Church of God News

Ukraine-Russia Controlled Territories as of 17 February 2024 (Viewsridge)

COGwriter

Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of Russia’s ‘Special Military Operation’ into Ukraine.

Partially because of that, and perhaps mainly also because of the recent death of  Alexei Navalny, additional sanctions against Russia have been announced.

The Associated Press reported the following:

US and EU pile new sanctions on Russia for the Ukraine war’s 2nd anniversary and Navalny’s death

February 23, 2024

The United States and the European Union are piling new sanctions on Russia on the eve of the second anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine and in retaliation for the death of noted Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny last week in an Arctic penal colony.

The U.S. Treasury Department plans Friday to impose more than 500 new sanctions on Russia and its war machine in the largest single tranche of penalties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. They come on the heels of a series of new arrests and indictments announced by the Justice Department on Thursday that target Russian businessmen, including the head of Russia’s second-largest bank, and their middlemen in five separate federal cases.

The European Union announced Friday that it is imposing sanctions on several foreign companies over allegations that they have exported dual-use goods to Russia that could be used in its war against Ukraine. The 27-nation bloc also said that it was targeting scores of Russian officials, including “members of the judiciary, local politicians and people responsible for the illegal deportation and military re-education of Ukrainian children.” …

The EU asset freezes and travel bans constitute the 13th package of measures imposed by the bloc against people and organizations it suspects of undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. https://apnews.com/article/european-union-sanctions-russia-ukraine-war-28a5d7faabbcbc5fe3a0de3ec84fd87d

The USA and EU have been using sanctions against Russia for a very long time. While intended to punish Russia, the sanctions have hurt both the USA as well as EU. And in many ways have hurt certain EU nations more than they have hurt Russia.

As regular readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page are aware, I have long warned about sanctions. Many of which were imposed against Russia in 2014 after its annexation of Crimea.

Now back on March 18, 2019, I posted:

It remains my view that Crimea and at least parts of eastern Ukraine will ultimately align with Russia.

International sanctions will not stop biblical prophecies from being fulfilled. (Thiel B. ‘Putin in Crimea as Russia Marks Five Years Since Annexation’ the ‘Kings of the Medes’ will arise. COGwriter, March 18, 2019)

And the events of the past two years confirmed my view that sanctions and threats of sanctions would not stop Russia from having territories align with it. Additionally, Russia has ended up with at least two parts of eastern Ukraine aligning with it.

Back in 2018, after Donald Trump pushed more sanctions, we even put out the following video:

The Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations, along with the EU, have imposed numerous sanctions against Russia.

But sanctions did not stop Russia.

Furthermore, on February 22, 2022, two days before Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine began, I posted: “I expect that Donetsk and Luhansk will either be annexed by Russia and/or join its Eurasian Economic Union.” And that has happened.

One of the untended consequences of the Crimea-related sanctions was that Russia took steps to be more “sanctions-proof.” And while Russia is affected by the Western sanctions, they have not toppled Russia like the USA and EU wanted. For example, notice the following Voice of America reported the end of March 2022:

Russia’s Ruble Rebound Raises Questions of Sanctions’ Impact

March 31, 2022

The ruble is no longer rubble. …

President Joe Biden promoted the success of the sanctions — some of the toughest ever imposed on a nation — while he was in Poland last week. “The ruble almost is immediately reduced to rubble,” Biden said.

https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-s-ruble-rebound-raises-questions-of-sanctions-impact-/6509012.html

While sanctions do impact the Russian economy, there are costs to those who impose sanctions. US President Joe Biden’s statement of the ruble’s (also spelled rouble) demise to rubble were premature at best.

And according to CBS, a couple of months later, the ruble became the world’s best performing currency:

Russia’s ruble is the strongest currency in the world this year

May 27, 2022

The Russian ruble is the best-performing currency in the world this year

Two months after the ruble’s value fell to less than a U.S. penny amid the swiftest, toughest economic sanctions in modern history,  Russia’s currency has mounted a stunning turnaround. The ruble has jumped 40% against the dollar since January.  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ruble-currency-2022/

Western sanctions pushed Russia to take steps. And yes, several of the moves against Russia are inflicting pain outside of Russia.

Notice also the following:

As US, EU Pile New Sanctions On Russia, WSJ Declares Punitive Measures Already “Failed”

February 23, 2024

The US and EU on Friday are piling on fresh anti-Russia sanctions as the war in Ukraine reaches two years (Saturday marking the date of the invasion) and in the wake of Alexei Navalny’s death in prison last week, which Russia has officially said was due to “natural causes”.  …

The new Friday statement prepared by the White House additionally stated, “Two years ago, he tried to wipe Ukraine off the map. If Putin does not pay the price for his death and destruction, he will keep going.”

As for “paying the price” – just as Biden issued these words, The Wall Street Journal observed that two years after the invasion, the “biggest ever” sanctions are failing and have failed:

Two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western sanctions have failed in their most important task—stopping the Kremlin’s war machine.

Western officials and experts say the financial, economic, military and energy sanctions imposed on Russia since February 2022 have damaged Russia’s economy and arms-production capacity, and will create serious problems for the Kremlin in the coming years. But they acknowledge the restrictions have hit more slowly than they hoped.

The report further acknowledges the merely symbolic nature of the new sanctions: “U.S. officials privately concede that the new measures set to to be announced Friday are likely to land a limited blow.” https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/us-eu-pile-new-sanctions-russia-wsj-declares-punitive-measures-already-failed

It should be noted that sanctions against Russia have not stopped some in Transnistria from wanting to be part of Russia.

If you look at the map at the beginning of this post, look to the southwest of Ukraine and you will see an outline of Moldova. Transnistria is more or less part of the northeast of Moldova that borders Ukraine. Russia actually would like to add enough territory that Ukraine now holds to connect it to Transnistria.

Many in Transnistria want to be part of Russia or at least part of its Eurasian Economic Union as the following shows:

Transnistria Assembly Fuels Speculation Separatist State Aims To Join Russia

February 22, 2024

The faltering bid of congressional warhawks to continue to provide Ukraine with a blank check isn’t the only sign of Russia’s geopolitical strength in eastern Europe. As the future of the war in Ukraine hinges on that crucial aid package, another region has emerged as evidence of Russia’s growing sphere of influence. Pridnestrovie, a region bordering Ukraine known better under the western exonym Transnistria, is scheduled to address Russian President Vladimir Putin at its next congressional assembly on February 28th. The forthcoming address appears to the latest step in a trajectory trending toward the breakaway state seeking complete separation from Romania and assimilation into the Russian Federation.

Although Transnistria has diverse ethnic demographics almost equally apportioned between Russians, Moldovans, Romanians, and Ukrainians, the Russian demographic slightly ekes out its counterparts with a majority of 29% of Transnistrians belonging to the group. The pro-Russian cultural sentiment of the region is exemplified by its flag, which has remained the same as it was when Transnistria was a part of the Soviet Union. That representative Russian demographic, coupled with broader dissatisfaction of the Moldovan government has fostered support for assimilation into the Russian Federation for quite from time. In 2006, a Transnistrian double referendum was held gauging popular support for the separatist state’s appetite to either renounce its independence and join the Republic Of Moldova or to maintain it and seek to join the Russian Federation. The referendum to become part of Moldova was rejected by 96% of voters while 98% approved of becoming part of Russia.

The support for assimilation into the Russian Federation demonstrated by that referendum has not since waned. If anything, the 2014 Crimean referendum integrate itself with Russia and the subsequent western interventionism culminating in the onset of Russia-Ukraine War has only emboldened Transnistria’s aim. Vadim Krasnoselskii, President Of Transnistria, evidenced his people’s dissatisfaction with Moldova’s rule over the breakaway region by announcing the congressional assembly to deliberate over the future of the breakaway region on February 28th.

Although Krasnoselskii tempered the premise that the assembly was entirely designed as a bid to immediately seek Transnistrian ascension into the Russian Federation, Transnistrian MP Vadim Kravchuk told Tiraspol TV that the congress seeks to pursue that very goal. Kravchuk stated “Holding another referendum makes no sense, but it would be quite reasonable to confirm a previous decision…Transnistria expressed its desire to unite with Russia and the Eurasian Union back in 2006. The congress of the MPs of all levels will most likely confirm our intentions.” https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2024-02-22/transnistria-congressional-assembly-fuels-speculation-separatist-states-aim-join

While all in Transnistria are not in full agreement, the idea of Transnistria joining Russia somehow is not a new one.

A year ago, the BBC posted the following:

We want Russia to come, say Moldova protesters

20 February 2023

Energy bills here now consume more than 70% of household income, according to Moldova’s president.

Ala tells me they swallow half of her pension.

“When we elected this government, they promised to raise salaries and pensions, but so far we haven’t seen a penny,” she says.

Sunday’s protests, organised by Moldova’s pro-Russian Sor party, are being closely watched by governments across Europe and beyond. Most protesters travelled to the capital city Chisinau by bus, with their costs reportedly covered by the Sor party. …

Marina Tauber, Sor’s general secretary, who led today’s protest outside parliament, says that her party not opposed to the EU and wants good relations with all sides.

But there are those in her party who admit they would welcome Russian intervention. …

Orhei – an hour’s drive north of the capital Chisinau – is a Sor stronghold where we meet party Councillor Iurie Berenchi.

“We’re not afraid,” he told me, “Because if Russia wanted to take Moldova, they’d do it in half a day.”

When asked if she would welcome that, Mr Berenchi is unequivocal.

“In my personal opinion, yes,” he said. “With Russia we’d be much better off than we are now.”

Many people in Chisinau see closer ties with the West as a way to secure Moldova’s independence and democracy at a critical time. President Sandu’s party has a solid majority in parliament.

But the view from the crowd outside that parliament on Sunday was different, and there’s the risk the pressure could widen the splits in Moldova’s diverse society.

The risk is clear when Ala and her friends were asked whether they believe Russia wants to infiltrate Moldova, as their president fears.

“Yes, let them come!” they shout. “We want them to come here. We want to be part of Russia!” https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64700590

Yes, it has long been the case that a substantial minority in Moldova likes Russia and many want to be part of Russia. Notice something posted here back to 2014:

Notice that a region in Moldova is now pleading to become part of Russia as well:

March 18, 2014

Moldova’s Trans-Dniester region pleads to join Russia

Pro-Russian politicians and activists in Moldova’s breakaway Trans-Dniester region have asked the Russian parliament to draft a law that would allow their territory to join Russia.

The Trans-Dniestrian appeal comes as Moscow moves towards absorbing Crimea into the Russian Federation. Ukraine, the EU and US say that move is illegal.

Ethnic Russians dominate Trans-Dniester, with support from Moscow.

The region split from Moldova in a war in 1991-92, as the USSR was collapsing.

Moldova’s President Nicolae Timofti said in a news briefing on Tuesday that any decision by Moscow to accept Trans-Dniester “would be a step in the wrong direction”…

Irina Kubanskikh, spokeswoman for the Trans-Dniester parliament, told Itar-Tass news agency that the region’s public bodies had “appealed to the Russian Federation leadership to examine the possibility of extending to Trans-Dniester the legislation, currently under discussion in the State Duma, on granting Russian citizenship and admitting new subjects into Russia”.  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26627236

March 18, 2014

ROMANIA’S president has said Russia is creating a chain of conflicts around the Black Sea to further President Vladimir Putin’s goal of rebuilding the former Soviet Union along its former border with the West.

Romanian President Traian Basescu, who spoke to The Associated Press in an interview, said he fears that neighbouring Moldova is “in great danger.”

“If you look at the map, you will see this chain of frozen conflicts” around the Black Sea “that can be set off at any time,” he said, referring to conflicts in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova…

Russia has 1,500 troops stationed in the separatist republic of Trans-Dniester since 1990, when it broke away from Moldova, fearing that country would reunite with Romania. Trans-Dniester is not internationally recognised but is supported by Russia.  http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/romanias-president-says-moldova-next-in-soviet-expansion/story-e6frg6so-1226857651757

March 12, 2014

“The tense situation in Crimea is a threat to the security of the whole region,” Iurie Leanca, Moldova’s prime minister, said Monday, as reported by Reuters. “The evolution of the situation will create new problems and threats, both direct and indirect, for Moldova.”

Bordering Ukraine to the west and Romania to the east, Moldova sits on the northeast part of the Black Sea and views Russia’s encroachment on Crimea as dangerously close to home.

Already the country shares a tumultuous relationship with Russia. In 1992 a conflict erupted between Moldova’s government and ethnic-Russian separatists living in a breakaway territory within Moldova’s borders known as Transnistria…

While the majority of Moldovans see themselves as culturally close to Romania, 200,000 people in Transnistria are ethnic Russians and have Russian citizenship, which could serve as a pretext for Russian action.   http://www.ibtimes.com/moldova-another-former-soviet-republic-worried-over-russias-move-crimea-1560938

The fact that Vladimir Putin wanted Crimea and has got it at minimal cost is likely going to be a factor in Russia’s view of the situation in Moldova.  While much of Moldova wants to be part of the European Union, not all of it does.  As Russia wants more supporters and less in the European Union, Russia will seriously consider the pros and cons of the Trans-Dniester region, as well as other parts of Moldova.

As I have written before, Vladimir Putin will use military action, and not just the threat of it, if he feels this will further his agenda without excessive international cost. He remains willing to do so. Those in Ukraine and Moldova realize this. (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)

And yes, since that was posted, Russia has taken military action in Ukraine (and ended up with territory) and may also do so in Moldova.

Related to Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine, here is something else 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).

There are some similarities between Ukraine and Moldova–both nations have a lot of Russian speakers, have had pro-Russian governments, and have territory in the east that prefer closer ties with Russia.

Moldova is probably still the poorest nation in Europe (without Western aid, Ukraine likely would be now). Both Russia and the European Union want it. Moldova has 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 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.

Moldovans took some steps towards the European Union several years ago, which made them poorer. That EU move displeased Russia, which then restricted aspects of trade. But with a major part of Moldova’s workforce actually out of the country but working within the European Union, this has greatly increased its support for the EU. Many in Moldova do not trust Russia and believe that they will be freer and wealthier as part of the European Union. Others have been disappointed with the Europeans and have serious doubts that the Europeans can improve their lives for some time as the protests help demonstrate.

So what will happen?

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)

Again, it looks like at least part of Moldova will support the Europeans for a time. The same is the case for Ukraine.

However, at least part of those both land look like they will ultimately align with Russia–and some already have.

UPDATE 02/25/24. We just uploaded the following related video:

14:51

 

Russia, Sanctions, Transnistria, Europe & Prophecy

In 2014 the USA and European Union put sanctions on Russia because of its acquisition of Crimea. Since Russia’s ‘Special Military Operation’ into Ukraine, more sanctions were added. On February 23, 2024, the EU and USA announced more sanctions. Did the sanctions turn the “ruble into rubble” as Joe Biden hoped? Did Russia acquire more territory as Dr. Thiel warned in 2013, 2018, and 2022 prior to the current conflict? Was he right about sanctions? Will Russia and Europe acquire more territory? Will they one day trade more with each other? Will they one day turn against each other? What about Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, and Armenia? Are the Russian-led ‘kings of the Medes’ prophesied to destroy the coming Babylonian European Beast power? Does Europe, starting with Benelux to the European Economic Community to the European Union look to be fulfilling Daniel 8:9? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Russia, Sanctions, Transnistria, Europe & Prophecy.

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 as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Four related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code), and Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?
Europa, the Beast, and 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 are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis
(Photo by Joyce Thiel)

This is one of the most impressive remaining buildings in the area of any of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3. However, it has been recently and massively rebuilt as its original condition was in ruin. And while it and its size are impressive, it no longer functions as it once did. The same is true for the modern remnant of Sardis.

COGwriter

My article titled CG7-D: Church of God, (Seventh Day): History and Teachings had the following:

What the Bible Says About the Sardis Church

Here is what Jesus said in Revelation 3:1-6:

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘

Jesus seems to be warning Sardis to know its history, stop changing doctrine, and pay attention to prophecy.

With its intentional lack of knowledge on church eras/history (see CG7-D Admits Change, But Sardis A Joke?), its doctrinal changes, Sabbath compromising, and its lack of prophetic understanding, it really does seem to me that no other group throughout recent history fits Jesus’ description of the Sardis church more than CG7-D and apparently CG7-Salem.

Additionally, fewer and fewer are likely to be true Christians. The Apostle Paul taught:

2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:2-7)

CG7-D says so much prophecy is in the past that it will be overtaken like by a thief in darkness. CG7-D does NOT advocate watching for many prophetic events as it teaches that they are past.

CG7-D has claimed in the past that its size proves that it is not Sardis. And CG7-D is quite large by COG standards. At the home page of its website, CG7-Denver’s Whaid Rose reported:

The General Conference, Church of God (Seventh Day), is a family of more than 200 local congregations scattered across the United States and Canada. Through its International Ministerial Congress, the Church of God (Seventh Day) is a global church, connecting 300,000 members around the world.. (http://www.cog7.org/ viewed 04/03/12)

CG7-D seems to be connecting 300,000 brethren to error.

In the past several years, CG7-D has been making it clearer and clearer that it does not understand end-time prophecy. And it is teaching this in such a manner as to likely mislead most of its claimed 300,000 brethren. They apparently will be overtaken as with a thief in the night. They seem determined to ignore the warnings to the Sardis Church.

What A CG7 Member Said About What Seems to be Happening There

The Nov-Dec 2005 issue of Giving & Sharing’s Church of God News had this piece from a CG7-D member:

There have been apostate groups and individuals within CG7 for the past 20 years that have lost their conviction about the Sabbath, but most have left the Church. One of the most recent was just a few years ago in which a California congregation split, with the Sunday leaning group finally dissolving and joining local Sunday Churches.What has changed on an official basis within CG7, is the teaching today that Sabbath is only a secondary issue or as they like to say, a “distinctive” that has no bearing on the core beliefs of Christianity. In that kind of environment, I expect we will see many more such apostate groups forming within the Church, and whether they continue to leave or finally organize within the Church is a serious question.

My own prediction is that in the end time, most Sabbatarian Churches will buckle under severe pressure from both inside and outside forces, and allow a mixture of Sunday and Sabbath observing congregations within their midst, to avoid persecution and censure by dictatorial governments that will soon return to the Western world in a time of great crisis. That is when Revelation 18:4 will come into play in a special way, to separate the goats from the sheep, and who will escape the final end time plagues and who will not.

It may be of interest to note, that the joint keeping of the Sabbath and Sunday apparently began in Rome and was documented to have occurred as late as the 4-5th century. But I suspect that the actual Sabbath will be legislated against by the Beast power to not allow for this joint observation.

Below is something I received from a CG7-D member who read that and asked that I do not include his name:

Your comments on the slippage from doctrine really caught me and the section “What A CG7 Member Said …” was very true, but now out of date.

The church appears to have been slowly taken over by liberals and in the past 6 months doctrine has really begun to shift. The church has an open doctrine, which sounds like a good idea – as our understanding improves we adjust doctrine. But it also opens the door for evil people to bring in bad doctrine.

Open doctrine for the CoG7 as an organization has come to mean, believe whatever you want, at the individual level. Coupled with a liberal view that despises whatever it calls legalism, focuses on outreach and largely ignores doctrine, this is to be expected.

As part of the liberalism, CoG7 is trying to make itself more acceptable and thus to appear more like traditional churches. The official position has not changed but the stance on Easter and Christmas is softening in an attempt to welcome people into the church on those days.

The Sabbath is the biggest casualty. I wasn’t there to see it but it appears the church has not taught what the Sabbath is or how it should be observed in a long time. As a result, people do whatever they want. The only element that remains somewhat common is not doing your employment job on the Sabbath.

That’s the current state of observance but a recent Bible Study lesson from CoG7 (BA Press) teaches a Sabbath that has no keeping and instead has an observance (celebration) that consists entirely of going to church on the Sabbath (“celebrate” is a liberal word meaning “go to church”).

Now, it is not my experience that CG7 is doing away with the Sabbath. Notice also something from its July-August 2019 Bible Advocate:

Sabbath observance, then, is not an elective God leaves for us to decide; His will has been made known from creation to Christ. (Overman J. Questions & Answers. Bible Advocate, p. 11)

That being said, my experience is, however, that CG7 is open to allowing many doctrinal ideas, including many that I do not believe are COG. Plus it is a fact that many within it have drifted away from the truth in various ways.

For example, in 2017, Whaid Rose, a former president of the CG7-Denver, had the following in an issue of CG7-Denver’s Bible Advocate magazine:

The Reformation’s Brightest Light

By Whaid Rose

What’s the story of the Reformation’s main man? Born to Christian parents in Germany in 1483, he was reared under strict discipline. But inner peace eluded Luther as he grew older; he struggled to know freedom from sin and assurance of salvation. Keeping his promise to become a monk if spared from a life-threatening thunderstorm, he joined the Augustinian Order and devoted himself to a rigid monastic lifestyle. But this only deepened his anxiety and despair.

Luther’s transformation began when, as head of the theology department at the University of Wittenberg, he began a serious study of Romans. Suffice it to say, he discovered justification by faith (1:17) — God’s sovereign act whereby He declares us “not guilty” and places us in right standing with Himself, on the basis of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. Luther’s life was suddenly and forever unshackled.

As a result, Luther became increasingly unsettled by the unbiblical practices of the Roman Catholic Church, which led him to nail his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church on October 31, 1517. These were merely questions and propositions for debate. But thanks to zealous university students and Guttenberg’s new invention, Luther’s theses were soon spread all over Germany, sparking a firestorm. When his books were burned in Rome, he appealed to the emperor for a hearing. It was granted, bringing us to the showdown at the Imperial Diet (assembly) in Worms, 1521. Asked if willing to recant, Luther begged time to think it over and spent the night in agonizing prayer.

It’s believed that Psalm 46, the biblical framework for Luther’s signature hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” was before him that night. As Luther stood before the assembly the following day, his inquisitor demanded a final answer, prompting his now famous response: “I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one’s conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me.”

This is Christiandom’s finest hour.

The landscape of Christianity was forever changed. Five hundred years later, we still need Luther. His inner struggles encourage us; we’re not alone. His humble circumstances remind us that God uses ordinary people, that one person can make a difference. His discovery in Romans urges us to return to Scripture and get the gospel right. His conviction and courage embolden us to take our stand, to seek a new Reformation.

An old Bohemian psalter features a picture of Wycliffe striking the spark, Huss kindling the coals, and Luther brandishing the flame — an accurate depiction of Luther’s role in the Protestant Reformation. Among Reformation lights, Luther shines brightest. Yet we celebrate his legacy, not so much because he was a religious hero but because he points us beyond himself to the God who alone re – deems us in Christ — by faith alone.

This is horrific and seems to be supportive of the ecumenical agenda that many these days advocate.

The true Church of God is NOT Protestant, nor does it trace itself through the Protestant reformation (for many details, read the free online book Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism and/or Continuing History of the Church of God).

While I have had positive interactions with former CG7 presidents Robert Coulter and Calvin Burrell, as well as its current president Loren Stacey, former president Whaid Rose is another matter.

Whaid Rose clearly has not shown himself to be among the “few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments” (Revelation 3:4) (God will be the judge of him and the others).

All should realize:

1. Martin Luther was never a Christian.
2. His psaltery statements were NOT “Christendom’s finest hour.”
3. He did not truly respect the Bible.
4. We certainly do not need another person like him today.
5. Martin Luther intentionally mistranslated the Bible for it to say “faith alone” the way he advocated it.

Martin Luther did not stand up for the truth. He endorsed his views above the Bible (see also Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther: What Did Martin Luther Actually Teach about the Bible?).

Martin Luther wrote many things that a real Christian would never have written, such as the following:

My heart is fuller of these thoughts than my tongue can tell. I have come to the conclusion that the Jews will always curse and blaspheme God as all the prophets have predicted. He who neither reads nor understands this, as yet knows no theology, in my opinion. And so I presume the men of Cologne cannot understand the Scripture, because it is necessary that such things take place to fulfill prophecy. If they are trying to stop the Jews blaspheming, they are working to prove the Bible and God liars (“Martin Luther’s to George Spalatin,” from Luther’s Correspondence and Other Contemporan, Letters, trans. by P. Smith (1913), Vol. 1, pp. 28-29).

Furthermore he wrote:

I had made up my mind to write no more either about the Jews or against them. But since I learned that those miserable and accursed people do not cease to lure to themselves even us, that is, the Christians, I have published this little book, so that I might be found among those who opposed such poisonous activities of the Jews and who warned the Christians to be on their guard against them…They are so blind and stupid that they see neither the words found in Genesis 17 nor the whole of Scripture, which mightily and explicitly condemns this lie…They are real liars and bloodhounds who have not only continually perverted and falsified all of Scripture with their mendacious glosses from the beginning until the present day. Their heart’s most ardent sighing and yearning and hoping is set on the day on which they can deal with us Gentiles as they did with the Gentiles in Persia at the time of Esther…The worse a Jew is, the more arrogant he is, solely because he is a Jew — that is, a person descended from Abraham’s seed, circumcised, and under the law of Moses. David and other pious Jews were not as conceited as the present-day, incorrigible Jews…I wanted to present this to us Germans so that we might see what rascals the blind Jews are and how powerfully the truth of God in our midst stands with us and against them (Medieval Sourcebook: Martin Luther (1483-1546): On the Jews and Their Lies, 1543)

Martin Luther advised his followers:

…to burn down Jewish schools and synagogues, and to throw pitch and sulphur into the flames; to destroy their homes; to confiscate their ready money in gold and silver; to take from them their sacred books, even the whole Bible; and if that did not help matters, to hunt them of the country like mad dogs (Luther’s Works, vol. Xx, pp. 2230-2632 as quoted in Stoddard JL. Rebuilding a Lost Faith, 1922, p.99).

Accordingly, it must and dare not be considered a trifling matter but a most serious one to seek counsel against this and to save our souls from the Jews, that is, from the devil and from eternal death. My advice, as I said earlier, is: First, that their synagogues be burned down, and that all who are able toss in sulphur and pitch (Martin Luther (1483-1546): On the Jews and Their Lies, 1543 as quoted from Luther’s Works, Volume 47: The Christian in Society IV, (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1971). pp 268­293).

Advocating persecution, murder, and theft is not something a real Christian leader would do–yet Martin Luther did that and more.

Does that mean that everything Martin Luther did was bad?

No.

But he is not an example to emulate.

CG7-D should resist the pull of Protestantism and hold fast to the truth.

Let me also add here that CG7-Denver, somewhat officially, has become basically preterist, which means that they believe most of the prophecies in the Book of Revelation, for example, have been fulfilled (see also The Dangerous Rise of Preterists). That is not the case–hence like the Laodicean churches, CG7 will not know when the Great Tribulation will begin until it is too late.

That being said, my experience with CG7-affiliates in Africa and South America has been that some are open to at least parts of the truth. And we have many in the Continuing Church of God who once considered themselves part of the Seventh Day Church of God.

CG7-Denver needs to heed the words of Jesus, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God” (Revelation 3:2).

Some items of related interest may include:

CG7D: Church of God, (Seventh Day): History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace part of their history through some affiliation with this group. Loren Stacy is the president of the largest CG7 USA group (Denver). Do you know much about them?
CG7.ORG This is a website for those interested in the Sabbath and churches that observe the seventh day Sabbath.
CG7-S: Church of God 7th Day, Salem (West Virginia) This group formed by A.N. Dugger in 1933 when he split from the CG7 group he was once president of.
MCGSD: Meridian Church of God Seventh Day A group that was a split from the old Stanberry COG.
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.
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.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
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. 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.
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? watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!
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?
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?
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church? Here is a related sermon video The Christian Sabbath and How and Why to Keep It.
The Christian Sabbath. This is a series of articles from the Catholic Mirror essentially proving that the biblical Sabbath was Saturday, that the Lord’s day in Revelation 1 is not a reference to Sunday, that the Church of Rome implemented Sunday, and that nearly all Protestants followed Rome. Here is a link to a related sermon: Catholic teachings on the Sabbath, Sunday, and Protestantism.
How to Observe the Sabbath? How should you keep the Sabbath? This is an old article by Raymond Cole, with updated information for the 21st century.
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 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 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?
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true? Here is a link to a related article in Mandarin Chinese 一个不合理的神？
Another Look at the Didache, Ignatius, and the Sabbath Did Ignatius write against the Sabbath and for Sunday? What about the Didache? What does the actual Greek reveal?
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.
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.

COGwriter

The Vatican, which makes money selling stamps, has announced a new stamp (shown above) to honor the Roman Catholic saint and false prophet Don, also known as John, Bosco. Here is some of what Zenit, a pro-Vatican news agency reported about it:

Vatican issues stamp commemorating St. John Bosco’s dream

(ZENIT News / Roma, 02.21.2024).- The Vatican Post Office announced the issuance of a commemorative stamp dedicated to the dream that Saint John Bosco had at the age of nine, coinciding with the bicentenary of this event. The issuance went on sale on February 19th and is available for both collections and enthusiasts. The stamp features an oil painting by the artist Mario Bogani from 1999, depicting the dream of the young John Bosco, who is taken by the hand by the Virgin Mary, with the presence of Jesus by his side. This dream profoundly marked the life of the saint and guided his future choices. The face value of the stamp will be 1.30 euros, and a sheet composed of nine stamps with a total face value of 11.70 euros will also be issued, all bearing the inscription “The Dream of Saint John Bosco” and the dates “1824” and “2024”. https://zenit.org/2024/02/21/vatican-issues-stamp-commemorating-st-john-boscos-dream/

John Bosco was a false prophet and a promoter of a false version of Mary. In 1825, when he was nine, Bosco had the first of a series of dreams which would play an influential role in his outlook and life.

While many believe he did a lot of charitable works, he had a variety of improper teachings, and some that came from his dreams/visions.

As far as him being a false prophet, notice one of his prophecies, involving turning people to ‘Mary’:

COGwriter

Jim Rickards posted the following at his Daily Reckoning site:

The Year of Cascading Crises

February 20, 2024

I often write about different crises, but usually one at a time. … What about a situation in which one crisis comes after another for a prolonged period? Each crisis might be manageable, but the sheer volume of crises and their cumulative effect might push society to the breaking point. …

Now, I’m not necessarily predicting that we’ll get a cascade of crises. But it’s possible, and you should be prepared just in case.

That’s because it looks like 2024 might be a year in which the crises do cascade. …

Here’s what might play out over the next 10 months and the reasons why:

Much of what is to come is in response to the likely victory of Donald Trump in the race for the presidency. One cannot overstate the sheer fear of Trump by the globalists, Davos crowd, progressives, climate alarmists, DEI gurus and just about anyone else who can’t stand Trump. …

Trump is not just an opposing politician; he’s an existential threat to a 50-year-old globalist, anti-nationalist agenda. To keep him out of the White House, his political opponents have resorted to lawfare: the use of law to handicap a political opponent. …

The fact that Trump may survive this legal onslaught (or issue a self-pardon upon election) does not alter the damage done.

Confidence in the rule of law has been badly eroded. The biased and unbalanced application of the law to Trump has increased the already extreme polarization that exists in the U.S. This polarization is the foundation for the other social dysfunctions to follow.

Here’s a summary of the social and infrastructure crises that may follow on the political crisis described above:

• Energy shortages and blackouts due to Green New Scam policies and the simple physics of trying to maintain a baseline load in the power grid using intermittent sources such as windmills and solar

• A new pandemic promoted to impose unnecessary lockdowns that act as cover for ballot-box stuffing, extensive ballot harvesting, drop-box abuse and other scams intended to rig the vote for Biden

• A stock market meltdown as Congress tries to reduce out-of-control fiscal deficits and markets realize that excessive government spending was the only thing keeping the economy going in the first place

• The rollout of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) that will be used as a surveillance tool to identify those whom Biden calls “enemies of the people.” The targets will be Trump supporters and MAGA Republicans

• Chinese hacking of critical infrastructure systems including air traffic control, banking and capital markets.

• As these crises cascade, don’t be surprised if the White House imposes martial law and even takes steps to suspend the elections.

Blood in the Streets

One event which I find highly likely and a possible cover for some of these other events is blood in the streets of Chicago from Aug. 19–21, 2024. That’s the time and place of the Democratic National Convention to nominate their candidate for president.

The convention will likely come under attack from Antifa, the pro-Palestinians, climate activists and others. https://dailyreckoning.com/the-year-of-cascading-crises/

Yes, the globalists, etc. are strongly opposed to Donald Trump.

Yes, we may well see violent civil unrest in the USA.

Yes, there are people who are looking to put in CBDCs in the USA, Europe, and elsewhere–and this will, in the future, be used for surveillance and control (e.g., see yesterday’s post: ZH: American Totalitarian ‘Crypto Dollar’ May Come Before The Election; CG: EU Parliamentary Committee votes in favor of ‘digital euro’ CBDC).

Yes, we may see more totalitarian steps by the USA government as well as other governments around the world.

Now, one thing that Jim Rickards did not discuss was various weather, earthquakes, or similar disasters.

Jesus warned of the time we are now in when He said:

7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:7-8)

So, yes, there will be troubles in 2024.

As far as a cascade of crises and other troubles go, notice something from my book Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction:

Like many politicians, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, do not meet the following leadership criteria:

²¹ Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; (Exodus 18:19)

³ The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God. (2 Samuel 23:3)

This does not bode well for the U.S.A.

Furthermore, the Bible warns against the type of moral decline that is occurring in the U.S.A.:

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

But how can this happen to the U.S.A.?  It will likely happen with a combination of events. Notice:

⁵ “Moreover the multitude of your foes Shall be like fine dust, And the multitude of the terrible ones Like chaff that passes away; Yes, it shall be in an instant, suddenly. ⁶ You will be punished by the Lord of hosts with thunder and earthquake and great noise, With storm and tempest and the flame of devouring fire. (Isaiah 29:5-6)

The debt situation of the U.S.A. is putting it at risk of being unable to recover should it be hit by weather problems, terrorist acts, war, riots, solar flares, severe earthquakes, civil unrest, devastation of their genetically-modified food supplies, food shortages, and/or various pestilences–an intensity of “sorrows” such as Jesus discussed in Matthew 24:4-8 leading up to the time of the Great Tribulation. Political issues, climate change, trade policies, communication’s deals, and other events are pushing the U.S.A. to a position that will encourage its takeover someday. Disasters, especially if there is an ElectroMagnetic Pulse (EMP) attack, a severe solar flare storm, devastating hurricane (s) something like a massive volcanic eruption and/or massive earthquake could be part of a so-called “perfect storm” of events that could set up the U.S.A. for destruction.

Consider the devastation of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. Multiply that by other disasters. The U.S.A. is at risk. Notice, also, the following related to Dr. Michio Kaku’s assessment of Yellowstone:

Scientists assure us that one day the absolutely massive Yellowstone supervolcano will once again experience a Category 8 eruption, and if it happened today it would “literally tear the guts out of the United States of America” … “Instead of having 50 states of the Union, we would have 30 states of the Union.” (Snyder M. As Yellowstone Awakens, Dr. Michio Kaku Warns That It Could “Literally Tear The Guts Out Of The United States Of America”. Economic Collapse Blog, February 2019)

A ‘perfect storm’ of disasters, internal strife, and misplaced confidences will make the U.S.A. a nation that can be defeated.

Many sorrows that the U.S.A. will face, like severe weather problems, diseases and earthquakes, will happen in the future, irrespective of who is in the White House (Amos 4:7-10; Luke 21:11). Joe Biden and Kamala Harris look to hasten the day of destruction. (Thiel B. Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction. Nazarene Books, January 2021)

While we are not to that point yet, there are prophecies that point to the USA possibly being gone by the end of 2028 (see Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028?).

Politicians will NOT be able to save the USA, nor its Anglo-Saxon descended allies (UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand).

Like the rest of the world, the USA needs national repentance and the Kingdom of God.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Could 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 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028 or earlier? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? 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: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
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.
About Baptism Should you be baptized? Could baptism be necessary for salvation? Who should baptize and how should it be done? Here is a link to a related sermon: Let’s Talk About Baptism and Baptism, Infants, Fire, & the Second Death.
Spiritual Samaritans: Old and New Who were the Samaritans? Do the represent true Christianity or something else? Here is a link to a related sermon: USA in Prophecy: Samaria.
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.
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 are two related items in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra? and Existe un Lugar de Seguridad.
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? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of 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.

Hierapolis, Turkey (Photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

The Catholics of Rome consider February 22nd as the day to honor Papias of Hierapolis, whom they consider to be one of their saints. This is somewhat odd in that Papias held many Church of God, not Church of Rome views. One of which, the current Catechism of the Catholic Church considers to be a doctrine of antichrist.

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that Papias was:

Bishop of Hierapolis (close to Laodicea and Colossae in the valley of the Lycus in Phrygia) and Apostolic Father, called by St. Irenaeus “a hearer of John, and companion of Polycarp, a man of old time”. He wrote a work in five books, logion kyriakon exegesis, of which all but some fragments is lost…Of Papias’s life nothing is known. If Polycarp was born in 69, his “comrade” may have been born a few years earlier…The work of Papias was evidently written in his old age, say between the years 115 and 140 “…His knowledge of St. John’s Gospel is proved not merely by his mention of aloes, but by a citation of John 14:2, which occurs in the curious prophecy of a miraculous vintage in the millennium which he attributed to Our Lord…

Eusebius says that Papias frequently cited traditions of John…Eusebius says Papias “published a story of a woman accused of many sins before the Lord, which is contained in the Gospel according to the Hebrews”. This appears to refer to the pericope adulterae (John 8). The cause of the loss of this precious work of an Apostolic Father was the chiliastic view which he taught, like St. Justin and St. Irenæus. (Chapman J. Transcribed by Marcia L. Bellafiore. St. Papias. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XI. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, February 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Since John and Polycarp were quartodecimans (Eusebius. Church History. Book V, Chapter 24), apparently so was Papias (since the churches in Asia Minor had not adopted a Sunday Passover at this time, Ibid). Yet, being a Quartodeciman (observing the Passover on the biblical date of the 14th) was seriously denounced by an edict of Theodosius in the late fourth century.

Papias and John

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes this about Papias and the Apostle John:

The author of the Second and Third Epistles of John designates himself in the superscription of each by the name (ho presbyteros), “the ancient”, “the old”. Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, also uses the same name to designate the “Presbyter John” as in addition to Aristion, his particular authority, directly after he has named the presbyters Andrew, Peter, Philip, Thomas, James, John, and Matthew (in Eusebius, “Hist. eccl.”, III, xxxix, 4)…St. Irenaeus also positively designates the Apostle and Evangelist John as the teacher of Papias, and neither he nor any other writer before Eusebius had any idea of a second John in Asia (Adv. haer., V, xxxiii, 4). In what Papias himself says the connection plainly shows that in this passage by the word presbyters only Apostles can be understood. If John is mentioned twice the explanation lies in the peculiar relationship in which Papias stood to this, his most eminent teacher. By inquiring of others he had learned some things indirectly from John, just as he had from the other Apostles referred to. In addition he had received information concerning the teachings and acts of Jesus directly, without the intervention of others, from the still living “Presbyter John”, as he also had from Aristion. Thus the teaching of Papias casts absolutely no doubt upon what the New-Testament writings presuppose and expressly mention concerning the residence of the Evangelist John in Asia (Fonck L. Transcribed by Michael Little. St. John the Evangelist. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VIII Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Thus, it appears that Papias directly knew the Apostle John. The Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation which, among other things, described a thousand year reign of Christ on the earth (Revelation 20:4).

Eusebius recorded the following about Papias:

1. There are extant five books of Papias, which bear the title Expositions of Oracles of the Lord. Irenæus makes mention of these as the only works written by him, in the following words: “These things are attested by Papias, an ancient man who was a hearer of John and a companion of Polycarp, in his fourth book. For five books have been written by him.” These are the words of Irenæus.
2. But Papias himself in the preface to his discourses by no means declares that he was himself a hearer and eye-witness of the holy apostles, but he shows by the words which he uses that he received the doctrines of the faith from those who were their friends.
3. He says: But I shall not hesitate also to put down for you along with my interpretations whatsoever things I have at any time learned carefully from the elders and carefully remembered, guaranteeing their truth. For I did not, like the multitude, take pleasure in those that speak much, but in those that teach the truth; not in those that relate strange commandments, but in those that deliver the commandments given by the Lord to faith, and springing from the truth itself.
4. If, then, any one came, who had been a follower of the elders, I questioned him in regard to the words of the elders— what Andrew or what Peter said, or what was said by Philip, or by Thomas, or by James, or by John, or by Matthew, or by any other of the disciples of the Lord, and what things Aristion and the presbyter John, the disciples of the Lord, say. For I did not think that what was to be gotten from the books would profit me as much as what came from the living and abiding voice.
5. It is worth while observing here that the name John is twice enumerated by him. The first one he mentions in connection with Peter and James and Matthew and the rest of the apostles, clearly meaning the evangelist; but the other John he mentions after an interval, and places him among others outside of the number of the apostles, putting Aristion before him, and he distinctly calls him a presbyter.
6. This shows that the statement of those is true, who say that there were two persons in Asia that bore the same name, and that there were two tombs in Ephesus, each of which, even to the present day, is called John’s. It is important to notice this. For it is probable that it was the second, if one is not willing to admit that it was the first that saw the Revelation, which is ascribed by name to John.
7. And Papias, of whom we are now speaking, confesses that he received the words of the apostles from those that followed them, but says that he was himself a hearer of Aristion and the presbyter John. At least he mentions them frequently by name, and gives their traditions in his writings. These things, we hope, have not been uselessly adduced by us.
8. But it is fitting to subjoin to the words of Papias which have been quoted, other passages from his works in which he relates some other wonderful events which he claims to have received from tradition.
9. That Philip the apostle dwelt at Hierapolis with his daughters has been already stated. But it must be noted here that Papias, their contemporary, says that he heard a wonderful tale from the daughters of Philip. For he relates that in his time one rose from the dead. And he tells another wonderful story of Justus, surnamed Barsabbas: that he drank a deadly poison, and yet, by the grace of the Lord, suffered no harm.
10. The Book of Acts records that the holy apostles after the ascension of the Saviour, put forward this Justus, together with Matthias, and prayed that one might be chosen in place of the traitor Judas, to fill up their number. The account is as follows: “And they put forward two, Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias; and they prayed and said.” Acts 1:23 11. The same writer gives also other accounts which he says came to him through unwritten tradition, certain strange parables and teachings of the Saviour, and some other more mythical things.
12. To these belong his statement that there will be a period of some thousand years after the resurrection of the dead, and that the kingdom of Christ will be set up in material form on this very earth. I suppose he got these ideas through a misunderstanding of the apostolic accounts, not perceiving that the things said by them were spoken mystically in figures.
13. For he appears to have been of very limited understanding, as one can see from his discourses. But it was due to him that so many of the Church Fathers after him adopted a like opinion, urging in their own support the antiquity of the man; as for instance Irenæus and any one else that may have proclaimed similar views.
14. Papias gives also in his own work other accounts of the words of the Lord on the authority of Aristion who was mentioned above, and traditions as handed down by the presbyter John; to which we refer those who are fond of learning. But now we must add to the words of his which we have already quoted the tradition which he gives in regard to Mark, the author of the Gospel.
15. “This also the presbyter said: Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, whatsoever he remembered of the things said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, he followed Peter, who adapted his teaching to the needs of his hearers, but with no intention of giving a connected account of the Lord’s discourses, so that Mark committed no error while he thus wrote some things as he remembered them. For he was careful of one thing, not to omit any of the things which he had heard, and not to state any of them falsely.” These things are related by Papias concerning Mark.
16. But concerning Matthew he writes as follows: “So then Matthew wrote the oracles in the Hebrew language, and every one interpreted them as he was able.” And the same writer uses testimonies from the first Epistle of John and from that of Peter likewise. And he relates another story of a woman, who was accused of many sins before the Lord, which is contained in the Gospel according to the Hebrews. These things we have thought it necessary to observe in addition to what has been already stated. (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book 3, Chapter XXXIX; Digireads, pp. 68-69)

So, this “Catholic saint” taught the millennium–a doctrine that is now denounced by the Vatican as associated with Antichrist (see Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?).

Papias would have observed Passover on the 14th of Nisan instead of a Sunday. Neither Papias nor other early Christian leaders observed Lent or Easter.

The Roman Catholic Church, in spite of the fact that it admits that many of its early saints taught the millennium, now strongly condemns this belief. Notice:

676 The Antichrist’s deception already begins to take shape in the world every time the claim is made to realize within history that messianic hope which can only be realized beyond history through the eschatological judgment. The Church has rejected even modified forms of this falsification of the kingdom to come under the name of millenarianism, especially the “intrinsically perverse” political form of a secular messianism. (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 194).

It should be noted that the millennial teaching appears to be the only doctrine associated with Antichrist that is condemned in the current official Catechism of the Catholic Church (which is the first new one in hundreds of years). The one that has the imprimatur of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, who was later called Pope Emeritus and was Pope Benedict XVI.

Notice something else that Joseph Ratzinger wrote in a paper titled The Theology of History in St. Bonaventure prior to becoming pope:

“…both Chiliasm [the teaching of the Millennium] and Montanism were declared heretical and were excluded from the universal church; for they both denied this vision [the “Christ is the end of the ages” vision] and awaited still another period of more definitive salvation to follow after the age of Christ” (as cited in Birch, pp. 515-516; note the comments within [] were from the Catholic writer Birch).

This is an odd statement for several reasons. It was the leaders in Asia Minor who stood for the Millennium and were the first to oppose Montanism–whom the Roman Catholics originally tolerated (please see the article Location of the Early Church)–hence the belief in one is NOT necessarily related to the other.

The other reason this condemnation is odd, is that even though Origen was opposed to the millennium, Origen also taught that there was definitive salvation after what then Cardinal Ratzinger calls “the age of Christ” (please see the article Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism). Yet pontiff emeritus Benedict XVI had publicly praised Origin as a “true teacher” (for documentation, see What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation?).

It appears to me that the millennial view is being so definitely condemned now, because we are getting so close to that time when the Church of Rome is expected to compromise more and the Pope has prepared his followers to do that. It seems like the final revised Roman Church intends to warn against following any (like the actual two witnesses) who will be teaching the original millennial doctrine. Of course, there still are Catholics who accept the biblical teaching on the millennium–but they are becoming more and more of a minority within their church.

Despite any ‘Catholic’ observance in Papias’ honor, the reality is that based on what is actually known about Papias, he had views closer to the Church of God, than the current Church of Rome.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Papias Papias died circa 135-145 and oversaw churches from Hierapolis. This article has many of his writings that are not in today’s post.
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.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? Two related sermons are available Millennial Utopia and The Millennium.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2030 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?
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.
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.
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?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
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? A related sermon is titled Tradition and Scripture.
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.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

(Source: Pixabay)

COGwriter

We continue to see steps in the USA and Europe about the rise and possible implementation of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Let’s start by looking at two reports related to the USA:

American Totalitarian ‘Crypto Dollar’ May Come Before The Election

February 21, 2024

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) threaten to replace the cash we use with programmable, trackable, and censorable tokens controlled by governments. Your financial choices could be suppressed, and privacy eliminated. Based on what I’ve learned and experienced directly, this could happen before the 2024 election.  …

The Political Landscape for CBDCs in the United States

This is why I believe a CBDC might be rolled out in the United States before the 2024 Presidential election.

1/ President Biden has Authorized the Exploration of a CBDC, and There Isn’t any Real Resistance in Congress.

On March 9, 2022, President Biden signed Executive Order 14067. This EO places “the highest urgency on research and development efforts into the potential design and deployment options of a United States CBDC.” It also calls for a whole-of-government approach to regulating digital assets. As you will see in a further section below, the technology for a US CBDC has already been developed. …

In June of 2023, I had my first conversation with Vivek Ramaswamy. …

The first thing Vivek did after exiting the race after the Iowa Caucus was to convince Donald Trump that he should oppose CBDCs. On January 17, 2024, in my home state of New Hampshire immediately before the Presidential primary, Trump made the following statement: “I want to thank my friend Vivek for bringing this important issue to my attention. He’s been a great help in understanding the dangers of CBDCs, and I’m grateful for his guidance. Together, we’ll make sure that these digital dollars never see the light of day in America.” …

2/ The Technology for a US CBDC has Already Been Developed and Could be Deployed Quickly.

The Federal Reserve has already completed three successful pilots. …

3/ Most Americans are Unaware of What CBDCs are and Could be Easily Manipulated in an Emergency.

An article in Forbes on March 8, 2023, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated “Given the very modest and biased mainstream media coverage on this topic, most Americans are fairly complacent about the issue.” The Cato Institute recently conducted a survey on the issue, and while it shows that 34% oppose a “central bank digital currency,” most don’t know enough yet to have an opinion. …

4/ In Recent History, Emergencies Have Driven Major Legislation That Strips Us of Our Rights.

There has been a recent trend of passing larger and larger emergency legislation in shorter and shorter timeframes with less scrutiny over time. Winston Churchill stated, “Never let a good crisis go to waste” and the US Congress and Senate have not missed this opportunity to use an emergency to strip US citizens of their freedoms. … we could see a CBDC passed in under two weeks. …

Don’t Believe the Hype

You should be aware that the people pushing CBDCs (central banks, the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, Bank of International Settlements, and others) have refined their messaging and will be presenting a full propaganda campaign extolling the virtues of CBDCs. …

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, remarked, “Without CBDC, we risk losing the role of anchor.”

Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, observed, “CBDC doesn’t solve any actual problems, other than enabling central bankers to monitor all transactions and deduct taxes directly from people’s accounts.” https://www.zerohedge.com/political/american-totalitarian-crypto-dollar-may-come-election

What Will America Look Like When Joe Biden’s Central Bank Digital Currency Becomes a Reality?

February 21, 2024

A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is a digital form of a country’s national currency issued by its central bank. Unlike traditional physical money such as banknotes and coins, CBDCs exist in electronic or digital form. …

Is a Central Bank Digital Currency good for the federal government or our people?

Former President Donald Trump warned that a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) or a Fed-controlled Digital Dollar “would give our federal Government absolute control over your money.”

“They could take your money, and you wouldn’t even know it’s gone. This would be a dangerous threat to our freedom.”

Are there any cases where countries have introduced a CBDC while maintaining control over their citizen’s financial resources?

Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank, admitted that the purpose of CBDCs, like the digital euro, is control. She also noted that those who pay more than 1,000 EUR in cash for any transaction are doing so off the grid and will be fined or go to jail.

Whoa, using your own cash for private transactions over 1,000 EUR in the European Union will send you to jail? That’s a pretty scary thought.

Are there any reports as to how China is using its CBDC?

Wired magazine reports that “China’s Digital Yuan Works Just Like Cash—With Added Surveillance.”

Back in January 2021, a Forbes article had the headline: “China’s Digital Yuan Reported To Be the Ultimate Financial Censorship Tool.” …

At the beginning of his tenure, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14067 on “Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets.” Hidden in section 4 of this order is some alarming language. In just a few paragraphs, our current president has possibly set the stage for…

• Legal surveillance of U.S. citizens
• Control of all bank accounts and purchases
• The ability to crush free speech and silence opposing voices

Then we have Sen. Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) pro-digital dollar draft—Senate Bill 3571—Banking for All Act. It describes Federal Digital Wallets.

Now, to add icing to the cake,  Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), introduced legislation to abolish digital money privacy. It’s called the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2022.

This Act could strip privacy from digital money transactions, should the United States enact a CBDC, also known as Fedcoin. This is what American Banker, an organization dedicated to updating bankers on all financial and banking affairs, had to say about the Act:

This bill violates our digital privacy. The bill would require digital wallet companies to register as money services businesses, which means they would have to monitor clients’ payment transactions like banks even if they don’t move money. This means that a wallet company would be responsible for monitoring our personal digital wallets … for filing reports to the federal government.

As Forbes has reported in the past: “Privacy advocate experts worry that digital currencies would give governments too much control over how and where people spend their money. Many see them as the ultimate tool of government financial surveillance.” …

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) says, “CBDCs pose a clear threat to Americans’ financial independence.”

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) says, “The Federal Reserve’s push to develop a central bank digital currency would allow the Fed to track an individual’s transactions indefinitely.” https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/02/21/what-will-america-look-like-when-joe-bidens-central-bank-digital-currency-becomes-a-reality/

While various ones in the USA and elsewhere have concerns, digital currencies are more and more being studied and implemented.

That said, I believe that Donald Trump would make CBDCs a BIG election issue if it looked like they would be fully implemented before the 2024 election.

That said, notice the picture at the beginning of this post shows. It was from Pixabay when I searched for CBDC. It is an illustration pointing out that CBDCs would be a surveillance tool for the Euro.

The European Union is moving faster towards CBDCs than the USA as the following helps demonstrate:

EU Parliamentary Committee votes in favor of ‘digital euro’ CBDC

20 February 2024

The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties and Justice (LIBE) has overwhelmingly voted to endorse the latest digital euro report backing the European Central Bank’s (ECB) proposed digital euro, taking the bloc one step closer to a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

The draft legislation would make a proposed CBDC legal tender and was passed by a resounding 48 in favor of with only six against (and with seven abstentions).

A digital euro has been in the works since June 2023, and the latest draft of the bill, approved by LIBE on February 15, includes amendments that provide support for
permissionless blockchains and address prior concerns raised by European banks. It also states that payment providers can use their own wallets. https://coingeek.com/eu-parliamentary-committee-votes-in-favor-of-digital-euro-cbdc/

We continue to to see many European and some American leaders pushing for CBDCs.

According to the Bible, Europe will end up with the ability to control and monitor buying and selling.

That would seem to have to require some type of computers and digital currency.

The Bible says that a coming totalitarian, European Beast power will control buying and selling.

Moves in that direction were part of #13 of my list of 24 items to prophetically watch in 2024:

13. CBDCs and 666

Notice the following prophecy:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:16-18)

This type of financial surveillance could not have happened during the time of the Apostle John as there was no real way to monitor many financial transactions then (despite the fact that ‘preterists’ believe this was fulfilled almost 2000 years ago, see also The Dangerous Rise of Preterists). The same was true for all the centuries that followed until the late 20th and now the 21st century. But now not only does the technology exist to monitor most financial transactions, the political will is there as well.

It will be a European power that will fulfill the above prophecy of 666 (watch Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?).

It will likely take supercomputers aided with artificial intelligence to aid in the fulfillment of the scriptures in Revelation 13:15-18, as well as cyber-spying/monitoring. I do believe that cyber monitoring will be used by the European Beast, King of the North, 666 power.

We are seeing a move to digital/electronic money. Notice a news item from 2023:

EU making use of large amounts of cash illegal: Yes, this is a step towards 666!

Now, now some items from 2023:

‘2023: The ABC’s of CBDC, the Great Reset(s) & MORE Centralized Control’

WEF wants to ‘master the future’–CBDCs are part of the way

World Economic Forum pushing the inevitability of CBDCs

‘We Are Working Hard On A Global CBDC’ ‘The Reset: When Will Globalists Attempt To Introduce Their Digital Currency System?’

‘CBDCs are a solution for a problem we don’t have, and they want to implant it under our skin’

WORSE THAN CBDCs: Globalists Publish Plan for Worldwide Financial ENSLAVEMENT Under “Unified Ledger”

‘Putin Signs Digital Ruble Law Making a CBDC Possible in Russia’

NEW WORLD CURRENCY ANNOUNCED? – New BRICS CBDC To Be Launched Next Year? ’10 U.S. Sectors To Be Affected If BRICS Stops Using the Dollar’

‘EU Parliament Agrees on Digital ID Introduction and Pro-Censorship Chief Suggests CBDC Integration’

Knowledge and monitoring of financial transactions is greatly increasing.

Europe has claimed that it will be the dominant force in cryptocurrency.

The Europeans will push for a CBDC.

Many within BRICS will push for a CBDC.

While 2024 will not see a cashless world, expect to see more movements towards monitorable payments.

Expect to see more steps related to Central Bank Digital Currencies in 2024.

The fall of the US dollar and the trend towards digital money will concern many.

Look for more totalitarian steps to be proposed and/or implemented in 2024.

Biblically, we know that 666 financial controls will be put in place in Europe, and likely elsewhere.

Actions towards Central Bank Digital Currencies looks to make that easier. The US Congress will not stop what the Bible shows will happen in Europe.

Related to CBDCs and prophecy, we put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

Steps towards ‘666’ are clearly happening.

Yes, Europe will adopt some type of digital currency.

Probably by 2028.

For a time it will “master the future” under a totalitarian dictator.

But the good news is that it will one day be replaced by the coming Kingdom of God.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Mark of Antichrist What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?
Mark of the Beast What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
Could 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 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? 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: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
Is a Great Reset Coming? Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum has proposed a societal change that has been basically endorsed by the Vatican and many world leaders. Does the Bible prophesy a major reset? Here is a link to a related video: Will there be a “Great Reset”?
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.

COGwriter

Michael Snyder posted the following:

They Thought That Going Soft On Crime Would Make Our Society Better. They Were Wrong.

February 20, 2024

Many look at Generation Z and wonder how things could have gone so horribly wrong, but it isn’t a mystery at all. The truth is that the young adults of today are the product of the western world’s dying culture. We have often been warned that the liberal elite will fundamentally transform our culture, but in reality they have already fundamentally transformed it. They dominate education, they dominate the media, they dominate the entertainment industry, they dominate the corporate world, they dominate at all levels of government and they even dominate most of our major religious institutions. They have imposed a culture on us that is completely foreign to the culture that was once dominant in the western world, and the consequences have been nothing short of dramatic.

The radicals that run most of our major cities thought that going soft on crime was the way to go.  So they reduced police budgets, they legalized a lot of things that used to be serious crimes, they decided to stop prosecuting numerous low level offenses, and many hardcore criminals found themselves getting sent back into the streets time after time after getting arrested by the police.  For example, even though the city of Chicago is experiencing a massive crime wave, the jail population in Cook County is “at the lowest level in 40 years” thanks to policies that are extremely soft on crime…

One thing Chicagoans can’t help but notice when scrolling through news feeds: the number of violent crimes committed by defendants while they were out either on parole, probation or awaiting trial.

That’s not surprising given the long-term decarceration trend in Cook County that’s left the county’s jail population at the lowest level in 40 years. Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans started a no bail/low cash bail policy in 2017, resulting in a growing number of pretrial defendants out on bond who are then charged with new crimes, as we reported here. The state’s new SAFE-T Act has taken that policy even further. In September 2023, Illinois became the first state in the country to eliminate cash bail altogether, while the law also reduced the types of crimes for which defendants could be detained before their trial.

So how is that working out?

Has putting violent criminals back into the streets made things safer?

Of course not.

In fact, hardcore criminals that get released just keep committing even more crimes…

• January 2 – A 21-year-old man shot another man in the face while on bail for one gun case and on probation for another. According to CWB, he was the “30th person accused of shooting, killing, or trying to shoot or kill someone in Chicago in 2023 while awaiting trial for a felony.”
• January 7 – A 31-year-old man and former CVS employee robbed a CVS while on probation for robbing and burglarizing a CVS.
• January 14 – A 19-year-old gang member shot and critically injured another man in Little Village just three months after getting probation for head-butting a Chicago cop. Prosecutors also dropped a felony gun case on the day he pleaded guilty to the battery.
• January 18 – A 19-year-old man killed his girlfriend while on probation for a gun charge.
• January 27 – An 18-year-old man with gang ties gunned down an airport employee while on juvenile probation for gun possession.
• February 4 – A 56-year-old man killed ex-girlfriend while on parole for strangling his previous partner.
• February 6 – A 32-year-old man and previous 8-time felon burglarized a restaurant while on probation for burglarizing a nail salon.
• February 6 – A 16-year-old male allegedly stabbed and killed a man while on parole for attempted murder. Earlier, he was found in possession of a stolen motor vehicle while on that same parole. That case was dropped.
• February 7 – A 20 year-old man was charged with ‘brutal attack’ of a woman at Chicago Union Station after being released on similar charges under cashless bail law.
• February 12 – A 33-year-old tow truck driver with two counts of attempted murder after he opened fire on two competitors over a job, while on felony pretrial release.
• February 13 – A 19-year-old man was caught carrying three guns on CTA less than a month after being placed on “first-time weapon offender probation” for another felony gun case.
• February 14 – An 18-year-old man killed an Uber driver while on juvenile probation for robbery. He also previously served time in the juvenile justice center for carjacking in 2021.

Unless something changes, the future of Chicago is extremely bleak. …

If we stay on the path that we are on, the chaos in our streets will just continue to get worse and worse.

We don’t have to live this way.

Just look at El Salvador.  They got really tough on crime and it worked.

We could do the same thing, but so far we have chosen not to do so. https://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/they-thought-that-going-soft-on-crime-would-make-our-society-better-they-were-wrong/

With that in mind, notice something from earlier this month:

February 2, 2024

CNN law enforcement analyst John Miller discusses a new criminal trend where gangs of migrants steal in states like New York where they can avoid prosecution for petty crime and then flee to states like Florida “to spend the money.” …

So what the detectives are telling me is, they have crews here that operate in New York, do all their stealing, then go to Florida to spend the money and come back. I’m like, ‘Why don’t they just stay and steal in Florida?’ They said, ‘Because there you go to jail.'” https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2024/02/02/cnns_john_miller_to_avoid_prosecution_migrant_criminal_gangs_steal_in_new_york_spend_in_florida.html#:~:text=CNN%20law%20enforcement%20analyst%20John,%22to%20spend%20the%20money.%22

The above also brought the following scripture to mind:

11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Eccesliastes 8:11)

Various US states–like California, parts of Illinois, and parts of New York–have decided against strongly prosecuting thieves, hence in many places we are seeing more and more of them.

Notice a last days prophecy:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Notice the following causes:

10 As it is written:

“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13 “Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;
“The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:10-18)

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel:

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

Yes, the lack of fear of God and despising His word are the causes for what has been happening.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

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

If people would strive to keep the commandments and love their neighbor, that would solve crime.

Yet, we live in a society where more and more the commandments are despised–hence more crime.

Jesus warned:

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12)

Increased crime, including theft, is showing that.

Furthermore, things will get worse as well as we see the soon rise of the Beast and Antichrist (see also the free online book: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).

Related to theft and other crimes, the Continuing Church of God recently put out the following sermon:

1:12:40

8th Commandment: Do Not Steal or Cheat, Instead Produce and Give

Wouldn’t it be great if we did not need keys? What about if the value of money did not drop (inflation) because governments use dross coinage and/or print up (physically or electronically) money? What does the eighth commandment state and cover? Are crimes of auto theft, shoplifting, and other forms of theft up in nations such as the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom? Why do people steal? Does what is called “shrinkage” increase costs? What about cheating? What about false weights, false advertising, and mob stealing? Are their societal costs to academic and marital cheating? What about phishing and internet scams? Do false religious teachers steal God’s words according to the prophet Jeremiah? Why could not keeping the Sabbath or Holy Days be considered stealing? Can a thief repent? Are people, including former thieves, supposed to produce and give? Is failing to give tithes and offerings stealing according to the Bible? God is love and stealing fosters hate. Was stealing prohibited before the Ten Commandments were written on Mt. Sinai? Does the New Testament show that stealing is wrong after Jesus was resurrected?

Here is a link to our sermon: 8th Commandment: Do Not Steal or Cheat, Instead Produce and Give.

Some items of related interest may include the following:

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.
FIRST COMMANDMENT: Priorities and the Most Broken Commandment Which commandment is broken the most? Which one is most involved with what should be your top priority? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Most Violated Commandment and Priorities.
SECOND COMMANDMENT: What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did the early Church use icons? What was the position of Christians about such things? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons.
THIRD COMMANDMENT: Words Matter Are you obeying the Third Commandment? Are you sure? Could you be blaspheming with your euphemisms or life actions? Here is a link to a related sermon: Third Commandment Plus: Words Matter. Here is a link to a shorter video: Was Increased Cursing Prophesied?
FOURTH COMMANDMENT: The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church? Here is a link to a related sermon: Fourth Commandment: Saturday or Sunday?
FIFTH COMMANDMENT: Honor and Be Honorable The fifth commandment involves family relationships. Is it more than parents and children? What about love and ruling well your household? Here is a link to a related sermon: Honor Your Parents and Rule Honorably.
SIXTH COMMANDMENT: Anger, Murder, Abortion, Sports, Self-Control, & Kindness Is there more to the 6th commandment than not murdering? What about abortion, hate, and violent sports? What is the attitude real Christians should have? Here is a link to a related sermon:: Murder, anger, kindness, and love.
SEVENTH COMMANDMENT: Love and Faithfulness, Not Sexual Immorality The seventh commandment prohibits adultery. Jesus made it clear that it involved more than marital infiedlity. What about the LGBTQ+ movement and the Bible? Here is a link to a related video sermon: 7th Commandment: Love and Faithfulness.
EIGHTH COMMANDMENT: Give not take. The eighth commandment prohibits stealing. This includes thievery, not tithing, debasing currency, cheating, and many other wrong acts. Here is a link to a related sermon: 8th Commandment: Do Not Steal or Cheat, Instead Produce and Give.
Crime can be stopped…here’s how! This was a booklet that was edited with some updates by Dr. Thiel. Here is a link to a related sermon: Crime and How it Will be Stopped!

Years ago, there was in an article in the old Good News magazine by the old Worldwide Church of God that had the question “Why Not Millionaires?”

It started by saying that Job asked an age old question:

7 Why do the wicked live and become old, Yes, become mighty in power? (Job 21:7)

Job then added some more details:

8 Their descendants are established with them in their sight, And their offspring before their eyes. 9 Their houses are safe from fear, Neither is the rod of God upon them. (Job 21:8-9a)

13 They spend their days in wealth, And in a moment go down to the grave. 14 Yet they say to God, ‘Depart from us,For we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways. 15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?’ 16 Indeed their prosperity is not in their hand; (Job 21:13-16a)

The article mentioned that Jeremiah asked/complained about the same thing:

1 Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? 2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit.You are near in their mouth But far from their mind.

3 But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, And You have tested my heart toward You. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, And prepare them for the day of slaughter. 4 How long will the land mourn, And the herbs of every field wither? The beasts and birds are consumed, For the wickedness of those who dwell there, Because they said, “He will not see our final end.” (Jeremiah 12:1-4)

They were not the only ones recorded about that in the Bible. Notice the following from the Book of Psalms:

1 Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. 8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11 And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. 13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. (Psalm 73:1-14)

In the Book of Job, his “three friends” thought that the righteous would basically always be blessed and never suffer. They believed the wicked always suffer and never receive good things. But is this true?

Notice what Eliphaz the Temanite said to Job:

20 The wicked man writhes with pain all his days, And the number of years is hidden from the oppressor. 21 Dreadful sounds are in his ears; In prosperity the destroyer comes upon him. (Job 15:20-21)

Well, that certainly was not the observation of Job, Jeremiah, or the Psalmist.

But remember that God is holding His people to a different standard. And unlike the others, Christians are being judged in this age:

17 or the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17)

Some have wondered, “Why shouldn’t all of God’s people be multi-millionaires?”

God’s people pay tithes and offerings. So why shouldn’t they be multi-millionaires with more than people could want?

Isn’t that consistent with biblical statements like those found in Malachi 3?

Before going further, let’s look at some of what the old Good News magazine article asked and provided some answers to:

Why are not all the others — the wicked — who withhold God’s tithes cursed beyond belief? Why aren’t the other people of the world living in squalor, poverty, filth? But instead, we see many millions of people in the United States and Great Britain — and in other countries — who have prospered and are well off financially. They live in mansions, castles, luxurious surroundings. Why?

The answer is explained in Ecclesiastes 8:12. “Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him.” Notice here that people can do evil many times and still have their days, prosperity, good times prolonged. That is, they do not always suffer a drastic penalty immediately.

What Would Happen?

What would happen if God blessed all of His people fantastically? If He cursed those who did not tithe until they were living in squalor, poverty, filth? Let’s suppose this happened and see what the result would be.

You drive your brand new Cadillac to your spacious, luxurious home. Your sink faucets are overlaid with gold. The finest Persian rugs cover the strongly supported floors throughout your home. Your decorations are fabulous. Chandeliers dazzling. You live on a large lot with beautiful trees, and green grass dotted with fragrant flowers. At one end you have a garden. Your garden is loaded with produce. Tomatoes hang on the plants. Big tomatoes.

You go outside, look over your garden, smile pleasantly and go back in. You notice your neighbor’s garden is not doing well. His house is run down, shabby. His children live in squalor and filth. His garden is wilted, shriveled up. Weeds are growing all over his lawn. You look across the fence and hardly believe your eyes. You have God’s blessings and he the curses.

One day over the fence he asks you why you enjoy all these wonderful financial blessings. He asks why he and his family have to live in such squalor. He wants to know your secret.

You tell him there is no secret. You explain God’s financial law of tithing. You tell him to send ten percent of his earnings into God’s Headquarters for the Work of God. He is skeptical at first. But you urge him.

Finally he gives in and reluctantly agrees to try tithing.

A month later you notice a fantastic difference. His crops grow and bear fruit. You see him purchase new appliances and repair his house. His children are dressed better. Soon he remodels the entire house and builds on extra rooms. You realize that he has also received God’s great blessings. Now the two of you stand as a stark contrast to all the other neighbors.

Well, brethren, you can see what would happen. All others in the neighborhood would inquire, Soon everyone would want to tithe.

Why? Because they believe God’s Law?

No! BECAUSE THEY WANT FINANCIAL PROSPERITY! They would do it for selfishness. If this incident were true the entire world would tithe.

But God wants people who really believe. God wants us to come to know His way is right! We must want God’s way more than anything else. And we must stick with it regardless of the physical circumstances around us.

Now notice Eccl. 8:14. “There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.”

Notice that not everyone is IMMEDIATELY rewarded for righteousness. God first wants to know that we really believe His way. That we will remain righteous regardless of calamities, trials, hardships. (Antion D. Why Do Good Men Suffer? Good News, September-October 1968)

But it is more than that.

Most people could not spiritually handle being a multi-millionaire. We know that many who win the larger lottery drawings are often unhappy and actually wish they never won (see The ‘curse’ of winning the lottery?).

Now let’s look at Malachi 3:

8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,”Says the Lord of hosts,”If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:8-10)

People who turn bitter against tithing will tend to say something to the effect that they tithed and did not become financially blessed for doing so.

Sometimes it is spiritual blessings that God pours out–and that takes faith.

It would not take faith that God knows what is best for someone, if every person became the equivalent of a multi-millionaire a year or so after they started tithe.

Furthermore, Christians should consider that many cannot necessarily handle large amounts of wealth in this age.

Consider the following from Agur in the Book of Proverbs:

8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches —
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
9 Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:8-9)

God had to warn the children of Israel about wealth:

11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest — when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied….17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ (Deuteronomy 8:11-13,17)

It is NOT that wealth is bad.

God is wealthy. People like Noah, Job, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David were wealthy. But apparently, God felt they could handle that.

But not all can.

Solomon had problems his wealth allowed for (cf. 1 Kings 11:1-4). But in his older days he was wise enough to observe:

10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver;
Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.
This also is vanity.

11 When goods increase,
They increase who eat them;
So what profit have the owners
Except to see them with their eyes? (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11)

13 There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun:
Riches kept for their owner to his hurt. (Ecclesiastes 5:13)

24 For riches are not forever, … (Proverbs 27:24)

Many lottery winners can attest to these things.

As far as Christians go, consider that the New Testament teaches:

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

There are numerous reasons that only a few Christians are multimillionaires.

One that James wrote about is that the motivation for many is wrong:

2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James 4:2-3)

1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. (James 5:1-3)

Yes, many will tell themselves that they want more in order to give more–and hopefully that is the case, but James was indicating that selfishness was behind why many want wealth.

Solomon also wrote:

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

28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage. (Proverbs 11:28)

So, righteousness is what Christians should strive for (cf. Psalm 119:172; for more on righteousness, check out the free online book: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).

Back to the New Testament, we see that James also wrote:

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. (James 1:9-11)

There have been problems that wealthy people in the old Worldwide Church of God had that I saw over the years.

Let’s look at something the Apostle Paul wrote Timothy:

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

So, a big reason that most Christians are not multimillionaires is because a strong desire for wealth has led people away from the faith.

Also, people have a tendency to put faith in riches. Continuing, let’s look more at what Paul wrote Timothy:

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Jesus warned about those who trusted in riches:

24 “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24-25)

Trusting in riches can be an impediment to faith.

In a radio broadcast, the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong said:

And if you lack the wisdom to know, God says, ask Him and He will give you wisdom and He will open your mind to see if you will throw yourself on His mercy and come to Him and if you will be willing when He opens the Truth to your mind.

“Oh that men would praise the [ETERNAL] for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” {Psalm 107:8}Does that sound like the so-called God of the Old Testament that’s so harsh and so unkind and unjust that wants to make you suffer? I was reading that out of the Old Testament, that is the God of the Old Testament. Yes, oh, that men would praise Him for his goodness, and his mercy to the children of men.

Well, why don’t you have faith? If you had faith, my friends, you could get rid of these fears and worries; you could find a way to the solution of all your troubles.

Listen, if you were a multi-millionaire and you could buy something, someone could come around and sell you something, a policy, or something, perhaps some kind of a service, so that in every problem you come into, no matter what, you could just simply be shown the way out. In whatever trouble you would get into, here would come a force and a power of man that would deliver you and get you out. Here would be a great organization, they would come to your aid, they have billions of dollars and they would have the power, they would bring about whatever is necessary, spend whatever amount of money is necessary to deliver you. If you’re sick, well, they have enough money they can have the best specialists and the best treatment and everything and so good and such specialists as you never heard of in just…and just get you out of all your sickness and trouble just almost as quick as you can call on them to do it. How much would you pay if you were a multi-millionaire, if you could get that kind of service so that no matter what you do, you would have the guidance to do the right thing, and whenever any troubles come of any kind or anything out of your control, you would be delivered and you’d have every force and power. You know you can have that? God offers that to everybody that will come to Him and will obey Him and will rely on Him, that will live by every Word of God, that will search Him out in the Bible which is His Word, that will live by every Word of God and that will really obey God and trust Him because when you obey God you’re only doing those things that bring about that very condition. That is the thing that will make God happy. God is happy when He sees you and me happy. He loves to make us happy.

Listen, a lot of you don’t even know what faith is. What is faith anyhow? And why don’t you have enough faith, why don’t you get answers to your prayers when you pray? Why is it you pray and sometimes pray and pray but it just seems that God didn’t answer? Do you know why? Why don’t you write in for our booklet … (Armstrong HW. Why Wars and Suffering? Broadcast Date: June 14, 1979)

While you cannot write in for the old WCG faith booklet, our booklet on faith is available free online: Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen.

The Apostle John wrote:

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 2)

And God does want us to prosper and be in health–but more importantly, your spiritual prosperity is His primary objective.

Consider that the New Testament shows that Peter, and very likely John, did not have wealth:

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:2-6)

Consider also that even the Apostle Paul had health problems to ensure he was not derailed from the Kingdom of God:

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

Paul had faith, but God understood what was best for him.

The Apostle Paul also wrote:

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

It is not good for all Christians to be multi-millionaires.

Furthermore, consider that the Apostle Paul wrote:

6 he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

If having wealth will assist, God will provide it.

Anyway, the basic reason that all faithful, tithe-paying Christians are not multi-millionaires is because it is not in their best interest.

The Continuing Church of God also has this related sermonette from its ContinuingCOG channel:

23:36

Why Aren’t All Christians Multi-Millionaires?

In Malachi 3, God promises great blessings for those who pay their tithes and give offerings. So, why aren’t all real Christians who do so not multi-millionaires? Did Job and Jeremiah wonder why some of wicked were prosperous? Did the Apostle Peter have much silver or gold? Are winners of massive lottery prizes happier than before they won? What would happen if God provided massive financial prosperity to those who tithed? Does faith have anything to do with this? Would all real Christians benefit from vast amounts of monetary wealth? Does God want Christians to prosper and be in health? If so, why are there financial and health problems? Is the love of money a root of any kind of evil? What does God want from you? Are some blessings spiritual? Dr. Thiel answers these questions.

Here is a link to the related sermonette: Why Aren’t All Christians Multi-Millionaires?

COGwriter

The Munich Security Conference ended on Sunday. The President of Serbia had some interesting observations about it and the West:

World leaders no longer working toward peace – Serbian president

20 February 2024

The international community is no longer interested in ending conflicts, and instead views peace as an “unwanted” ideal, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has claimed in an interview with TASS published on Tuesday.

His comments follow last week’s annual Munich Security Conference, which saw senior officials and heads of state from all over the world gather in the German city to debate international security issues, including the Ukraine conflict.

Vucic noted that he has participated in the forum numerous times, using the opportunity to gauge “how the Western world thinks” and its willingness to listen to varying opinions, including from smaller nations.

This year, however, Vucic said he did not hear any innovative suggestions toward resolving conflicts, describing the conference participants as behaving like “football fans.” The Serbian leader said he had concluded that the word “peace” appears to have become “unloved and unwanted throughout the world.”  https://www.rt.com/news/592737-peace-unwanted-word-vucic/

Yes, many in the West are pushing for war and preparing for war.

Notice something that Deutsche Welle reported related to the Munich Security Conference:

18 February 2024

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said Europe must strengthen its ability to defend itself to deter would-be aggressors regardless of who wins the upcoming US elections … https://www.dw.com/en/msc-2024-leaders-discuss-future-of-european-union/live-68290782

Regarding Germany and its military, PCG posted the following (I bolded the statement at the end):

Signs of Germany’s Startling Rise

February 19, 2024
Germany just surpassed Japan as the third-largest economy in the world. An unrestrained Germany could turn this industrial success into military prowess overnight. And it is already happening.

This year Germany is spending a record amount on its military—$73.4 billion.

“Germany invests more than 2 percent of its economic output in the common defense of the nato alliance. This year and in the coming decades,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on X on February 14. “This will give us the highest defense budget in Europe.”

Two days before, Scholz visited a new munitions factory in Germany, built by Rheinmetall, and called on Europe to “move from manufacturing to mass production of armaments.” Then on February 15, Scholz welcomed a $3.4 billion investment from Microsoft to help cement Germany’s place as a leading nation in artificial intelligence.

The world’s third-biggest national economy—the highest defense budget in Europe—mass producing armaments—leading in AI—these accomplishments represent a drastic turnaround for a nation that lay in absolute ruin 80 years ago!

It certainly shows how little faith they have in their alliances with America and Britain!

A senior German Defense Ministry official explained, “With Operation Aspides, Europe will take responsibility for the security of the sea routes on one of the most important trade routes for Germany and Europe. It is absolutely clear that the mission is essential.” …

Today, America has what appears to be a friendship with Germany. We have entrusted it with nuclear bombs and sold it jets to carry those bombs. But we ought to remember its past. https://www.thetrumpet.com/29048-signs-of-germanys-startling-rise

Notice also:

February 20, 2024

 European Commission President Von der Leyen just floated using the EU budget to subsidise defense production as well as guaranteeing it will be bought long term. The weekend’s Munich Security Conference was also abuzz with once-and-possibly-future President Trump’s threat to force NATO allies to spend more defence or see the US focus on itself. Presumed incoming NATO leader, former Dutch PM Rutte says Europe “should stop moaning and whining and nagging about Trump,” and focus on being able to defend itself – which has a long way to go.

Germany may now increase defence spending to a US-level 3.5% of GDP. Yet that means the EUR100bn special defence fund announced after Russia invaded Ukraine would be swallowed in a single year, and it would need to be repeated every year, plus an increase equal to nominal GDP growth, in order to *stay* at 3.5%.

That’s a *big* shift in fiscal policy that opens constitutional questions. So what kind of pan-European institutional would need to be put in place to achieve it? Relatedly, this morning Bloomberg is also talking about EU automakers also uniting into an “Airbus for cars” to try to resist competition from China. That would shake up the global economy and markets too.    

The need to act urgently is clear.  https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/how-can-we-fix-nato-spending-if-nobody-understands-underpinnings-global-economics

Yes, Germany and much of Europe are increasing their military spending by a lot.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has also called that focus out.

Europe is moving in a military direction and the USA has encouraged it.

As far as friendships go, notice the following prophecy:

1 How lonely sits the city That was full of people! How like a widow is she, Who was great among the nations! The princess among the provinces Has become a slave! 2 She weeps bitterly in the night, Her tears are on her cheeks; Among all her lovers She has none to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; They have become her enemies. (Lamentations 1:1-2)

The USA is “great among the nations” and will find “All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; They have become her enemies.”

For those that think this could not happen to the USA, consider that Daniel 11:39 shows that a European power will destroy the “strongest fortresses”:

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.  (Daniel 11:39)

The “he” is the European King of the North (cf. Daniel 11;40). At this time, the strongest fortresses belong to the USA. Hence, this prophecy shows that the USA will be defeated, despite its military strength by a European power (see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

While some do not believe that Europe wants to destroy the USA or is capable of rising up to take over the USA, Canada, and the UK, consider the following scriptures:

5 “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger
And the staff in whose hand is My indignation.
6 I will send him against an ungodly nation,
And against the people of My wrath
I will give him charge,
To seize the spoil, to take the prey,
And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Yet he does not mean so,
Nor does his heart think so;
But it is in his heart to destroy,
And cut off not a few nations.
8 For he says,
‘Are not my princes altogether kings?
9 Is not Calno like Carchemish?
Is not Hamath like Arpad?
Is not Samaria like Damascus?
10 As my hand has found the kingdoms of the idols,
Whose carved images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria,
11 As I have done to Samaria and her idols,
Shall I not do also to Jerusalem and her idols?’” (Isaiah 10:5-11)

2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him? (Revelation 13:2-4)

The Bible shows that the European power (called Assyria in Isaiah 10; see also Germany in Biblical Prophecy) does not think it intends to be militaristic, but that it will and will conquer. Prophetic Samaria is the USA (watch USA in Prophecy: Samaria). The Bible shows that the world will marvel that Europe was able to be such a military power, as Europe basically had been dismissed as irrelevant (cf. Revelation 13:1-4).

As Europe takes more steps to rearm, it will be ready to fulfill numerous prophecies.

That will not end well for the USA, nor Canada, the UK, Australia, nor New Zealand. Nor will it end well for the Muslim nations  (cf. Daniel 11:40-43)–nor, ultimately for Europe itself (cf. Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 17:14).

January 2014 edition of the Bible News Prophecy magazine denounced Mark Biltz’s blood moon views

COGwriter

Though World Net Daily often has items of interest, it has a history of promoting false prophets.

Earlier this week, it pushed Jonathan Cahn again. Cahn is a Messianic Jew who has repeatedly been wrong about blood moons, Shemitah years, and other matters (e.g. ‘Warning Signs of America’s Destruction – Jonathan Cahn’).

Now, World Net Daily is calling a Protestant minister, who I have denounced here multiple times, Mark Biltz a biblical expert:

Biblical expert: Solar eclipse to mark ‘beginning of judgment upon America’

April’s total darkness will be ‘a uniquely powerful sign from God,’ says author-pastor

February 19, 2024

ISRAEL – An unusual total solar eclipse that will traverse North America in April has some biblical experts pointing to a deeper significance of the event, especially in light of today’s extremely unsettled times.

With a deep understanding of classical Jewish and Christian sources, Pastor Mark Biltz of El Shaddai Ministries is sharing his insights into the upcoming solar eclipse that will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024. …

“From a biblical point of view, a solar eclipse is meant to be a sign from God,” said Biltz, …

“If you refer to NASA’s data, there’s been a total of 12,000 total solar eclipses all over the world listed over a 5,000-year time period,” said Biltz. …

Pastor Biltz was puzzled by the appearance of four blood moons in 2014-2015. If the celestial events were signs, what did the blood moons signify? In an epiphany, he realized that the celestial signs were part of a much larger cycle based in the Hebrew calendar. The Hebrew year that began on Rosh Hashanah in September 2014 marked the beginning of a seven-year Shemitah (sabbatical) cycle.

“This is not a random seven-year cycle,” Biltz emphasized. “Rosh Hashanah in 2014 marked the beginning of the Hebrew year 5775. The Shemittah years all go back to Creation. If you divide 5775 by 7, it is precisely 825. September 2014, or, more accurately, the first of Tishrei 5775, was the 825th Shemittah cycle since God created the world.”

After connecting the blood moons to the Shemitah cycle, Biltz realized they had prophetic significance: They came as a sign to herald war. …

Pastor Biltz noted the upcoming solar eclipse will take place on Rosh Chodesh Nisan, the new moon marking the beginning of the month which is referred to in the Bible as “the first month.”

“That is the very beginning of the religious calendar,” he said. …

“The first of Nisan has a huge biblical meaning. It’s the beginning. And just like it’s the beginning of the inauguration of the tabernacle, I believe it’s going to be the beginning of judgment upon America.” https://www.wnd.com/2024/02/biblical-expert-solar-eclipse-mark-beginning-judgment-upon-america/

The fact of 12,000 total solar eclipses suggests that they, each, are not a sign of God’s judgment.

Mark Biltz’s comments are partially based on his accepting that the Hebrew year 5775 was right in 2014–it was not. The Jews realize that year is off by 200 years (see Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?)! Therefore, basing a calculation on something that is wrong does not lead to the right answer.

That said, the USA and many other lands are doing things to trigger God’s judgment, particularly the sexually immoral, including, but not limited to, the LGBTQ+ crowd per Romans 1:18-32. But that is NOT related to the upcoming solar eclipse.

Years ago, I denounced the view that the ‘blood moons’ of 2014 and 2015 could mean that Jesus would return or that the ‘Day of the Lord’ was about to start. This was something that Mark Biltz (who, like Jonathan Cahn, also practices Messianic Judaism) started promoting back in 2008–but he was wrong.

Mark Biltz and WND promoted falsehoods related to the eclipse of August 21, 2017 (see ‘Blood moon’ Mark Biltz claims massive eclipse a sign of God and Mark Biltz on the approaching Asteroid Apophis and the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse).

Both Mark Biltz, Jonathan Cahn, and WND’s founder Joseph Farah consider themselves to be ‘Messianic Jews.’ While this means that they will avoid biblically unclean meats, keep the Sabbath, observe the biblical holy days, and hold to parts of a few Church of God doctrines, the Messianics are NOT Church of God Christians (see also Messianic Judaism Beliefs Differ from the Continuing Church of God). Like the Seventh-day Adventists, they are basically a type of Protestant.

No, none of that is right. 2029 is simply too early for Jesus to be able to return by then (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026?).

Because there are many false and heretical leaders that lead people astray on prophecy and sometimes they mention the Bible to try to act like God sanctions their nonsense, they should be denounced as false.

While that has been appropriate for those I have denounced, sadly most end time Christians have been self-satisfied and/or relied on the dismissal of others to overlook what God’s word says God would be doing at this time related to prophets.

Norman Edwards, a former employee of the old WCG and later a former board member of the old Global Church of God, wrote the following:

There are over 40 separate passages about prophets and their prophecies in the New Testament—so many that one might easily get tired of reading them! … If we want God to show us what will happen in the future, we need to “desire earnestly to prophesy” (1 Cor 14:39). It is a New Testament teaching we must not ignore! …

Do people today have faith that God is able to prophecy through people …?

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

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

Two Wrongs Do Not Make a Right …

Simply because some congregations that promote “spiritual gifts” do not follow all the scriptural teaching on it, does not mean that dedicated believers can abandon these vital gifts. It becomes all the more important for godly people to do it right. The number of false prophets compared to the number of true prophets does not matter. Elijah went up against 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. The power of God destroyed all the false prophets (1 Kings 18:17-40). (Edwards N. Spiritual Oomph! Shepherd’s Voice, Fall 2015, pp. 11-12)

Basically, Norman Edwards is saying that the New Testament does tell of prophets, and that even though there can be vast multitudes of false prophets, that those who will really be the most faithful will listen to God’s prophet(s). Jesus Himself also warned in His parable of the talents that some would not support the work for fear of mistakes, and Jesus condemned the one who was afraid to do what should have been done (Matthew 25:24-30).

TWO WRONGS DO NOT MAKE A RIGHT!

The existence of false prophets does NOT excuse not supporting a real one.

Consider that the Book of Proverbs warns:

16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly. (Proverbs 26:16)

Now, most end time Christians do not believe that they are lazy, but wise.

Yet, they overlook evidence because they are uncomfortable with the idea that there could now be a prophet that they should heed.

It is NOT safer to reject a true prophet because there are many false ones.

Back in 1986, then WCG evangelist L. Leroy Neff (now deceased) wrote a lot about how to identify a true prophet as well as what is not required:

“How can you tell the impostor from the true servant of God? The answer will probably be quite surprising to many people because they are using an unscriptural basis for evaluation” …

What are the credentials?

Some people would look to a prophet’s or minister’s credentials. He would be accepted if he were educated at a recognized theological institution. Others would look for a minister’s popularity, his charisma, his personality or his speaking ability.

But the Scriptures show that God’s servants have sometimes not had these qualities or credentials. They were not graduates of the recognized theological institutions of their day. Moses had trouble speaking in public (Exodus 4: 10). Jeremiah was “too young” (Jeremiah 1:6). Paul lacked certain speech abilities (I Corinthians 2: 1, II Corinthians 10:10). Even Jesus Himself had no outstanding personal characteristics that set Him apart from others, as the religious leaders had to pay Judas to point Him (Matthew 26:47-49).

Some would expect to find a true minister or prophet in a large and beautiful church building. Yet, during the history of the early Church, there is no mention of church buildings. Instead we read that the Church was not a building at all, but the people who were called out of this world to become the Church. The people (the Church) met in various buildings, sometimes in Church members’ homes (Romans 16:5, I Corinthians 16:19, Philemon 2). Paul preached for two years while under house arrest in rented facilities. He probably had both living quarters and a meeting hall of some kind (Acts 28:30-31).

Jesus said His followers would not be many in number, but would be comparatively few: “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). (Neff LL. Imposter–or–True Prophet — Which? Good News, December 1986, pp. 10-11)

A true prophet would not need to be from a major theological institution, have the most magnanimous personality, be charismatic, or have a necessarily impressive Church. He also does not have to have had a ministerial background. Nor does the prophet even, like apparently the Apostle Paul per 2 Corinthians 10:10 and 11:6 or Moses per Exodus 4:10 or Jeremiah per Jeremiah 1:6, need to be a great speaker. God chooses who His prophets are.

The Apostle Peter stated:

17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18)

Are these the last days?

If so, God should be using dreams and prophets.

Do you believe that?

All should REALLY pay attention to the Bible.

The apostles were confirmed by signs that followed them (Mark 16:20) and there have been signs that have confirmed the leadership of the Continuing Church of God. And the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God pointed to a dream that preceded its formation in becoming the group to originally hold the Philadelphia mantle.

Now those of you who believe the Bible and accept that there is such a thing as “church eras,” pray and think about what I am going to write related to Philadelphia and Laodicea.

First of all, Jesus only promises to protect the Philadelphian Christians from the hour of trial, also called the ‘great tribulation’ (Revelation 3:7-10):

7“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Notice Jesus praises the work of the Philadelphians, as well as the fact they have kept His word and not denied His name. This is partially-related to Philadelphians accepting true hierarchical church governance — that is something most end time Christians do not fully accept, even though some think that they do. More on that can found in the article: The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government.

Now let’s see what Jesus said to the Laodicean churches — plural:

14 “And to the angel of the church]of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:14-20)

Laodiceans are the bulk of end time Christians–not only are they NOT promised protection from what is coming, they are admonished by Jesus to repent. Yet, they feel that they are in need of nothing–which, in the case, includes the need to believe and heed any who claim to be a prophet.

Therefore, and this is the main point of my bringing church eras into this, IT WILL NOT BE CLEAR TO MOST END TIME CHRISTIANS THAT GOD HAS A PROPHET (OR PROPHETS) AND THAT THEY NEED TO HEED HIM WHEN HE GIVES THE MESSAGES THAT GOD WANTS GIVEN.

If so, all would know to flee when it is time and the Bible is clear that not all Christians would flee.

Notice that only some end time Christians, the most faithful will be persecuted then flee, whereas others will not flee and will be then persecuted by Satan:

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. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:13-17)

Since the time to flee will not be clear to the non-Philiadelphians, do not rely on the criteria that most end time Christians have for a true prophet.

Now the Bible says that God appoints prophets in 1 Corinthians 12:28.

How would God put in a prophet that He knew most end time Christians would not heed?

Have you ever thought about that?

Recall that Jesus says He is knocking, yet the Laodiceans were not listening.

The Bible teaches:

1 Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)

Isn’t that something a 21st century prophet would be doing?

Consider that multiple thousands of Church of God members, including the ministry, have heard warnings from places such as the COGwriter Church of God News page. Yet, the vast majority have failed to sufficiently respond to Jesus’ words about being Laodicean or what I post on that as well as other theological and prophetic subjects.

Since Jesus pointed to the last church of Revelation 2 & 3 needing to repent, plus only promised the Philadelphian Christians protection from the coming hour of trial, plus we know from what the Apostle Peter said there would be prophets in the last days, and that the last generation Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24 would see the return of Jesus in the 21st century, how would God appoint a 21st century prophet?

Would He do some dramatic miracle to make it clear to all end time Christians?

No.

Jesus also refused to do a dramatic one on more than one ocassion when pressed to prove who He was (Matthew 12:38). He then said:

“An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign” (Matthew 12:39)

Laodiceans do not consider that they are evil, but clearly they are in an “evil and adulterous generation.”

A dramatic miracle is not what end time Christians should expect–but like some of the scribes & the Pharisees (Matthew 12:38-39), some of the crowd seeing Jesus dying (Matthew 27:39-40), as well as robbers executed with Jesus (Matthew 27:44), that is what Laodicean Christians seem to expect.

First Kings shows a series of dramatic things occurring, but that God was not speaking thru them, instead the Bible shows something else:

11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12)

But many have falsely persuaded themselves that they need a massive miracle or need to be moved emotionally by a charismatic speaker. But that is not normally how God works.

If you go to the Old Testament, and read about the prophets, very few actually displayed any dramatic miracles. Most simply wrote and preached a few things.

Have you considered whether you have have heeded any without dramatic miracles back in Old Testament times?

Jesus pointed to religious leaders who THOUGHT they would have heeded, but He knew that they would not have (Matthew 23:29-32).

If YOU think you are different than them, can you accept what the word of God says abut how God appoints prophets:

5 Then the Lord came down in the pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam. And they both went forward. 6 Then He said,

“Hear now My words:
If there is a prophet among you,
I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision;
I speak to him in a dream. (Numbers 12:5-6)

Notice that the above says that God’s plan is that He will speak to His prophets in a dream. That is a major way that God appoints prophets. God does not say rely on an organization to declare one.

Interestingly, the old Radio and Worldwide Church of God taught that God used dreams and would in the last days (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God), yet most in the COGs today seem not to accept that.

Jesus said that a true prophet will basically self-declare:

40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. (Matthew 10:40-41)

Yes, if you can accept a true prophet who declares he is a prophet, yes, you can get the reward of a prophet.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary states:

in the name of a prophet—for his office’s sake …

shall receive a prophet’s reward—What an encouragement to those who are not prophets!

Yes, that should be encouraging.

Yet, throughout history, people said bad things about God’s prophets (e.g. Jeremiah 43:1-7).

Jesus said:

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

Many once nominally part of the COG (e.g. see Banned by HWA and Ambassador Watch) as well as many inside still claiming to be have said false and evil things against me (e.g. see Can Christians Actually be Cursed By Witches or Witch Doctors?).

Do not accept false prophets. Do not, however, believe it is safer to not accept God’s criteria for prophets.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, KJV)

The Apostle John added “test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1).

Have you proven ALL THINGS related to a prophet? Or are you more like one who despises the idea that God really has one or more prophets in place today?

According to the Bible, you should prove/test these matters.

Although Jesus gave many signs (John 2:11; 6:2, 26; 7:31; 9:16; 11:47; 12:37), the people apparently wanted different ones:

37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:

“Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” (John 12:37-38)

Jesus denounced those who wanted different signs from Him (Matthew 12:38-39). Non-Philadelphians are unwilling to accept God’s signs–that’s the biblical reality. God does not always show signs the way many seem to think He has to.

Jesus also said:

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:15-20)

So, what are the fruits?

Good trees produce a lot of fruit. Jesus also said:

16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit … (John 15:16)

20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. (Mark 4:20)

Deuteronomy 7:13 also refers to people as the fruit of the womb, as does Psalm 127:3.

If fruits can be defined as people in the Church of God, then CCOG has those.

Anyway, the only x-WCG group to add over 9,000 congregants in the past eleven years is the Continuing Church of God which began with 5 people on December 28, 2012.

As far as other fruits go, Deuteronomy 18:21-22 stated, if a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, he must be right or he is not from God.

But it is not just enough that the prophet be right not to be false. Notice also the following:

1″If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’ — which you have not known — ‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4)

So, if the prophet does not keep and advocate keeping God’s commandments, he is also false.

Thus, another fruit of a true prophet is that he advocates that people keep God’s commandments.

I have done many sermons and articles related to the Ten Commandments. Here are some:

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.
FIRST COMMANDMENT: Priorities and the Most Broken Commandment Which commandment is broken the most? Which one is most involved with what should be your top priority? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Most Violated Commandment and Priorities.
SECOND COMMANDMENT: What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did the early Church use icons? What was the position of Christians about such things? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons.
THIRD COMMANDMENT: Words Matter Are you obeying the Third Commandment? Are you sure? Could you be blaspheming with your euphemisms or life actions? Here is a link to a related sermon: Third Commandment Plus: Words Matter. Here is a link to a shorter video: Was Increased Cursing Prophesied?
FOURTH COMMANDMENT: The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church? Here is a link to a related sermon: Fourth Commandment: Saturday or Sunday?
FIFTH COMMANDMENT: Honor and Be Honorable The fifth commandment involves family relationships. Is it more than parents and children? What about love and ruling well your household? Here is a link to a related sermon: Honor Your Parents and Rule Honorably.
SIXTH COMMANDMENT: Anger, Murder, Abortion, Sports, Self-Control, & Kindness Is there more to the 6th commandment than not murdering? What about abortion, hate, and violent sports? What is the attitude real Christians should have? Here is a link to a related sermon:: Murder, anger, kindness, and love.
SEVENTH COMMANDMENT: Love and Faithfulness, Not Sexual Immorality The seventh commandment prohibits adultery. Jesus made it clear that it involved more than marital infiedlity. What about the LGBTQ+ movement and the Bible? Here is a link to a related video sermon: 7th Commandment: Love and Faithfulness.
EIGHTH COMMANDMENT: Give not take. The eighth commandment prohibits stealing. This includes thievery, not tithing, debasing currency, cheating, and many other wrong acts.
The Ten Commandments in Hebrew This is a photo of a Hebrew document from the 2nd century, B.C.
Were the Ten Commandments in Effect Before Mount Sinai? Some have said not. This article provides biblical quotes to answer this important question. A sermon of related interest is titled Were the Ten Commandments in Place prior to Mt. Sinai?
Job and the Ten Commandments Was Job written prior to Mount Sinai? Did Job know about the ten commandments? This article provides biblical answers to those questions.
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments Nailed to the Cross? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question. Here is a link to a related sermon: Were the Ten Commandments ‘Nailed to the Cross’?
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well. Here is a version in the Spanish language:.¿Están vigentes todavía los diez mandamientos?
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for? A related sermon is titled Jesus, Pharisees, and the Ten Commandments.
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught? For a more detailed discussion of the first four commandments, please see the video The Ten Commandments: Loving God–and here is a link to a related article in Spanish: Los primeros cuatro mandamientos: Amar a Dios. For a more detailed discussion of the last six commandments, please see: The Ten Commandments: Loving Your Neighbor. Here is a link to a related article in Mandarin Chinese SAga‹ëT}f>y:r1ÿÝSÍ‹ëT}v„\1f/ª`vv„
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments: Cause and Effect Is everything random? Why do things happen? Are there just two ways? Should Christians keep the ten commandments? A related sermon is also available: Cause and Effect: Two Trees, Two Ways.
Love and Who is My Brother? This is an article with 1/2 of the information from late CCOG deacon Richard Close. It talks about love, the ten commandments,and who are your brothers and sisters and neighbors. Here is a link a related sermon: Love Your Brother and Neighbor.
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings. A related sermon is titled: Christians and the Ten Commandments.

The Bible reported that Elijah was a prophet (1 Kings 18:22). Jesus said in the last days, a coming Elijah would “restore all things” (Matthew 17:11). More things have been restored in the CCOG than other other church in the 21st century. For a list, check out the article: Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

27 Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea,
The remnant will be saved.
28 For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,
Because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.” (Romans 9:27-28)

Unlike Paul’s statement about the fullness of the Gentiles, we see that only a remnant of Israel will be saved in this age.

But we also see hints that there will be a ‘short work.’

Here is something Herbert W. Armstrong wrote in a letter dated September 17, 1982:

It is written in Romans 9, concerning this very END TIME, “For he (Christ) will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth” (verse 28).

While we were not in the very end time then, we are much closer to it now. In a letter dated October 18, 1983 he wrote that he realized that the ‘short work’ was for the future:

I feel God will move swiftly soon to make a short work preparatory to Christ’s coming.

The short work most definitely involves preparation now (see also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word). And an important part of the short work relates to the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14, which, in a sense, is cut short as it triggers the end coming:

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 24:14)

We in the CCOG have been working on the fulfillment of that. This is part of why more materials, literature, articles, books, booklets, and websites are being developed and/or added to. That is basically the purpose of our literature as well as getting our English language booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, translated into over 1000 languages–we seem to have been the only COG to do that (see also Preaching the Gospel in Over 1000 Languages).

The Apostle Paul wrote:

13 … I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. (Romans 1:13)

So, Gentiles being called is a fruit for the Apostle Paul, who was also a prophet that had visions (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:1) and who wrote prophecies (e.g. 2 Thessalonians 2; see also 2 Peter 1:19-21).

He also said he warned Christians night and day about false leaders and false doctrine while teaching God’s ways:

27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. (Acts 20:27-31)

That is, in several ways, similar to the COGwriter Church of God News site which has articles day and night on doctrine, prophecy, and warnings about false teachers.

With that in mind, notice a prophecy Paul wrote that will be fulfilled in the 21st century:

25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25)

Consider that according to Jesus, it is the Laodiceans that are wise in their own eyes (cf. Revelation 3:14-18)–and the bulk of the Laodicean Christians that do not properly accept the fulfillment Romans 11:25 as being necessary.

As far as the timing of Romans 11:25, continuing in the sequence we read:

26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:

“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
27 For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27)

So, in the sequence of Romans 11, we see the full number of the Gentiles will come into the faith (Romans 11:25), prior to Jesus’ return (Romans 11:26)–this is to happen in the 21st century.

The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, taught the following about Romans 11:25:

Now I want you to study carefully one of the most wonderful, important chapters in all the Bible — the 11th of Romans. … Verse 23 says those who abide not still in unbelief shall YET receive salvation. … Now study carefully beginning verse 25: “Blindness in part is happened to Israel [HOW LONG? Forever? No — note it], UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” — the end of this age during which God is calling a people from among the gentiles to bear His name (Acts 15:14).  (Armstrong HW. Where Will The MILLENNIUM Be Spent? Tomorrow’s Word magazine, September 1971, p. 5)

Where is this occurring most in the Churches of God?

Well in the CCOG where we have had over 9,000 Gentiles come in (see also What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?). Unlike various other x-WCG groups, the vast bulk with us were NOT once part of the old WCG nor were their parents part of the old WCG.

This is a fruit of a prophetic evangelist.

We have also not ignored the Ezekiel warning (see What is the Ezekiel Warning?) as, for one example, 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?, demonstrates.

Here is a brief summary list of fruits of a 21st century prophet:

Dream(s) from Gd that come to pass (Acts 2:17-18; see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).
Anointed to receive a “double-portion” of God’s Spirit (cf. 2 Kings 2:9-13; see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).
Being told by church leadership God may consider one to be a prophet (cf. Jeremiah 42:1-6) then them not following (Jeremiah 42:1-6, 43:1-2; see also Church of God Leaders on Prophets ).
Telling people the dreams and declaration of a prophet status (Jeremiah 23:28; see .also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).
Having predictions that came to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22; see also Church of God Leaders on Prophets).
Being ridiculed and spoken badly about (Matthew 5:11-12; e.g. see also Banned by HWA and Ambassador Watch).
Teaching truth night and day and warns against false teachers (Acts 20:27-31; see also Church of God News & News of Interest to those once affiliated with the Worldwide Church of God).
Not making false prophecies (Deuteronomy 18:20-22; see also Church of God Leaders on Prophets).
Promoting the Ten Commandments and the true faith (Deuteronomy 13:1-4; see also The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).
Restoring doctrinal truth in the end times (Matthew 17:11; see also Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things).
Preparing for the Short Work of Romans 9:28 and the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 (see also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word and Preaching the Gospel in Over 1000 Languages).
Reaching Gentiles (Romans 11:25; see also What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?).
Geting out the Ezekiel warning (Ezekiel chapters 3,5, & 6; see also Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?)
Leading the fast growing x-WCG in the 21st century (Matthew 7:16; Mark 4:20).

Please accept the criteria that God, not some organization claiming to best represent Him, has set for determining who is a true prophet of God. Do not add non-biblical criteria, which is what most have done.

Accept God’s form of governance, which means how HE ordains leaders. Accept God’s criteria for a prophet.

We in the Continuing Church of God “have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).

Use God’s criteria, not your emotions or the opinions of others, to persuade you to prove all things related to prophets and God’s use of dreams.