Church of God News

Dinosaur bones (Wikipedia Commons)

COGwriter

The National Catholic Register had the following in an article by Stacy Trasancos:

What Do You Say When Kids Ask About Dinosaurs?

Suppose you catechize your children properly and teach them all about Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden and original sin. Suppose you sit on the sofa one Sunday evening, read the Bible with them and explain how God created all of the plants and animals.

On Monday morning, they return to their science classes and learn about fossils and dinosaurs, which have sparked an interest and led them to browse the Internet for more information. It’s not like dinosaurs are taboo or anything. Kids love dinosaurs! Eventually, they ask the obvious question.

“So, Mom, I have been wondering: Did the dinosaurs live before or after Adam and Eve?” …

If the answer is that the dinosaurs lived before Adam and Eve, then it follows that all words and sentences in the first three chapters of Genesis are not to be taken literally. Dinosaurs are believed to have dominated the earth for more than 100 million years, first appearing more than 200 million years ago in the Triassic Period and reigning during the Jurassic Period …

If the answer is that the dinosaurs lived after Adam and Eve and roamed with antediluvian giants (or something) before the Great Flood of Noah, then fine, maybe, just maybe, you have preserved the literal sense of the very first Bible story to a T. …

My kids have asked this question, and I have practiced my answer. First, do not teach them young-earth creationism. In my opinion, that is a failure to teach at all. It requires you to tell kids that a certain narrow group of self-appointed authorities are the sole authorities of both science and theology, and that is a dangerous corral to shove them in.

It may seem tidy and safe at first, but young-earth creationism sets kids up for, at least, confusion and, at worst, rejection of religion in favor of scientific enlightenment as they begin to crack open biology textbooks on their own. …

Genesis is real, but not a science text. …

Meanwhile, say something like this to your kids: “Dinosaurs lived before Adam and Eve. You have been taught about how God created plants and animals before he created man and woman. Well, there is much more to the story. Scientists have learned about fossils, taxonomy, anatomy and genetics, all subjects you will learn in time. Be excited; it is mind-blowing to explore how God designed nature!” https://www.ncregister.com/blog/what-do-you-say-when-kids-ask-about-dinosaurs

Stacy Trasancos is right that the dinosaur matter is a good question to be ready to answer.

The Bible admonishes godly parents are to teach their children:

6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NKJV)

Furthermore, in the New Testament we read that Christians are also to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason” (1 Peter 3:15, KJV).

Stacy Trasancos is right that there were dinosaurs prior to the time of Adam and Eve.

Stacy Trasancos is right that the young-earth creationists have issues that cause confusion (and worse).

Yet, some parts of Stacy Trasancos’s answers are wrong.

She is wrong to indicate one should not take important parts of Genesis literally.

She is wrong to indicate that Genesis may not be scientifically accurate.

The Bible teaches:

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

But the Bible does not say when that happened, other than it happened in “the beginning.” Many (including this author) have added up ages of various biblical figures when they became fathers, combined with reigns of biblical kings and other scriptures, and concluded that from the time Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden to present, there has been a little less than 6,000 years (for details, please see the article Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

While there was a creation in Genesis 1:1, there was a gap between that and the recreation that was needed in Genesis 1:2. Thus, this explanation (which in my view is the one that best agrees with the records, despite flaws of science) is commonly referred to as the gap theory. And yes, I hold to it (see How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation?).

Now notice what the KJV translation of Genesis 1:2 states:

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2, KJV)

Because the NKJV also kept about the same translation, many have been confused about what Genesis 1:2 really teaches.

The following is the Hebrew transliterated into characters that non-Hebrew readers can recognize:

2 weh’ares haytah tohû wabohû wehošek ‘al-penê tehôm werûha elohîm merapet ‘al-penê hammayim.

(Genesis 1:2 from Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, edited by Karl Ellinger and Wilhelm Rudolph. Fifth Revised Edition, edited by Adrian Schenker. © 1977 and 1997 Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft Stuttgart. Used by permission. With certain letters in modern form by COGwriter as html would not display minimized certain characters properly)

Here is a somewhat literal translation of it:

2 the earth hath existed waste and void, and darkness [is] on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God fluttering on the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2, Young’s Literal Translation)

Here is a more understandable translation of it:

2 But the earth became waste and void, and with darkness on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God moved upon on the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2, clarified literal translation)

Before going further, notice something else:

18 For thus says the Lord,
Who created the heavens,
Who is God,
Who formed the earth and made it,
Who has established it,
Who did not create it in vain,
Who formed it to be inhabited:
“I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:18)

Notice that the earth was NOT created in vain. The word translated as ‘vain’ above is the same Hebrew word (tohu) translated as ‘without form’ in Genesis 1:2 (tohu). Obviously, then, according to the Bible, something happened between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. It should be noted that this is NOT a gap between day 1 and day 2 as some anti-gap people have written, as day 1 began with Genesis 1:3.

“Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35) and Isaiah 45:18 is clearly in support of the gap-theory position that there must have been a second creation. So does Psalm 104:30.

It should be pointed out that in the Hebrew of the Masoretic Old Testament text, there is a pause/gap symbol between the first and second verses of Genesis.

Furthermore, in the Masoretic text in which Jewish scholars tried to incorporate enough “indicators” to guide the reader … is one small mark which is technically known as Rebhia which is classified as a “disjunctive accent” intended to notify the reader that he should pause before proceeding to the next verse. Such a mark appears at the end of Genesis 1:1. This mark has been noticed by several scholars including Luther. It is one indication among others, that the waw (וּ‬) which introduces verse 2 should be rendered “but” rather than “and,” a disjunctive rather than a conjunctive. (Custance AC. Without Form and Void. 1970, pp. 18-19)

This shows a gap, not a conjunctive connection, between verses one and two, therefore verse one is NOT an explanation of verse two.

So we see that, anciently, there is an actual gap symbol between verses 1 and 2 of Genesis. And that instead of Genesis 1:2 beginning with “And” like the KJV and Douay Rheims have, it should begin with “But.”

Now, one anti-Gap article asks, “WHY CAN’T WE JUST BELIEVE THE BIBLE?” It then refers to the biblical gap view as an “imagined theory” and claimed it was based on non-biblical evidence (Closing the Gap. co-written by Brian and Kenneth Hoeck for Truth On The Web Ministries. http://www.truthontheweb.org/gapclose.htm accessed 07/23/18), yet it failed to mention that there is an actual pause/gap in the Masoretic text of scripture.

And a correct translation of the Bible makes the point more apparent.

Notice that humans were not made until well after Genesis 1:1:

27 And God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. 28 And God blessed them; and God said unto them: ‘Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that creepeth upon the earth.’ (Genesis 1:27-28, Jewish Publication Society Tanakh 1917)

28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:28, KJV)

The Roman Catholic Original Douay Old Testament (1610) also teaches to “replenish the earth, and subdue it” (though the version I checked uses old English spelling, like “fubdew it”).

To replenish (Strong’s word 4390, transliterated from Hebrew into uwmil°uw) means to “restore (a stock or supply of something) to the former level or condition.” There would be no reason to “replenish” if there had not been a previous time when the Earth existed.

Furthermore, consider that this was the same command (with the same Strong’s word 4390, transliterated from Hebrew into uwmil°uw) God gave Noah after the Great Flood:

1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them: ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth. (Genesis 9:1, Jewish Publication Society Tanakh 1917)

1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. (Genesis 9:1, KJV)

Adam was told to replenish, as Noah had.

There was a major time ‘gap’ between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2.

It was during that time that there were dinosaurs.

Here is some information from the old Worldwide Church of God on this topic:

Do dinosaurs disprove the Bible? Scientists say ancient dinosaur fossils are millions of years old. Yet the Bible supposedly says that everything was created a mere 6,000 years ago. Do science and the Bible contradict each other?

At some time in the past, the earth was inhabited by a bizarre assembly of awesome and immense reptiles. Gigantic dinosaurs roamed the land. “Thunder lizards” weighing 50 tons must have shaken the ground as they walked. …

Scientists say the strange and remarkable “age of reptiles” occurred more than 70 million years ago. Yet most fundamentalist churches and creationist groups attempt to support the idea that God created the whole universe, including man and the dinosaurs, about 6,000 years ago.

Thus the dinosaur has come to symbolize one of the most fundamental challenges to the Bible and Christianity: Can the Bible account for the existence of dinosaurs and other extinct creatures in the short period of 6,000 years? And if not, must the Bible be rejected?

The fact is, fundamentalists face a real problem in trying to squeeze dinosaurs into 6,000 years of earth history. The facts just don’t allow it, even when Noah’s Flood is invoked as an explanation.

Fact # 1: There is a vast difference between the world of man and that of the dinosaurs. … The world in which dinosaurs roamed was in most respects utterly unlike our own. Man would feel strange and foreign in that world …

Fact # 2: The world of the dinosaurs and the modern world of mammals are not intermixed in the fossil record. …

Fact #3: Many dating methods show dinosaurs lived millions of years ago. …

Fact #4: Both the Bible and the stratigraphic record conflict with the view that Noah’s Flood killed the dinosaurs. …

Genesis 6:19 clearly states that “of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.”

Dinosaurs were land-dwelling, air-breathing creatures and should therefore have been on the ark, if they were alive at that time. Therefore, they would not have been killed by the Flood and would still be alive today!

The same holds true for the flying reptiles, which would have been in the ark and should have survived. …

For these four reasons, we must reject the traditional fundamentalist idea that the earth and all life forms that have ever appeared were created a mere 6,000 years ago.

Yet the Bible does supply the answer! It recognizes an inhabited earth — a prehuman world — prior to the creation week of Genesis I. Genesis 1:1 speaks of the original creation: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” But between the first two verses of Genesis, a time gap of unknown length exists. Surprising as it may seem, the Bible nowhere specifies the time of the original creation; perhaps it was billions of years ago. (Ginskey RA. THE BIBLE AND THE DINOSAUR WORLD. Plain Truth, May 1977)

Yes, the earth may well be billions of years old. Furthermore, the fact that there are no dinosaurs now shows that they were gone before the great flood.

As far as them being gone, the old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

In the dim past of antiquity, giant dinosaurs roamed the earth. Suddenly — the dinosaur’s strange world came to a cataclysmic end. …

Dinosaur expert Dr. Edwin Colbert admits, “There can be no doubt about it. All of the dinosaurs along with various other… reptiles, became extinct.

“… NOT ONE OF THEM SURVIVED, as is amply proved by the fact that during almost a century and a half of paleontological exploration, the wide world over, no trace of a dinosaur bone or tooth has ever been found in any post-Cretaceous rocks, not even in the earliest of them. The proof of the geologic record on this score is IRREFUTABLE” (Dinosaurs, Edwin H. Colbert, p. 249). …

This sudden extinction of reptilian life was certainly a mysterious event. But equally puzzling to scientists was the sudden appearance of entirely new forms of life, totally unrelated to the reptiles. …

Neither is there evidence of transition from reptiles to mammals. Then, where did the living things of this present age come from? (Kroll P. The Day the DINOSAURS DIED. Worldwide Church of God, 1970)

Well, the answer to that last question is that God made everything.

As far as why, we have a free online booklet: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?

That being said, yes there were dinosaurs before Adam and Eve.

God had dinosaurs go extinct before He created humans in Genesis 1:27.

One should not be afraid to teach children the truth about God’s creation, including dinosaurs.

The Bible is true and is not unscientific.

For more information on that, we have another free booklet: Is God’s Existence Logical?

Yes, you can believe the Bible and teach your children from it, as well as answer questions about dinosaurs.

We also have the following related video:

20:41

Were Dinosaurs Prior to Adam & Eve?

When did dinosaurs live? The ‘National Catholic Register’ had an article by Stacy Trasancos titled ‘What Do You Say When Kids Ask About Dinosaurs?’ She brought up some dangers with the ‘young earth creationists’ and stated that dinosaurs were prior to Adam and Eve. Yet, she basically said that the first few verses of Genesis 1 should not be trusted. Yet, that is not the case. Does the Bible support any type of time gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2? Is there a gap symbol shown in the Masoretic text? Did the KJV and NKJV translator err in translating a disjunctive as a conjunctive? Must the earth only be about 6,000 years old? Is billions of years possible? Getting to dinosaurs themselves, do the fossil records support them being prior to a time of replenishment? Could dinosaurs have been destroyed by a ‘dark ice age’ or does the Great Flood of Noah’s time make the most sense? Did the old Worldwide Church of God bring up several facts that ‘young earth fundamentalists’ misunderstand and discount? Is the Bible scientifically reliable? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to our video: Were Dinosaurs Prior to Adam & Eve?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? Gap Theory? Does the Bible allow for the creation of the universe and earth billions of years ago? Why do some believe they are no older than 6,000 years old? What is the gap theory? Were the days of creation in Genesis 1:3 through 2:3 24 hours long? Here are links to two sermons: Gap Theory: Doctrine or Modern Heresy? and Genesis, ‘Prehistoric man,’ and the Gap theory. Here is a link to a related article in Spanish: ¿Cuán vieja es la Tierra? ¿Cuán largos fueron los Días de la Creación? ¿Teoría de la brecha?
Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?
Is God’s Existence Logical? Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. Two animated videos of related interest are also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator? and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?
Does it Make Physical Sense to believe in God? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true? Here is a link to a YouTube sermon titled Is it logical to believe in God?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge. Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Is There Another View of Evolution? and another titled Quickly Disprove Evolution as the Origin of Life.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article which answers what many really wonder about it.
Has time been lost? It Saturday the seventh day of the week?
Questions and Answers from Genesis Many wonder about certain early events that this article discusses.
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? There is also a video titled What is the meaning of your life?
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, Mystery of Race, and The Mystery of YOU.

Promotional poster from Temple Institute Newsletter July 12, 2024

COGwriter

Although it has not announced that it has actually sacrificed a red heifer, the Temple Institute did a related ceremony on what is called the Temple Mount. Here is a report:

Israeli Group Practices Red Heifer Ritual In Front Of Al-Aqsa Mosque

August 8, 2024

A group of religious Israelis have been pictured practicing the ritual of the red heifer, which is meant to herald the building of a new Jewish temple on the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

According to Jewish tradition, the ashes of a perfectly red heifer cow are needed for the ritual purification that would allow a third temple to be built in Jerusalem. That temple, say radical Jewish groups, must be constructed on the raised plateau in Jerusalem’s Old City known as the Temple Mount, where Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock shrine stand today.

Some believe this will herald the arrival of the messiah and possibly even the end of the world.

“Temple worshipers are now practicing the mitzvah [religious duty] of a red cow in front of the Temple Mount, which will enable the return of purity and the observance of all the temple mitzvahs,” posted journalist Yinon Magal on Tuesday, along with a picture of activists from the Temple Institute.

In 2022, five red heifers arrived in Israel from a Texas ranch and are now kept in an archaeological park next to Shilo …

The Temple Institute imported the heifers for the eventual purpose of using them in a ritual after years of searching for blemish-free cows, without a stray white or black hair.

Their eventual slaughter on the Mount of Olives will – according to advocates – allow Jewish people to be purified so they can perform rites and worship on the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque. …

The Chief Rabbinate of Jerusalem has also, since 1921, officially banned Jews from entering the Temple Mount. It ruled that Jews are forbidden to enter the site unless “ritually clean”, which is impossible without the ashes of a red heifer.

Over the past century, religious Zionist groups – including the Temple Institute – have advocated for the return of Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa, with some even advocating the demolition of the mosque and reconstruction of the temple. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/israeli-group-practices-red-heifer-ritual-front-al-aqsa-mosque

Let me state that Hamas and some other Muslims are concerned about this red heifer matter.

Israel365 News reported the following earlier this year:

Hamas Spokesman: Oct 7 attack launched to stop the red heifers

January 17, 2024

The Hamas spokesman gave a rare speech on the 100 day anniversary of the war against Israel. In his speech, he cited the arrival of the red heifers in Israel as one of the motives for the massacre of Jews on October 7.

Abu Obeida, the military spokesman for the Izz ad-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas terrorist organization, made a televised appearance on the 100th day of the Israeli war on Gaza.  …

The Palestine Chronicle translated his speech. In the third paragraph, Abu Obeidah listed the motives for the Hamas attack on Israel:

“We look back 100 days to remember the educated, the complicit, and the incapacitated among the world powers governed by the law of the jungle, reminding them of an aggression that reached its peak against our path (Al-Quds) and Al-Aqsa, with the start of its actual temporal and spatial division, and the ‘bringing of red cows’ as an application of a detestable religious myth designed for aggression against the feelings of an entire nation in the heart of its Arab identity, and the path of its prophet (the Night Journey) and Ascension to heaven.”

In his speech, he referred to the October 7 attack as “ the Al Aqsa flood”.  …

Arab-language media covered Abu Abeidah’s speech extensively, focusing on the red heifer while noting that five red female calves were brought to Israel in September 2022. After the announcement of the arrival of the cows, Hamas reacted almost immediately, warning that the potential Jewish ritual posed a threat to Al Aqsa.  https://www.israel365news.com/382489/hamas-spokesman-oct-7-attack-launched-to-stop-the-red-heifers/

Yes, many Muslims are concerned about Jewish plans for a red heifer and what is known as the Temple Mount.

Here is some information from two webpages of the Temple Institute related to that:

In our own times, the commandment of the red heifer takes on more and more significance. For without it, the Divine service of the Holy Temple cannot be resumed. There is a spiritual renaissance today in Israel; after almost 2,000 years, Israel is clearly moving towards the time when the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah – the prophesied Third Temple – will be rebuilt. https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer-introduction/ accessed 03/11/24

Geo-politically, the Temple Mount has to be cleared of the Dome of the Rock and the mosques which are presently located upon it before the physical rebuilding of the Holy Temple can begin. Many scenarios can be imagined which would accomplish this, the most promising, and not necessarily the most far-fetched, would entail Moslem recognition of the Mount as the intended location for the rebuilt Temple. With the acquiescence of the Moslem world the Moslem structures currently on the Mount would be disassembled and reassembled elsewhere. https://templeinstitute.org/frequently-asked-questions/ accessed 03/17/24

By saying that the area must be cleared of the mosques that are presently on the area called the Temple Mount, the Temple Institute is clearly including the Al-Asqa Mosque, which Muslims hold to be sacred.

The sacrifice of a red heifer may even become a factor in an expanded regional war that could ultimately result in the confirmation of the deal of Daniel 9:27 and the countdown to the start of the Great Tribulation approximately 3 1/2 years later as well as the return of Jesus seven years after the deal is confirmed by someone that the Bible refers to as a prince in Daniel 9:26. So, in that sense, a red heifer may be a sign of the countdown to ‘the end of the world.’

Now, it should be pointed out the Jews do not need a massive temple in order to re-implement animal sacrifices. All they need is an altar and possibly a tent, which they have.

This was confirmed with me personally by a member of the Temple Institute as well as by the reconstituted Sanhedrin.

We have a video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel related to the Temple Institute, the red heifers, and Hamas:

14:58

Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent

In March 2024, the Temple Institute recently pointed out that how God blessed the Sabbath, He also blessed the construction of a tent tabernacle. They pointed out progress from the ancient Israelites. Should Christians be making spiritual progress each year before Passover? The Temple institute has stated that the area called ‘the Temple Mount’ needs to be cleared of Muslim mosques, etc. so that a ‘third temple’ can be built. It also claims that it has four thriving red heifers, one of which it want to sacrifice before the implementation of regular animal sacrifices. Has Hamas claimed that the existence and possible use of a red heifer was a factor in its attack in Israel on October 7, 2023? Does the Temple Institute believe it must have a massive temple in order for sacrifices to resume? Or is having a priesthood, an altar, and a tent enough? What does the Sanhedrin say about that? Did Ezra write that animal sacrifices were made after the first temple was destroyed, but before the second temple was started? Is that believed by numerous modern Jewish rabbis and scholars? Does the Bible teach that regular animal sacrifices will be resumed? Could there be any relationship to the stopping of them and the return of Jesus? Is the day of Jesus coming getting much closer? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent.

It is possible that we will see a red heifer sacrificed between now and the Day of Atonement in 2024.

We will see.

But what we know for sure is that the objectives of the Temple Institute and many Muslims are in serious conflict–and that the Temple Institute keeps taking steps.

The red heifer matter remains something to “Watch” as Jesus indicated in Mark 13:37.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation. A short video is also available titled Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27? Here is a link to something related in the Spanish language: Estados Árabes emiratos unidos y el tratado de paz en el medio este.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There are also two related videos: Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to two sermons The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work and God’s Temple in Prophecy. And here is a version of the latter one in the Spanish: El templo de Dios en profecía.
Nascent Sanhedrin and Prophecy The reconstituted Sanhedrin wants the reimplementation of animal sacrifices. A related video is titled Sanhedrin pushing animal sacrifices. And a newer one is: Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!
The Red Heifer, Jewish Beliefs, and the End of the World The Temple Institute is watching a ‘red heifer.’ Why might this be important in the sequence of end time events? Here is a related link in the Spanish language Novilla roja descubierta en EE.UU. e Instituto del Templo está interesado en ella. Here are links to three related videos in English: Red Heifers and the Fate of the World and The Red Heifer and the End of the World and 5 Red Heifers and Year 5783?
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.

Donald Trump after assassination attempt
(photo by Evan Vucci via Wikipedia)

COGwriter

The Union for Concerned Scientists posted the following:

What Research Tells Us about Political Violence

August 8, 2024

In the United States, it seems that political violence—which can be broadly understood as acts of violence aimed at individuals or property with the intention of affecting or resisting political, social and/or cultural change—is on the rise, with the assassination attempt of Donald Trump in July just the latest example. While the ideals of the United States have always stressed the need for a peaceful democracy, we cannot avoid the fact that this event was by no means a one-off incident. …

What is particularly concerning is that the United States has one of the highest rates of fatalities from political violence among developed countries, based on data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, a non-profit, non-governmental agency dedicated to collecting data on political violence around the world. Comparison of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and 26 of the 27 EU countries (data do not exist for Luxembourg) shows that since 2020, the United States has the second highest rate of fatalities from political violence per person, with one fatality per every 1,076,897 people. Only Greece surpasses the United States during this time period with one fatality per every 357,286 people. …

One of the key findings from this research is that a combination of perceived grievances (e.g., believing the group a person identifies with has been wronged by the government or a different group in society), along with a belief that change is not achievable through normal democratic means (e.g., voting) create the atmosphere for political violence. On top of this, once one person or group of people engage in political violence, the likelihood of retaliatory political violence increases. https://blog.ucsusa.org/chris-williams/what-research-tells-us-about-political-violence/

After someone attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, he yelled, “Fight, fight, fight!”

Notice the following:

August 7, 2024

In an interview to be released this coming weekend, with CBS’ Robert Costa, he was asked, “Are you confident that there will be a peaceful transfer of power in January 2025?”

Biden said, “If Trump wins, no, I’m not confident at all.”

Then he changed his mind, and added, “I mean if Trump loses, I’m not confident at all. He means what he says. We don’t take him seriously. He means it, all the stuff about, ‘If we lose, there’ll be a bloodbath, it’ll have to be a stolen election.’

“Look what they’re trying to do now in the local election districts where people count the votes, or putting people in place in states that they’re going to count the votes, right?”

Biden’s response actually didn’t make much sense either time, as under the first scenario he would be accusing Democrats of failing to let there be a peaceful transfer. Under the second scenario, if Trump loses and Democrats win, would there then be a violent transfer from the Biden-Harris camp to the Harris-Walz camp?

An online report pointed out that, “Biden said the quiet part out loud before correcting himself.”

WND reported earlier that Biden supporter U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., promised there would be “civil war” conditions if Trump wins, as he would try to have the GOP nominee declared ineligible to hold office. https://www.wnd.com/2024/08/watch-biden-say-the-quiet-part-out-loud-there-wont-be-a-peaceful-transfer-of-power/

CBS published the following:

Biden says he’s “not confident at all” there will be a peaceful transfer of power if Trump loses

August 7, 2024

President Biden said he is “not confident at all” that there will be a peaceful transfer of power in January 2025 if former President Donald Trump is defeated.

“He means what he says. We don’t take him seriously. He means it. All the stuff about ‘If we lose, there’ll be a bloodbath, it’ll have been a stolen [election],'” Mr. Biden told CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa …

“Look what they’re trying to do now in the local election districts where people count the votes,” said Mr. Biden. Repeating a familiar maxim about elections and democracy, the president said, “You can’t love your country only when you win.”

Trump’s “bloodbath” comments at an Ohio campaign rally in March caused controversy, with Biden’s campaign and other Democrats expressing alarm while Trump and his allies said he was referring to the economic fallout of U.S. trade policy. …

Trump took to social media saying the media “pretended to be shocked at my use of the word BLOODBATH, even though they fully understood that I was simply referring to [auto] imports.”

When asked during their June debate whether he would accept the outcome of November’s election, Trump said he would accept the results “if it’s a fair and legal and good election,” adding that there’s “nothing [he’d] rather do.” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-on-dropping-out-2024-race-donald-trump-cbs-sunday-morning-exclusive-interview/

Attempted assassination of Donald Trump spurred a huge spike in calls for violence and civil war online

August 7, 2024

The day after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, the internet saw a huge spike in calls for violence, and in particular an increase in calls for a modern-day civil war — a chilling reflection of a small group of users who create and amplify messages glorifying mass shooters and perpetrators of targeted violence.

The spike was documented by Moonshot, a company that monitors domestic violent extremism, or DVE, spaces online. A team of six researchers documented 1,599 calls for civil war — a 633% increase from a normal day — across a range of online platforms including 4Chan and Reddit, more mainstream platforms like YouTube, and new sites for far-right discussions geared towards angry and disillusioned young men.

“The uptick in online calls is fairly typical of online discourse in spaces that glorify violence,” Elizabeth Neumann, chief strategy officer for Moonshot, told CBS News. “The fact is, there is an online ecosystem out there working day in, day out to encourage violence of all kinds, from political civil war to mindless school shootings,” she said. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-shooting-online-violence-civil-war/

Violence tends to beget more violence.

If Donald Trump is elected and keeps his pledge to deport illegal aliens, there will be a lot of violence and civil unrest in the USA. If a Democrat is declared the winner, political protests are likely.

Both the left and the right are concerned about civil unrest and even civil war.

USA Today posted the following last December:

Could 2024 election cause society to collapse? …

More Americans preparing for disaster ahead of election …

December 4, 2023

“On the left, you have people afraid (Trump) is going to declare himself dictator of the United States and people on the left are going to end up as targets in some sort of authoritarian system,” said prepping expert and author Brad Garrett. “On the right, it’s general malaise and a fear of society unraveling. They point to these smash-and-grab robberies, riots and protests.” …

U.S. Air Force Col. Drew Miller … He’s prepared for a full societal collapse caused by war, a nuclear explosion or rampaging mobs angry at election results. …

“There could easily be a civil war during a Biden-Trump election,” he said, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/04/doomsday-preppers-and-election-2024-fears/71695426007/

The USA is deeply divided. It has politicized more and more.

Related to the shooting of Donald Trump, there are many legitimate concerns being raised about lapses in Secret Service protocols, etc. (see also ‘America is not ready for what comes next’ and Elon Musk ‘fully endorses’ Donald Trump for president and says Secret Service head must resign). While the ‘mainstream’ seems to treat them as unfounded conspiracy theories, various ones on the ‘right’ point to several facts that support this.

Jesus warned:

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

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:6-12)

We are in the “beginning of sorrows” and we are more and more seeing “lawlessness” abounding as Jesus warned.

Should Donald Trump have actually died, and as the tweet at the beginning of this post shows he was very close, many on the ‘right’ would be convinced that this was an intentional move by the ‘deep state’ to eliminate Donald Trump. Yet, even though Donald Trump survived, those concerns are still there.

Jesus warned:

25 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25)

24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  (Mark 3:24-25)

17 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. (Luke 11:17)

Notice that God inspired this to be written three times in the Gospels.

God normally seems to repeat something in scripture for emphasis.

The division is a BIG DEAL.

The end of the USA is coming (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Instead of fighting each other, love is what is needed.

As Jesus taught:

37 … “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:27-36)

Instead of true love, a lot of hate and anger has been displayed and whipped up.

Troubles are prophesied (Mark 13:8).

The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), also known as the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), is coming and the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (including Canada) will be affected.

National repentance is the only way to prevent it, and that does not look likely. Though for the nation, the Kingdom of God is the solution, but first there will be a horrific 3 1/2 years.

Personal repentance, however, is still possible. Your personal future can still be much brighter than that of your country. Jesus, in addition to being the source of salvation, also offered physical protection to the most faithful (see Philadelphian Christian Great Tribulation Protection and/or watch Great Tribulation Protection).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill?  Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill?  Is a Donald Trump presidency proving to be apocalyptic?  Two related videos are available: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic? and Donald Trump’s Prophetic Presidency.
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.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?
Philadelphian Christian Great Tribulation Protection What will the Great Tribulation be like? Does Jesus promise physical protection to some or all Christians? Where might the place of protection be? What about fleeing to the mountains? What did Ezekiel warn? Here is a link to a related sermon: Great Tribulation Protection.
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.
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand. A video of related interest is available titled: Should Christians Vote? Another video is Biden, Trump, and the Bible.
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!
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.

COGwriter

Aeon put out an article that Pocket recommended that contains the following:

Does life have a purpose?

Nobody expects atoms and molecules to have purposes, so why do we still think of living things in this way?

There’s no sense for most scientists that a star is for anything, or that a molecule serves an end. But when we come to talk about living things, it seems very hard to shake off the idea that they have purposes and goals, which are served by the ways they have evolved.

As I have written about before in Aeon, the chemist James Lovelock got into very hot water with his fellow scientists when he wanted to talk about the Earth being an organism (the Gaia hypothesis) and its parts having purposes: that sea lagoons were for evaporating unneeded salt out of the ocean, for instance. And as Steven Poole wrote in his essay ‘Your point is?’ in Aeon earlier this year, the contemporary philosopher Thomas Nagel is also in hot water since he suggested in his book Mind and Cosmos (2012) that we need to use teleological understanding to explain the nature of life and its evolution.

Some have thought that this lingering teleological language is a sign that biology is not a real science at all, but just a collection of observations and facts. Others argue that the apparent purposefulness of nature leaves room for God. Immanuel Kant declared that you cannot do biology without thinking in terms of function, of final causes: ‘There will never be a Newton for a blade of grass,’ he claimed in Critique of Judgment (1790), meaning that living things are simply not determined by the laws of nature in the way that non-living things are, and we need the language of purpose in order to explain the organic world.

Why do we still talk about organisms and their features in this way? Is biology basically different from the other sciences because living things do have purposes and ends? Or has biology simply failed to get rid of some old-fashioned, unscientific thinking — thinking that even leaves the door ajar for those who want to sneak God back into science? https://aeon.co/essays/what-s-a-stegosaur-for-why-life-is-design-like?utm_source=pocket-newtab accessed 05/16/20

Yes, life has a purpose and there really is a God.

Before getting to that it should be pointed out that REAL scientists, those actually willing to believe the facts of biology, realize that evolution is NOT science.

Those who claim that evolution is the origin of life are not being logical as that is impossible.

Consider the following admission from Nobel Prize winner Dr. George Wald, from Harvard University:

The reasonable view was to believe in spontaneous generation (life from nothing); the only alternative, to believe in a single, primary act of supernatural creation. There is no third position . . . One has only to contemplate the magnitude of this task to concede that the spontaneous generation of a living organism is impossible. Yet here we are, as a result I believe, of spontaneous generation. (Scott I. The God Solution: Are You Ready? Xlibris Corporation, 2013, p. 41)

This is an astounding admission. Dr. Wald is saying that he chose to believe the impossible. And “scientists” claim that those who believe in a Creator have blind faith with no proof, but instead believe the impossible!

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines impossible as “incapable of being or of occurring.”

It is a falsehood to believe in something that is impossible–it is illogical.

Consider the following from the Bible:

¹⁴ Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14-15)

Would not professing belief in something you know is impossible be loving and believing a lie?

The fact is that evolution functions as a false religion that many cling to. Therefore, many who hold to it do not bother to look into the truth about why they are on this planet nor what their life really is supposed to be about.

The Continuing Church of God put out two short animations related to this general topic on our CCOG Animations channel:

Here is a link to our video: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator?

Here is a link to our animated video: A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?

The Apostle Paul warned:

²⁰ O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge — ²¹ by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. (1 Timothy 6:20-21, NKJV)

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

Problems of contradictions of what is called ‘knowledge/science’ exist to this day. If there ever is an apparent contradiction between the Bible and what is called ‘science’ remember that the Bible teaches:

⁴ … Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. (Romans 3:4)

The Bible is scientific and reliable. Not all scientists are. Nor are all theologians.

But God’s plan is a mystery to most.

God’s purpose for His creation is for eternity to be better. Sadly, even most Christians do not realize that.

His purpose for individual human beings is for them to be able to give love in a unique way to make eternity better for themselves and everyone else. Sadly, most Christians do not realize that either.

Scriptural and other details are in the free online book: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?

Regarding why this world needs you, you might find the following Continuing Church of God sermon helpful:

1:14:43

The Mystery of YOU

Why did God make YOU? What is the biblical meaning pf life? Are you supposed to do good? Is there a place for works? What will you be rewarded for? What about love and the commandments? Does God have a specific role for you personally? Do you really trust God? Will you be able to give love in a unique manner in order to make eternity better for yourself and others? What about character and deification? Why did God create anything? This is third part of a three-part sermon series by Dr. Thiel.

This sermon series is based on the following free online book: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?

Here is a link to the sermon: The Mystery of YOU.

But what about wars, COVID-19, etc.?

Hopefully, the results of world matters are helping wake you up and motivating you to realize that you should have a role in supporting the true Philadelphian work.

The time to do so is now, before it is too late (cf. Zephaniah 2; watch Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy).

We produced a short video related to this:

16:03

‘Get Ready: The World is About to Need You’

According to a secular source, related to COVID-19, Matt Smith wrote, “We could have been better prepared.” He also went over many issues, including lockdowns, illness, and deaths that should be anticipated related to COVID-19. But he then said, “Get ready. The world is about to need you.” Are you willing to step up spiritually and support the Philadelphian work? Most end time Christians are prophesied not to do so. Do the words the Mordecai passed on to Queen Esther have meaning for you today? Could you have been called into the Kingdom of God for a time such as this? What are the plans that God might have for you? Are you one who may have been prophesied to “instruct many” in the end time? Are you watching and praying? Are you cold or lukewarm when it comes to God’s work? Are you mainly a hearer of the word of a doer? Dr. Thiel goes over these subjects.

Here is a link to our video: ‘Get Ready: The World is About to Need You’.

We also put out the following video:

14:22

Could God be Creating Something Beautiful in You?

A report based on CDC data showed a massive increase in hopelessness and sadness in American teenage females. Plus, 30% reported considering suicide. Does God have a plan for you? Jared Dyson asserted that God is creating something beautiful in you.” Is that possible? Is there really a God? Can you prove if God exists? If so, does His purpose for you involve something beautiful? Do all the tests, sufferings, and trials you have been through in this life have any eternal purpose? Could they be preparing you to give love in a unique manner in order for you to make eternity better for yourself and everyone else? Does God actually consider all the works and issues you have faced? Do you, as an individual, have a unique role that God knows? Can Jesus help you when you are facing difficulties? Could your purpose in this life be to build character so that you can maximize your potential and increase how much you can make eternity better? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Could God be Creating Something Beautiful in You?

Yes, life has a purpose!

This purpose is something that has been restored in the Continuing Church of God (see also Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things)–as well as taught by it (see also The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?).

And if you are willing, you can make eternity better for yourself and all who will later hear God’s call.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. Two animated videos of related interest are also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator? and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, and The Mystery of YOU.
Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things Have all things been restored? Is there restoration going on? Is there supposed to be a 21st century Elijah? Here is are links to two related sermons: 21st Century Elijah and CCOG: Restoring All Things. Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: La restauracion de todas las cosas.
Why Were You Born? Why did God make you? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. You may also wish to read the article What is Your Destiny? or watch the video, also titled What is Your Destiny?
Building Character: Going on to Perfection Once you have accepted Jesus, do you need to strive for perfection and build character? A related video sermon is available: Going on to perfection and building character.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? If you would like to watch videos covering subjects of this article, you can click on the following links: Why YOU? Why Do YOU Suffer? and What is the meaning of your life?
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is a link to a related sermon: Could God be Calling You? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something? Here is a version in the Spanish language Escrituras sobre Preparación física para los Cristianos. Here is a link to a related sermon: Physical preparedness for Christians.
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.
Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18?
Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.
What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles? Some in the West discount God’s calling of Gentiles, but the Apostle Paul wrote about the need for them to come to the truth before Jesus returns.
What is the Ezekiel Warning? Should the end-time descendants of Israel and Joseph be warned? What should the watchman warn about?
Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.

The majority of people charged over last week’s riots live locally to the violent demonstrations which they allegedly joined, analysis has found, contradicting Keir Starmer’s claim they were coming from out of town. https://t.co/I3o2nj0GO1

— Toby Young (@toadmeister) August 7, 2024

COGwriter

Since a stabbing of children in the UK late last month, there have been protests in various places there.

Here are a couple of reports:

Far-right riots: A third of Britons support UK anti-immigrant protests, poll finds

August 7, 2024

A third of British people support the anti-immigration protests that have spiralled into violent riots in cities across the UK, according to a report by YouGov.

Seven percent of respondents said they supported the Islamophobic and racist violence that has accompanied the protests.

Protests erupted in the UK after the killing of three children in the northern English town of Southport in late July. …

The suspect arrested for the stabbings was later revealed to be a 17-year-old British citizen of Rwandan origin. …

In the past week, rioters have attacked drivers they suspected of being Muslim, chanted racist slurs and looted businesses that often have nothing to do with Muslims or immigrants, including branches of the popular bakery chain Greggs. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/far-right-riots-two-thirds-people-uk-sympathise-anti-immigrant-protests

Rioting Suspects Are Mostly Locals, Contradicting Starmer’s Claim They Were Bussed In

7 August 2024

A statistical analysis by the Telegraph reveals that the majority of people charged with rioting live locally to the demonstrations they joined, contradicting Keir Starmer’s claim that they came from out of town on “trains and buses”.

The Prime Minister claimed that outsiders hijacked the unrest to cause chaos in a “community that is not their own.”

However, according to the Telegraph, “Seven in 10 of those charged so far live within a five-mile radius of where they are alleged to have taken part in riots, according to court documents and police forces.”

The data was obtained from looking at the fixed addresses of 65 charged suspects.

Given that Starmer has blamed social media “misinformation” for the rioting, maybe he should be more careful in not disseminating his own brand of lies.

Starmer has been branded ‘Two Tier Kier’ for a police crackdown on white working class people while mobs of armed Muslim men who attacked innocent people in Birmingham weren’t even subject to a police presence. https://modernity.news/2024/08/07/rioting-suspects-are-mostly-locals-contradicting-starmers-claim-they-were-bussed-in/

If 1/3 of Brits support the protesters, calling them “far-right” is a bit of a stretch.

There have been various protests and riots in the UK over the decades.

Notice the following from a report about youth riots in the UK from the old Radio Church of God 60 years ago:

Mob violence is increasing in Britain.  …

Dr. George Simpson, Chairman of the Magistrates at the court in Margate, summed up the fracas with this apt description: “These long-haired, mentally unstable, petty little sawdust Caesars, seem to find courage, like rats, by hunting in packs.”

And so the packs went hunting… for trouble.

Other Mods and Rockers converged on Brighton resulting in 76 being arrested. The court had to hear cases of mass hysteria, jostling, stone-throwing and the terrorization of elderly people. Teenagers were arrested for carrying offensive weapons (including pistols, leather belts with brass buckles, cricket bats, golf clubs, and chains), for using threatening behavior and for using obscene language.

The fighting is now over. The debris has been cleared off the beaches. Smashed windows have been replaced. But the Mods and Rockers still roam the cafes and streets of London.

 What an evil and rotten world you live in! But the Bible prophesied it would be this way. The apostle Paul said: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, unthankful, unholy… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a FORM of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away!” (II Tim. 3:1-5).

DISOBEDIENCE TO PARENTS is one of the major problems of our day! Read Romans 1:28-32 and Isaiah 3:12. God warned that disobedience to parents would be the curse of our age.

Children are disobedient because parents have failed in their job as parents. They haven’t trained their children to OBEY them and all in authority! If children are disobedient, it is the parents who are primarily at fault. If the home is broken, unhappy or upside down with the woman ruling over the man (see Eph. 5:23; I Cor. 11:3, 8-9; I Pet. 3:1), it is the parents who are mainly to blame.

And why have parents not been successful in creating a happy home life where children grow up happy, secure and well-trained? Because of ignorance of God’s laws that govern marriage, family life and child training. The solution to misbehaved, rebellious, disobedient children and juvenile delinquency is in the Bible. Theologians either are ignorant of that solution or have rejected it. Ministers too often have not been teaching the people the truth! (Boraker RC. Why Teenage Gangs RIOT at England’s Seaside. Plain Truth, August 1964)

As far as the current riots and protests go, a lot of it has to do with the perception that foreigners are negatively impacting the UK. But that was prophesied as one of the curses for disobedience:

15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:

16 “Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country.  (Deuteronomy 28:15-16)

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower (Deuteronomy 28:43).

The Bible shows that God is against violence and that destruction will come because of it:

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled. (Ezekiel 7:23-24)

46 … And violence in the land, (Jeremiah 51:46)

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…30…violent, proud, boasters,…31…unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)

8 … And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:8)

Notice also that terror for the corrupt was prophesied:

5 They have corrupted themselves; They are not His children, Because of their blemish: A perverse and crooked generation. … 25 The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be terror within (Deuteronomy 32:5,25)

We continue to see corruption and other terroristic acts–and these are not just from people the government categorizes as terrorists.

We are in “the last days.” We are in what Jesus referred to in Matthew 24:4-8 as the “beginning of sorrows.”

A worse time of ‘tribulation’ is coming (Matthew 24;21-22) and is getting closer.

But, ultimately, there will be good news. Jesus will return and the millennial Kingdom of God will be established, and violent crime will be stopped.

Pray for that Kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2023, 2024, or 2025? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation start in 2022 or 2023? Notice also: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
Will the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future. A sermon of related interest is also available: Canada in Prophecy.
Australia and New Zealand in Prophecy Do biblical prophecies help explain the wealth blessings for Australia and New Zealand? Might cursings from disobedience come in the 21st century? Here is a link to a related sermon: Australia and New Zealand: Origins and Prophecy.
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Other videos include: Armageddon Will it come on Trump’s watch?, Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy, Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome, Is China paving roads to Armageddon?, and Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.
What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles? Some in the West discount God’s calling of Gentiles, but the Apostle Paul wrote about the need for them to come to the truth before Jesus returns. Two somewhat related videos are available Gentiles and When Will Jesus Return? and Puerto Rico, Trials, and Triumphs.
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach? Here is a link to a related sermon titled Race and Grace; Do you view race as God does? Watch also Mystery of Race.
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.

 
(From Pixabay)

COGwriter

Is Donald Trump some type of ‘messiah’?

Several have suggested so.

A Jewish rabbi suggested that last month (see Obama’s endorse Kamala, but will the election be choice between Kamala Harris as Daniels’ fourth kingdom or Trump as second non-Jewish Messiah or between evils?) and another did so this month:

High-profile Jewish rabbi claims Trump is a messiah appointed by God to serve Israel

August 6, 2024

A high-profile Jewish rabbi has claimed that former president Donald Trump was anointed as a non-Jewish messiah by God to serve the state of Israel.

Rabbi Isser Zalman Weisberg of Toronto, Canada, has made the bold claim as it looks increasingly likely that Trump will support Israel as it continues its genocidal mission in Gaza.

Pastor and author Chuck Baldwin recently analyzed the rabbi’s words, and there is a lot to unpack here.

The rabbi cites multiple reasons he is convinced that Trump is a non-Jewish messiah who will serve the Jewish people. One is the fact that his right ear was grazed by a bullet in a recent assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, which he likens to a passage in the Torah stating that “a servant who wants to remain with his master needs to have his right ear pierced.”

He also claimed that the final deadline for “the redemption” is a Jewish year that corresponds to October of 2027, which would take place during Trump’s tenure if he were reelected president.

He asserted: “And I have good reason to believe Donald Trump was chosen to be the one to redeem the sins of Azof through offering his assistance in rebuilding the holy temple on the Temple Mount and establishing the Jewish kingdom over all of mankind in Jerusalem.”

The rabbi went on to say that while Trump may take steps to protect the U.S.’s borders and improve its economy, “America will be great when the messiah comes. And the leader of this country, on behalf of all the good people in this country, will humbly present himself to the Jewish messiah and ask him to accept the United States of America into a new alliance of countries who accept the leadership of the messiah.”

The rhetoric becomes even more frightening when he suggests that Trump will rid the world of “the enemies of the Jews.”

No, the nicking of his ear by a bullet did not fulfill the statement of a servant in the Old Testament.

No, Donald Trump is NOT going to rid the world of enemies of the Jews.

But yes, some have pointed to Donald Trump as some type of a Messiah. Here is something posted here back in 2016:

September 5, 2016

Donald Trump has been called a lot of things. “Messiah” probably isn’t one of them.

A Jewish rabbi from New Jersey, however, is making that claim, making clear in the process that he doesn’t see the GOP presidential nominee as the Messiah but rather a messiah.

Rabbi Mendel Kessin, during a lecture shared in late August, said Trump will play the role of a “messiah-like figure” leading America, which he sees as leader of Western Christianity, into its role as the rehabilitated biblical Esau – a righteous nation that repents of its past sins and becomes a helper of Israel.

Trump, the GOP nominee for president, will be a factor in the end of days in America by reflecting the “rehabilitation of biblical Esau,” said Kessin.

Kessin believes Trump has a critical role to play in purifying the U.S.

“What I believe is that the one who is going to switch from [Esav persecuting the Jews] to [Esav serving the Jews] is Donald Trump,” he says. “He’s going to purify Edom.”

At the 43-minute mark of the lecture, Kessin says the Hebrew numerical value of Donald Trump is the same as that of Moshiach ben David (Messiah son of David). He quickly assures his listeners that Trump is not the long-awaited Messiah of the Jewish people. At the same time, Kessin plainly asserts that Trump has the qualities of a messiah-like figure.

“Someone who will turn a nation completely, diametrically opposite is a messiah,” Kessin says. “He further contends that good times will return to the U.S. under the leadership of Trump because “Peace and prosperity must happen in order to rehabilitate the Jews in America, to prepare them for Moshiach (Messiah).”

Carl Gallups, a Baptist pastor in Florida, radio talk-show host and author of several Christian books including “Be Thou Prepared,” has a different take on the rabbi’s message.

“I think the main thrust of Rabbi Kessin’s message is that, somehow, Yahweh might be in the process of using Donald Trump to bring about some much-needed biblical reformation to the United States and, thus, the world,” Gallups said.

“I think he is also hoping and praying, along with much of the Jewish and Christian world, that Trump might be used of God to restore the United States to being a great friend and protector of Israel. This is especially true as we see the miraculously returned Israel now surrounded with nations on every side that are plotting its ultimate demise.”

Gallups told WND he thinks Kessin’s lecture is reflective of the spirit of the times.

“People all over the globe have a sense of urgency, expectancy, and trepidation about the future,” he said. “Even people who don’t claim to be ‘believers’ or Christians, even those who never go to church or read the Bible are asking, ‘What’s wrong with the world? Why is the Middle East the center of such huge international turmoil? Are we on the verge of World War III?’”

Gallups said he understands what Kessin is trying to say, viewing Trump in many ways as the antithesis of President Obama.

“He’s looking at it in the same way that a number of Christians and even biblical scholars have examined Obama’s journey, candidacy, and eight-year presidential legacy and point out his clearly ‘antichrist’ characteristics without ever believing him to be, or declaring him to be, the actual antichrist,” Gallups said. “I don’t think there is anything unbiblical about examining the times in which we live, and the world-impacting leaders of our times, and noting the biblical characteristics of those that Yahweh may be using for His ultimate purposes in our highly prophetic era.”

“I also find it remarkable,” Gallups added, “that Rabbi Kessin outlined the qualities of a messianic figure as being that of a powerful person, a great person, a biblical scholar, a righteous individual, and one who is at the same time also ubiquitously despised, while seemingly coming ‘out of nowhere.’ These very same things can be said of the real and ultimate Messiah, Yeshua/Jesus.” http://www.wnd.com/2016/09/trump-as-american-messiah-rabbi-says-yes/#viZPDdqUkDsjg7um.99

Of course, Donald Trump is NOT America’s or Israel’s messiah.

Yet many, seeing terrible changes in direction of support of abortion, Planned Parenthood, the LGBT agenda, etc. fear that if Kamala Harris is elected, such evil will increase. And that is a reasonable assessment.

The last book of the Bible is referred to as “Revelation” or the Apocalypse (the Greek term which means revealing, and this was given to the Apostle John on the island of Patmos, per Revelation 1:9).  In this post, we will use the term “apocalyptic” to mean related to events that lead to the end-time events prophesied in the Bible.

Here is something posted here back in 2016 (see Rabbi calls Donald Trump ‘America’s messiah,’ but is he?):

A Donald Trump presidency would also be apocalyptic.

Should he win, and short of personal repentance, he will likely take apocalyptic steps in the future.

Here are eleven specific reasons indicating some of how a Donald Trump presidency would be “apocalyptic”:

1. The timing of his rise in political prominence.  It may be that only one or a few presidential terms are left before the start of the Great Tribulation and the fulfillment of related prophecies in the Book of Revelation.  By virtue of his timing (as well as his actual planned and unplanned actions) are enough to contribute to the fulfillment of various end-time prophecies.

2. Donald Trump has already offended the Europeans, though he gets along with some. Some of his statements may be leading to the rise of the prophesied King of the North, who is to be the final leader of the Beast of Revelation (Revelation 13:1). He is so offensive to some of them, that more will decide that they do not wish to rely on the USA as a close partner and will work towards alternative.

3. Because of domestic economic concerns and international pressures, Donald Trump is likely to encouraging the Europeans to increase their military might. The Obama Administration has done this and this trend is expected to continue, and will help lead to the destruction of the United States and World War III, when the Europeans are ready and the U.S.A. is not. Since Donald Trump expect Mexico to pay for a wall it does not want, it is reasonable to conclude that he may expect the Europeans to pay more for their own defense.

4. In 2015, Donald Trump basically said he never repented. The God of the Bible expects leaders to encourage repentance and moral behaviors when they are subject to destructive punishment (cf. Jonah 3:6-9). Donald Trump, like many other U.S. politicians, does not seem to believe that the U.S.A. needs to repent for its sins against God. Yet, without national repentance, the U.S.A. is doomed for destruction (Isaiah 30:12-13; Daniel 11:39).  Of course, people are supposed to pray for political leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3), and that should be done irrespective if one agrees with the leader. Sometimes, leaders and/or their policies change.

5. By focusing too much on threats from China and almost always considering the Europeans as some type of allies, a Donald Trump Administration is currently not expected to reverse the Asian ‘pivot’ strategy. Unless he changes that, this pivot will help result in destruction of the USA.

6. Donald Trump’s statements against Apple, Inc. suggest an environment of loss of privacy and favoring unlimited government control. This type of thing will be exploited by 666 of Revelation 13:16-18.

7. We are in a period of self-censorship and government censorship. A “famine” of the word is prophesied (Amos 8:11) and a possible Donald Trump Administration may impose broadcast, print, Internet, and/or restrictions as it attempts to have more control (see also Republican Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jingping want control over the internet).

8. By encouraging and not discouraging aspects of biblical immorality, including many parts of the LGBT agenda, Donald Trump is setting the U.S.A. up for punishment (Isaiah 30:12-13; Romans 1:18-32) that has and will include troubles, violence, weather problems, earthquakes, food shortages, and pestilences (Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:10-11). The time will come when, these problems will further worsen.

9. Donald Trump repeatedly has stated that he will “make America great again.” Biblically, he has not given reasons for that to be the case. Morally, economically, and militarily, the USA has been in decline (though the military decline is still more relative to the climb of others). The Bible warns repeatedly that false declarations of peace and safety will lead to end time destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:3; Jeremiah 6:14-15).

10. His misstatements, position changes, and attacks against those he is upset with suggests, to me at least, that he is not always honest. And this may cause people to groan (Proverbs 29:2). His bragging statements, etc. are consistent with those warned about in 2 Timothy 3:1-6.

11. His religious views hint that he is somewhat ‘ecumenical.’ An ecumenical power is warned about in the Bible and is expected to rise up in the end times (Zechariah 2:6-8; Revelation 17; 18). I expect him to make ecumenical supporting statements.

As it turned out, Donald Trump fulfilled at least 20 warnings I wrote about him. Details are in the article: Donald Trump in Prophecy. The Biden-Harris presidency fulfilled a number of them as well.

While I do believe that Kamala Harris has severe issues and does not share the Bible’s view of governance, neither do I believe that Donald Trump does either.

That does not mean that one may not be better for the future of the USA than the other.

But it does mean that I do not believe that Donald Trump, nor Kamala Harris, are to be ‘America’s messiah.’

Whoever becomes the next President of the United States will be apocalyptic!

What the USA needs is national repentance, the return of Jesus, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God.

America’s Messiah, as well as the for the rest of the world, is Jesus the Christ. It is Jesus, the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29), not an American politician.

(Public Domain Photos)

COGwriter

Pocket recommended an article about dealing with procrastination.

In this post, some scriptures are shown supporting some concepts that some in the world have recognized help deal with procrastination.

Now, from the Pocket recommended article:

How to Beat Procrastination …

The Roman-era Stoic philosopher Seneca once joked that the one thing fools all have in common is that they are always getting ready to live but never actually do. …

With any goal, our imaginations often run wild envisioning all the things that can go wrong. … a life is built action by action. 12/02/20 https://forge.medium.com/how-to-beat-procrastination-like-a-stoic-philosopher-d9e1ddd31306 accessed 12/06/20

The above reminds me of a few items from the Bible:

4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. (Proverbs 13:4)

13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” (Proverbs 22:13)

4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. (Proverbs 20:4)

5 The fool folds his hands And consumes his own flesh. (Ecclesiastes 4:5)

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:15-17)

Having good intentions is not enough, Christians need to take proper actions.

Getting back to the Pocket recommended article:

Create a routine …

in a world where so much is out of our control, committing to a routine we do control is a way of establishing and reminding ourselves of our own power.

Without a disciplined schedule, procrastination inevitably moves in with all the chaos, complacency, and confusion: What was I going to do? What do I wear? What should I eat? What should I do first?

Regarding those last questions, Jesus dealt with them as follows:

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:25-33)

As far as a routine, yes the Bible has a lot to say about that.

Let’s notice some passages from the Hebrew scriptures:

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. (Exodus 20:8-11)

2 … ‘The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.

3 ‘Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings.

4 ‘These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. 5 On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; seven days you must eat unleavened bread. 7 On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it. 8 But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord for seven days. The seventh day shall be a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it.'”

9 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. 11 He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12 And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of the first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the Lord. 13 Its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the Lord, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin. 14 You shall eat neither bread nor parched grain nor fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your God; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

15 ‘And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 16 Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. 17 You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the Lord. 18 And you shall offer with the bread seven lambs of the first year, without blemish, one young bull, and two rams. They shall be as a burnt offering to the Lord, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma to the Lord. 19 Then you shall sacrifice one kid of the goats as a sin offering, and two male lambs of the first year as a sacrifice of a peace offering. 20 The priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the Lord, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the Lord for the priest. 21 And you shall proclaim on the same day that it is a holy convocation to you. You shall do no customary work on it. It shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

22 ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the Lord your God.'”

23 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25 You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.'”

26 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 27 “Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. 28 And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. 29 For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. 30 And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. 31 You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32 It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.”

33 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 34 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord. 35 On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. 36 For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it.

37 ‘These are the feasts of the Lord which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to the Lord, a burnt offering and a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything on its day — 38 besides the Sabbaths of the Lord, besides your gifts, besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings which you give to the Lord. (Leviticus 23:2-38)

So, we see a weekly schedule to work six days and rest the seventh. Plus an annual schedule for God’s Holy Days. Early Christians kept the Sabbath (see The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad) and the Holy Days (more on the Holy Days can be found in the free online book: Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays).

The Bible says to give tithes and offerings (Deuteronomy 14 & 16, Matthew 23:23; see also Tithing Questions and Some Answers and Why Holy Day Offerings?). This pushes one to create a financial routine as well.

Getting back to the Pocket recommended article:

Use a counterforce …

When a bad habit reveals itself, counteract it with a commitment to a contrary virtue. …

Oppose established habits, use the counterforce of training to get traction and make progress, and channel the negative impulse into something, anything, positive.

One “counterforce” is to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

Another is to realize that you are to do good. Here is something from our free online book The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?:

Do Good

God is good (Mark 10:18; Psalm 143:10) and does what is right (cf. Genesis 18:25).

God also wants us to do good as this pleases Him (Psalm 34:14; Hebrews 13:16).

¹⁹ You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 32:19)

⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)

⁵ … God, ⁶ who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: ⁷ eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; (Romans 2:5-7)

God wants good for you and if you truly love and “obey Him” (Acts 5:32; Hebrews 5:9), that is how everything will turn out (Romans 8:28).

Notice the following:

²⁴ Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

¹² I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, ¹³ and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor–it is the gift of God. ¹⁴ I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-14)

The above is true, essentially because being productive in work is intended to make things better. And humans should enjoy being productive.

Getting back to the Pocket recommended article:

Get one small win every day …

One gain per day. That’s it. This is the way to curbing our procrastinating tendencies: remembering that incremental, consistent, humble, persistent work is the way to improvement.

Now, that is not quite how Jesus put it, nor are we to limit success, but we are to be humble. Plus, Jesus did say, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).

So making success one day at a time is something we should all strive to do.

Getting back to the Pocket recommended article:

Free yourself from the inessential …

So much of what we think we must do — and what we end up doing — is not essential. Rip off the chains of obligation to these things. Then you’ll be able to better do what is essential …

While Jesus dealt with that in Matthew 6:28-34, notice another way He dealt with that:

41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Getting back to the Pocket recommended article:

Face your important tasks head-on …

The Bible teaches:

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Your physical life and this world’s society will not last. It will be replaced by the Kingdom of God–and don’t you really want to be in it?

Procrastination can be a problem to derail Christians.

The old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

Do you put off doing things that need to be done? You need to know the causes — and some practical, effective solutions — for this problem! …

You’re probably familiar with procrastination — all of us fall into it, and fairly easily, from time to time.

And the effects can be devastating: You can be robbed of happiness and peace of mind, harm your relationships with others and, yes, even keep yourself out of God’s Kingdom!

Does that last statement sound shocking? It shouldn’t! Procrastination — putting things off — can be a deadly, sinister enemy. How?

Christ’s parable about the 10 virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) addresses this problem. All the virgins wanted to meet the bridegroom, but only five were wise. The others had neglected to bring along a supply of oil (symbolic of the Holy Spirit) for their lamps. They had procrastinated by placing more importance on some thing else. As a result, they were not allowed to be part of the marriage.

What lesson does this parable have for you? Simply stated, if you put off your preparation now for the Kingdom, you will not qualify for eternal life. …

In the parable of the talents fear prevented a man from developing his talents (Luke 19:20-24).

Even entire groups of people can let fear paralyze them. Remember what happened to Israel in the wilderness? They received a glowing report about the land that flowed with milk and honey. But they were afraid to face the land’s inhabitants, who were said to be giants. As their fear grew, their faith weakened. This led to rebellion against God’s will and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.

Just as the man with the one talent and the nation of Israel were denied blessings, so could you lose blessings and even be kept out of God’s Kingdom.

Replace fear with faith. Remarkable accomplishments can result. Love can also help conquer the effects of fear (I John 4:18). Applying this teaching can help you overcome the negative effects of fear, because your love to do something — namely, obey God — is greater than your fear of attempting it. …

Act now

Now that you have considered these barriers, what’s your reaction? Have you seen some attitudes that are keeping you from doing God’s will? Are you convicted of the need to stop procrastinating? Are you now ready to change?

Eliminating procrastination will bring you many blessings. Instead of frustration, anger and guilt, you’ll experience peace of mind, a product of doing what is right (Isa. 32:17). Your productivity will increase and so will your blessings from God (Ps. 128:1- 3).

Beyond these temporal blessings is an even greater blessing – eternal life. Listen to Jesus Christ: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing [not waiting till later!]. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods” (Matt. 24:45-47).

God has given each of us responsibilities, and He expects us to be doing them now.

Don’t risk your eternal life by ignoring top-priority matters. Overcome procrastination — now! (Kackos GM. Overcome Procrastination – NOW! Good News, May 1983)

Don’t let procrastination or fear keep you from being a Philadelphian Christian.

As far as acting now, Zephaniah wrote:

1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together,
O undesirable nation,
2 Before the decree is issued,
Or the day passes like chaff,
Before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you,
Before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you!
3 Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth,
Who have upheld His justice.
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
It may be that you will be hidden
In the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:1-3)

Those who take proper action now, BEFORE it is time to flee, are subject to being protected from the coming Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 12:14-16).

Sadly, most Christians in the end times are Laodicean who do not have the urgency to change or support the proper Philadelphian work (Revelation 3:14-18).

Getting back to the Pocket recommended article:

All the crises, distractions, and temptations we face today have their analogs in the past.

You might think your situation is so different from others that you are exempt and God understands. Well, God understands whether or not you take action like you should.

As far as your situation, remember that the Apostle Paul was inspired to write the following:

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 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 10:12-13)

God has given you TODAY to take steps and change.

Getting back to the Pocket recommended article:

Create a sense of urgency

Stop letting yourself be distracted. That is not allowed. Instead, as if you were dying right now… Stop allowing your mind to be a slave, to be jerked about by selfish impulses, to kick against fate and the present, and to mistrust the future.—Marcus Aurelius

The Apostle Paul wrote:

31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (1 Corinthians 15:31)

Well, we are all getting older everyday. And, yes, we die daily. And since we cannot be sure of our future personal circumstances, we need to live each day in accordance to the will of God.

If you do these things, you can overcome procrastination.

The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) also has the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

17:47

Overcome Procrastination

Do you procrastinate a lot? Is this a problem? Could you be missing out on properly living life because of procrastination? What about your spiritual life? Could you be missing out on being part of the the Kingdom of God because of your procrastination? How can you overcome procrastination? Are there secular and biblical tips on how to do that? Dr. Thiel covers many tips and scriptures in this video.

Here is a link to the video: Overcome Procrastination.

Shouldn’t you truly have the Philadelphian-era motivation?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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.
Can You Keep Your Job, Get Your Degree, and Keep the Sabbath? This article has some information on that. Here is a link to a related video titled: Can you keep the Sabbath and your job? What about college?
Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. Two related sermon would be Which Spring Days should Christians observe? and Fall Holy Days for Christians.
Tithing Questions and Some Answers Answers questions about tithing and also addresses some non-biblical arguments against tithing. Should people tithe?Here is a link to a related sermon: Tithes and Tithing. Here is a link to an older sermon: Tithing Answers from the Bible.
Why Holy Day Offerings? This is a slightly updated version of an article originally by WCG evangelist Leroy Neff that was published in the old Good News magazine in September 1983. Here is a link to a related video message: Why Holy Day Offerings?
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, and The Mystery of YOU.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There are also two YouTube video related to this: Living as a Christian: How and Why? and Living as a Christian: Pure Milk of the Word.
Living as a Christian: Strong Meat Can you handle solid spiritual food? A related sermon is available: Strong Meat: James 1-2 and Strong Meat: James 3-5.
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.
What are Your Priorities? The late evangelist Dibar Apartian wrote this.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage and rive to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
Christian Success Does the Bible teach that Christians are to be successful? Are there at least seven laws of success that Christians should follow? How does the Bible teach we are to become successfully spiritually? Does the Bible really teach that Christians should be successful physically? This video answers these questions and more from the Bible. An outline of some of the scriptures used is here: Christian Success Outline.
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
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 is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?

Tim Walz (Official government photo)

COGwriter

CBS reported:

August 6, 2024

The Democratic National Committee’s virtual roll call vote has closed, and the Democratic Party announced that Vice President Kamala Harris received the votes of 99% of the participating delegates. …

The roll call of state delegations had long been planned to take place virtually and weeks before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which begins Aug. 19. Harris on Friday secured the requisite number of delegates needed for the spot at the top of the party’s presidential ticket, after virtual voting began Thursday. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dnc-roll-call-of-states-2024/

Kamala Harris announced that Tim Walz is her choice for vice president:

Harris picks Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, will appear together at Pennsylvania rally

August 6, 2024

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Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, looking to strengthen the Democratic ticket in Midwestern states.

She will introduce Walz at a rally Tuesday evening in Philadelphia. https://apnews.com/live/trump-harris-vp-pick-election-updates

Politico has the following about Tim Walz:

August 6, 2024

He spent a year teaching in China after college before returning full time to the Army. He traveled to China with one of the first government-sanctioned groups of American educators to teach in Chinese high schools. …

He still speaks Mandarin. …

He was the faculty adviser for the school’s first gay-straight alliance chapter in 1999. …

He has two children, Hope and Gus. Hope recently graduated from college in Montana, and Gus is in public high school in St. Paul. …

Both children were conceived through IVF and fertility treatments: “There’s a reason we named [our daughter] Hope.” …

Walz once earned an “A” ratingfrom the National Rifle Association and the group’s endorsement. In 2016, Guns & Ammo magazine included him on its list of top 20 politicians for gun owners.

He later denounced the NRA and supported gun-control measures, such as an assault weapons ban. During his first campaign for governor in 2018, the NRA completely downgraded his rating. “I had an A rating from the NRA. Now I get straight F’s. And I sleep just fine.” …

Violence erupted after police killed George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020, an incident that led to protests against racism and police brutality across the nation. Republican lawmakers issued a report later in the year, criticizing Walz’ administration for not intervening quickly enough to prevent looting and arson. “I certainly believe our administration … whether it be the National Guard, the State Patrol or the DNR [Department of Natural Resources], our front line folks responded in a noble and heroic manner. They saved lives,” Walz said. “A one-sided report coming out right before an election isn’t as helpful. But if there is helpful advice in there, I’ll certainly take it.” …

After Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana last year, Walz appointed a hemp shop owner to be the state’s top cannabis regulator. The next day, cannabis entrepreneur Erin DuPree stepped down from the role after the Star Tribune reported she had sold illegal products at her hemp shop and had federal tax liens and judgments against her. Minnesota’s nonpartisan government watchdog the Office of the Legislative Auditor later found the governor’s office missed some standard background check steps before the appointment of DuPree. …

His beverage of choice is Diet Mountain Dew. He got a DWI in Nebraska in 1995 before he quit drinking. …

Walz signed a bill last May expanding voting rights for an estimated 55,000 formerly incarcerated residents. …

In 2023, Walz signed an executive order protecting access to gender-affirming care. “As states across the country move to ban access to gender-affirming care, we want LGBTQ Minnesotans to know they will continue to be safe, protected, and welcome in Minnesota,” said Walz. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/08/06/tim-walz-55-things-harris-vp-00172790

Wikipedia has the following about him:

In his first week as a legislator, Walz cosponsored a bill to raise the minimum wage, voted for stem cell research, voted to allow Medicare to negotiate pharmaceutical prices, and voiced support for pay-as-you-go budget rules, requiring that new spending or tax changes not add to the federal deficit.^[37]

Even as he represented a district that had usually voted Republican, pundits described Walz’s policy positions as ranging from moderate to liberal.^[38] He voted against the act to Prohibit Federally Funded Abortion Services^[39] and to advance the Affordable Care Act out of the House.^[40] He also voted to continue funding for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan,^[41] and against the 2008 TARP bill, which purchased troubled assets from financial institutions.^[42]

Walz received a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood in 2012, from the American Civil Liberties Union in 2011, from the American Immigration Lawyers Association in 2009–2010, from the AFL-CIO in 2010, from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in 2009–2010, and from the National Organization for Women in 2007. He also received single-digit ratings from the National Taxpayers Union, Citizens Against Government Waste, Americans for Tax Reform, and FreedomWorks. The United States Chamber of Commerce gave him a 25% rating in 2010.^[43] In 2013, he was named “legislator of the year” by the Air Force Sergeants Association.^[44] Walz was ranked the 7th-most bipartisan House member during the 114th Congress (and the most bipartisan member from Minnesota) in the Bipartisan Index created by the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy, which ranks members of Congress by measuring how often their bills attract co-sponsors from the opposite party and how often they co-sponsor bills by members of the opposite party.^[45] (Walz, Tim. Wikipedia, accessed 08/06/24)

With his 100% rating from Planned Parenthood, Tim Walz  sounds like someone that many Democrats would support. As far as vice-presidents go, I thought that Kamala Harris would likely pick him over Josh Shapiro as a Josh Shapiro VP would have likely turned off Muslim voters in places like Michigan.

Michelle Bachman made some comments about Tim Walz:

August 6, 2024

Former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, now dean of the Robertson School of Government, served with now Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for years.

And after Kamala Harris tagged Walz as her pick for the Democrat party’s nomination for vice president, she spoke out.

“I went to Congress with Tim Walz in 2006 and served with him for 8 years. On the outside, he looks like an awe-shucks, back slapping, nice guy politician, when in fact he is as radical as AOC or more,” Bachmann said.

She said, “Because of Tim Walz, more people have moved out of the state than at any other time in Minnesota’s history. Last year, $2 billion and 30,000 people left the state of Minnesota.” And she noted Walz promoted “the strongest transgender protection bill in the country and the strongest pro-abortion bill in the country.” https://www.wnd.com/2024/08/michele-bachmann-tim-walz-is-as-radical-as-aoc-or-more/

Some believe that the Harris-Walz ticket is what the USA needs, where as others believe that Trump-Vance is what the USA needs. Others say anyone but Donald Trump, while many feel that Kamala Harris is not up to doing the job.

That said, as long time readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page are aware, as posted here many times before, I consider that Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are evil.

Without going into unique specifics, let’s consider how they are similar:

1. They do not live like a member of their professed faiths is supposed to try to live.
2. They support LGBTQ rights.
3. They have not called for national repentance.
4. They have not sought first the Kingdom of God.
5. One is an adulterer and the other an adulteress.
6. They have all been involved in Administrations that greatly increased USA debt.
7. They have all been involved in Administrations that have upset the Europeans.
8. They have all been accused of hypocrisy.
9. They both make a lot of public lies.
10. None have the real solutions for what the USA needs.

Now, I am not trying to say that there are no differences. Yes, I know they have differing economic and climate policies as well as different views on abortion and racial matters.

As far as being hypocritical goes, the Book of Job teaches:

13 … And the hope of the hypocrite shall perish, (Job 8:13)

The Bible prophecy warns that God will punish and destroy “an hypocritical nation” (Isaiah 10:6, KJV) in a prophecy related to the USA.

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)

These national sins include abortion, sexuality immorality, promoting pornography, false witness, violence, economic theft through debt and other means, hypocrisy, disdain for the God of the Bible, covetousness, and a host of others.

See also, our free online book, The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast.

As far as evil goes, evil is still evil.

Many professing Christians believe that they need to vote even though that concept is not endorsed in the Bible. But the Bible teaches:

2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2)

The “lesser evil” is still evil.

What should a Christian do?

Jesus said to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) and to pray for God’s kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10).

As far as political leaders go, the Apostle Paul wrote:

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Notice that we are to pray for worldly leaders and those that have authority over us so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life. Nothing like this is said for voting that many falsely claim is their “Christian” duty–prayer for leaders is.

No matter who you may think is better, the lesser of the evils is still evil.

The Continuing Church of God put out the following video on our Bible New Prophecy YouTube channel:

15:15

Should Christians Vote in 2024?

There are elections in over 50 nations scheduled for 2024. How old is democracy? Does the Bible sanction it? Do people often act like they want to be deceived? Are there men on the ballots that meet the Bible’s criteria for leaders? How does the Bible show that leaders are to be put in place? Is the lesser of two evils still evil? Does the Bible teach that, “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men in Daniel 4:17? Could someone vote against God’s plan? Do people know more than a prophet of God when it comes to choosing leaders? Are there truly pro-voting scriptures in the Bible? Are God’s people to support a crowd in doing evil? Will voting change the coming destruction that the Bible prophesies? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel go over these matters.

Here is a link to the video: Should Christians Vote in 2024?

Supporting evil is not the solution for Christians.

Repentance could delay the disaster coming to the USA (cf. Daniel 4:27)–but that is not expected.

Without national repentance, the end is coming very soon no matter what party wins the USA 2024 presidential election.

Destruction is coming to the USA–as well as its British-descended allies (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand)–and it will be worse than most people will believe.

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?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand. A video of related interest is available titled: Should Christians Vote? Another video is Biden, Trump, and the Bible.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to four related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill?  Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill?  Is a Donald Trump presidency proving to be apocalyptic?  Two related videos are available: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic? and Donald Trump’s Prophetic Presidency.
Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction Can the USA survive two full presidential terms? In what ways are Joe Biden and Kamala Harris apocalyptic? This book has hundreds of prophecies and scriptures to provide details.  A Kindle version is also available and you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to your free Kindle reader app (or if you already have one or a Kindle),  you can go to: Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction (Kindle) to get the book in seconds.

Map showing areas annexed by Russia from Ukraine
(Public domain via Wikipedia)

COGwriter

While the USA has been focused on its presidential election and the UK dealing with protests, Russia has been increasing the territories it is controlling that were once part of Ukraine.

Newsmax reported the following:

Russia Captured 162 Square Miles in Ukraine Since June 14

August 6, 2024

Russia has captured 162 square miles of the Ukrainian territory since June 14, the Interfax news agency said Tuesday, citing Sergei Shoigu, the secretary of Russia’s security council.

Russian forces have captured the village of Tymofiivka in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, Interfax news agency quoted the defense ministry as saying Tuesday.

Also, Russian forces have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to penetrate the border in Russia’s Kursk region, the interim governor of the region said Tuesday.

Alexei Smirnov said that soldiers and Federal Security Service border forces had repelled a Ukrainian attack in the region. https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/russia-war-ukraine/2024/08/06/id/1175392/

Russia continues its Special Military Operation into Ukraine. Despite Ukrainian military resistance and a lot of Western weapons, Ukraine continues to lose control over more and more land.

While the Western media has long pushed the narrative that all of this was unprovoked, it has often failed to give background on this.

First of all, before Vladimir Putin was in office, the West promised Russia that the Eastern block nations would NOT join NATO. Well, the West broke that promise.

Second, the West promised Ukraine that if it gave up its nuclear weapons, it would essentially guarantee its borders. Well, the West did not keep that promise.

Anyway, back in 2013 there were protests against the democratically elected and pro-Russian government in Ukraine. Instead of backing Ukraine’s elected president, the USA backed a coup. Because of prophecies related to the “kings of the Medes” in the Book of Jeremiah, in the Fall of 2013 I wrote that Russia would end up with some territory that Ukraine claimed.

When Ukraine’s coup government took over in early 2014, one of the first things it did was to pass a bill (that ended up not being signed into law) to make Russian a second-class language in Ukraine. That incensed those in Crimea and various ones in the eastern portion of Ukraine. Many in Donbas, Crimea, and various parts of eastern Ukraine speak Russian as their native language.

In 2014, Crimea voted to leave Ukraine and become part of Russia. Russia later accepted the territory, which it had long wanted. Crimea has been a fairly poor region that felt neglected and discriminated against by the western portion of Ukraine. Many in Donbas also have felt neglected (or worse) by western Ukraine and have long wanted to be closer to Russia. It should be noted that the USA and some of its allies called the referendum in Crimea to be part of Russia some type of a sham, yet the reality is that the majority in Crimea wanted to be part of Russia. On March 18, 2014, when Vladimir Putin signed a treaty to make Crimea part of Russia (https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-to-visit-crimea-to-mark-five-years-since-).

Many of those in Crimea (other than the Tartars) and Donbas believed that they would be better off with Russia who wanted them than Kiev who claims to want to keep them, but apparently had not shown them enough signs that it would truly be able to help them.

The USA would not accept the vote by the Crimeans primarily because it seems to want to stop Russia from expanding. The USA pushed for international sanctions with Europe, many of which still remain, in an effort to hope Russia would release Crimea to Ukraine.

The USA’s position seemed to be based mainly on politics as opposed to its professed belief in democracy.

Even though the USA and many in Europe have wanted Russia to leave Crimea, 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 few years confirmed my view that sanctions would not stop Russia from having territories align with it. The various sanctions announced by the USA and the Europeans look to be political punishment, as opposed to being announced by those who seriously believe that they will get Russia to cede the Donbas back to Ukrainian control (it would probably take a pro-Russian government in Kiev for Russia to do that).

Long-time readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page are aware that I have repeatedly told of a time where those in parts of Ukraine and Moldova would end up supporting Russia. For example, here is something from 2014:

As ‘independent states’ Donetsk and Luhansk may enter into some type of joint confederation with each other or Russia. If the forces from Kiev decide to attack, they will likely fight and ask for help from Russia.

Donetsk and Luhansk may vote to be annexed by Russia, like Crimea did. Or at minimum decide to ask to be part of Vladimir Putin’s Eurasian Union.

The Bible has several end time prophecies concerning the Medes (Isaiah 13:17-19) and the kings of the Medes (Jeremiah 51:11, 28-29) that involve military action. Various ones in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Russia, and elsewhere are part of the descendants of the Medes, as likely are some in Moldova.

Alliances consistent with end time Bible prophecy are in the process of forming. (Thiel B. Eastern Ukraine votes for independence: Kiev upset, Russia pleased. COGwriter, May 12, 2014)

A while back, Russia’s president declared he had recognized and accepted the Luhansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic as independent nations (see I365: Right before Messiah, US will fight Russia and China will capitalize, rabbinic “prophecy” reveals’ COGwriter: No, that is not what the Bible teaches). On 30 September 2022, Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in an address to both houses of the Russian parliament.

The Bible foretells a time when the “Kings of the Medes” will get together–and some now have. Many in Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova have descent from the ancient Medes.

Bible prophecy, as well as ancient origins of various peoples, are normally ignored by the major media.

Furthermore, notice that the Bible teaches that the ‘kings of the Medes’ will one day turn against the final end time Babylon power, which will be based in Europe:

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)

This will ultimately not end well for Europe, but is not to occur until nearly 3 1/2 years after the start of the Great Tribulation. Notice that this will involve a people from the north (Russia is the only major power north of much of Europe):

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).

8 O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed,
Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!
9 Happy the one who takes and dashes
Your little ones against the rock! (Psalms 137:8-9)

Biblical prophecies can be trusted. Various of the peoples of the Medes will align with Russia.

On the Sabbath of February 5, I did a sermonette where I mentioned that lands associated with Ukraine would end up being confederate with Russia:

21:20

Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy

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

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

In the future, “kings of the Medes,” including from Donbas will help destroy the coming Babylonian Beast power that will arise in Europe.

Part of Moldavia and more in Ukraine may also be involved.

World events continue to align with properly understood biblical prophecies.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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.
The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17 Could the European Union be the sixth king that now is, but is not? Here is a link to the related sermon video: European Union & 7 Kings of Revelation 17:10.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
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.

Nagasaki Nuclear Bomb (1945)

COGwriter

Today marks the 79th anniversary of the dropping of a nuclear/atomic bomb on Hiroshima by the United States. This killed about 140,000 people. On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki was hit by a second nuclear/atomic bomb that killed about 70,000.

There truly was massive devastation in both Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

While the goal of many of the Japanese has been to wipe out weapons of mass destruction, Japan stated a few years ago that it has modified its interpretation of its Constitution (see Japan changes to allow it to increase, as well as be more open, about its military developments) and may someday make nuclear weapons of its own.

Each year, peace vigils and anti-nuclear discussions happen.

Despite efforts like peace vigils, Bible prophecy warns that more wars and destruction are coming (Daniel 11:39-44; Revelation 13:4) and that there will be false declarations (1 Thessalonians 5:3) and hopes for peace (Romans 3:10-18).

Furthermore regarding future destruction, notice the following:

33 I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste (Leviticus 26:33).

And while God did allow the Assyrians to scatter the children of Israel back in Old Testament times, they did not then destroy their cities. Thus, the “cities becoming waste” prophecy is still waiting to be fulfilled. This is expected to impact the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh (the Anglo-nations). Nuclear and other high-tech weapons (as well as emp, electromagnetic pulse, bombs) are modern ways to make land desolate and cities waste.

Notice something that Jesus stated:

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

Yes, what is coming will be worse than what happened to Japan.

In 1948, the late Radio Church of God Pastor General Herbert W. Armstrong taught about what may happen at the beginning of the great tribulation and before Christ returns (the agreement he refers to at first may not be a public one):

There will be an agreement by which the police of the state will ENFORCE Catholicism upon all citizens inside its jurisdiction. The description of this new superstate is found in Revelation 17, a union of ten nations in Europe. It is pictured as the “BEAST”–which even footnotes in the Catholic Douay Bible admit is THE ROMAN EMPIRE…Thus once this EMPIRE is revived in Europe…the new-born…military power will without warning DESTROY AMERICAN AND BRITISH CITIES OVERNIGHT WITH ATOMIC BOMBS, conquering our peoples, taking our survivors to Europe as THEIR SLAVES! (Armstrong HW. Now it Can Be Told. The Plain Truth magazine. December 1948, p. 6)

Let me point out that I believed it will be a CHANGED version of Catholicism that will be enforced.

Anyway, while there may actually be even more modern weapons used than atomic bombs, later Herbert W. Armstrong specifically taught he felt that this attack would occur 30 days after the abomination of desolation taught about in Daniel 11:31 is fulfilled, which is probably around Daniel 11:39:

The indication is the armies of the “beast” of Revelation 17, entering Jerusalem…What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15…From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ’s coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, “Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days.” Never before have we understood these periods of 1260, 1290. and 1335 days. But it seems evident, now, a blessing is pronounced on us–GOD’S CHURCH–who wait and endure until the 1335 days–approximately 1335 days prior to Christ’s coming…We shall then be warned, and readied to be taken to a place of refuge and safety from the Great Tribulation. Forty-five days later “the beast’s armies” will surround Jerusalem. Thirty days later the Great Tribulation will probably start with a nuclear attack on London and Britain–and possibly the same day or immediately after, on the United States and Canadian cities. The GREAT TRIBULATION, we shall fully then realize, is the time of “Jacob’s Trouble,” spoken of in Jeremiah 30:7. And Jacob’s name was named on Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48:16). At that time a third of the people in our nations will die, or shall have died, by famine and disease epidemics; another third will dies of the war–our cities being destroyed (Ezek. 6:6), and the remaining third will be carried to the land of our enemies as slaves (Ezek. 5:12). (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2)

Do any other verses in the Bible support the idea of something like a nuclear war?

Yes.

Consider the following:

23 ‘The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning; it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor does any grass grow there, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and His wrath.’ 24 All nations would say, ‘Why has the Lord done so to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?’ 25 Then people would say: ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt; 26 for they went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods that they did not know and that He had not given to them. 27 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against this land, to bring on it every curse that is written in this book. 28 And the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger, in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.’ 29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:23-29).

The whole land being “brimstone, salt, and burning” is consistent with a nuclear type of attack.

19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts
The land is burned up,
And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother.
20 And he shall snatch on the right hand
And be hungry;
He shall devour on the left hand
And not be satisfied; Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm. 21 Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; Together they shall be against Judah (Isaiah 9:19-21).

Nuclear and certain other modern attacks tend to burn land up.

Jesus said that the time was coming when “there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened’ (Matthew 24:21-22). That is consistent with a nuclear war and probably something worse.

However, the good news of the Kingdom of God is that Jesus will return and put a stop to the type of nuclear devastation that happened in Nagasaki 74 years ago and the devastation that will happen during the Great Tribulation:

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:29-30)

6…And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

Nagasaki and Hiroshima are reminders to the world about how devastating modern warfare can be and that humankind needs a better way. Real peace is coming (check out the free online booklet: The Gospel of the Kingdom of God). And that peace will also include those in Japan.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
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.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Other videos include: Armageddon Will it come on Trump’s watch?, Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy, Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome, Is China paving roads to Armageddon?, and Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.
Proof Jesus is the Messiah This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy. Here are links to seven related sermons: Proof Jesus is the Messiah, Prophecies of Jesus’ birth, timing, and death, Jesus’ prophesied divinity, 200+ OT prophecies Jesus filled; Plus prophecies He made, Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?, Daniel 9, Jews, and Jesus, and Facts and Atheists’ Delusions About Jesus. Plus the links to two sermonettes: Luke’s census: Any historical evidence? and Muslims believe Jesus is the Messiah, but … These videos cover nearly all of the book, plus have some information not in the book.
Will the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future. A sermon of related interest is also available: Canada in Prophecy.
Australia and New Zealand in Prophecy Do biblical prophecies help explain the wealth blessings for Australia and New Zealand? Might cursings from disobedience come in the 21st century? Here is a link to a related sermon: Australia and New Zealand: Origins and Prophecy.
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.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available in hundreds of languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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.