Church of God News

COGwriter

A week from now is March 17th, which often observed as St. Patrick’s Day. Some see it as a Roman Catholic holiday, while others mainly an Irish holiday.

Normally, it has become a major drinking holiday.

It has health risks:

On St. Patrick’s Day, emergency room staffers prepare themselves for an uptick in patients, likely with several of them injured themselves in some sort of hilarious calamity. It differs from holidays such as Christmas or New Year’s, when patients in need of emergency care often wait a day or two before seeking it, preferring to wait for a more “convenient” time, said Dr. Michael Lynch, a toxicologist and an emergency physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The holiday is on a Friday this year, allowing millions to perhaps take their celebration of Irish heritage to the next — and possibly painful — level.

“It’s not a fun day to work because of the number of alcohol-related injuries,” said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan.

“A lot of these people are law-abiding people, professionals who just got carried away,” said Dr. Rahul Sharma, the emergency physician in chief at New York–Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “Many times, it’s embarrassing for them.”

Beware of green food coloring

One St. Patrick’s Day, Glatter witnessed a group of advertising executives panicking after they had lunch outside the office, he said.

During the meal, they decided to take part in the day’s festivities by drinking green beer. The food coloring altered the appearance of not only the beer but the executives’ teeth as well — just before an important meeting.

“Four or five of them came to the ER,” Glatter said. “They were freaking out because they had to see the client.”

The food coloring stained the plaque buildup on their teeth, he said, and getting rid of it was no easy task.

“It takes time,” Glatter said. “It doesn’t go away immediately.”

Even with whitening strips, mouthwash, toothbrush and toothpaste, it can still take up to a week for the coloring to disappear and teeth to return to their normal shade, he said.

“People do stupid things on St. Patrick’s Day,” Glatter said. “And certainly the novelty of different foods is something that is interesting.” 03/17/17 http://abcnews.go.com/US/st-patricks-day-tales-emergency-room/story?id=46153678

According to AAA (an automobile association) and police departments, this is a dangerous holiday:

AAA and Bud Light Urge Motorists Not to Rely on Luck in Order to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Safely

TAMPA, Fla. – St. Patrick’s Day has ended in tragedy for many Americans over the past few years. Between 2009 and 2013, 276 lives were lost on this holiday due to drunk-driving crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“We are asking all motorists to plan ahead this St. Patrick’s Day if they are going to be away from home and drinking,” said Gerry Gutowski, senior vice president, Automotive Services, The Auto Club Group. “That means having a Designated Driver, staying where you are celebrating, or arranging for another form of sober transportation.”

St.Patrick’s Day revelers beware—cops cracking down on DUI drivers

Police across the Southland plan to be out in force Thursday, cracking down on motorists who decide to try their luck driving while under the influence on St. Patrick’s Day.

Multiple Southland agencies have announced plans to saturate streets with officers as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” anti-DUI campaign.

St. Patrick’s Day is among the most deadly in terms of alcohol-fueled accidents, according to the federal agency. During St. Patty’s periods from 2010 to 2014, 266 people were killed nationwide in DUI-related wrecks, according to the NHTSA. .http://mynewsla.com/crime/2016/03/17/st-patricks-day-revelers-beware-cops-cracking-down-on-dui-drivers/

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – If you plan on going downtown for St. Patrick’s Day, local law enforcement will also be joining you. An IMPD spokesperson says the agency will be stepping up patrols and enforcement over the weekend.

“You’re going to see an increased uniform presence, your also going to have a tactical, or covert presence. And those things are there to mitigate any kind of danger to you. We won’t talk about those but they’re there,” IMPD Sgt. Christopher Wilburn said.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to downtown bars and eateries over the weekend for a combination of St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness festivities. Wilburn says that can mean an increase in heavy drinking, fights and drunk driving. … According to ISP, St. Patrick’s Day last year weekend had the highest number of crashes involving impaired drivers. 03/16/18 http://cbs4indy.com/2018/03/16/impd-isp-stepping-up-patrols-for-st-patricks-day-weekend/

“We’ve had several road checks already this week,” Trooper Denton said. “Just an example, we arrested 13 D.U.I.’s in a matter of three hours in Pooler yesterday. Just pulling up to a road check and being impaired and people thinking they are ok to drive.”

Trooper Denton says traffic stops usually start with other minor violations like no headlights or texting and driving. Then, law enforcement says it can quickly turn into a DUI investigation with just smelling alcohol on the driver’s breath.

“There’s about the same amount of people. Every year it seems like it gets bigger. People just go out and make bad choices and they end up paying the price for it.” http://www.wtoc.com/2019/03/17/law-enforcement-cracks-down-underage-drinking-during-festivities/

Aside from its non-biblical origins and driving dangers, what else is wrong with St. Patrick’s Day?

Its focus is non-appropriate. Notice a couple of headlines:

Main Street Bars Prepare St. Patrick’s Day Festivities

St. Patrick’s Day events planned: Leprechaun Olympics, pub crawl

Do the Irish feel compelled to drink Guinness on St Patrick’s Day?

The Guardian

Irish people will feel compelled to drink alcohol to celebrate St Patrick’s Day this Sunday whether they want to or not; even those who declare themselves as teetotal for the rest of the year.

Notice something about past ‘celebrations’:

St. Patrick’s Day has evolved from its Irish-Catholic roots of observing the country’s patron saint into one of the biggest global parties of the year. In fact, few countries celebrate as hard as we do right here in the U.S.A. But have we taken the good-natured celebration too far in another direction?

A Costly Celebration

An estimated 133 million people were expected to join the holiday celebrations this year, and St. Patrick’s Day spending overall was predicted to grow to $4.8 billion in the United States. Wondering how that much money is spent on a non gift-giving holiday? As you probably guessed, alcohol is a main contributor. In 2012, it was estimated that beer brewers alone took in $245 million in St. Patrick’s Day sales. That means 1% of all annual U.S. beer sales came from just this one day.

The dollar amounts are staggering, but they aren’t the only St. Patrick’s Day numbers that should give you cause for pause. On Saturday, March 8, police made 73 arrests after converging on a crowd of more than 4,000 students partying in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day at UMass Amherst. Despite the best efforts of schools to proactively combat the heavy drinking associated with this holiday, like scheduling spring breaks that overlap with it or paying local bars not to serve alcohol on the day, college communities continue to struggle with the chaos of mid-March festivities. https://www.thewatershed.com/blog/st-patricks-day-illuminates-dark-dangers-of-binge-drinking/

Notice what the Apostle Peter wrote:

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles — when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. (1 Peter 4:1-3)

Is not “St. Patrick’s Day” a time focused on revelry, drinking parties, and drunkenness? Is not that something that the Apostle Peter said real Christians would no longer participate in?

According to the Apostle Paul, such people will not be in the Kingdom of God:

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

Since heavy drinking is associated with St. Patrick’s Day, perhaps the following may give some people pause:

March 17, 2018

Excessive drinking can kill you — and claims the lives of an estimated 88,000 Americans per year, according to a first-of-its-kind study.

That’s 1 in 10 deaths in working-age adults — and more than half are related to binge drinking.

If you find this sobering, keep reading. Some 37 million adults — about 17 percent — reported binge drinking, according to the study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. …

A binge drinker typically drinks about once a week, drinking seven drinks within two hours.

Let’s define binge drinking: for men, it’s having five or more alcoholic drinks in a two-hour window; women need to drink at least four drinks in that span for it be considered binging. …

The dangers of binge drinking can range from social issues like unintentional injuries, interpersonal violence and suicide. More dangerously, the higher risks alcohol poisoning, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease — like heart attack and stroke — cancer and liver diseases like cirrhosis.

“This study shows that binge drinkers are … greatly increasing their chances of harming themselves and others,” said Robert Brewer, M.D., M.S.P.H., lead researcher in CDC’s alcohol program. “The findings also show the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to prevent binge drinking.” http://abcnews.go.com/Health/america-binge-175-billion-drinks-worth-study/story?id=53795860

The Bible warns against drunkenness, and that would include binge drinking as well as other aspects of ‘St. Patrick’s Day’:

20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. (Proverbs 23:20-21)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles — when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. (1 Peter 4:3-4)

11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner — not even to eat with such a person. (1 Corinthians 5:11)

St. Patrick’s Day is NOT Christian.

Furthermore, notice something that the bishops of Ireland released (the portion in italics was a translation provided in the news item):

We pray through the intercession of our national patron, St Patrick, for the faith and well-being of the people of Ireland. Saint Patrick was called to serve and bring God to a people far from his homeland. As Saint Patrick’s Day is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics in Ireland, the best way to honour him is to attend Mass. …

We pray the blessings of the feast of Patrick on all the people of Ireland. We think especially of all our people who are exiles far from home: may the Christian faith of Patrick be their support and comfort always. We pray also through the intercession of Saint Patrick, for the many people who have come into this country in recent years seeking shelter, asylum and a new life: may the welcome amongst us they receive be generous; let us see to that, as people of God and of Saint Patrick. http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/bishops-of-ireland-say-st-patrick-s-day-is-time-to-pray-for-migrants

Notice that the bishops are saying to pray to Patrick, for his intercession and comfort from him. The Bible is clear that there is only one mediator and that this can only be Jesus:

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV).

For there is one God, one also mediator of God and men, man Christ JESUS (1 Timothy 2:5, RNT).

Thus any others who claim to be a mediator, or the type of intercessor that the Irish bishops are referring to, clearly contradict the Bible (from both the Catholic and Protestant translations) and CANNOT BE OF GOD.

Despite what the Bible teaches, the Protestant publication “Christianity Today” seems to think it is acceptable to celebrate as one article at its website states:

Patrick the Saint
Behind the fanciful legends of the fifth-century British missionary stands a man worthy of embellishment (Cagney, Mary. Patrick the Saint).

Each year millions of people observe St. Patrick’s Day, but those in the Continuing Church of God, do not. We observe the Holy Days that God enjoined in the Bible and urge others to do so as well. A video is also available: Should Christians Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Let me add that the biggest hazard for most, is that those who observe St. Patrick’s Day do not take God’s Holy Days or His plan of salvation seriously enough.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Why The Continuing Church of God Does Not Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day Should non-Catholics observe a Catholic holiday? What did Patrick write and stand for? A related video is also available: Should Christians Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to four related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Alcohol: Blessing or Curse? This is an article from the old Good News magazine that attempts to answer this question.
Binge Drinking, Health, and the Bible Many college students and others overindulge in alcohol. Are there health risks? What does the Bible teach? A related video is also available: Binge Drinking and the Bible.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church. Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, and What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, and Early Heresies and Heretics, and Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, and Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, and Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L’Histoire Continue de l’Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Keeping Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread How should Christians keep Passover, especially if they are by themselves. Why does the Church of God not require lambs for Passover? How does one keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? For a step-by-step video for Christians to keep it, check out CCOG Passover Service. Here is a link to a related article in the Spanish language: Guardando la Pascua y los Días de los Panes sin Levadura.
Preparing for Passover The Apostle Paul taught that Christians should examine themselves prior to taking Passover. This YouTube video sermon gives suggestions on how to prepare.
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins? There is also a detailed YouTube video available titled History of the Christian Passover.
The Passover Plot What was the first Passover plot? Which plots have Islam and the Greco-Roman faiths perpetuated about Passover? A sermon video of related interest is The Passover Plots, Including Easter.
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well. Here is a related sermon, also titled Melito’s Homily on the Passover.
TPM: Passover on the 14th or 15th? While the real COG observes Passover on the 14th, some observe it on the 15th. Why is the 14th correct? A related sermon is titled Is Passover on the 14th or 15th for Christians?
The Night to Be Observed What is the night to be much observed? When is it? Why do Jews keep Passover twice and emphasize the wrong date? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled The Night to Be Observed.
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers. Here is a YouTube video intended to be viewed for the first day of unleavened bread: Christians and the Days of Unleavened Bread.
Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. A related sermon is Which Spring Days should Christians observe?

Jewish mosaic of the 5th century (Jim Haberman)

COGwriter

While most people seem to understand that many of the descendants of Judah are in the nation currently called Israel, various ones these days deny that. But those that deny it are wrong. They often seem to have an anti-Semitic and/or a racial agenda.

Here is a bodyguard for a US politician who is denying that:

Cori Bush’s Bodyguard Says He Can’t Be Anti-Semitic Because He’s a Jewish High Priest

March 9, 2023

Nathaniel Davis, who claims he’s 109 trillion years old and that Jews control the world,  … added another line to his résumé: his status as a Jewish “high priest.” …

Davis, who claims he is a 109 trillion-year-old spiritual guru named Aha Sen Piankhy, demanded the Free Beacon retract a report on his relationship with Bush and history of advancing anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Davis, a former member of the vehemently anti-Semitic New Black Panther Party, said it’s impossible for him to be anti-Semitic because he himself is a member of the Tribe of Issachar, one of the lost tribes of Israel.

“That makes me Hebrew. How can I be anti-Semitic?” Davis asked the Free Beacon, adding “You’re literally dealing with the priesthood, literally.” …

Davis’s Facebook page is replete with other posts spreading conspiracies about the Rothschild family as a whole. In one post, he claimed the family “is the reason Armageddon will happen,” as part of “a business ploy for the one world government.”

He later accused former president Donald Trump of being a “puppet” in a Jan. 10, 2020, Facebook post linking to a YouTube video titled “Rothschild funded both sides of every war.”

Still, the St. Louis, Missouri, spiritual guru maintained that he can’t be anti-Semitic.

“If you could retract the whole anti-Semite, because I’m not, man. I’m not,” Davis said. “I got bar mitzvah’ed in this city. There’s no way I can be anti-Semite. No way. You didn’t complete your homework.” https://freebeacon.com/democrats/cori-bushs-bodyguard-says-he-cant-be-anti-semitic-because-hes-a-jewish-high-priest/

Well, literally, the high priest comes from the tribe of Levi, not Issachar.

Claiming Issachar is interesting as many in what could be called the Black Hebrew movement claim the Mexicans came from Issachar as the following shows:

Poster outlining the Black Hebrew Israelite identification of the Twelve Tribes of Israel with modern peoples of color
(Streetphotographernyctlv)

Note that they also claim that Puerto Rico is Ephraim, but Puerto Rico really is not a “multitude of nations” (Genesis 48:19b) as Ephraim was prophesied to be (which is why the United Kingdom best fits for Ephraim). Nor is Puerto Rico “greater” (Genesis 48:19c) than Cuba, which it would have to be if Cuba was Manasseh as the Black Hebrew Israelites assert (the USA best fits the prophecies for Manasseh–see also the 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?).

That said, there are Black Hebrew groups that assert Issachar was black and not Mexican–basically because some incorrectly claim that Jacob and Leah were Negros (e.g. Mexicans are NOT Hebrews, Issachar was BLACK. – YouTube).

‘Black Israelite’ groups (and some others) have falsely asserted that the ancient Jews were mainly black Africans. Some groups have falsely asserted that the majority in the nation of Israel are not Jews based on various misunderstandings of scripture and/or migration histories.

Specifically, many claim that the real Jews, those that they claim are from the Tribe of Judah are “American Negroes” (Amanfo A. Making History: The Sephardi Jewish Orphans of Sao-Tome and the African -American Appropriation of their Story the African -American Appropriation of their Story Dissertation, Florida International University, March 26, 2019)—and that other Jews are not really Jews—while some others claim they are mainly blacks in various parts of Africa. That is not the case from many reasons.

Yet, this does not mean that there are no black Israelites or black Jews. Because of a mixed multitude joining the Israelites when they left Egypt (Exodus 12:38), plus the fact that some Jews did move into parts of Africa and interbred, there are some black Jews. There are also some black Israelites from the other tribes for the same reason.

However, the majority of modern Israelites and Jews do not appear to be of the Negroid/African race nor were the original Israelites or Jews. The idea that Jews are black is also based on the wrong belief that Judah’s parents Jacob and Leah were Negros (e.g. Mexicans are NOT Hebrews, Issachar was BLACK. – YouTube)–but that was not the case.

As I have mentioned before, it can be clearly proven that the ancient Jews (descendants of Judah) were not black. Because some make that claim, I located some photos of 1st century A.D. coins–the century Jesus was executed in. After General Titus conquered Jerusalem in 70 A.D., Emperor Vespasian issued coins–the back side of which shows conquered Jews:

Titus on left, Jewish man on bottom right (CNG coins)

Vespasian on left, captured Jewish soldiers on right, 71 A.D. (CNG coins)

Notice the the Jews were not African (which is clear from the hair of the man on the first coin as well as the hair of the man to the left of the second coin). The second coin inscription in Latin Ivdea means Judea. These coins are clear evidence that the Jews of the first century–like Jesus–were not black Africans.

If most Jews of Jesus’ time were black, the coins would have been expected to portray that–but they do not. These are absolute proof.

Unless Nathaniel Davis has some Issachar heritage (and since most American blacks have some European ancestry it is possible), he is not of Issachar.

Issachar was the fifth son of Jacob’s wife Leah. Here is some information related to Issachar in my 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?:

Issachar: Western Finland

Leah’s fifth son was named Issachar, basically meaning habitation (Genesis 30:17-18).

Jacob prophesied:

¹⁴ “Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between two burdens; ¹⁵ He saw that rest was good, And that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, And became a band of slaves. (Genesis 49:14-15)

Here are a couple of claims related to the identification of Issachar, the second of which is from 1957:

Finland has been identified … as … especially Issachar.[i]

Issachar … Jacob continues: “For he saw a resting-place that it was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and he BOWED HIS SHOULDER TO BEAR, and became a SERVANT UNDER “… (Gen. 49:14-15.) … Such is Finland. Finland is the ONLY nation that has voluntarily taken the full responsibility of her debts. She is today paying off a huge indemnity to Russia. Her land is pleasant and good, not extraordinarily rich. According to Deuteronomy 33:19 she derives wealth from fishing and from hidden treasures of the sand gigantic peat bogs and the finest sand for glass-making. Issachar is not a colonizing people they dwell pastorally “in tents,” said Moses.[ii]

Finland is located next to Russia.

Moses declared:

¹⁸  “Rejoice, … Issachar in your tents! ¹⁹ They shall call the peoples to the mountain; There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas And of treasures hidden in the sand.” (Deuteronomy 33:18-19)

As far as rejoicing goes, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Finland is reliant on seaborne trade. It is among the world leaders in ship technology and ship operations, particularly for arctic and harsh environments. As far as treasures in the sand go, Finland is involved in seabed mineral extraction in the sand as well as the deep sea.

[i] Davidy. The Tribes, p. 217

[ii] Hoeh HL. LOCATION OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL Ambassador College, 1957

That said, even if Nathaniel Davis does have Issachar heritage, he is not the “Jewish High Priest” as he now seems to be claiming.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Were the Ancient Tribes of Israel Black? Was Jesus Black? Some claim this is so. But what do the Bible and ancient artifacts show? Here is a link to a related sermon video: Were Ancient Hebrews Black? What About Jesus?
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; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach? Here is a link to a related sermon titled Race and Grace; Do you view race as God does? Watch also Mystery of Race.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
Will the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future. A sermon of related interest is also available: Canada in Prophecy.
Australia and New Zealand in Prophecy Do biblical prophecies help explain the wealth blessings for Australia and New Zealand? Might cursings from disobedience come in the 21st century? Here is a link to a related sermon: Australia and New Zealand: Origins and Prophecy.
The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben: France in Prophecy? What is the origin of this in France? What is prophesied to happen to them? A two-part sermon related to history and prophecy is available online: The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben and France and Prophecy.
Ten clues tying Belgium and Luxembourg with the tribe of Asher Who did some in Belgium and Luxembourg descend from?
Ten clues tying Zebulun with the Dutch Who did some in the Netherlands descend from?
Ten Prophetic Clues Concerning Naphtali – Sweden Do the Swedes have any ties to the biblical tribe of Naphtali? Some think so
‘Ten Prophetic Clues Concerning Dan – the Irish’ Not part of the ‘144,000’ Could the Irish and Danes have descent from the tribe of Dan?
Could Switzerland by descended from Gad? Is it really prepared for what is prophecied? This article has clues.

Ukrainian border guards in Bakhmut. pic.twitter.com/ldk8B9vNqI

— Paul Jawin (@PaulJawin) March 9, 2023

COGwriter

ZeroHedge posted the following:

Russia’s Huge ‘Retaliation’ Strikes Include Hypersonic Missiles As NATO Sees Bakhmut Falling “In Coming Days”

March 9, 2023

Russian forces have at this point taken full control of the eastern part of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut as one of the bloodiest battles of the year-long war appears close to ending.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has since acknowledged that Bakhmut might fall to Russian forces in the “coming days” amid reports of rapid gains, which has been spearheaded by the Russian mercenary outfit Wagner Group. “We cannot rule out that Bakhmut may eventually fall in the coming days,” Stoltenberg told a press briefing in Stockholm. But like with statements from Pentagon generals of late, he quickly tried to downplay the city’s strategic importance.

Stoltenberg described that its capture by the Russian military won’t “necessarily reflect any turning point of the war”.

The Kyiv Independent recently interviewed soldiers on the frontline and issued a surprisingly blunt assessment (given it’s obviously a news source on the Ukrainian side) that Ukrainian soldiers are by and large “unprepared, poorly-trained battalions being thrown into the front line meat grinder to survive as best they could with little support from armored vehicles, mortars, artillery, drones and tactical information.”

Russia appears to be capitalizing on its momentum in the Donetsk region, by many accounts firing what’s possibly the largest barrage of missiles so far this year. The Wall Street Journal reports Thursday:

Russia fired dozens of missiles at Kyiv and other regions across Ukraine overnight, striking civilian infrastructure and the country’s defense industry in one of the biggest barrages this year as its forces continued to claw more territory in the east.

Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhny, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, said Russia had launched 81 missiles of different varieties from air, land and sea, in addition to eight Iranian-made attack drones. Four of the drones and 34 cruise missiles were intercepted, Gen. Zaluzhny said.

And according to a note via Goldman Sachs commenting on the attack which spanned at least ten regions, “Russia launched a large wave of missile strikes across Ukraine although US intelligence chiefs said Russia likely to downgrade its ambitions in Ukraine to hanging onto seized territory.”

In a Thursday statement, Russia’s defense ministry called this new, expansive missile barrage a retaliation strike for cross-border sabotage and terror attacks earlier this month in the Bryansk border region. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/russias-expansive-retaliation-strikes-include-hypersonic-missiles-stoltenberg-says

Back in 2014 I warned about Russia taking military action in Ukraine (Thiel B. Putin declares Crimea is an inalienable part of Russia, while Moldova’s Trans-Dniester region pleads to join Russia. COGwriter, March 18, 2014).

Why?

Notice something 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?:

Moldova      Chaldeans/Madai …

Russia          Madai/Mesech …

Ukraine       Elam/Madai …

Slavic peoples tended to descend through those called Sarmatians, [i] which look to have descended from the biblical Elam and Madai.[ii]

The Slavic nations are in lands south and east of the Benelux nations—so consistent with Daniel 8:9, many in Slavic Europe will support the end time European power. …

That being said, some Elamites are believed to have been the progenitors of the Serbs,[iii] but some part of the Medes (from Madai) may also have been involved.

According to Herodotus, there were numerous tribes of the Medes.[iv] …

Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus tend to be considered as East Slavs. They tend to be descended from Japheth’s sons Madai, Tubal, Mechech, and Gomer (Genesis 10:2).

All of which have descendants in Russia. Belarus seems to have mainly descended from Madai (or possibly Midian).

There were numerous tribes of the Medes (which descended from Madai) with the Buzhians in the northwest part of Ukraine.[v]

Russia, which is both in Europe and Asia, will, for a time, prosper through trade with the coming European Beast (as will Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine). …

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, some in Moldova, perhaps some from the nation of Georgia, and some in Iran, etc.

Anciently, “Darius the Mede” (Daniel 5:31) conquered the old Babylon—modern “Medes” will help do the same to the end-time daughter of Babylon.

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. There are also nations that will be confederate with it. … When the “daughter of Babylon” is in the process of falling, many will abandon supporting it.

[i] McNair, Key to Northwest Origins

[ii] White C. In Search of … The Origin of Nations. History Research Projects, p. 283

[iii] White C. In Search of … The Origin of Nations, p. 287

ivi] Herodotos I-3. Edited by A.H. Sayce. The Ancient Empires of the East. MacMillan & Co., 1883, p. 62

[i] White C. In Search of … The Origin of Nations, p. 273

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).

Both Russia and the European Union want Ukraine and Moldova. And both have now applied to be part of the EU, but Russia does not like that.

The European Union wants nearly all of continental Europe to be part of it, and that includes Ukraine and Moldova. Moldova is a land, which like Ukraine, some in the west see as a ‘buffer’ against Russia because of geographic proximity.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, wants all the former Soviet states, including Moldova and Ukraine, to become part of Russia or at least part of his Eurasian Economic Union.

Some areas will, ultimately according to scripture, align with Russia.

Yet, the Bible also teaches that the European Beast power will expand to the south and the east.

Notice that, in Daniel 8, the Bible prophesied that a little horn would mainly expand south and east:

9 And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. 10 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. (Daniel 8:9-12).

And while the above has had a past fulfillment, this prophecy seems to be dual (compare with Daniel 11:27-39). The European Union has mainly expanded south and east of the Benelux nations (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)–which is where it initially formed. Now, approximately 447 million people are under a new, single (though not completed united) government, called the European Union, headquartered in Brussels. Ukraine is mainly east of much of the EU–thus its geography is consistent with at least some of it being part of the EU. And Moldova and Georgia are south and east, which is also consistent.

In the old Radio Church of God, the late evangelist Dr. Hoeh taught that this little horn of Daniel 8 was the power that would become the final King of the North:

Turn in your Bible to verse 9: “And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.” …

The King of the North

The little horn in Daniel 8 is none other than the LAST KING of one of the four divisions of Alexander’s Empire. He is, in fact, the final “King of the North” described in Daniel 11. (Hoeh H. The 2300 Days. Plain Truth, August 1965)

It looks like at least part of Moldova and Ukraine will support the Europeans, at least for a time.

However, at least part of those both land look like they will ultimately align with Russia.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
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 and a video sermonette available: 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? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now? Another could be Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code).
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’.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a related YouTube video titled Iran In Prophecy. Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Other videos include: Armageddon Will it come on Trump’s watch?, Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy, Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome, Is China paving roads to Armageddon?, and Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.
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.

(Source: PublicDomainPictures.net)

COGWriter

Jesus promised to return.

But when?

Is this something we should even ask about?

Biblically, the answer to that last question is yes.

Here are some comments from Joseph Farah, editor of World Net Daily:

Jesus is coming soon – here’s the proof

March 8, 2023 7:03 pm

Jesus is coming soon – and, boy, has He had it with this world.

I don’t know if it’ll be seven years or slightly more – maybe even less. Things could get much worse.

If you’re not familiar with what Jesus said about the state of the world before He’s had enough, listen up – or read it for yourself.

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you,” He said. “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

Deception. Have we ever lived in a world that was more deceptive – when people are literally going to and fro spreading disinformation with abandon?  …

We have government, not just in the United States of America, but almost everywhere, sowing delusion about sex. Whereas God made people with one of two sexes, in 2023, we now are told that there are 94 genders and still counting. Children are asked routinely, even as pre-schoolers, to identify themselves to teachers, not necessarily to parents, with one or more of these labels. These are innocent kids who can’t even read and don’t know any better. They are being programmed, indoctrinated.  …

Once they have kids buying into this perversion, then comes the chemical and barbaric surgical treatments they don’t need to tell their parents about – castration and breast removal and permanent disfigurement. It’s big money, and the government pays the tab. … It’s a real-life horror show. …

Jesus came to earth and told us about deception. But that’s only the start. It’s going to get worse – believe it or not. Much worse. …

Jesus said in Matthew 24:13-14. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

He even told us when He would come – and what to do and which book to read, in Matthew 15: “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:).”

I know it’s a little confusing but not as confusing as this world. I won’t try to explain it all today. But He is near – virtually at the door now.

It’s time to repent. That’s all you have to do. https://www.wnd.com/2023/03/jesus-coming-soon-proof/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=wnd-breaking&utm_campaign=breaking&utm_content=breaking&ats_es=8160cb18756bb21ba7980626094ab371

No, the return of Jesus will not be less than seven years from now. But it may not be more than that.

Related to the perverse sexual agenda being pushed, that is in line with what God inspired the Apostle Paul to write related to the last days:

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5, KJV)

Abortion and the LGBTQ+ movements are without natural affection. Those involved in pushing those things also tend to be “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, … false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”

As far as the return of Jesus, notice something from the Gospels:

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (Matthew 24:3-5, NKJV here and for other scriptural quotes that follow)

Just like nearly all of you, the disciples wanted to know. But also notice that Jesus said to be careful about being deceived, including by people who teach that Jesus is the Christ.

There are a lot of religious hobbyists and some have lengthy and biblically-flawed errors when it comes to end time prophecy.

For one example, notice that a place called Christian Video Magazine, put out a video with the following false title:

5 SIGNS that CHRIST WILL RETURN IN 2023 l The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz6VAu-H5eY accessed 11/27/22

The above also claimed that the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine was one of the five signs.

No, not related to 2023 it was not. Jesus is not coming in 2023. Nor did the wrongly titled video actually state Jesus would return in 2023–thus the title and premise were wrong.

Here is something from a Protestant website in 2022 about 2023:

The Revelation 12:1&2 astronomical sign which actually happened on September 23, 2017, as noted on the previous page, is the last heavenly sign referenced in the Bible and it’s the only one that was labeled “Great”. In Jan.2019, I was prompted, I’m guessing by the Holy Spirit, to consider the question, “what if this Rev.12 Great Sign date itself, 9/23/17, is a sign!” Surly it means something! We’re talking about a Great & Wondrous End-Time Sign that was orchestrated by God!! Surly He did not just choose this date randomly! Via Biblical Numerology the #9 represents ‘Finality, Divine Completeness, or Judgment‘. The #17 denotes ‘The Perfection of Spiritual Order‘. The #23 doesn’t possess any special biblical significance, however, maybe the combination could point to the Completion of the “age of grace”, the Rapture, &/or Judgment in 2023! …

Additionally, on April 8, 2024 North America will experience a total solar eclipse. It and the total solar eclipse of 2017 (7 yrs earlier & the same year as the Great Sign) will form an ominous “X” over the United States! With the large number of Christians residing in the U.S., that could mean that a rapture in 2023 might result in the demise of the U.S. in 2024!

2/13/19:  Today I awoke at 6:23. – Maybe I finally received my 3rd confirmation!? …

3/4/19:  Upon ordering David Jeremiah’s The Book of Signs, I noticed my credit card expiration date, 09/23. September 2023!! WOW! …

It could certainly seem logical that Psalm 23 could be pointing to a 2023 rapture! …

Did God give us this date of the 23rd as a clue similar to that of the Rev.12 Great Sign date of 9/23/17? Are they pointing to the year 2023? …

1) 1Thes.4:16&17 is theprominent & most important scripture pointing to our rapture, – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, & with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” “Then we which are alive & remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” Moreover, 5:23 talks of “the coming of our Lord“, which might just allude to a 2023 Rapture. …

6) The relevance of the #17 is scripturally represented in two particular passages where we have 7 negatives vs 10 positives. Both of these scriptures could personify a rapture:
a) Romans 8:35-39, “What can separate us from the love of Christ? – Nothing!”.
b) Hebrews 12:18-24, the Old vs the New dispensations are contrasted.
7) Finally, we also have the #17 incorporated in the date of the Great Rev.12 Sign itself, 9/23/17. By a simple transposition type decipherization, we have Sept.17, 2023!! Like a sign hidden in plain sight! …

 Leviticus Chapter 23 talks of God’s 7 Feasts. …

Thus we have the following:
120 is the 15th triangular number, (disciples in the Upper Room, post-resurrection)
153 is the 17th triangular number, (fish in Peter’s net, post-resurrection. The Resurrection #)
276 is the 23rd triangular number, (lives saved on Paul’s shipwreck at Malta Acts 27:34-37)
666 is the 36th triangular number, (number of the Beast or Anti-Christ)
As noted, 153 & 276 deal with salvation and AMAZINGLY, we not only have our Rapture day again, the 17th, but we also have the year 2023!!! Also, when we look at the sum of the 4 numbers (1215), 1+2+1+5 is equal to ‘9’. And thus again, we have the full date of our Rapture, September 17, 2023! …

Moreover, I believe this 2023 rapture scenario has been overwhelmingly supported by scripture, particularly the Rev.12 Great Sign, the Book of Esther, Micah 7:1-6, the 153 fish of John 21:11, & the profound significance of all the Verses 16&17 number combinations. Each of these taken separately could seem coincidental, but taken together they point to a true prophetic revelation. Granted, Satan could likely counterfeit coincidences, but I don’t believe he could vilify scripture. There is now absolutely no doubt in my mind that God wants this date, September 16&17, 2023, made known & set in stone! …

Jan.12, 2022 an article in Biblical News by Adam Berkowitz reported that a prominent mystic-numerologist from Jerusalem, Rabbi Yekutiel Fish, has proved that the year 2023 (5783 AM), which will start in September 2022, will be the final Jubilee before the arrival of the Messiah. Rabbi Fish attributed this teaching to a Rabbi Oren Evron, another prominent mystic-numerologist.

https://www.333-godsendtimesosministry.org/rapture-sept-17-2023.html accessed 12/04/22

No, not one of the above “confirmations” is a biblical “sign” nor are they valid. Jesus will not be returning in 2023. Trying to tie the biblical Holy Days in still does not point to September 23, 2023, which does not fall on any of them. The fact that the above author is convinced is irrelevant as Jesus’ return is not possible in 2023. The so-called ‘final jubilee’ ending in 2023 is speculation and I do not believe it is accurate. But even if it were, it is not proof of Jesus’ return then. Jesus gave signs and calculating years of a jubilee was not one of them.

One of the reasons I posted about this is because of the attempt to tie biblical Holy Days, as well as the Jubilee, in with this.  We saw a lot of this in 2014 and 2015 related to blood moons and a claimed Shemitah year–which I denounced back then.

Jesus is NOT coming in 2023 or 2024.

But are we closer to the end?

Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:11-12)

Everyday we are closer to the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the millennial kingdom of God, which will be preceded by a time called ‘the end.’

Are we at the end now?

Notice specific events that precede the end. Notice more that Jesus said:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-7)

Currently, we appear to be in the time that Jesus called the BEGINNING of sorrows. And while that is closer to the end, the end is not yet.

Notice what happens after the beginning of sorrows:

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:9-14)

The above has not yet happened. A time of persecution is coming and the gospel will be preached in all the world as a witness. Once God believes that has happened to the degree He intended, notice that is when the end will come.

Then notice some specific signs that precede the start of the great tribulation as well as how bad a time the end will be:

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:15-22)

Jesus referred to Daniel’s mentioning of the abomination. Here are only the scriptures Daniel wrote mentioning the abomination and desolation:

26 … And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate (Daniel 9:26b-27a)

31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)

Well, that covenant peace deal of Daniel 9:27 has not be made, nor confirmed, and hence not yet broken. Furthermore, animal sacrifices have not even started, so those that are prophesied obviously have not been stopped. Since none of those events of Daniel 9:26-27, 11:31, etc. have occurred–and all have to take place before the Great Tribulation as well as before Jesus returns–we know Jesus cannot return for at least seven-years.

Why at least seven years?

The “prophetic week” of Daniel 9:27 has long been correctly understood to refer to a seven-year period of time by Church of God, Protestant, and Roman Catholic scholars.

Notice also something that Jesus taught about His return:

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31)

Notice that Jesus returns AFTER the tribulation–and He is referring to after the time of the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord–which take 3 1/2 years. Since the Great Tribulation has not begun, Jesus cannot return before 2026. Since the “seven-year” peace deal of Daniel 9:27 has not been made nor confirmed yet, Jesus actually cannot return before 2030. And unless certain signs appear within the next twelve months, 2030 is too early.

So should we give up caring about this?

No!

Jesus said that His followers should watch so that they could know when the end would be, as well as escape what is coming:

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

The Bible clearly teaches that the “end of the world” will come and that there will be specific events Christians should look to see which will let them know. The Bible also clearly teaches that those who properly watch, pray, and live their life as Jesus wants them to can be protected from the coming tribulation. (As far as who will be protected and where they will be protected, please check out the article There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra.)

Believe Jesus. He is coming soon, but do not fall for assertions or complicated calculations or those claiming God’s Spirit somehow told them something to the contrary.

We put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

14:45

Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024?

Will Jesus ever return? Various ones, including certain Protestants and Muslims have pointed to 2023 as the year He will. But are they looking at the wrong things? Can we see a 2023 or 2024 rapture? How about September 17, 2023? What are the signs that Jesus said to look for that precede His return? What parts of the Book of Daniel did Jesus say to look to? Have we seen any of those signs yet? Does Jesus come before or after the tribulation? Can Jesus possibly come before 2023? Are there clear signs that will point to when Jesus will return? Why do some say we need to wait at least seven more years? Why should Christians care? What about supporting the work of God? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel go over these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024?

Jesus also said the following as part of a parable:

42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:42-48)

Sadly, more people are interested in knowing WHEN Jesus will return than supporting the work that Jesus would want them to support.

Do not be one like that as Jesus said He would spew most end-time Christians out of His mouth in Revelation 3:16 as they do not support the work as they should (cf. Revelation 3:14-22).

22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:22)

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2023, 2024, or 2025? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation start in 2022 or 2023? Notice also: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024?
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind? There is also a YouTube video with information Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
Blood Moons, Eclipses, and Prophecy There were four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Some claimed that they signaled the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ. I denounced that view in advance. Some claimed an eclipse in 2017 signaled the end, a “super blue blood moon” in 2018 was a divine warning, as was a ‘super wolf blood moon in 2019: Is that true? Two related videos are available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015. and Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse.
NASA predicts irreversible collapse of civilization; ‘perfect storm’ within 15 years? How has NASA predicted the end? Here is a link to a related video: BibleNewsProphecy: NASA ‘Irreversible Collapse’ of Industrial Civilization by 2030? Another video of interest may be Is the Universe Expanding or about to Catastrophically Collapse?
Comets, Wormwood, and Planet Nibiru Will the Earth be devastated by Planet X or Comet Encke? What about Planet Nine? Could it happen in 2017? Here is a link to two related YouTube videos Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017? and Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
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 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors What are some errors that various Protestants hold to that will tend to prevent them from knowing when the Great Tribulation will begin? A related video is titled Ten Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors.
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous? A related sermon video is titled Preterism: You’ve Gotta Be Kidding…Right?

17th Century Depiction of Michael and Satan

COGwriter

A while back, I watched the Key of David program by PCG’s Gerald Flurry (I have probably only watched three since it began decades ago). Anyway, here is some of what he taught:

Satan cast down…It has happened…He had a war with God.

Revelation 12:13:
Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child.

He did in this end time…

Revelation 12:12… because he knows that he has a short time…Why does Satan have a short time?

About 5% of God’s people are doing the work in this end time…

There are two men…

The man of sin… there is no truth in him… He attacks God’s church…The son of perdition here is second Thessalonians 2…in all likelihood is possessed by the devil…That is why he shows himself that he is God. …

There is another man {2 Thessalonians 2:7} the mystery of lawlessness … only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way…

He was taken out of the way…The very day he was taken away, Satan was cast down. (Flurry G. Satan Cast Down (2014). November 16, 2014)

I know the above is a bit cryptic–yet Gerald Flurry did not lay out the specifics of the identity of the two men in that video. But based upon other items from Gerald Flurry, it is clear that he believes that Satan was (or probably was) cast down to the earth on January 16, 1986.

Why?

Two basic reasons.

First, Gerald Flurry taught the following:

Remember that Malachi is about an end-time messenger, like John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Christ’s Second Coming (Malachi 3:1-2). It all occurs just before “the great and dreadful Day of the Lord.” Common sense would tell us the events Malachi prophesied about couldn’t happen while Mr. Armstrong was alive. There was a type of it in the 1970s—but he stopped it, and as one pcg member said, that was the only time in recorded secular and biblical history that it ever happened! The only time! Mr. Armstrong restrained it (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). (Flurry G. Malachi’s Message, Chapter 9. Copyright © 1990, 1995, 1999, 2004, 2008 Philadelphia Church of God)

Second, because Herbert W. Armstrong died on January 16, 1986, and that is the event that Gerald Flurry seemed to be alluding to in his video program.

Now, I do NOT believe that Herbert W. Armstrong could possibly be the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians 2:7–the restrainer would need to exist from the time of the Apostle Paul to now. While a change from the Philadelphia to Laodicean church era may have happened on January 16, 1986, I do not believe that Satan was cast down on that date.

Notice what the old Radio Church of God taught about the restrainer:

One prominent writer attempts to prove that II Thessalonians 2:7-8…has not yet begun to be fulfilled…But notice the first part of verse 7:, “For the mystery of iniquity DOTH ALREADY WORK”–even in Paul’s day. (Hoeh H. The Secret Rapture: Fact or Fiction. Plain Truth, July, 1959, p. 30)

Read the rest of this alarming prophecy! “… sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God… for the mystery of iniquity (a babylonish MYSTERY religion!) doth ALREADY work (yes, Paul said it had its insidious beginnings even then!) only he who now letteth (an old word meaning “restrains”) will let, until HE BECOME TO BE!” (The original Greek verb, “ginomai” has this sense, rather than “taken out of the way,” as it appears in the King James translation) “And then shall that WICKED (A WICKED ONE — ONE EVIL PERSON IN HIGH OFFICE — is the whole subject and content of this passage of scripture!) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming” (II Thess. 4:8). (Armstrong GT. And when you see the ABOMINATION… Plain Truth, July 1963)

The above is teaching that the restainer was restraining nearly two thousand years ago. That understanding agrees with that of the Apostle Paul, the late Herbert W. Armstrong, and me (see also What is Restrained and Who is Restraining in 2 Thessalonians 2:7?).

Don Billingsley, of Church of God, Faithful Flock (CGFF), also has improperly taught that Herbert Armstrong was the restrainer:

Mr. Armstrong … He had to be taken out of the way by his death to make the fulfillment of them possible (II Thessalonians 2:7). (Billingsley D. Philadelphia Remnant, written January 16, 2007. http://philadelphiaremnant.com/).

As I wrote earlier, the restrainer was at work during the Apostle Paul’s day–it was NOT Herbert W. Armstrong. See also What is Restrained and Who is Restraining in 2 Thessalonians 2:7?

Perhaps, I should mention that Gerald Flurry also teaches that Joseph Tkach was the man of sin. He originally taught that it was Joseph Tkach Sr., who became in charge of the old Worldwide Church of God at the time of Herbert W. Armstrong’s death; Gerald Flurry later changed that to Joseph Tkach, Jr. But neither of those are correct. Other COG groups also misunderstand the identity of the “man of sin/son of perdition.”

To understand who that is, please check out Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? and/or watch a related YouTube video titled Who is the Man of Sin?

The position that PCG is publicly proclaiming, though cryptically in its Key of David program, is in error. Hopefully those that are part of PCG will realize this soon. Gerald Flurry is NOT God’s prophet nor apostle as he falsely claims to be.

Nor is Don Billingley’s CGFF the ‘faithful flock’ as its name implies. His claim that God told him that Hillary Clinton would be the next president of the USA and then get re-elected in 2020 were proven false (see also How Will President-Elect Trump be Apocalyptic? Two false prophets exposed!).

Both PCG and CGFF have also insisted that Donald Trump would remain president of the USA and that Joe Biden would not take office (see Biden-Harris Inaugurated: Gerald Flurry and Don Billingsley again proven wrong). They were wrong on that as well.

That being said, many are afraid to believe that God uses any prophets in the 21st century. That is also NOT biblical (see How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God), but instead is a dangerous and lukewarm position to hold (cf. Revelation 3:14-22; see also Laodicean Church Era).

Getting back to the restrainer, part of the understanding of what is happening in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 is more affected by the translation than many other scriptures.

Here is how the NKJV translates 2 Thessalonians 2:7:

7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7, NKJV)

Without going into excessive detail, this verse has many possible translations, and part of the most relevant (as the capitalized “He” is a completely forced translation) has to do with the Greek expressions translated as “He is taken” above. The Greek term is γένηται, transliterated as géneetai.

Based upon my review of the possible translations of related terms, the NKJV suggesting forcibly being “taken” does not seem to be the best translation. Here are several translations of 2 Thessalonians 2:7 that may be more applicable:

7 for the secret of the lawlessness doth already work, only he who is keeping down now [will hinder] — till he may be out of the way,
(2 Thessalonians 2:7, Young’s Literal Translation)

7 For the mystery of lawlessness already is working, only he (is) holding back now, until it comes out of (the) midst (2 Thessalonians 2:7, Jay Green’s Literal Translation)

7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7, New Living Translation)

7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7, English Standard Version)

7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works; only [there is] he who restrains now until he be gone. (2 Thessalonians 2:7, Darby)

The point I am trying to emphasize here is that the “he” leaves and is not necessarily taken out by anyone like the above translations indicate.

Now some of the rapturists like to emphasize the “being taken” translation. To cite one example, I have heard Hal Lindsey state that the Holy Spirit is taken out of the way when all the Christians who possess it are raptured. That is how he and some others view the above. It may be of interest to note that the marginal reference in the Vine’s, Ryrie, and Nelson Study editions of the NKJV indicate that “he” is not needed to be capitalized (it seemingly has been placed in the actual NKJV to support the trinitarian view of the Holy Spirit being part of this text–even though grammatists acknowledge that the term for the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is neuter NOT masculine–see Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity?).

Furthermore, some others who claim a pre-tribulation rapture believe the “he is taken” is a reference to the Christian church being raptured away. However, it should be pointed out that references to churches in the New Testament with respect to some gender being associated with it are feminine (e.g. Ephesians 5:25-31; 2 John 1-2; 4-6; Revelation 12:14-17; 19:7-9). Thus, this is not a reference to the church being taken away. See also Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected?

More about the restrainer is found in the article: What is Restrained and Who is Restraining in 2 Thessalonians 2:7?

Some items of related interest may include the following:

What is Restrained and Who is Restraining in 2 Thessalonians 2:7? Are sorceries, signs, and lying wonders being restrained until the future? What is the mystery of lawlessness? Could the archangel Michael be the restrainer? Here is a related article in Spanish: ¿Qué es lo que se restringe y quién lo está restringiendo en 2 Tesalonicenses 2:7?
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: 主编： 谁是’大罪人’？Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
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?.
Herbert W. Armstrong, the Philadelphia Church, & the Mantle Herbert Armstrong claims God had him raise the Philadelphia up. Are there reasons to believe that the Philadelphia mantle in now within the CCOG? Here is a link to a related sermon: Herbert W. Armstrong and the Philadelphia Mantle.
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?
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?
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.
Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it? Here is an old, by somewhat related, article in the Spanish language LA DOCTRINA DE LA TRINIDAD. A related sermon is available: Trinity: Fundamental to Christianity or Something Else? A brief video is also available: Three trinitarian scriptures?
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind? There is also a YouTube video with information Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy.

Ecumenical church service
(photo by Eduardo Frei Ruiz Tagle)

COGwriter

In his latest newsletter, former Roman Catholic, now Evangelical Protestant, Mike Gendron had the following:

Evangelicals Continue Unity with Catholicism

Highly influential Evangelical leaders and pastors continue to confuse … by signing unity accords with Roman Catholics. Because of their widespread influence, many … do not know if the Roman Catholic Church is a mission field that needs to be evangelized or a Christian denomination that is made up of brothers and sisters in Christ. … Many of the high profile evangelical leaders who have signed the Manhattan Declaration are listed here.

This unity accord states, “We are Christians (Catholics, Orthodox and Evangelicals) who have joined together across historic lines of ecclesial differences…to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in its fullness.” This statement is completely false, deceptive, and misleading. Evangelicals and Catholics do not proclaim the same Gospel. The Catholic Church has distorted the Gospel of Christ and is under the same divine condemnation as the Judaizers (Gal. 1:6-9). Whereas the Judaizers were condemned for distorting the Gospel by adding only one requirement, the Catholic Church has added five requirements for salvation including baptism, sacraments, good works, participation in the Mass and law keeping.

Evangelicals who signed the Manhattan Declaration should consider if they are being disobedient to Scripture. God’s command is clearly stated: “Do not be bound together with unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14). Not only are Catholics unbelievers, but their their church has issued 100 anathemas on those who do not believe their “infallible” dogmas. Those who signed unity accords with Catholics are also implying the Reformation was a mistake and that Catholics do not need to be evangelized.

More than ever we need to contend for the Gospel and recognize the Roman Catholic Church is a huge mission field made up of over 1.3 billion precious souls. There is no more critical issue in the Church today than guarding the purity and exclusivity of the Gospel. It is the rudder that must guide the Church through stormy waters that have been stirred up by every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14).

I looked at the list of the 152 signers and they all look to have come from trinitarian groups. It should be noted that the trinity was not part of the “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3)–see also the article: Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?

Protestant leaders who have looked into the true early Christian church must realize that their churches do NOT hold to sola Scriptura, that the there was no faithful early church that resembled modern Protestantism, and that they have adopted many of the changes and traditions of the Church of Rome. This is detailed in the following free online book and sermons for those wishing more information:

Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences. These sermons also cover materials not in the book.

The book, Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism, contains almost exclusively Protestant translations of the Bible, as well as quotes from people that Protestant scholars have accepted as true and faithful early Christian leaders, as plus quotes from Protestant reformers such as Martin Luther. The information is there for any Protestant who wants to change in order to actually follow the original Christian faith.

If the original Christian faith was not Protestant, could in instead have been Roman Catholic or Eastern/Greek Orthodox Catholic?

No.

Greco-Roman catholic leaders who have looked into the true early Christian church must realize that their churches do NOT hold to “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) and that they have adopted many of the changes and traditions. This is detailed in the following free online book and sermons for those wishing more information:

Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.

The book, Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?, almost exclusively has Greco-Roman Catholic accepted translations of the Bible, as well as quotes from people that Greco-Roman Catholics have accepted as true and faithful early Christian saints, as well as quotes from Greco-Roman Catholic scholars admitting various changes. The information in that book is there for any Roman or Eastern Orthodox Catholic who wants to change to actually follow the original Christian faith.

That said, consider that back in 2015, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew put out a joint communique:

The Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop of Canterbury, as spiritual leader of the 80-million strong Anglican Communion made a joint statement between Anglican and Orthodox Churches on the theology of the human person.

In a joint communiqué, the two leaders said that the agreement “celebrates what Anglicans and Orthodox affirm together about the human person, created in ‘the Image and Likeness of God.'”

They said it, “will form the theological foundation for forthcoming discussions on the practical consequences of these theological presuppositions for addressing the key themes, including the protection of the environment, medical interventions, and questions around family life and ethics.”

The statement concluded six years of study on “what Anglicans and Orthodox can say together about the meaning of human personhood in the divine image,” the International Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue said when they agreed on the final text in September. 11/06/2015  http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/climate-change-action-needs-both-science-and-faith-says-ecumenical-patriarch-35518

The above shows that the Eastern Orthodox and the Church of England had been working together for some time, even before 2015, to see how they could find areas of agreement to promote.

The ecumenical and inter-faith movements are moving ahead, yet they WILL NOT RESULT IN A REAL AND LASTING PEACE.

The Bible does not teach that Christians are to ignore biblical reality and pray that they are to be moved into the type of unity that Pope Francis, Patriarch Bartholomew, and Archbishop Welby want. Those groups do NOT truly believe the following:

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Consider the following:

• The Church of Rome says that one needs its ‘Living Magesterium’ (which includes many non-biblical traditions of men) for Christians to be complete–that is in conflict with 1 Timothy 3:17.
• The Eastern Orthodox calls itself ‘the church of the seven councils.’ Those were councils of men, the first two of which were called by pagan murderous emperors. And those councils accepted many doctrines which are anti-biblical.
• The Protestant churches, despite the initial rallying cry during the Protestant Reformation of sola Scriptura, have accepted many of the same non-biblical traditions that the Greco-Roman Catholic churches have adopted.

Jesus, Himself, warned religious leaders to NOT accept human traditions above the word of God–yet those religions have done so. Here are some of  the words of Jesus related to that:

7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

8 “These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
9 And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'” (Matthew 15:7-9, NKJV)

Jesus also warned elsewhere that people would worship Him in vain:

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!’

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:21-27, NKJV)

Yes, many who call Jesus ‘Lord’ are worshiping Him in vain as they will not do what He and the word of God say!

The Bible tells that the ecumenical/inter-faith movement will end in destruction (Revelation 18 & 19). This is not something that Roman Catholics or the Eastern Orthodox or the Protestants should want (see also Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? and Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction!).

The Greco-Roman Catholic and Protestants have adopted religious practices with more in common with Babylonianism than original Christianity.

In Zechariah, the Bible warns against a coming ‘daughter of Babylon’ and shows that proper unity will not happen until after Jesus returns:

10 Look out! Look out! Flee from the land of the north — Yahweh declares- for I have scattered you to the four winds of heaven — Yahweh declares. 11 Look out! Make your escape, Zion, now living with the daughter of Babylon!

12 For Yahweh Sabaoth says this, since the Glory commissioned me, about the nations who plundered you, ‘Whoever touches you touches the apple of my eye. 13 Now look, I shall wave my hand over them and they will be plundered by those whom they have enslaved.’ Then you will know that Yahweh Sabaoth has sent me! 14 Sing, rejoice, daughter of Zion, for now I am coming to live among you -Yahweh declares! 15 And on that day many nations will be converted to Yahweh. Yes, they will become his people, and they will live among you. Then you will know that Yahweh Sabaoth has sent me to you! 16 Yahweh will take possession of Judah, his portion in the Holy Land, and again make Jerusalem his choice. (Zechariah 2:12-16, New Jerusalem Bible-NJB)

The ecumenical and inter-faith movements that the Vatican, many Protestants, and certain Eastern Orthodox leaders are promoting are clearly condemned by the Bible and should not be encouraged.

The Apostle Paul also taught that true unity of faith would not happen until after Jesus returns:

13 until we all reach unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God and form the perfect Man, fully mature with the fullness of Christ himself. (Ephesians 4:13, NJB)

Those who believe this unity comes prior to Jesus’ return are in error. We do NOT become perfect in this life nor attain the fulness of Christ now–that happens with the first resurrection:

 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:49-53, NKJV).

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, NKJV)

So, being perfected in unity with Jesus does not happen until He returns.

Actually, when Jesus returns, He will destroy the unity of nations that are against Him:

11:15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and voices could be heard shouting in heaven, calling, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.’ 16 The twenty-four elders, enthroned in the presence of God, prostrated themselves and touched the ground with their foreheads worshipping God 17 with these words, ‘We give thanks to you, Almighty Lord God, He who is, He who was, for assuming your great power and beginning your reign. 18 The nations were in uproar and now the time has come for your retribution, and for the dead to be judged, and for your servants the prophets, for the saints and for those who fear your name, small and great alike, to be rewarded. The time has come to destroy those who are destroying the earth.’ (Revelation 11:15-18, NJB)

19:6 And I heard what seemed to be the voices of a huge crowd, like the sound of the ocean or the great roar of thunder, answering, ‘Alleluia! The reign of the Lord our God Almighty has begun;… 19 Then I saw the beast, with all the kings of the earth and their armies, gathered together to fight the Rider and his army. 20 But the beast was taken prisoner, together with the false prophet who had worked miracles on the beast’s behalf and by them had deceived those who had accepted branding with the mark of the beast and those who had worshipped his statue. These two were hurled alive into the fiery lake of burning sulphur. 21 All the rest were killed by the sword of the Rider, which came out of his mouth, and all the birds glutted themselves with their flesh… 20:4 Then I saw thrones, where they took their seats, and on them was conferred the power to give judgement. I saw the souls of all who had been beheaded for having witnessed for Jesus and for having preached God’s word, and those who refused to worship the beast or his statue and would not accept the brandmark on their foreheads or hands; they came to life, and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (Revelation 19:6,19-21; 20:4, NJB)

Notice that Jesus will have to destroy a world of armies unified against Him. Then He and the saints will reign. That is when there will be proper unity of the faith. Even the NJB, a Roman Catholic translation of the Bible, concurs.  The nations will be united AGAINST Jesus.

Roman Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and others need to be concerned about the type of unity that is actually being promoted. They promote a biblically unclean faith.

Notice what the Apostle Paul taught Christians should do about such religions:

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 ‘I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18, NKJV)

That is why the Continuing Church of God is NOT part of the inter-faith and ecumenical movements of this world.

In summary, those pushing the ecumenical agendas:

• Are unbelievers of the original and true Christian faith, and hence are biblically unclean,
• Do not contend earnestly for the original Christian faith,
• Do not properly reverence the word of God,
• Therefore, the Bible says to be separate from them (see also Revelation 18:1-4)

All true Christians are to avoid the false ecumenism that many leaders of the world’s churches are promoting.

Yet, more and more who claim Protestantism are pushing for it.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and three video sermonette are also available:  Pope Francis signs ‘one world religion’ document! and The Chrislam Cross and the Interfaith Movement and Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church. Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons.
What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol? Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? A related YouTube video would be Origin of the Cross.
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? Two related videos include UN’s ‘New Universal Agenda’ is a False Gospel! and United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are? Here is a link to a related sermon: Eastern Orthodox 40+ Similar Beliefs to the CCOG.
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
The New Testament Church, History, and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous? There is also a sermon-length video on this: Christians and Unclean Meats; two short videos are also available: Did Jesus declare all animal flesh food? and COVID, Pandemics, and Unclean Meat.
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the genuine Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example? Here is a related sermon video: Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong: Reformers with Differences.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they? Two related sermons are available Scripture and Traditions and Tradition and Scripture.
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L’Histoire Continue de l’Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

Vegetables (Unsplash photo)

COGwriter

There are reports of vegetable shortages in Europe as well as in parts of Asia:

This is why the fruit and vegetable shelves in your European supermarkets are partially empty currently

March 8, 2023

Have you noticed that some supermarkets across Europe currently have partially empty fruit and vegetable shelves?

There are three reasons for that.

First: In Almeria, southern Spain (that’s where most of the European goods come from), it was first too warm, then too cold, resulting in massive crop failures.

Second: Some major greenhouses in Holland experienced a complete crop failure because of the high energy prices (heating them would not have been worthwhile).

Third: That leaves North Africa, but there were problems there too. Flooding, cold temperatures and cancelled ferries have caused significant supply problems in Moroccan fruits and veggies.

The article about Holland’s greenhouses states:

‘Nowhere in the world are the yields of many types of vegetables as high as here. Wouter van den Bosch harvests 35 to 40 kilograms of green peppers per square meter. That’s around five times as much as farmers in the Almeria region can produce, the center of Spanish vegetable cultivation.

‘But the Dutch greenhouse miracle has a weak point. It eats enormous amounts of energy. Above all gas. Almost nine percent of all national natural gas consumption goes into greenhouses.‘ https://strangesounds.org/2023/03/this-is-why-the-fruit-and-vegetable-shelves-in-your-european-supermarkets-are-partially-empty-currently.html

As Johor floods push up prices of Malaysia produce, Singapore vegetable sellers turn to other sources

March 8, 2023

SINGAPORE: With the floods in Johor affecting the prices of produce in Malaysia, vegetable sellers in Singapore are turning to other sources while waiting out the bad weather.

Wet market stall owners CNA spoke to on Tuesday (Mar 7) said that not only have their Malaysian suppliers raised prices, but the amount of stock available has also been dwindling because of the bad weather. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/vegetable-prices-singapore-malaysia-johor-floods-supply-3333321

Vegetables are good for people (watch Let’s Talk About Food), yet we are seeing shortages and price inflation.

The USA, too, is experiencing food issues and food price inflation:

March 7, 2023

Total packaged food retail sales increased 10.2% over a four-week period that ended on February 25, according to the latest tracking by Nielsen. The growth was supported by a 11.3% increase in food prices that easily offset a 1% decline in volume. The gain was an acceleration from the prior retail sales month increase of 8.4% for the good category. https://seekingalpha.com/news/3944966-food-inflation-is-still-a-big-wildcard-these-stocks-could-see-a-benefit

So, people in the USA paid more for food and got less than before.

We are still seeing food price inflation in many parts of the world.

How bad might it get for the West? The old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

The black horseman’s future ride will reduce the proud faces of white America, Europe, and the British Common wealth into the blackened skin of starvation such as now afflicts the vast majority of mankind. (Alexander G. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Ambassador College Press, Pasadena (CA), 1973, p. 31)

And, of course, the USA and the West are not the only areas of the world facing food price inflation.

That being said, overall in Western lands, like the USA, we are seeing less and less diversity in foods.

Droughts, floods, rising fertilizer costs, rising energy costs, governments printing up money (and various other governmental policies), Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine, etc. are all current factors in food shortages and food price inflation.

Jesus, in both the 24th chapter of Matthew and the Book of Revelation in chapter 6, list a sequence of events including war, famine, and pestilences.

Here is some of what Jesus said:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-8)

Famines and civil unrest, such as what Michael Snyder predicted for 2023 are consistent with Jesus’ words.

That being said, we are getting to the end of the 6,000 years that God has allowed humans to rule themselves, which will soon be followed by the 1,000-year reign of Christ. Pray for Jesus to return and God’s Kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10).

Notice that the ride of third horseman of the Apocalypse results in scarcity, inflation, and famine. Revelation 6:5-6 indicates that there will be food, but that it will be quite expensive (food-price inflation).

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6)

Some will thus die as they will not be able to afford it, while others will survive but struggle.

We also put together the following video:

14:44

3rd Horseman of the Apocalypse and Food

There are reports about food price inflation around the world. While it is worsening in many areas, some believe it will improve in 2023. Instead, could prices continue to rise in 2023 and get much worse in 2024 and thereafter? What are the causes of food price inflation? Is there any connection between weather, government policies, fertilizer prices, energy costs, economic sanctions and food price inflation? What are we seeing in reports from the United Kingdom, Hungary, and South Africa? What about impacts from Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine? Could EU and/or USA policies be effecting any of this? Is the ‘black horse’ the one associated with famine, food shortages, and food price inflation in the Book of Revelation? Are there any physical lessons we can learn from ants according to the Book of Proverbs? What are some spiritual steps we should take according to Jesus? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these matters and more.

Here is a link to our video: 3rd Horseman of the Apocalypse and Food.

One of the things the scriptures teach is that massive food inflation is coming.

We are already seeing signs of it.

As far as what should you do about it, physically you should prepare and realize more is coming (see als0 Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians).

Spiritually, all should heed what Jesus said about these times:

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

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.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety,’ Zephaniah 2 to ‘gather together,’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on fleeing to a place–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
Christian Health Matters Should Christians be concerned about their health? Does the Bible give any food and health guidelines? Here are links to two related sermons: Let’s Talk About Food and Let’s Talk About Health.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something? Here is a version in the Spanish language Escrituras sobre Preparación física para los Cristianos. Here is a link to a related sermon: Physical preparedness for Christians.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled Sorrows and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Here is a link to a related sermon: Fourth Horseman, COVID, and the Rise of the Beast of Revelation. Some shorter related videos may include Amphibian Apocalypse: Threat to Humans? and Zombie Deer Disease is Here! Are the 10 Plagues on Egypt Coming? Here is a version of the article in Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
Weather Blessings and Sorrows Are weather problems a warning? What should be done? What does the Bible teach about weather? What about floods, droughts, heat, earthquakes, tornadoes, and solar storms? Here is a related YouTube video Does God Use Weather? A related item in the Spanish language would be Bendiciones y maldiciones del clima.
4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition. It claimed succession from the apostles. Here is a link toa related sermon: Thyatira, Succession, and Jezebel.
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?
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 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God’s Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2023, 2024, or 2025? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation start in 2022 or 2023? Notice also: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available in hundreds of languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.

1914 Poster from Germany

COGwriter

March 8th is considered to be International Women’s Day. Here is a little bit of its history:

March 8 was suggested by the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference to become an “International Woman’s Day.” After women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917, March 8 became a national holiday there. The day was then predominantly celebrated by the socialist movement and communist countries until it was adopted in 1975 by the United Nations. …

In 1914 International Women’s Day was held on March 8, possibly because that day was a Sunday, and now it is always held on March 8 in all countries. The 1914 observance of the Day in Germany was dedicated to women’s right to vote, which German women did not win until 1918.

In London there was a march from Bow to Trafalgar Square in support of women’s suffrage on March 8, 1914. Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested in front of Charing Cross station on her way to speak in Trafalgar Square.

On March 8, 1917, on the Gregorian calendar, in the capital of the Russian Empire, Petrograd, women textile workers began a demonstration, covering the whole city. This marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution. …

The day is an official holiday in Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia.

In some countries, such as Cameroon, Croatia, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Chile, the day is not a public holiday, but is widely observed nonetheless. (Wikipedia, accessed 03/08/18)

#BalanceforBetter is the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, which is observed each year on March 8. The 2019 initiative is aimed at gender equality, a greater awareness of discrimination and a celebration of women’s achievements, according to the International Women’s Day website. That includes reducing the global pay gap between men and women and making sure all are equal – and balanced – in activist movements, boardrooms and beyond. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2019/03/07/international-womens-day-2019-balanceforbetter-theme/2904077002/

As far as women go, they do have rights, and should not be mistreated.

Sadly, in modern times, many act like being able to kill unborn babies is an important right for women–and murder is wrong.

That being said, here is something from the old Radio Church of God related to women:

To be truly happy, a real woman should bear in mind the purpose of which she was created – and set herself definite GOALS to fulfill in the accomplishment of that purpose.

First of all, she should remember that she was called to help and supplement her husband. She should learn to be responsive to him and to his direction of the home, entertainment and way of life.

She should realize that her husband’s success is her success also – and fully SHARE and delight in the triumphs and achievements of her husband, knowing that they are partly her own. Also, she should equally share in his sorrow and disappointments – trying always to give the right kind of balanced and positive sympathy and encouragement so that he will rebound to other successes in the future.

A second area in which a woman should cultivate success and service is that of bearing and TRAINING her children. Certainly, young mothers exert a powerful influence on the leaders of tomorrow. And women should realize the overwhelming IMPORTANCE of zealously and joyously dedicating themselves to this as their highest physical calling. FAR MORE IMPORTANT it is than that of an office worker or secretary on any level.

In His Word, God instructs older women: “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, KEEPERS AT HOME, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:4-5). …

The ULTIMATE Goal

Then, for the woman who reads and understands the Bible, another goal presents itself. That is the goal of preparing to help RULE and reconstruct this entire society in the World Tomorrow (Rev. 2:26; 5:10). Some Christian women wonder how they are being prepared for this. If they, themselves, are not leading and directing businesses, families and public activities today, how are they learning and preparing for tomorrow’s world?

The ANSWER is that a woman, with the physiological and psychological nature given her by God has magnificent opportunities – too often untapped – for preparing toward this goal. She needs to set herself to be a really successful wife, mother and contributor today. (True Womanhood: A Lost Cause?)

As far as the role of women in the church, check out the article: Women and the New Testament Church. A related sermon is also available: Women’s Roles in the Church.

There are many roles for women in the church and in the Continuing Church of God we have women supporting the work and preparations for the Final Phase of the Work.

Some items of possibly-related interest may include:

Women and the New Testament Church What roles did women play in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles? Did Jesus and the Apostle Paul violate Jewish traditions regarding their dealings with women? Do women have any biblical limitations on their role in the Church? Were there female prophets? Do women have any special responsibilities in terms of how they dress? What does the New Testament really teach about women? Here are links to two related sermons: Women’s Roles in the Church and New Testament Women.
True Womanhood: A Lost Cause? Is there still a place for being feminine? Here is an article from Herbert Armstrong about his thoughts relating to women and womanhood.
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?, and Land of ‘Free’ Abortions and Debt.
Priscilla and Aquila An early Christian married couple from Rome who moved to Asia Minor.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here are two related YouTube videos titled Final Phase of the Work: Need and Background and The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available in hundreds of languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also watch YouTube video sermons: The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, Why Teach the Kingdom of God, The Gospel of the King

Starting today, the Abrahamic Family House is officially open to the public! The complex housing a mosque, a church & synagogue was designed by renowned architect @dadjaye & incorporates architectural styles found in places of worship around the world. https://t.co/kXFRDpI9Y0

— UAE Embassy US (@UAEEmbassyUS) March 1, 2023

COGwriter

The Abrahamic Family House his now open and various Jews and Roman Catholics are happy about it:

March 6, 2023

On a 75-degree February day in Abu Dhabi, JNS had the chance to view the Abrahamic Family House site on Saadiyat Island on its opening day in the United Arab Emirates. Three houses of worship—Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, His Holiness Francis Church (Roman Catholic) and Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque—stand in equal proportion. At first glance, they seem identical, but closer inspection reveals that each has features iconic to the respective customs.

Elie Abadie, the senior rabbi of the Jewish Council of the Emirates, told JNS that it is very notable for an Arab country to build a Jewish house of worship.

“In fact, this is the first one built in the region in almost a century,” he said. “By doing this, the government sends out a great message—one of tolerance and acceptance, as they allow the different Abrahamic faiths to come together here to worship. In fact, we worship the same God.”

“It is a great gift from Sheikh Mohammed to the Jewish People,” David Rosen, international director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee and former chief rabbi of Ireland, told JNS. “Myriads of people from around the world visiting the country will visit this complex simply because of its location and beauty.”

Those who come to the site can see the three Abrahamic faiths represented.

“For a people that have suffered and still suffer from prejudice and bigotry born out of ignorance and misrepresentations, this place offers an amazing opportunity to educate the world about the beauty and true values of Jewish tradition,” said Rosen.

The Abrahamic Family House opened to the public on March 1.  …

Rosen, who has prayed in the synagogue, told JNS that he feels very comfortable in the modern, cubic space, whose interior he said is quite traditional and very beautiful. “If there is anything different from a conventional shul, it is the mesh curtain ascending to the skylight, which is very lovely,” he said.

In line with its tradition, the mosque faces Mecca, the synagogue is oriented towards Jerusalem and the church faces the East. https://www.israel365news.com/367944/first-uae-synagogue-is-a-historic-event-not-just-for-the-middle-east-but-the-world/

The three Abrahamic religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — now share a common place to worship in the predominantly Muslim United Arab Emirates with the opening of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi.

Such was the dream of Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, who in 2019 signed a historic pledge calling for peace and brotherhood between religions and nations. Four years later a synagogue, church, and mosque sit opposite a secular visitor pavilion in an interfaith complex meant to encourage goodwill and understanding.

Representing the pope for the first prayer service at the new St. Francis of Assisi Church was Cardinal Michael L. Fitzgerald, a past president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

“The place of prayer should also be a place of joy, and I hope that this will be true for all of us here present,” Fitzgerald said at the Sunday prayer service at the new church. 02/21/23 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253699/catholic-leaders-open-new-church-in-uae-s-interfaith-abrahamic-family-house

As far as the Roman Catholic Church facing east, notice something about that from the Didiscalia (a false document, written c. 250) claiming to be from the teachings of the original apostles):

Now, in your gatherings, in the holy Church, convene yourselves modestly in places of the brethren, as you will, in a manner pleasing and ordered with care. Let the place of the priests be separated in a part of the house that faces east. In the midst of them is placed the bishop’s chair, and with him let the priests be seated. Likewise, and in another section let the laymen be seated facing east. For thus it is proper: that the priests sit with the bishop in a part of the house to the east and after them the lay men and the lay women…Now, you ought to face east to pray, for, as you know, scripture has it, Give praise to God who ascends above the highest heavens to the east… 07/17/16 https://www.ncregister.com/blog/why-we-should-all-face-east-during-the-eucharistic-prayer

It should be mentioned that the historian Tertullian wrote prior to the Didiscalia that non-Greco-Roman Catholics considered the practice of the Greco-Roman Catholic churches facing the East to be related to sun god worship (see https://www.tertullian.org/latin/apologeticus.htm).

The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi is … opening its doors to Chrislam and the One World Religion

The world now accepts the idea of a Roman Catholic peace covenant brokered between a pope and an imam, and within this covenant a room is reserved for the Jews. Like all movements of man, it has a palatial headquarters, known as the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, which is now just week away from being completed. It is considered one of the marvels of our age, alongside of the Abraham Accords. The stage is almost set, the players are all present and accounted for …

“For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.” Isaiah 29:10 (KJB)

It is surreal watching all this come together, surreal because the whole world is watching it happen, and yet precious few have any ides what they’re seeing. The One World Religion of Chrislam is out in the open for all to see, exactly as the Bible says it would be in the last days, and yet a spirit of slumber from the Lord is preventing recognition on any appreciable level. The nearly complete Abrahamic Family House is a wonderful testimony to this fact. https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/abrahamic-family-house-nearly-complete-chrislam-abu-dhabi/

Yes, the building represents continued promotion of  ‘Chrislam.’

Sadly, Chrislam is the hope people like Pope Francis hold for world peace. Notice also the following:

March 6, 2021

Today, there is a new form of Islam and Christianity beginning to take shape — or perhaps, it is a recurrence to an original form of Islam. In Nigeria, a country with a large presence of both Christians and Muslims, there are those who practice a form of religion that has come to be called “Chrislam,” which is a fascinating form of monotheism — and it is spreading into the United States, as well. Those who practice Chrislam follow both Christian and Muslim traditions and theologies. They don’t think of Christianity and Islam as incompatible religions, but rather see each as being an augmentation of the other. (See “A New Religion Flourishes in Nigeria & USA,” at the website malawimuslims.com.) …

Needless to say, Chrislam may hold a key or two for a more peaceful world. …

Taking a long historical perspective of monotheism: Judaism evolved into Jewish-Christianity; Jewish-Christianity evolved, via mixing with Greek philosophy, into Roman and Greek Orthodox Christianity; a strain of those Christianities evolved into Islam in the East; a strain of Christianity in the West evolved into Protestantism; and now in the 21st century, a strain of Christianity and a strain of Islam are evolving into a new form of monotheism, going by the name of Chrislam. https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/perspective/on-faith-chrislam-past-present-and-future/article_d1f47bc0-bba3-56b6-9a70-432f5666c560.html

While peace is good, no, Judaism did not evolve into Jewish Christianity. God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins, and shortly after Jesus’ resurrection, the Christian church began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost as described in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. As far as the evolutions of the Greco-Roman faiths, they failed to keep the original faith (for documented details, check out the free online book: Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church). The Protestant world, while seeing some of the issues with the Roman Catholics, failed to really believe in sola Scriptura over politics and also failed to contend for the original faith (for documented details, check out the free online book: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism).

And certainly the original biblical faith is NOT anything like Chrislam.

And no, Chrislam does NOT “hold a key or two for a more peaceful world.”

Something resembling Chrislam is going to happen as the Bible tells of a lying deal between a nominally Roman Catholic, European leader and an apparently Muslim leader (cf. Daniel 11:27)–Jews will also be involved–at least for a time (cf. Daniel 11:27-31).

Now, the Bible tells of a deceptive deal that will be made between the European King of the North and the Middle East/North African King of the South:

15 … the king of the North … 25 … king of the South …

27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. (Daniel 11:15,25,27)

So, a deceptive deal will be made (this could also be related to the deal of Psalm 83:3-8). This would at least partially be related to the following deal–which likely will be praised as a major peace deal:

26 And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).

This is a deal confirmed by a European (it was troops from the ancient Roman Empire that destroyed Jerusalem and its temple in 70 A.D.). The deal is confirmed for one week, which, for centuries, various prophecy analysts have said means a seven year deal (see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27). Since the Vatican will be even more confederate with Europe then, the Vatican will likely bless, confirm, and/or push for the deal.

Perhaps these deals could be considered ‘political Chrislam.’ Or as LifeNews once called it ‘Chrislamism’ — not trying to merge Christianity and Islam, but accepting some type of false near-equivalency. Islam is not a near-equivalency to true Christianity.

Notice something from a Roman Catholic source:

Referencing the “Document on Human Fraternity and World Peace for Living Together,” which he signed with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi last February, Francis explained that, in this new global village, “the ground must be cleared of discrimination and fraternity must be allowed to flourish.”

Readers will recall that the Abu Dhabi document aroused controversy for stating that the “diversity of religions” is “willed by God.”

“In this kind of village,” the Pope also said an “alliance” must be forged “between the earth’s inhabitants and our ‘common home,’ which we are bound to care for and respect. An alliance that generates peace, justice and hospitality among all peoples of the human family, as well as dialogue between religions.”

Not everyone is convinced that peace can be achieved by promoting the Abu Dhabi document, however. Bishop Athanasius Schneider recently observed that “however noble such aims as ‘human fraternity’ and ‘world peace’ may be, they cannot be promoted at the cost of relativizing the truth of uniqueness of Jesus Christ and His Church.” 09/13/19 https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pope-francis-global-education-pact

No, having a lot of false religions is not God’s will. But His word warns that such a Babylonian system will one day fall (cf. Revelation 180.

Now, supposedly there are 2.4 billion Greco-Romans and Protestants, 1.9 billion Muslims, and nearly 1.1 billion Hindus, and 14.7 million Jews. So, that totals 5.5 billion people, which is most of the people on the planet. The interfaith and ecumenical movements are moving forward in Abu Dahbi and elsewhere.

In 2020, something called the Fratelli tutti was signed by Pope Francis (see Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti Calls for Giving United Nations Organization ‘Real Teeth’).

Pope Francis has continually been pushing aspects of a united Europe–one that resembles the prophesied Beast of Revelation 13:1-10 and 17:12-13–as well as an essentially one-world religion.

Fratelli tutti, the Abrahamic Family House, and meetings with many Islamic leaders are steps in that push (like one Francis had last Fall–see Another step towards Chrislam? Pope Francis meeting with Muslim leaders in Bahrain).

Related to the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity that Pope Francis signed earlier, we put together a video:

15:31

Pope Francis signs ‘one world religion’ document!

On February 4, 2019, at the ‘ Global Conference on Human Fraternity,’ Pope Francis and leading Sunni Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb signed a document that some suspect may lead towards a “one world religion.” The World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary, Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, who also attended, pushed for religious leaders and institutions to push towards a particular cooperative agenda to help bring world peace. Will there be real peace or just a temporary one? Will destruction come to the USA and nations in the Middle East and North Africa? What will be some characteristics of this “one world religion’? Will all have the same religious practices? Might it have commonalities with the ancient Roman Empire? The Grand Mosque in the UAE was renamed “Mary, Mother of Jesus.” Will Catholic, Islamic, and even Hindu reverence for Marian figures play a role? Is that part of the plan? Should real Christians support the interfaith and ecumenical agendas or remain separate from them? What does the Bible teach? What did Jesus teach? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to that video: Pope Francis signs ‘one world religion’ document!

One symbol that the Vatican used last year was a ‘Chrislam Cross.’ We also put together a video related to the Chrislam Cross and the interfaith movement:

What is Chrislam? What are the two forms of it? Did the Vatican unveil the Chrislam Cross? How does it look? Are Christianity and Islam theologically compatible? What does the ‘Catechism of the Catholic Church’ say? What about the Bible and the Quran? Did Pope Francis and Sunni Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb sign an important interfaith document on February 4, 2019? Do biblical and Islamic prophecies point to a deal between the Europeans and Arabs that will be broken? Do Catholic and Islamic writings support the view that Mary and/or apparitions of ‘Mary’ may lead to temporary cooperation between the Arabs and Europeans? Will such cooperation bring lasting peace or war? Have any of the Eastern Orthodox warned of the danger in using ‘Mary’ to push the interfaith and ecumenical movements? Is there a ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus mosque? Should you wish to be part of the Chrislam movement? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to the sermonette video: The Chrislam Cross.

Understand that this is more than something that Pope Francis is pushing.

Many have gotten the “interreligious bug” since 2009, which is when I speculated that the ride of the white horseman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:1-2) may have begun (see also Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse watch also These Signs of the 4 Horsemen Have Begun).

Furthermore, as reported here last Fall (see Interfaith Climate Repentance Ceremony’s ‘Ten Commandments’–the Coming Beast Will Seek to Change Law), an interreligious ceremony occurred on November 13, 2022 called Climate Repentance Ceremony. The religious groups that are were part of the ceremony are from the Greco-Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and other of the world’s faiths. Some have used the term ‘Chrislam’ to describe this Babylonian mixture.

Related to a recent interfaith Climate Repentance Ceremony, we have put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

In addition to false commandments, many of the world’s religious and secular leaders wrongly believe that interreligious compromise will bring peace.

However, the interfaith movement will not ensure true and lasting peace. The world needs the return of Jesus and the establishment of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God for that.

Despite statements of peace and fraternity, destruction will eventually hit Islam, Rome, and Europe.

But other lands (like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa and the Middle East according to Daniel 11:39-43) will be destroyed first.

Do not fall for the ecumenical or interfaith movements.

Some items of related interest may include:

Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled Sorrows and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Here is a link to a shorter video: These Signs of the 4 Horsemen Have Begun.
Freemasonry and the Destruction of Rome? What is Freemasonry? What about ties to the Illuminati? Could they be involved in the fulfillment of prophecy? Here is a link to a related sermon: Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Another video is related to China’s One Belt, One Road Initiative (Silk Road project): watch Is China paving roads to Armageddon?
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Mystery of Iniquity What is the mystery of iniquity? How did it start? How will it end? Two related sermons are also available: The Mystery of Iniquity and The Mystery of Lawlessness.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
The ‘Unpardonable Sin’ and ‘Climate Change’? On September 7, 2016, Olav Fykse Tveit, Church of Norway Pastor, and the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, essentially declared that those who ignore ‘climate change’ are committing the ‘unpardonable sin’ and the Holy Spirit. Are those two even related? In this video, Dr. Thiel answers that and explains from the Bible what the ‘unpardonable sin’ is and how you can avoid it. He also discusses aspects of Christianity and the environment. This is a video.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it? Here is a link to a related sermon video The Unpardonable Sin and the Prodigal Son.
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? Two related videos include UN’s ‘New Universal Agenda’ is a False Gospel! and United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol? Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? Two related YouTube videos would be Beware of the ‘Ecumenical Cross’ and Origin of the Cross.
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
Laudato Si: Pope’s Agenda or Kingdom of God? Pope Francis’ 2nd encyclical is titled ‘Laudato Si.’ In it, he goes over his views related to environmental, economic, social, moral, agricultural, and spiritual issues. He advocates international cooperation to solve various problems he believes are affecting humanity. Is that Pope’s agenda the solution? What about the Kingdom of God? does the Bible teach? Two related articles include Laudato Si: Will Pope Francis’ economic actions match his words? and Laudato Si: A call for a one-world government?
The Great Tribulation: What Happens First? What events have happened? What are some events that are now happening? And what events need to happen for the Great Tribulation to start? Here is a link to a related sermon video: Counting Down to the Great Tribulation.
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free draft/unedited pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available in hundreds of languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

China’s new Foreign Minister Qin Gang warned that “conflict and confrontation” with the United States is inevitable if Washington does not change coursehttps://t.co/UheerY1XJ7

— CNN (@CNN) March 7, 2023

COGwriter

The Associated Press reported the following:

Chinese minister warns China, US on course for conflict

March 7, 2023

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang warned Tuesday that Beijing and Washington are headed for “conflict and confrontation” if the U.S. doesn’t change course, striking a combative tone at a moment when relations between the rivals are at a historic low.

In his first news conference since taking office late last year, Qin’s harsh language appeared to defy predictions that China might abandon its aggressive “wolf warrior” diplomacy in favor of more moderate rhetoric as the two countries face off over trade and technology, Taiwan, human rights and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Washington’s China policy has “entirely deviated from the rational and sound track,” Qin told journalists on the sidelines of the annual meeting of China’s rubber-stamp legislature, when leaders lay out their economic and political priorities for the coming year.

“If the United States does not hit the brake, but continues to speed down the wrong path, no amount of guardrails can prevent derailing and there surely will be conflict and confrontation,” said Qin, whose new position is junior to the Communist Party’s senior foreign policy official, Wang Yi. “Such competition is a reckless gamble, with the stakes being the fundamental interests of the two peoples and even the future of humanity.” https://apnews.com/article/china-congress-2023-qin-us-1938a701c0d7a2114a18226962de4879?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=TopNews&utm_campaign=position_01

Protestant Michael Snyder posted the following:

The 3 Wars Of The Apocalypse

The sound of war drums is getting louder all over the globe. In this article, I want to give you an update on the three major conflicts which will define World War III.

March 5, 2023

#1 The United States and Russia

The conflict in Ukraine has evolved into a full-blown proxy war between the United States and Russia. …

#2 Israel and Iran

The second major war of the apocalypse will involve Israel and Iran.

The Israelis are already striking pro-Iranian forces in Syria and elsewhere on a regular basis, but at some point a full-blown conflict will erupt. …

#3 The United States and China

When I first started warning people that we would eventually go to war with China many years ago, a lot of people thought that I had lost it.

After all, China was considered to be a “close friend” and a highly valued trading partner.

But now we have reached a stage where what is coming is obvious to everyone.

Of course the Biden administration is certainly not helping matters by constantly provoking the Chinese.  For example, the Biden administration just greatly angered Chinese leaders by approving a 619 million dollar arms sale to Taiwan…

President Joe Biden’s administration has approved an estimated $619 million potential arms sale to Taiwan, including hundreds of missiles for F-16 fighter jets, after China sent 25 warplanes and three warships toward the island.

BIden’s move will likely further inflame tensions between Washington and Beijing, which have gotten worse in the wake of the spy balloon China sent over the U.S. and reports Xi Jinping is considering lethal aid to Russia for its war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Chinese have just announced that they will be dramatically ramping up their own military spending…

The Chinese government will boost its military spending by 7.2% this year, rising to a total budget of 1.56 trillion Yuan.

In U.S. dollars, China’s budget now sits at $230 billion, up nearly $16 billion from its budget in 2022. China’s Ministry of Finance announced the new infusion of cash in its annual report on Sunday. The spending increase comes as the U.S. warns of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan in the near future. U.S. officials have also warned China against sending lethal aid to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A war between our two nations would be absolutely cataclysmic.

But it is going to happen anyway. https://endoftheamericandream.com/the-3-wars-of-the-apocalypse/

Yes, Michael Snyder is correct that, “The sound of war drums is getting louder all over the globe.” But no, he is wrong about “the three major conflicts which will define World War III.”

The military conflict between Russia and Ukraine is getting the Europeans to arm (watch Is the European Beast Growing Horns?), but the USA and Russia are not about to get into a massive World War III directly with each other (see also Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future).

The situation between Iran and Israel looks to lead to the fulfillment of prophecies in Isaiah 22 (watch also Iran and Israel Conflict), and could lead to the peace deal of Daniel 9:27 and the countdown to WWIII (see The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27)–but it is not WWIII.

What about the various conflicts between the USA and China?

Well, they have been tending to drain USA resources away from Europe. This is making the USA weaker in Europe and has helped motivate the Europeans to strive to become more militarily independent from the USA.

That is actually consistent with something that the old Plain Truth magazine published back in 1984:

Drifting Away from Europe

It is a fact of immense importance, though recognized only faintly by most Americans, that culturally, economically — and soon strategically as well — the United States is drifting out of the Atlantic orbit.

For years now there has been a perceptible shift in the United States away from its historic attachment to Europe into a much closer relationship with the nations of the Pacific basin.

“The overwhelming European influence on our culture is on the wane and giving way to the Orient,” Frederick Allen, Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. vice-president, commented in an interview published early in 1983.

Franc Viviano, an editor of Pacific News Service in San’ Francisco, added that “once the word ‘immigration’ was synonymous with the arrival of Europeans, and later with Latin Americans. Today two of every five newcomers to the United States are Asian.

“Consider the fact,” added Mr. Viviano, in echoing Premier Zhao’s remarks, “that in 1982-83, for the first time in history, overall U.S. trade with Pacific nations exceeded that with Atlantic nations, registering a record $121,200,000,000.”

This shift toward the Pacific, in turn, plays a significant role in the rift now developing between the United States and its Western alliance allies in Europe.

“Our future lies in Asia” is the recurring theme in some influential economic and political circles in the United States. This viewpoint is usually coupled with the call for the United States to eventually cut defense ties to Europe, to pull United States troops out of the Continent.  … then let the Europeans either defend themselves or make their own security arrangements with the Soviet Union.

The end result will be a Europe cut off from America — but a Europe eventually becoming a “third force” superpower of its own rank. (Hogberg G. The “NEW CHINA” Reaches Out. Plain Truth, April 1984)

The USA has been pivoting towards Asia for some time. Yet, Taiwan will one day unite with China, irrespective of what the USA may or may not do. And yes, Europe still is intent on being a “third force,” a superpower in its own right.

That said, there are many errors in Protestant teachings on prophecy. In general, most Protestants cannot properly identify the USA in prophecy, hence have made all types of speculations that will not be born out, as scripture does not support many Protestant prophetic views.

The Bible points to cooperation between Europe, Russia, and China for a time (cf. Revelation 13 & 17).

But that cooperation will not last.

Sometime after the USA and its British-descended allies are conquered (which will happen in Daniel 11:39), during the first two woes of Revelation, there will be a split between Europe and an alliance led by Russia that will include China (watch also the sermon Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God) according to scripture.

Much more on that can be found 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?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here are links to three related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For. The Future King of the North, and Rise of the Prophesied King of the North.
The Great Monarch: Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Is the ‘Great Monarch’ of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies endorsed or condemned by the Bible? Two sermons of related interest are also available: Great Monarch: Messiah or False Christ? and Great Monarch in 50+ Beast Prophecies.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
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 Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? What about the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)? 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?
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There are also two related videos: Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation. A short video is also available titled Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27? Here is a link to something related in the Spanish language: Estados Árabes emiratos unidos y el tratado de paz en el medio este.
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.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2023, 2024, or 2025? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation start in 2022 or 2023? Notice also: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
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; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.