here is a press release from it:

The Satanic Temple Launches Religious Telehealth Abortion Clinic in New Mexico The virtual clinic provides free medication abortion services to those participating in TST’s religious ritual. SALEM, MA — The Satanic Temple has announced the launch of its first reproductive health clinic, which will provide free religious medication abortion care in New Mexico. TST Health, The Satanic Temple’s religious medical services arm, will provide telehealth screenings and appointments and prescribe abortion medication for its patients.

According to TST Health’s website, anyone in New Mexico seeking to perform The Satanic Temple’s abortion ritual will be able to receive free online medical services. Patients undergo a confidential screening and virtual appointment before having their prescriptions sent to the clinic’s pharmacy partner, who will mail the medications in a discreet package. The pharmacy’s fees will fall around $90 USD in order to keep prices at a minimum. TST Health’s licensed medical staff will be available for patient questions and concerns and will initiate follow–up communications with patients. In addition, the clinic has a dedicated patient hotline that is on call 24/7.

The Satanic Temple hopes to expand operations into other states, including those that do not allow clinicians to perform abortions. “TST is proud to expand reproductive options for our members. This is just the beginning,” said Erin Helian, Executive Director of Campaigns. “We will remain steadfast as we continue the fight to uphold reproductive justice in the United States.” The Satanic Temple has argued in its lawsuits against Texas that under the First Amendment, and federal and state Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, its abortion ritual is exempt from restrictions and bans because the procedure is an essential part of a religious practice.

TST Health has named the facility “The Samuel Alito’s Mom’s Satanic Abortion Clinic.” “In 1950, Samuel Alito’s mother did not have options, and look what happened,” said Malcolm Jarry, the cofounder of TST. “Prior to 1973, doctors who performed abortions could lose their licenses and go to jail. The clinic’s name serves to remind people just how important it is to have the right to control one’s body and the potential ramifications of losing that right.” …

About The Satanic Temple

The Satanic Temple, subject of the critically–acclaimed documentary, Hail Satan?, and the academic analysis of modern Satanism, Speak of the Devil, confronts religious discrimination to secure the separation of church and state and defend the Constitutional rights of its members. In response to Oklahoma and Arkansas placing a Ten Commandments statue on Capitol grounds, TST offered its bronze Baphomet statue to stand alongside the Christian monuments. TST hosts the “After School Satan” club to counter the Evangelical “Good News Clubs” in public schools across the country to promote a plurality of religious viewpoints. The mission of The Satanic Temple is to encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice, and undertake noble
pursuits for the individual will.

No, the Satanic Temple is not about encouraging benevolence and empathy, but about mocking religion and murdering babies. Killing the unborn is clearly hateful and tyrannical. The Satanic Temple’s anti-Ten Commandments stance also shows its lack of religious tolerance and its lack of understanding about love as “the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5).

Here is a report about the Satanic Temple’s planned clinic:

The Satanic Temple has announced that they are launching TST Health, the first-ever religious abortion clinic network on February 14, 2023, with plans to open up several more abortion clinics in the future. …

The Satanic Temple (TST) was formed in 2012 and is not to be confused with the Church of Satan. Claiming a membership of over 700,000 people, they reject the existence of a literal devil in exchange for the devil as a metaphor and literary device to further their activism. https://protestia.com/2023/02/02/the-satanic-temple-opens-new-abortion-clinic-to-murder-babies-in-satanic-ritual/

LifeSiteNews (LSN) reported the following about the Satanic Temple back in 2021:

The Satanic Temple sues Texas for regulations that ‘interfere’ with their abortion ‘destruction ritual’

March 9, 2021

March 9, 2021 (LifeSiteNews) — The Satanic Temple has sued the State of Texas, complaining that its abortion regulations, such as its sonogram-viewing requirement, interfere with the Temple’s “religious” abortion ritual and therefore violate their “religious liberty.”

A Satanic Temple attorney for plaintiff “Ann Doe” argued that “It is a substantial interference per se for the state to place a regulatory hurdle – one that costs money – in front of a religious exercise. The state might as well tax and regulate Mass.”

The lawsuit echoes The Satanic Temple’s (TST) official belief that first trimester satanic ritual abortions are “exempt” from “unnecessary regulations” such as mandatory waiting periods and required reading materials.

TST’s information sheet on “Satanic Abortion Rituals” further explains their public stance on why they consider regulations to be a hindrance to a ritual that they have claimed “sanctifies the abortion process by instilling confidence and protecting bodily rights.”

“The Satanic Abortion ritual is a destruction ritual that serves as a protective rite. Its purpose is to case off notions of shame, guilt, and mental discomfort that a patient may be experiencing due to choosing to have a legal and medically safe abortion,” the document states.

“Even the most confident and unapologetic individual can experience uncomfortable feelings and anxiety for choosing to terminate their pregnancy. Laws in many states that impose waiting periods and state-mandated counseling can exacerbate these feelings, as can social condemnation and outright harassment by those who oppose abortion,” TST continues.

Texas abortion law requires that prior to obtaining an abortion, which is legal in Texas before the 20-week milestone, a woman must “must undergo ultrasound, be shown the image [of the unborn child], and have the image described to her,” and wait at least 24 hours after the ultrasound before obtaining an abortion. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/the-satanic-temple-sues-texas-for-regulations-that-interfere-with-their-abortion-destruction-ritual?utm_source=top_news&utm_campaign=standard

The Texas law seems to be to let women know that they are really killing someone when they get an abortion. The Satanic Temple does not want them to think about what they are actually doing.

To further promote abortions, in 2020 the Satanic Temple held a raffle where the prize was free abortions (see ‘Satanic Temple Raffles Off Free Abortion to Promote Killing Babies as Religious Rituals’).

In many ways, the Satanic Temple mocks religion and despises the word of God.

Some of that is consistent with the following:

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel:

“Because you despise this word,
And trust in oppression and perversity,
And rely on them,
13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you
Like a breach ready to fall,
A bulge in a high wall,
Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant. (Isaiah 30:12-13)

This group has been granted tax-exempt status:

Good news for those who worship Satan and Satan-adjacent deities (goats, I wanna say?): the Satanic Temple has officially been granted tax-exempt status by the IRS, according to a post from the religion’s official Instagram account.

Being granted tax-exempt status essentially means that the Satanic Temple has the same legal protections that other religions do, including “access to public spaces as other religious organizations; affirming its standing in court when battling religious discrimination; and enabling The Satanic Temple to apply for faith-based government grants,” according to a press release sent to Rolling Stone. 04/224/19 https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/irs-satanic-temple-church-tax-exempt-826931/?fbclid=IwAR1K10IziyPjv1sRECL5eIjSY7kwqApN6MWTOCYxb_XU_ickgZQPEL-I22w

I have reported about this group over the years.

A while back, the Satanists pushed for their statue of Baphomet if a monument related to the Ten Commandments in Arkansas was not removed (see also Satanists want Ten Commandments out or Baphomet in). According to Wikipedia, Baphomet is a Sabbatic Goat, created by Eliphas Levi in the 19th century. Sabbatic is defined as of, relating to, or appropriate to the Sabbath as a day of rest and religious observance. The Satanists want a monument that mentions the biblical Sabbath removed if they cannot promote their religion (which does not advocate actually keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath).

In 2015, the Satanic Temple performed the ‘first state sanctioned satanic ceremony in history” according to news reports (see ‘Satanic Temple’s state-sanctioned capitol ceremony’).

Here is the logo of the group:

On the home page of its website, The Satanic Temple has long sought donations to fight restrictions against abortions:

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS TO USE RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS TO PROTECT WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

The Satanic Temple is accepting donations to assist our efforts to challenge arbitrary, insulting, and outright harmful regulations imposed on women who seek abortions.

Since there are a lot of abortion supporters, this could be one reason some are promoting The Satanic Temple.

Here is some information that was at the FAQ page of The Satanic Temple’s website:

To embrace the name Satan is to embrace rational inquiry removed from supernaturalism and archaic tradition-based superstitions. The Satanist should actively work to hone critical thinking and exercise reasonable agnosticism in all things. Our beliefs must be malleable to the best current scientific understandings of the material world — never the reverse.

DO YOU PROMOTE EVIL?

The Satanic Temple holds to the basic premise that undue suffering is bad, and that which reduces suffering is good. We do not believe in symbolic “evil.” We embrace blasphemy as a legitimate expression of personal independence from counter-productive traditional norms.

Of course by promoting blasphemy and abortion, the Satanic Temple is promoting evil.

Yes, the group promotes evil. The Bible warns against ritualistic killing of children. Notice:

21 And you shall not let any of your descendants pass through the fire to Molech, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:21)

The children were ritualistically put in the arms of the burning statue of Molech and were killed.

The USA is becoming more accepting of many things that go directly against the Bible. Blatantly promoting satanism is just one more. Promoting satanism is wrong (cf. Isaiah 47:13-15; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

Related to infanticide, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put out the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

February 23, 2019 was declared a ‘day of mourning’ by some concerned about infanticide and other ramifications of the State of New York’s “Reproductive Health Act.” The American College of Pediatricians reported they were grieved by efforts by several states to allow infanticide. Statements from disgraced Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, as well as proposed laws in Illinois, Rhode Island, and Vermont have gotten more to be concerned about infanticide in the United States of America. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse proposed S. 311 the ‘Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act failed in a voice vote–and 17 “public health organizations’ denounced S. 311 as “a dangerous government intrustion.” Is the destruction of humans wrong. Does human life begin at conception? Is there a light flash at conception? Has there been infanticide throughout human history? What does God say about the shedding of “innocent blood’? What about Judaism and Molech?

Here is a link to the sermonette video: American Infanticide.

Abortion is wrong, despite statements from politicians and Satanists.

Promoting various forms of paganism is absurd, but sadly not unexpected.

The Apostle Paul prophesied:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be … 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, … 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, … 13 … evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:1-3,5-6,13)

Abortion is brutal. The abortion pushers have deceived many ‘gullible women’–do not be among them!

The Bible warns that God will send punishment “against an hypocritical nation” (Isaiah 10:6, KJV).

The promotion of abortion and satanism are only two of MANY hypocritical practices in the USA.

A while back, we put up the following video on the Satanic Temple:

10:12

Satanic Temple’s Abortion Agenda

The Satanic Temple has sued the State of Texas because it requires women to have a sonogram and view their unborn baby at least 24 hours before having an abortion. The Satanic Temple claims that abortion is a religious ritual that should not have any interference. Does the Bible condemn an earlier religious ritual that involved killing children? Does the Satanic Temple despise the word of God? Does its Baphomet statue mock the Sabbath? Does the Satanic Temple promote evil and blasphemy? What does its official website say? Did the Apostle Paul warn about gullible women being loaded with sins being deceived? Did Paul also write that deceivers and imposters would grow worse and worse in the last days? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to our video: Satanic Temple’s Abortion Agenda.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may wish to view the YouTube videos: Abortion and Birth Control: History and Scriptures. Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt, American Infanticide, Euthanasia: Mercy killing or murder?, Abortion, the US Constitution, and the Bible, and Land of ‘Free’ Abortions and Debt.
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.

COGwriter

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

1:09:46

The Rise and Fall of the King of the South

The Bible tells of a leader called the King of the South. Biblically, he looks to be involved with at least three deals with the coming European King of the North Beast power. In 2015, Saudi Arabia announced a military coalition of 34 countries who agreed to defend the “Islamic nation.” Is such a nation foretold in Bible prophecy? Will those in North Africa and the Middle East support it? Will hunger or other problems help lead to the rise of an Imam Mahdi, who could be the biblical King of the South? Will that kingdom prosper for a time? Why might Psalm 83 point to terrorism? Will the King of the South arise before the Great Tribulation? Do Muslim prophesies warn against a deal with the Roman Catholics that will be broken? Is Islam the Beast like Protestant Joel Richardson has asserted? Does Egypt have gold? Could the King of the North take gold to help support a partially gold-backed currency? Did Nostradamus warn that the ‘Great Arab’ would be betrayed by the Turks? Does the Bible teach that supporters of the King of the South will betray him? Could Ezekiel 30:1-9, 32:2-16, and Jeremiah 46:14-24 also be referring to the King of the South and his destruction? Might the King of the South be an Egyptian? Why does it look like the Two Witnesses will provide warnings about what will happen to supporters of the King of the South? Should you know about the coming King of the South?

Here is a link to our sermon: The Rise and Fall of the King of the South.

COGwriter

Are you familiar with the simplicity that is in Christ?

Are you sure you understand that?

The Apostle Paul wrote:

2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted — you may well put up with it! (2 Corinthians 11:2-4)

Related to how the simplicity in Jesus the Christ goes, the following from the Apostle Paul conveys that:

8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:8-9)

Jesus obeyed and suffered and became perfect. Jesus will provide eternal salvation for those that obey Him. Is that simple enough?

Notice that, according to the Apostle Paul, obedience IS A SALVATION ISSUE!

Sadly, most who claim Christianity do not understand that. They do not understand that because they tend to teach a different Jesus, do not believe they need to obey Him as He obeyed His Father’s commandments (John 15:10), and have adopted many practices that neither Jesus nor His faithful followers engaged in. And most of those who do teach that they should obey, reason around the obedience in ways similar to those of the ancient Pharisees whom Jesus denounced for such practices (e.g. Matthew 15:1-9).

The reality is that most who profess Christianity in today’s world do not adhere to what the original apostles taught. Councils of men, ecclesiastical politics, theological interpretations, philosophy, and higher criticism have all had their part in complicating the simple beliefs and practices of the original Christians.

Yet, as the Apostle Jude exhorted, true Christians are “to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

But even by the time of Jude and Paul, false teachings and wrong philosophic influences had began to push forth a corrupt religion that began to call itself Christian.

Yet, the relationship of Christians with Jesus is not complex or confusing. It is simple, yet profound.

Here is what the Apostle Peter said needed to be done :

38 … Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

29. … Peter and the apostles … said, “We are obligated to obey God rather than men.

30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree.

31. Him has God exalted by His right hand to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel.

32. And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts 5:29-32, AFV)

By obeying God we live the way of love that results from keeping His commandment (James 2:8).

The Apostle Paul also wrote:

5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, (1 Timothy 1:5)

Jesus said:

22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)

17 … But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:17)

Notice that Jesus is talking about those who already claim Him, yet they need to endure to the end to be saved–hence, Jesus made it clear that just claiming His name is not enough. Those who want eternal life are to keep the commandments.

Basically, if we continue to strive to keep God’s loving commandments until our physical life ends we are to attain salvation (Matthew 10:22). And scripture teaches that will happen at the first resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Revelation 20:4-6).

Just calling Jesus ‘Lord” or thinking God has used you somehow does not make you a Christian! Jesus said:

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

Jesus also said:

15 If you love Me, keep My commandments. (John 14:15)

10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:9)

Yes, those who love Jesus keep the Commandments.

Here is something by the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God about those that failed to follow simple, original Christianity:

Well, let’s turn for a moment over to 2 Corinthians, the eleventh chapter where the apostle Paul — this was in his time along around 50 AD or somewhere along in the middle, there, of the first century — and Paul is speaking here to the church at Corinth, in his second letter, then, in chapter eleven — 2 Corinthians. So Paul says, to the people in that church at Corinth:

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety [he’s very clever, very subtle. There it mentions the devil as a serpent], so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity which is in Christ. For if he that cometh preaches another Jesus…” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)

They have come preaching a Jesus that did away with His Father’s law and His Father’s commandments!

Jesus said, “I have kept my Father’s commandments ” (John 15:10).

He said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done!” (cf. John 13:15)

But many have come in the name of Christ and preaching that Jesus is the Christ and saying, “the law is done away.” That’s a different Jesus; that’s a smart-aleck Jesus that knew more than His Father and did away with His Father’s law. That is not the real Jesus. The real Jesus KEPT His Father’s commandments and told us to do the same thing. Go back and read Matthew and Mark and Luke and John and see what He did.

“For [he continues] if he that cometh [that is false preachers, now] if he that cometh preaches another Jesus [another Jesus that knows more than His Father] whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit which you have not received, or another gospel which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him.” (2 Corinthians 11:4)

Now he goes on talking about these false apostles coming in sheep’s clothing and claiming to represent Christ. In the thirteenth verse — just a few verses later — thirteenth, and fourteenth, and fifteenth verses — 2 Corinthians, the eleventh chapter:

“For such are false apostles [now here they are described — false apostles], deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel [now they’re not real apostles of Christ. But it says]; no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed as an angel of light. And therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

So it shows there false apostles coming to deceive the people. And that was even in the first century. (Armstrong HW. Revelation – Closed Book Until the End. World Tomorrow Radio broadcast, c. 1960)

“the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3) … It’s very simple my friends, the thing is — obey God. You have to surrender your way, you have to give up the traditions of the people and of the time and turn to God and the ways of God. That’s quite simple. And Jesus came and died for us because we have transgressed His ways and to pay the penalty of that transgression in our stead. Otherwise you wouldn’t need a Saviour; you need a Saviour because of your disobedience. Jesus died to take away your past sin, and your guilt — to reconcile you to God so you can receive God’s Holy Spirit, the love that will fulfill His law, to make it possible for you to keep the law of God. (Armstrong HW. False Gospels. World Tomorrow Radio broadcast, c. 1960)

Satan “deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).

Satan did not want Jesus to obey (cf. Matthew 4:8-10)–Satan does not want you to obey.

Information about what to obey, and how many have reasoned around properly obeying, as well as some prophecies about the Antichrist not obeying can be found in the free, online, book: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast.

Now, here is an incomplete and improper view of the “simplicity’ from a Protestant named David J. Stewart:

“THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST,” which is THE GOSPEL. The Word of God plainly teaches that it is “SIMPLE” to get saved. How simple is it? Very, very, very simple!!! I mean, it is so simple that I can sum it up with just one word… “BELIEVE.” IT IS SIMPLE, FREE AND EASY TO BE SAVED!!! …

You don’t have to become a theologian to be saved… JUST BELIEVE!!! To believe means to “trust.” …

Adding even the slightest human effort will cancel one’s faith; such as, sacraments (water baptism, communion), prayer or good works. Either Jesus does ALL the saving, or else you don’t get saved!!! (The Simplicity that is in Christ. January 2017. http://www.jesusisprecious.org/fundamentals/simplicity_that_is_in_christ.htm viewed 01/17/23)

While we are saved by grace through faith, and not works (Ephesians), it does require some human effort to obey. Obeying DOES NOT cancel one’s faith, but clearly demonstrates that the faith is real.

As far as belief goes, while that is needed, the Apostle James wrote:

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. (James 2:19-24)

Demons believe, but will not truly obey. The Protestant reformer Martin Luther did not care for James’ epistle, not only did he refer to it as an “epistle of straw,” he would not accept verses like James 2:24.

It takes faith to truly obey–if you will not obey you do not have the real and right kind of faith. The New Testament is clear, Christians are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

A Christian is simply one who believes the Bible and has God’s spirit (Romans 8:9), who believes in, obeys, and follows the lead and example of Jesus the Christ, but who refuses to accept traditions of men (cf. Mark 7:6:13) to the contrary.

Sadly, that is not the case with over 99% of people claim Christianity.

Christianity has a simplicity–strive to obey God and live His way of love.

Any other way is NOT the simplicity in Christ.

UPDATE 02/05/23: We just uploaded the following related video:

14:32

Do You Understand the ‘Simplicity that is in Christ’?

In 1 Corinthians 11:3, the Apostle Paul mentioned the ‘simplicity that is in Christ,’ but warned that people could be deceived away from it. Do you know what that simplicity is? Is it simply to “believe” and not even pray as Protestant David Stewart asserted? Are we saved by grace for good works? Are Christians supposed to obey? Did Jesus and the Apostle Paul tie obedience in with salvation? What are Christians supposed to obey? Can false ministers look good? Do the Ten Commandments have anything to do with love or the simplicity that is in Christ? Will those who call Jesus ‘Lord’ and even do wonders in His name necessarily be saved? What book of the New Testament did Martin Luther refer to as “an epistle of straw’? Did Jesus die for your disobedience? What did Peter say about obedience and the Holy Spirit? What did James say about faith and works? Do the demons believe? Can faith and works be tied together? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel go over these topics.

Here is a link to our video: Do You Understand the ‘Simplicity that is in Christ’?

Brazil makes proposal on Ukraine peace talks

Countries should form a group dedicated to brokering negotiations between Moscow and Kiev, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said

More: https://t.co/7p8KJUfphx pic.twitter.com/q86xfORAiv

— RT (@RT_com) February 1, 2023

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following from a German source:

Brazil rejects Berlin’s call for arms deliveries to Ukraine and aims to mediate in the Ukraine war

2 February 2023

BRASÍLIA/BERLIN (Own report) – In open defiance of Germany and the other Western powers, Brazil rejects all arms deliveries to Ukraine and pushes, instead, for a mediation initiative to end the Ukraine war. Brazil sees itself as a “land of peace” and rejects any involvement in this war, was President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s response Monday to Berlin’s demand during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit, that ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank be provided to Kiev. Rather than constantly fueling the war with ever more weapons, a mediation initiative must be launched, with the possible contribution from China, in particular, but also from India and Indonesia, according to Lula. Scholz does not support such an initiative from the Global South to end the fighting and raised his objections on Monday. However, more and more governments, particularly in the Global South, such as, most recently Columbia and Egypt, but also Israel are promoting a negotiated solution.  …

Already last year, Latin America governments, to a large extent, had kept themselves out of the Ukraine war and the West’s economic war against Russia. At the March 2 UN General Assembly vote, most of them, including the three countries German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited form Saturday to Monday (Argentina, Brazil, Chile), had condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[1] However, they had rejected any further partisanship in the conflict. …

The West’s demand to participate in supplying ammunition and arms to Ukraine, so far, has met with stiff resistance in Latin America.  …

“A group of countries must be quickly brought to the negotiating table,” to discuss “peace between Russia and Ukraine,” declared Lula. Brazil, he said, is readily “prepared to make a contribution.”

Governments of the Global South have long been calling, and with growing intensity, for a negotiated settlement. https://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en/news/detail/9151

Brazil is in an alliance called BRICS which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Its President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has longed shared various views with Russia and is working with Russia, so his position should not come as a surprise.

The Global South basically includes everything other than Europe, Russia and North America. And, of course, Russia agrees that there should be a negotiated settlement.

Here is another report related to South America, Germany, and the Ukrainian conflict:

Germany Fails to Gain Support for Ukraine in South America

February 2, 2023

SINGAPORE — Argentine and Chilean leaders lowered the odds that they may offer more backing for Ukraine during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s inaugural South America tour, reflecting existing differences between the West and its South American allies.

On the first two legs of his trip, Scholz highlighted the importance of unity, noting that all three countries he was poised to visit — Argentina, Chile, and Brazil — decried Russian actions in Ukraine at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly last year.

Nonetheless, the effects of the war and Western sanctions on Russia, such as rising food and energy prices, have sent economies in South America into freefall, heightening doubts about the West’s approach toward the Ukraine issue.

Skepticism towards interventionism also looms in South America due to its historical legacy.

Scholz’s Argentine and Chilean counterparts said they hoped to see a peaceful resolution of the conflict, but did not indicate more support for Ukraine. https://thenewamerican.com/germany-fails-to-gain-support-for-ukraine-in-south-america/

Last year, Argentina formally asked to be a member of the BRICS’ alliance, so its hesitation to send arms against Russia would seem consistent with that. Chile is an “associated state” for the Mercosur group, which is dominated by Brazil and Argentina, so its hesitancy could also be related to that.

As far as Latin America, Europe, and Russia go, here are some comments (with some added bolding) in our free online book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

As far as Latin America goes, unlike the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormons), we do not believe that the indigenous peoples of Latin America represent the ‘lost tribes.’

In centuries before the Roman Empire rose to power, the Canaanites from Carthage in North Africa dominated and migrated to the Spanish peninsula. Later, much of Spain was conquered by Arabs and by the descendants of the Carthaginians who bore the name of “Moors” — meaning “Amorites” (Genesis 17:4). There were also the blond Spaniards of Chaldean extraction who entered Spain after 400 A.D.  [Hoeh H. Good News magazine, March 1958].

The bulk of the Spanish and Portuguese people who came to the New World were in ancient times the sons of Javan (Genesis 10:4)—though some reportedly were from the tribe of Judah.

When the Spanish and Portuguese came to the New World, they completely eclipsed the culture of nearly all the indigenous peoples, who were descendants of Tiras, the son of Japheth (Genesis 10:2). As the centuries have passed, the overwhelming bulk of Latin-American people have become MESTIZOS — meaning “mixed.” The ruling classes are still partly Spanish in some areas and some indigenous peoples exist, but most in Latin America are mixed.

Whether mixed or not, the bulk of those in Latin Americans are considered to ethnically be Gentiles.

Latin America has a lot of ethnic and social ties to Europe, as do many other nations in the Caribbean and South America (which includes the a few non-Latin nations—which also have European ties). Though there may be some initial hesitation, those areas are expected to align with the coming Beast power and prosper from it (cf. Revelation 18:15).

However, they will also be subject to the plagues (Revelation chapters 15, 16, & 18), etc. of the ‘Day of the Lord.’

Yet those regions are not prophesied to have the type of destruction that will come from a power “from the north” and “the ends of the earth” that will destroy much of continental Europe (e.g. Jeremiah 50:41-44)—and some in South America may well turn against Europe. …

Notice some of what will happen to the coming European Babylonian Beast power led by a power from the farthest parts of the earth (Russia is the nation that is the farthest east and close to being the farthest north nation):

22 Thus says the Lord: “Behold, a people comes from the north country, And a great nation will be raised from the farthest parts of the earth.

23 They will lay hold on bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea; And they ride on horses, As men of war set in array against you, O daughter of Zion.”

24 We have heard the report of it; Our hands grow feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, Pain as of a woman in labor. 25 Do not go out into the field, Nor walk by the way. Because of the sword of the enemy, Fear is on every side. 26 O daughter of my people, Dress in sackcloth And roll about in ashes! Make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; For the plunderer will suddenly come upon us. (Jeremiah 6:22-26)

41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north, And a great nation and many kings Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth. 42 They shall hold the bow and the lance; They are cruel and shall not show mercy. Their voice shall roar like the sea; They shall ride on horses, Set in array, like a man for the battle, Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them, And his hands grow feeble; Anguish has taken hold of him, Pangs as of a woman in childbirth.  (Jeremiah 50:41-43)

The “great nation” from the “farthest parts of the earth” includes Russia. There are also nations that will be confederate with it. Those would also include China and other nations in Asia, and particularly in the Far East. The “Daughter of Babylon” Jeremiah referred to is not ancient Babylon, but the end-time European power. The “kings … from the ends of the earth” may also include South Africa, which is a BRICS nation that has also conducted military drills with Russia and China [Maromo J. SA-China-Russia military exercise … IOL, January 22, 2023]. Some nations in South America may also be involved as they seem to be part of the “ends of the earth.” When the “daughter of Babylon” is in the process of falling, many will abandon supporting it. Jeremiah 50 is part of the second woe [Lesson 36 – Feast of Trumpets – Why Christ Must Come Again! 58 Lesson Ambassador College Correspondence Course, 1969 revision].

The rejection of Germany’s pressure is consistent with the comments in the book.

South America does not also do what Europe wants.

Etching supposedly related to Jesus’ return

COGwriter

For over a decade, I have denounced wrong chronologies and other matters from CCG’s Wade Cox (e.g. see Wade Cox Should Not Be Relying on Ussher’s Chronology and False Tribulation/Rapture predictions for 2021 and 2022).

Wade Cox has an article that he updated with numerous tables.

Here is one updated in 2020 from him:

2014-15 NATO is forced to occupy the Middle East in the nations listed from Daniel 11:40-43. Russia, with the complicity of China, forces the escalation of the War of the Fifth Trumpet which is a biochemical war into the release of the Four Angels at the Euphrates from Tartaros for this final phase. War of the Sixth Trumpet starts.

2022-2025 Messiah intervenes and subjugates the nations. …

2018- 2022 Two Witnesses of Revelation 11:2 prophesy over the same time and the earth is subdued by the wars of the fifth and sixth trumpet at the same time. Trumpets The Heavenly Signs

2022-2024 Advent of Messiah

2022-2024 The fall of the nations and the battles of Armageddon. …

2021-2022 Passover is the probable last time for the two Witnesses to be in place in Jerusalem. Droughts of the two Witnesses commence. 2024 Probable last date for the return of the Messiah …

(Christian Churches of God No. 272 Outline Timetable of the Age (Edition 7.0 19981121-20021020-20061108-20101025-20111122-20120601-20131228-20171220-20200508)

The following looks to be the most recent update when I visited ccg’s site this week:

Outline Timetable of the Age (Edition 7.5 19981121-20021020-20061108-20101025-20111122-20120601-20131228-20171220-20200508-20221231)

Table 1 …

2021-2024	Period of the possible Advent of Messiah and subjugation of the planet.
2027/8 Jubilee	Fortieth Jubilee since ministry of Messiah.
*********	*****************
2028	Thousand years of the Millennium begins under Messiah.

… Table 2 …

2018-2024	Period of the Witnesses and the Advent of the King-Messiah at Jerusalem.
2027	Jubilee of the end of the age.
2028	Millennial rule from Jerusalem.

… Table 3 …

1916-1948	Establishment of the Jewish homeland.
2021-2027	Return of the King.

… Table 5 …

2027	The fortieth Jubilee of the Sign of Jonah. Every rule and every authority and every religious system of this world or of this age is destroyed.
*******	*****************
2028	The millennial system commences under the Law of God.

… Table 9 …

2022-2025	Messiah intervenes and subjugates the nations.
2027/28	Fortieth Jubilee year. Messiah takes total rule of the planet.
2028	First year of the Jubilee of Jubilees since the Reading of the Law with Ezra and Nehemiah.

… Table 12 …

2023/4-2026/7	Witnesses arrive and teach for 1260 days; they are killed and lie in the streets for three days. They are resurrected and rise to meet Messiah. False prophet killed; First Resurrection of the dead.
2026 and 2027         2027	Subjugation of the planet under the seven vials of the wrath of God and the battles of Armageddon. The European system is destroyed then the kings of the East are brought down over the dried up basin of the Euphrates to the valley of Jezreel. The second exodus of Israel.
2027	The fortieth Jubilee since Messiah and the forty-ninth since the second Temple and the restoration under Ezra and Nehemiah (cf. Reading the Law with Ezra and Nehemiah (No. 250)).
2028	First year of the Jubilee of Jubilees; the beginning of the Millennium (see the paper The Golden Jubilee and the Millennium (No. 300)).

http://www.ccg.org/weblibs/study-papers/p272.html

This is in error, There is no possibility that the millennium can begin before 2030. Wade Cox will be proven wrong on this. Certain events that Jesus pointed to have not yet occurred which render Wade Cox’s dates impossible.

Some have been critical of me pointing out false predictions from people who claim to be Church of God, but who are probably not truly COG, but instead are false.

My normal response to such is to mention how Jesus dealt with religious leaders (Matthew 7:15-23) and/or Laodiceans (Revelation 3:14-19). If the claims seem improperly prophetic or exceptionally bold, I tend to cite 2 Peter 2:1-3.

Should we be concerned about false and heretical leaders? Should they always be ignored? Should we focus on the positive about them? What did Jesus do? What does the Bible teach?

Many people do not seem to understand what Jesus was really like and what He really taught.

While it is true He taught, “love your enemies” and to “pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44), it is a misunderstanding to believe that Jesus taught that one could never point out the problems of religious enemies (and yes, we should still pray for them).

Jesus often taught to beware of religious leaders. Notice:

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! (Matthew 7:15-23, NKJV throughout unless otherwise indicated).

False leaders do not produce good fruit. Many of them tend to encourage lawlessness (though they would almost all deny that). Those that follow them risk being cast out by Jesus.

Notice that Jesus is saying to look at their fruits and that even if they appear to be doing miracles in Jesus’ name, if they promote lawlessness, they are not true Christians.

Peter also warned about future false teachers who would bring in heresies:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber (2 Peter 2:1-3).

In one of the longest condemnations of those who have pretended to be Christian, Jude, Jesus’ brother, wrote:

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. 14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”

16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit (Jude 1:3-19).

Notice that Jude was not afraid to tell the truth about some false leaders who claimed to be Church of God Christians as well as about leaders who are mainly intent on building a following after themselves.

That said, while I doubt the conversion of various false ones like Wade Cox, David Pack, Gerald Flurry, and Ron Weiland and do NOT consider that they are truly COG, some people attempt to practice the “guilt by association” game. This is an old Satanic tactic. The Bible teaches that Satan is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:9-10), and we have seen his allies do the same as some like to lump the true in with the false in order to try to tarnish the true.

That was done on more than one occasion against Jesus by some of those who rejected Him (e.g. Luke 5:30, 15:2).

Consider the following from former GCG board member Norman Edwards:

Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

1Th 5:19-21 Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.

1Tim 1:18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies  previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

1Tim 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

2Tim 3:1-2, 5 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Do people today have faith that God is able to prophecy through people in their congregations?

1Jo 4:1-2 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

Note: If there were no true prophets, there would be no need to “test the spirits”—because every prophet would be a “false prophet”. But because there are both true prophets and false prophets, we need to “test the spirits”. (Edwards N. Need Prophets More than Prophecy. Shepherd’s Voice, Fall 2013)

So, do not be quick to consider the good to be bad. If you truly have God’s Spirit and really strive to be a Philadelphian Christian, you will actually believe that God’s word says there will be prophets and dreams from Him in the last days per Acts 2:17-18 (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

Do not follow false teachers. Do not presume, however, someone is false because an accuser of the brethren lumps him/her in with the false.

Remember, the Apostle Paul wrote:

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)

So, in addition to avoiding the bad, do not overlook the good.

Have your really tested all things?

Or have you relied on traditions and feeling?

Some items of possibly related interest include:

Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?
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.
CCG: Teachings of the Christian Churches of God This group, led by Wade Cox, rejects the deity of Jesus and has other unusual teachings.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? Three related sermons are available Let’s Talk About the Earthly Millennium, Millennial Utopia, and The Millennium.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or ? 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?
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 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 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?
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?

New: Ukrainian officials are continuing to warn about #Russia’s intention of conducting a decisive offensive operation in #Donbas in February and/or March, supporting ISW’s most likely course of action assessment.#Ukraine latest w/ @criticalthreats: https://t.co/QHtKCCASBw pic.twitter.com/bWkMCVNNtt

— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) February 2, 2023

COGwriter

Vladmir Putin spoke today:

VOLGOGRAD, Russia, Feb 2 (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin evoked the spirit of the Soviet army that defeated Nazi German forces at Stalingrad 80 years ago to declare on Thursday that Russia would defeat a Ukraine supposedly in the grip of a new incarnation of Nazism.

In a fiery speech in Volgograd, known as Stalingrad until 1961, Putin lambasted Germany for helping to arm Ukraine and said, not for the first time, that he was ready to draw on Russia’s entire arsenal, which includes nuclear weapons. …

Stalingrad was the bloodiest battle of World War Two, when the Soviet Red Army, at a cost of over 1 million casualties, broke the back of German invasion forces in 1942-3.

Putin evoked what he said was the spirit of the defenders of Stalingrad to explain why he thought Russia would prevail in Ukraine, saying the World War Two battle had become a symbol of “the indestructible nature of our people”.

“Those who draw European countries, including Germany, into a new war with Russia, and … expect to win a victory over Russia on the battlefield, apparently don’t understand that a modern war with Russia will be quite different for them,” he added.

“We don’t send our tanks to their borders but we have the means to respond, and it won’t end with the use of armoured vehicles, everyone must understand that.” …

Irina Zolotoreva, a 61-year-old who said her relatives had fought at Stalingrad, saw a parallel with Ukraine.

“Our country is fighting for justice, for freedom. We got victory in 1942 and that’s an example for today’s generation. I think we’ll win again now whatever happens.” https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-expected-channel-stalingrad-victory-key-moment-ukraine-war-2023-02-02/

Ukrainian leaders are expressing concerns about additional Russian troops that are about to be sent in:

Putin amassing 500,000 troops for major new offensive, says minister

February 2, 2023

Vladimir Putin has mobilised nearly 500,000 troops to attack Ukraine in a renewed offensive marking the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion, Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said.

The Russian president had asked for 300,000 Russian men to be enrolled in a general mobilisation in September, but Mr Reznikov told the French BFM network last night that the actual number of conscripts deployed to fight in Ukraine could be much more.

Volodymyr Zelensky further asserted this claim and said that Ukraine is seeing “a certain increase in the occupier’s offensive actions at the front – in the east of our country.” https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-nuclear-weapons-putin-offensive-b2274149.html

2 February 2023

VLADIMIR Putin is feared to be preparing for a new onslaught on Ukraine with up to 500,000 soldiers.

Russia is believed to be plotting an attack across two new fronts – pushing into eastern and southern Ukraine.

Kyiv believe …Vlad’s attack may happen around February 24 – the one year anniversary of the invasion. …

And in recent weeks it has been reported the Russians were beginning to make gains.

Putin will likely be seeking some sort of major triumph or new operation to mark the anniversary – with his future now tied to the success or failure of the war. …

“We can’t lose the initiative… We think that, given that [the Russians] live by symbols, they can try something around February 24,” said Reznikov.

He spoke of around “500,000” soldiers being mobilised by Putin.

The minister explained: “They officially declared about 300,000, but when we see their troops at the borders, according to our estimates, it is much more.

“[They] can carry out an offensive on two fronts: it can be Donbas, and it can be the south.” https://www.the-sun.com/news/7287999/putin-new-assault-ukraine-date/

Russia basically considers the Donbas, and certain other regions now, to be its territory. Thus, based on past statements, it may well be that Russia is amassing troops to attack those that oppose it in those and other regions.

For nearly a decade, many in the Donbas region have called for Russia to defend and/or annex them, while some there have wanted to stay part of Ukraine.

On February 5, 2022, which was prior to Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) recorded the following video:

21:20

Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy

The situation between Russia and Ukraine has again heated up, although it has been tense since the Euromaiden protests and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. There was later a separation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the Russian Orthodox Church. Is war prophesied for Russia and Ukraine? Are prophecies in the Bible associated with the ‘kings of the Medes’ and a power from the “north country” related to any in Russia and Ukraine? Is a confederation of powers from the north, east, and central Asia prophesied to destroy the coming end time European Babylon? Will the destruction be reminiscent of what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? How is the King of the North and who will destroy him? Do those in Russia and Ukraine have a hope of salvation? Will Russia and powers of the east be involved in the gathering in Armageddon as prophesied in Revelation 16? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy.

Since this video came out, there were referendums mainly in eastern Ukraine. The following is a report related to claimed results:

In late September 2022, in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian-installed officials in Ukraine staged referendums on the annexation of occupied territories of Ukraine by Russia. …

On 30 September 2022, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts of Ukraine in an address to both houses of the Russian parliament. The United Nations, Ukraine, and many other countries condemned the annexation.

According to the results released by the Russian Central Election Commission through its sections in the DPR and the LPR, 99.23% (2,116,800 voters) supported the annexation in Donetsk and 98.42% (1,636,302 voters) in Luhansk. The turnouts were 97.51% (2,131,207 voters) and 94.15% (1,662,607 voters), respectively. (2022 annexation referendums in Russian-occupied Ukraine. Wikipedia, accessed 02/02/23)

While the West denounced the referendum as a sham, Russia then annexed the four regions.

As I have written since 2013, somehow, at least parts of Ukraine are going to align with Russia.

Why?

Because of biblical prophecies related to the Medes. Here is something related to them in our free online book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

Peoples prophetically called Medes are also shown to destroy the final Babylon according to both Isaiah and Jeremiah:

¹ The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw…

¹⁷ “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, Who will not regard silver; And as for gold, they will not delight in it. ¹⁸ Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces, And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb; Their eye will not spare children. ¹⁹ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:1, 17-19)

¹¹ Make the arrows bright! Gather the shields! The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes. For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it, Because it is the vengeance of the Lord, The vengeance for His temple. (Jeremiah 51:11)

The fact that there are multiple kings of the Medes indicates that powers involved in this end time confederation represent multiple governments. This would seem to include Russia, Belarus, and likely Crimea, Donbas, and some others in Ukraine, etc.

The following passages seem also to apply:

⁸ “Move from the midst of Babylon, Go out of the land of the Chaldeans; And be like the rams before the flocks. ⁹ For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon An assembly of great nations from the north country, And they shall array themselves against her; From there she shall be captured. Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior; None shall return in vain. (Jeremiah 50:8-9)

Those who believe the Bible should leave the midst of end-time Babylon by then. Certainly, the above “north country” includes Russia, but other passages clearly point to others from Asia being involved (Jeremiah 51:27-29).

Notice some of what will happen to the coming European Babylonian Beast power led by a power from the farthest parts of the earth (Russia is the nation that is the farthest east and close to being the farthest north nation):

²² Thus says the Lord: “Behold, a people comes from the north country, And a great nation will be raised from the farthest parts of the earth.

²³ They will lay hold on bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea; And they ride on horses, As men of war set in array against you, O daughter of Zion.”

²⁴ We have heard the report of it; Our hands grow feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, Pain as of a woman in labor. ²⁵ Do not go out into the field, Nor walk by the way. Because of the sword of the enemy, Fear is on every side. ²⁶ O daughter of my people, Dress in sackcloth And roll about in ashes! Make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; For the plunderer will suddenly come upon us. (Jeremiah 6:22-26)

⁴¹ “Behold, a people shall come from the north, And a great nation and many kings Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth. ⁴² They shall hold the bow and the lance; They are cruel and shall not show mercy. Their voice shall roar like the sea; They shall ride on horses, Set in array, like a man for the battle, Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

⁴³ “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them, And his hands grow feeble; Anguish has taken hold of him, Pangs as of a woman in childbirth.  (Jeremiah 50:41-43)

The “great nation” from the “farthest parts of the earth” includes Russia.

This does not mean that Ukraine may not have any more military victories, but biblical prophecies will be fulfilled.

Various ones are concerned that if Russia feels it will not succeed with ‘conventional weapons’ and troops, that it will utilize its nuclear arsenal–particularly since it indicated in the past it could do so if Russian territories were attacked. Since Russia annexed four regions in Uraine and they are still being fought over, some feel Russia may use some nuclear weapons. Some others feel that the Ukrainian conflict will lead to a nuclear war between Russia and the USA.

Related to that, here is our latest uploaded video:

15:31 

Nuclear WWIII from Russia?

Are we close to a nuclear third world war? Is Russia’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine the start of WWIII? what did Ukrainan Defense Minister Guido Crosetto say related to WWIII? Does Ezekiel 38 involves Russia? Are certain Protestant writers correct that it is for our day and that Russia will launch a massive nuclear attack against the USA? Did Herbert W. Armstrong say that Russia would not attack the USA? Is a direct military skirmish between the USA and Russia possible? If the Bible does discuss the destruction of the USA, is this from a power that borders the Mediterranean sea according to biblical prophecies in the books of Revelation and Daniel? Why has the military devastation in Ukraine been a “wake-up call” for Europe? Has Europe been taking military steps? Is Europe prophesied to dominate the world? Are there biblical prophecies pointing to Europe being attacked by Russia? Does the Bible describe anything that sounds like nuclear devastation? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.

Here is a link to the video: Nuclear WWIII from Russia?

(Pixabay photo)

COGwriter

Another study shows the basically uselessness of the COVID mask mandates:

Massive Peer-Reviewed Mask Study Shows ‘Little To No Difference’ In Preventing COVID, Flu Infection

February 2, 2023

A massive international research collaboration that analyzed several dozen rigorous studies focusing on “physical interventions” against COVID-19 and influenza found that they provide little to no protection against infection or illness rates.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, is the strongest science to date refuting the basis for mask mandates worldwide.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, is the strongest science to date refuting the basis for mask mandates worldwide.

Nearly 60% of South Korea’s population has now tested positive for COVID despite nearly three years of consistent universal masking with overwhelming compliance

When will it be enough for “experts” to admit masks don’t work? pic.twitter.com/LS0JF9niog

— Ian Miller (@ianmSC) January 25, 2023

And of course, the CDC still recommends masking in areas with “high” rates of transmission (fewer than 4% of US counties, as Just the News notes), along with indoor masking in areas with “medium” rates of transmission (27%).

Masks are still required in educational institutions in Democratic strongholds such as New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington and California, according to the Daily Mail. Boston Public Schools denied its “temporary masking protocol” in early January was a “mandate,” following a public letter against the policy by student Enrique Abud Evereteze.

South Korea is still requiring masks on public transport and in medical facilities after dropping COVID mandates in most indoor settings, including gyms, Monday, Reuters reported. -Just the News

According to the Cochrane study, which included the work of researchers at institutions in the  U.K., Canada, Australia, Italy and Saudi Arabia, a total of 78 studies were analyzed. Most recent additions to the meta-analysis were 11 new randomized controlled trials. …

We’re sure the cult of Fauci will now start insisting peer-reviewed meta-analyses aren’t ‘the science.’ https://www.zerohedge.com/political/massive-mask-study-shows-little-no-difference-preventing-covid-flu-infection

Many forget that the main purpose of medical masks has been to reduce the risk of the medical worker from passing disease to a patient, particularly during surgery. Masks also can be helpful in very close contact to reduce the transmission of some communicable diseases–but this is not the same as being out in public.

Permit me to add that Dr. Anthony Fauci initially said masks were not helpful to help stop the spread of COVID. He later basically said he lied about that as he wanted health care professionals to be able to get masks.

Speaking of COVID and masks, the idea that they are not particularly effective has been known for some time, though Big Tech, many governments, and a lot of the media have pushed a different narrative. Notice the following from 2021:

Twitter Censors Peer Reviewed Mask Study

May 1, 2021

Prashant Bhushan, an advocate-on-record for the Supreme Court of India, put a post on Twitter that recommended reading a peer-reviewed study demonstrating that masks are ineffective and can cause substantial adverse physiological and psychological effects.

Twitter removed the tweet, citing a violation of Twitter rules.

The study suggests that by mechanically restricting breathing, wearing a face mask may lead to a low level of oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia) along with excessive carbon dioxide in your bloodstream (hypercapnia), which in turn may lead to numerous long-term health effects

YouTube also removed a video that featured a scientific roundtable on COVID, because a Harvard professor warned that children should not wear face masks

A legal cause has been launched in the U.K., calling for schools to stop requiring children to wear masks in school, due to their harm to psychological health and development

In Weilheim, Germany, a district court concluded that the mask requirement in schools is unconstitutional and void, immediately removing the order on school premises *

March 26, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) tweeted a post against the use of masks for the general public: “If you do not have any respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, or runny nose, you do not need to wear a medical mask. When used alone, masks can give you a false feeling of protection and can even be a source of infection when not used correctly.”¹

About one year later, Twitter is now censoring tweets that call facemasks for COVID-19 into question, citing a violation of Twitter rules.² In the span of less than one year, how did we go from public health officials advising against masks to them now being considered infallible and not up for debate?

“Given that masking of healthy populations for long periods of time is a new policy, it is astounding that the media and scientific journals decided within a matter of months that the efficacy of the practice could not be questioned or studied, nor its adverse effects discussed,” Jeffrey Tucker, editorial director for the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) noted.³

The latest to be silenced was Prashant Bhushan, an advocate-on-record for the Supreme Court of India, a respected human rights attorney with 2.1 million Twitter followers.

What Does the Censored Mask Study Say?

The study, written by Baruch Vainshelboim with Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System/Stanford University, summarizes scientific evidence on wearing facemasks in the COVID-19 era. Four hypotheses are given, with ample scientific support to back them up:⁷

1. The practice of wearing facemasks has compromised safety and efficacy profile
2. Both medical and non-medical facemasks are ineffective to reduce human-to-human transmission and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19
3. Wearing facemasks has adverse physiological and psychological effects
4. Long-term consequences of wearing facemasks on health are detrimental

“Interestingly, 99% of the detected cases with SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic or have mild condition, which contradicts with the virus name (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2),” Vainshelboim notes, pointing out that the initial infection fatality rate of 2.9% was an overestimation based on limited COVID-19 tests that inflated the rate.

“This was confirmed by the head of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from US stating, ‘the overall clinical consequences of COVID-19 are similar to those of severe seasonal influenza,’ having a case fatality rate of approximately 0.1%,” he added.⁸ As for the efficacy of face masks, SARS-CoV-2, which is about 1,000 times smaller than face masks’ thread diameter, can easily pass through a mask.

A meta-analysis of 39 studies also found “possibly no difference between N95 versus surgical masks and probably no difference between surgical versus no mask in risk for influenza or influenza-like illness” in community settings.⁹

Physiological and Psychological Effects of Masks

By mechanically restricting breathing, wearing a face mask may lead to a low level of oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia) along with excessive carbon dioxide in your bloodstream (hypercapnia).

In turn, Vainshelboim wrote, “Chronic low-grade hypoxemia and hypercapnia as result of using face mask can cause exacerbation of existing cardiopulmonary, metabolic, vascular and neurological conditions.” In addition, wearing a face mask could lead to the following physiological effects: updated 05/01/21 https://www.globalresearch.ca/twitter-censors-peer-reviewed-mask-study/5743892

Yes, there were many scientific disagreements about masks and many other aspects of dealing with COVID. It is not that masks can never have any value, but their value has been often overstated, plus they often give the wearer a false sense of confidence.

Sadly, Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Google, and others in Big Tech crossed the line as they have suppressed a lot of scientific information. More censorship is coming (cf. Amos 8:11-12; see also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word).

The Bible warns about the last days that:

13 … evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13, KJV)

In addition to Big Tech, the mainstream media has often misled the public on many things associated with COVID-19.

Notice a report of a study from Johns Hopkins:

Massive Johns Hopkins study: Lockdowns, masks, closures did NOT reduce death

February 1, 2022

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of thousands of studies to determine whether or not there is empirical evidence to support the belief that “lockdowns” reduce COVID-19 mortality.

They concluded that such policies are “ill-founded” and should be “rejected.”

“While this meta-analysis concludes that lockdowns have had little to no public health effects, they have imposed enormous economic and social costs where they have been adopted,” the researchers wrote in the abstract. “In consequence, lockdown policies are ill-founded and should be rejected as a pandemic policy instrument.”

The meta-analysis, titled “A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Lockdowns on COVID-19 Mortality,” began by identifying 18,590 studies that potentially could support the belief that lockdowns reduce COVID-19 mortality. …

They found lockdowns in Europe and the United States reduced COVID mortality by only 0.2% on average and shelter-in-place orders by an average of 2.9%. There was no “broad-based evidence” showing non-pharmaceutical interventions had any noticeable effect on COVID mortality. https://www.dailyangle.com/articles/massive-johns-hopkins-study-lockdowns-masks-closures-did-not-reduce-death

Here is the abstract (summary) of the study from Johns Hopkins:

Abstract
This systematic review and meta–analysis are designed to determine whether there is empirical  evidence to support the belief that “lockdowns” reduce COVID–19 mortality. Lockdowns are defined as the imposition of at least one compulsory, non–pharmaceutical intervention (NPI). NPIs are any government mandate that directly restrict peoples’ possibilities, such as policies that limit internal movement, close schools and businesses, and ban international travel. This study employed a systematic search and screening procedure in which 18,590 studies are identified that could potentially address the belief posed. After three levels of screening, 34 studies ultimately qualified. Of those 34 eligible studies, 24 qualified for inclusion in the meta–analysis. They were separated into three groups: lockdown stringency index studies, shelter–in–place–order (SIPO) studies, and specific NPI studies. An analysis of each of these three groups support the conclusion that lockdowns have had little to no effect on COVID–19 mortality. More specifically, stringency index studies find that lockdowns in Europe and the United States only reduced COVID–19 mortality by 0.2% on average. SIPOs were also ineffective, only reducing COVID–19 mortality by 2.9% on average. Specific NPI studies also find no broad–based evidence of noticeable effects on COVID–19 mortality.

While this meta–analysis concludes that lockdowns have had little to no public health effects, they have imposed enormous economic and social costs where they have been adopted. In consequence, lockdown policies are ill–founded and should be rejected as a pandemic policy instrument. (Herby J, et al. Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Lockdowns on COVID-19 Mortality Studies in Applied Economics, No.200/January 2022)

Well, masks and lockdowns have prevented some infectious disease deaths, but also look to have been factors in increased suicides, poor mental health, and business failures, etc.

Furthermore, notice something that the Apostle Paul warned about believers:

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

Many think they have relied on science, when in reality they have been deceived.

None of this means that there is no place for masks.

But it does mean that government officials and others have misled and the Bible shows more will be misled in the future ( 1 Timothy 6:20-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

As I said in a video COVID 19 is NOT the End, but could it be The End Of The World As We Know It?

So, why were masks, lockdown, etc. pushed?

In a sense, their mandates were a dry run of what will happen in the future.

Various ones wanted to see if they used enough fear, if governments could massively control aspects of human behavior.

And, basically, many concluded that this did work.

Shortly after governments began lockdowns and requiring masks, the Continuing Church of God put out the following sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:22:34

Ten Plus Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear

Billions of people are afraid for many reasons, including COVID-19. Are any fears good? Are there mindless fears and phobias? Can autosuggestion be deceptive? Can you deal with mental torment? What are some causes of bad dreams (nightmares)? Does Satan try to exploit fears through his lies? Can the weak become strong? Were Christ’s disciples ever fearful? Are there biblical ways to deal with fear? What about spiritual fear and the ‘fear of God’? The late evangelists Dr. Herman Hoeh had an article published in 1955 titled ‘How to Conquer Your Fears?’ What are eight steps from the Apostle Peter? What did Jesus teach about worry? Are most Christians Philadelphian? What did Jesus teach about fear? What is the ultimate biblical fate for cowards? Here a the list of ten steps to help rid yourself of fear: 1. “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Changing your mental focus will help you push out fear. 2. Develop faith. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). 3. Add virtue to your faith in the power of God. You cannot hide your sins from God (cf. Psalm 90:8). 4. Add to virtue knowledge. Study the word of God, study CCOG literature, pay attention to sermons (ContinuingCOG YouTube sermon channel) and sermonettes (BibleNewsProphecy YouTube sermonette channel). 5. Add self-control to knowledge. Resist Satan and his hopes that you will walk by sight instead of faith. 6. Add patience to self-control. You may have to go through many tests and trials to build patience, but as you get through the tests and trials you should have the faith to recognize that God got you through them and that you do not need to fear. 7. Add godliness to patience. 8. Add to patience, brotherly kindness. “Let Philadelphia continue” (Hebrews 13:1). 9. Add to brotherly kindness, love. 10. Be courageous. “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). This is how YOU can conquer your fears and worries! Ask God for help to carry out His ten-fold plan to attain real peace of mind. Then there is also prayer and fasting. Yes, through God’s help you can rid yourself of fear. This sermon by Dr. Thiel covers these topics and more.

Here is a link to the sermon: Ten Plus Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear.

During COVID, World Economic Forum president Klaus Schwab wrote a book titled ‘The Great Reset,’ in which he pushed for more totalitarian control over human society.

Many agreed with him and are working more and more towards that.

UPDATE 1100: After seeing this post, a reader sent me a link that had the following:

Masking has traditionally played a very important role in occult rituals.

Among other things, the wearing of the mask over one’s mouth is a token of submission…a gesture of your willingness to be subject to others who are not your usual Sovereign.  …

The entire point of occult ritual mask-wearing is to hammer home to your subconsciousness — until it becomes completely true in your daily life — the idea that things are no longer the same, and will never be the same again. …

It’s an initiation into a new order.  But it’s also a transformation of the self into a new position in that new order.

Under the sway of the occult ritualist, you, being mouth-masked, are no longer the person you used to be.  You’re no longer a designated mouthpiece of God on this earth.  You’re suddenly demoted and re-assigned to the position of obedient subject. 

Symbolically, you become a serf in the new order.  That’s your new role…your new identity… as represented by the wearing of mask.

The wearing of the mask is simply part of the initiation ritual used to visually and psychologically signal your consent to this new arrangement.  Yes, by wearing the mask, you’re signaling your consent to accept a new and very different position in a new global order.  …

The Encyclopedia Britannica further states:

“But often the wearer [of the mask] seems to become psychologically one with the character he is helping to create. He seems to become an automaton, without his own will, which has become subservient to that of the personage of the mask.”

You might want to think about those dozens of online videos showing fully-masked hospital nurses and hospital workers participating in elaborately choreographed Tik-Tok dance videos, while simultaneously thousands of hapless coronavirus victims are supposedly dying cruel deaths and being stacked up like cord wood in those very same hospitals. 05/19/20 https://haveyenotread.com/occult-ritual-transformation-and-coronavirus/

While some of the above comments may be overstated, the occult connection related to masks is not something I have considered. But, the idea of it been part of a phase-in of a new global order is something I have considered.

Related to aspects of the totalitarian globalist push, last June, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

14:31

Globalism Conspiracy or Convergence?

In May of 2022, the World Economic Forum held a conference where thousands of the world’s elites attended, essentially in support of a ‘great reset’ to change society. In June 2022, the Bilderberg Group met essentially to do the same thing. In June 2022, Pope Francis told a group invited by Cardinal Kurt Koch, “Unity does not come about by standing still.” Whereas the Roman Catholic group, whose co-president in Marc Stengel, called for more cooperation with the United Nations and apparently supporters of Gandhi. The World Council of Churches also supports the globalist agenda as do the Freemasons and others. Could Satan be the real conspirator behind this? Will humanity be able to bring about utopia? Or can true Christian unity and utopia only come about with the return of Jesus and the Kingdom of God? Will the globalist agenda succeed for a time? Dr. Thiel addresses these and other issues.

Here is a link to that video: Globalism Conspiracy or Convergence?

The Bible warns of those who “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

We have seen a lot of this during COVID (including things such as Facebook removing one of my posts and YouTube pulling two of CCOG’s truthfully accurate videos).

Much of the ‘elite’ were never actually “following the science.”

COVID restrictions have at least been a precursor for what is coming.

Groundhog Day Celebration in Punxsutawney (Wikipedia)

COGwriter

There is an odd observance on February 2 each year in North America that is called Groundhog Day:

Groundhog Day … is a popular American tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2nd. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and winter will persist for six more weeks; but if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early.

While the tradition remains popular in modern times, studies have found no consistent correlation between a groundhog seeing its shadow and the subsequent arrival time of spring-like weather. … The Groundhog Day ceremony held at Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania, centering around a semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil, has become the most attended. (Groundhog Day, Wikipedia, accessed 04/25/20)

So, no this is not a biblical holiday, so why mention it?

Well, in 1993, there was a movie starring Bill Murray titled Groundhog Day. Since coming out, it has become a cultural icon, in a sense, in the USA and elsewhere.

Here are parts of a synopsis of the Groundhog Day movie from IMDb (Internet Movie Database):

On February 1, self-centered and sour TV meteorologist Phil Connors (Bill Murray), news producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) and cameraman Larry (Chris Elliott) from fictional Pittsburgh television station WPBH-TV9 travel to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities with Punxsutawney Phil, the Groundhog. Having grown tired of this assignment, Phil begrudgingly gives his Groundhog Day report the next day (February 2) during the festival and parade.

After the celebration concludes, a blizzard develops that Connors had predicted would miss them, closing the roads and shutting down long-distance phone services, forcing the team to return to Punxsutawney. Connors awakens the next morning, however, to find it is February 2 again, and his day unfolds in almost exactly the same way. Connors can change his behavior, but other people do and say the same things they did and said the previous day, unless Connors changes something. He is aware of the repetition, but everyone else seems to be living February 2 for the first time. This recursion repeats the following morning and the one after that, and over and over again. …

After briefly trying to rationalize his situation, and then thinking he is insane, Connors takes advantage of learning the day’s events and the information he is able to gather about the town’s inhabitants, and finds that his actions have no long-term consequences for himself. He revels in this situation for a time: seducing beautiful women, stealing money, even driving drunk and experiencing a police chase. However, his attempts to seduce his producer, Rita, are met with repeated failures. He begins to tire of, and then dread, his existence, starting the day by smashing the alarm clock and professing the inanity of Groundhog Day as a holiday in his newscast. (Groundhog Day, 1993. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/plotsummary)

Yes, Bill Murray’s character Phil Connors displayed what was warned about in the last days by the Apostle Paul:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (2 Timothy 3:1-2, NKJV throughout)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, (Galatians 5:19)