Church of God News

Obese females (Pixabay)

COGwriter

The City of San Francisco has decided that taxpayers should pay for someone promoting obesity:

Fat-Shaming ‘Expert’ Goes To Work For San Francisco. Her Mission? Make Obesity Great Again

December 20, 2024

In the lovely cesspool of San Francisco, it’s time to Make Obesity Great Again.

Never mind the poop and dirty drug needles littering the streets; the San Francisco Department of Health seems to want fat citizens to feel comfortable in their own bodies, to feel accepted by society, to feel like they can live their truth without any fear of judgment. To do so, they apparently hired a fat-shaming expert to work as a consultant — two labels that should send chills down your spine — on “weight stigma” and “weight neutrality” — two buzz phrases as hollow as they are silly.

Virgie Tovar, a self-described “plus-size Latina” and “leading expert on weight-based discrimination,” announced Monday she will work with the city’s health department to achieve the aforementioned “weight neutrality,” which, in my estimation, entails yet another feckless waste of taxpayer dollars for some unbelievably stupid liberal theory.

“I’m UNBELIEVABLY proud to serve the city I’ve called home for almost 20 years in this way! This consultancy is an absolute dream come true, and it’s my biggest hope and belief that weight neutrality will be the future of public health,” Tovar wrote on Instagram.

With all due respect to my weight-challenged brothers and sisters in America, you have no business eating up taxpayer dollars working for the city health department to “make weight neutrality … the future of health.” On its face, it is an absurd notion. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/fat-shaming-expert-goes-to-work-for-san-francisco-her-mission-make-obesity-great-again/ar-AA1w2W6k?ocid=up97dhp&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

Morbidly obese Latinx activist Virgie Tovar, outfitted with multiple redundant chins, explains that normal-sized people are repulsed by fats stuffing their face-holes with disgusting birthday cake at office parties because they hate women and don’t want them to enjoy themselves.  …

I don’t believe I’ve ever addressed head-on the elephant in the room, as it were, which is: why the curious combining of feminism and fat activism into the Social Justice™ Frankenstein that it is today? …

People are rightfully and naturally less generous with their sympathy to people who put themselves in whatever position they find themselves in, like eating irresponsibly for years on end until they’re morbidly obese. So, by tying the #bodypositivity cause to a more socially accepted cause like women’s rights, they earn, at least in theory, greater legitimacy. 12/19/24 https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2024-12-20/bodypositivity-roundup-cake-related-fatphobic-incidents

It is difficult for most in Western nations to maintain a healthy weight, without people lying and saying being obese is fine. Obesity promoters should be ashamed.

While we should not go around making fun of people who are obese, we also should never encourage obesity.

Furthermore many anti-fat shaming voices have died prematurely with obesity being a major cause of that.

Obesity is UNHEALTHY and should not be encouraged. Pressure against smokers, helped reduce smoking in the USA, and pressuring against obesity may help improve people’s health.

That said, the Bible tells people to eat what is good:

2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good (Isaiah 55:2).

Do not overeat. Eat what is good.

Having more highly-overweight people is consistent, however, with the following prophecy for the last days:

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

Lack of self-control, while not the only factor, is a factor in obesity.

ZeroHedge reported the following related to approving of obesity;

August 8, 2022

Talk show host and comedian Bill Maher railed against the pro-obesity ‘body positivity’ movement, saying that not only is it pathetic, it’s a national security risk.

“There is a disturbing trend going on in America these days,” Maher began, adding that people are “rewriting science to fit ideology to just fit what you want reality to be.”

“We’ve gone from fat acceptance to fat celebration. That’s new. That is new,” Maher said. “To view letting yourself go as a point of pride? We used to at least try and be fit and healthy and society praised those who succeeded”

“Now the term body positivity is used to mean, ‘I’m perfect the way I am because I’m me,’” the HBO host continued, adding “It’s Orwellian how often positivity is used to describe what’s not healthy!”

“Of course, you can get away with anything bad for you when you’re young,” then said, adding “Let me ask you this: Have you ever seen a fat 90-year-old?”

Maher then noted that the military is having a harder time finding in-shape recruits, as well as how obese people have fared worse during COVID-19.

“At some point acceptance becomes enabling, and if you’re in any way participating in this joyful celebration of gluttony that goes on now, you have blood on your hands,” he said, adding “You can make believe you’re fighting some great social justice battle for a besieged minority, but what you’re really doing is enabling addicts – which I thought we decided was bad.” https://www.zerohedge.com/medical/bill-maher-slams-fat-celebration-and-body-positivity

While I have seen many people in their 90s, no, I never recall seeing any who were fat (though there probably are some). But ‘wokeness’ wants people to say bad is good.

The Bible warns:

20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!  (Isaiah 5:20-21)

It is NOT good to tell people that it is fine to be obese–that is bearing false witness–a violation of the ninth commandment.

Although some falsely teach that Jesus taught “come as you are,” He really said:

15 … Repent, and believe (Mark 1:15)

He did not say be satisfied as you are but be willing to change and believe. And, yes, this can mean physically and not just spiritually, as other scriptures show. He also said that those who would not believe He is who He said He was would die in their sins (John 8:24).

Obesity is bad for the obese and bad for society.

Notice also the following related to obesity:

The Societal Cost of Obesity

According to researchers at Ball State University in Indiana, obesity is on the rise. Estimates based on their early research show that by 2030, in the absence of any intervening actions, a third of all children between the ages of six and eleven will be considered obese or overweight.

No doubt that is a shocking statistic. …

To measure whether or not you are overweight or obese, you must account for your Body Mass Index or BMI.

For adults, BMI consists of a person’s weight divided by their height squared. …

For children, BMI is calculated using the same formula but is interpreted using the child’s age and sex. Those results are then measured amongst a percentile. This method accounts for the difference in adolescent development for those between the ages of 2 and 19.

Health risks can occur in any individual, no matter their lifestyle or level of fitness. But for those who are obese, there is a far more heightened risk of experiencing serious health conditions. The list of potential health problems and complications is extensive and includes:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• Risk for stroke
• Sleep apnea
• Difficulty breathing
• Coronary heart disease
• Problems regulating healthy cholesterol levels (high LDL, low HDL, high levels of triglycerides
• Certain types of cancers including breast, colon, endometrial, gallbladder, kidney, liver, ovarian, or pancreatic
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis (deterioration of bone and cartilage in joints)
• Greater risk for mental illness including anxiety, clinical depression, and other psychiatric disorders
• Reduced quality of life (excessive pain, limited mobility, problems performing everyday tasks, such as standing, walking, or using the restroom)

In practically all instances, obesity also enhances the risk of premature death. …

Based on several estimates, the US has spent anywhere from $150 billion to upwards of $190 billion each year on obesity-related costs. Some put that range even higher. This includes diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention-related costs.

By 2030 – a little over a decade away – those numbers could increase by as much as $66 billion a year.

Those figures, though, only take into account direct costs. They do not account for lost work (either in lost employee wages or lost employer productivity), insurance costs, or lower overall wages. According to some of the most prevalent reports, these secondary financial consequences are an even larger burden that the direct medical costs of obesity.

At its most extreme, obesity may prove to be one of humankind’s worst maladies. https://www.mbahealthcaremanagement.org/topics/the-societal-cost-of-obesity/ accessed 08/24/19

The USA is already massively in debt and future increases in health care costs and decreased productivity can be part of ‘the straw that will break the camel’s back’ metaphorically.

The Bible opposes obesity.

Here is what Moses and Jeremiah were inspired to write about obesity thousands of years ago:

15 You grew fat, you grew thick,
You are obese!
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
16 They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods;
With abominations they provoked Him to anger. (Deuteronomy 32:15-16)

11 “Because you were glad, because you rejoiced,
You destroyers of My heritage,
Because you have grown fat like a heifer threshing grain,
And you bellow like bulls,
12 Your mother shall be deeply ashamed;
She who bore you shall be ashamed.
Behold, the least of the nations shall be a wilderness,
A dry land and a desert. (Jeremiah 50:11-12)

The idea that one should not be obese is not a new one.

Furthermore, the Bible warns about gluttony:

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

Many people consume too much overly-processed convenience foods, synthetic nutrients, chemical additives, and refined grains–that is NOT good (see also: ‘Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to 32 Illnesses’).

People should try to eat real, not artificial, foods. Soda consumption should be almost non-existent, essentially a very rare treat.

And while they do not like to believe this, almost all obese people also need to eat less.

Many years ag0, the Continuing Church of God put out a video about concerns about eating to much on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy. Here is a link to our video: Eating Right, Eating Too Much, and Prophecy.

That said, losing weight can be very, very difficult. But real Christians should believe the following:

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

With prayer and proper determination, breaking away from being obese can happen.

The Bible teaches:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

Do not let fear stop you from moving ahead.

Take proper action (cf. Galatians 6:9-10; Revelation 3:7-13; Zephaniah 2:1-3).

Interested in a spiritual ‘five second’ rule?

Tell yourself and pray:

I will act on the truth and not put it off because I do not feel like it. Jesus help me.

Most people can quietly pray that in 5 or so seconds.

And physically if it will help, you can count backwards from five or use some other technique to motivate you to do what is right–including with your diet. But then pray for God’s assistance.

You can eat less–take it one day at a time consistent Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:34, which when you are trying to lose weight may also mean one meal or snack desire at a time.

We also have a related video on changing your life. Here is a link to the video: ‘How to Change Your Life in 5 Seconds’.

Of course, some things take longer than 5 seconds. But asking Jesus to help you not overeat is something everyone can do.

While it may not help your weight much, exercising is good for you and your innate immune system. Related to exercise, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put out the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel: The Plain Truth About Exercise.

Related to food, we put out the following video: Let’s Talk About Food.

Related to Christian health, we put out the following video: Let’s Talk About Health.

We also have the following obesity related video:

14:55

Is Obesity OK with Scripture?

In March 2024, the BBC reported that research was pointed to over a billion people being obese worldwide. Professor Majid Ezzati, of Imperial College London, said “In many of these island nations it comes down to the availability of healthy food versus unhealthy food. In some cases there have been aggressive marketing campaigns promoting unhealthy foods, while the cost and availability of healthier food can be more problematic.” Does the Bible teach to eat what is good? While millions are dying from hunger, over a billion are obese. What are diseases that the obese are more susceptible to? Since the obese tend to die sooner than others, should obesity be accepted or encouraged? What did Bill Maher state about the ‘body positive movement’? Does the Bible condemn gluttony (overeating) and obesity? Did Jesus say to ‘come as you are’ or to ‘repent and believe’? What are some ways to help lose weight? Is losing weight very difficult? Can Jesus help? If you fail, should you give up? What about the five second method of changing? Should the obese eat less? If that does not work, what should they do? What about exercise? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

While it is highly tempting for most people to overeat, we do want to watch that and obey the word of God.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Christian Health Matters Should Christians be concerned about their health? Does the Bible give any food and health guidelines? Here are links to three related sermons: Let’s Talk About Food, Evil is Affecting the Food Supply, and Let’s Talk About Health.
Obesity, processed foods, health risks, and the Bible Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned? What diseases are associated with eating too much refined foods? Two related video would be Is Obesity OK with Scripture? and Eating Right, Eating Too Much, and Prophecy.
Should Christians Exercise? What does the Bible teach? What are some of the benefits and risks of exercise? Here is a link to a related video: The Plain Truth About Exercise.
Ten Simple Rules that Lead to Health Herbert Armstrong gives his opinions on this.
The New Testament Church, History, and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous? There is also a sermon-length video on this: Christians and Unclean Meats; a short video is also available: Did Jesus declare all animal flesh food?
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 ? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God’s Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
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.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Only the AfD can save Germany https://t.co/Afu0ea1Fvt

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 20, 2024

COGwriter

A Saudi Arabian terrorist intentionally drove his car into a crowd in Germany:

21 December 2024

Several German states and cities said they are tightening security at Christmas markets in the wake of the Magdeburg attack that killed 5 people and injured 200 others. …

Markus Lewe, President of the German Association of Cities, explained that the cities take “terror warnings from the authorities very seriously and regularly adjust the security measures on site.” …

Saudi security sources said Riyadh had previously warned Germany about the suspect behind the Magdeburg Christmas market attack.

The DPA news agency cited the sources as saying that German authorities did not respond.

The sources said the man was a Shiite Muslim from the city of Al-Hofuf in eastern Saudi Arabia.  …

German authorities were alerted about the man about a year ago, according to reports from DPA and Reuters news agencies and Der Spiegel magazine, however, the nature of the warning is currently unknown. https://www.dw.com/en/magdeburg-christmas-market-car-ramming-death-toll-rises-to-5/live-71129061

This terrible incident will tend to strengthen anti-immigrant sentiment in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. Having people killed and hundreds wounded is something many will remember, including when they vote.

One political party that is is considered to be quite anti-immigrant is Germany’s Alternative für Deutshland (AfD) party. Although there is a report that the terrorist liked aspects of the AfD platform, the reality is that his actions will get people more supportive of the AfD.

Notice also the following about Donald Trump and Elon Musk which some suggest is helping the AfD:

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Have Energized the German Far-Right

Germany’s AfD, with its own plan for mass deportations, is hoping to replicate the MAGA movement’s success in upcoming elections.

December 21, 2024

“So where’s my German friends?” Donald Trump asked a fawning Mar-a-Lago crowd on Election Day, before flashing a grin and a thumbs up for a photo with a group of young men.

The German friends in question: Fabrice Ambrosini, a former politician forced to resign after a video surfaced of him doing a Hitler salute; Leonard Jäger, a far-right influencer who has promoted the Reichsbürger movement, an extremist group behind a failed coup attempt in 2022; and Phillipp-Anders Rau, a candidate for Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), Germany’s far-right party. …

“Let’s hope Donald Trump creates the renewal for his country that we in the AfD are planning for our country,” Rau wrote on Instagram after.

Inspired by his tough-guy bravado and promises to expel immigrants from the US, the German far-right has projected onto Trump a “fantasy of ethnonational power” they seek to replicate, says Mabel Berezin, director of Cornell University’s Institute for European Studies. …

With support from about 1 in 5 Germans, the AfD has become the country’s second most popular party ahead of new elections in February.

And on Friday it received backing from one of Trump’s top allies. Elon Musk called the AfD Germany’s savior in a Tweet seen by more than 33 million people, sparking another round of far-right digital fist-pumping. The AfD instantly plastered Musk’s face on an ad and its co-leader recorded a video message profusely thanking him. …

The AfD’s central pledge is to counteract the so-called Great Replacement, a conspiracy theory that claims white Europeans or Americans are the victims of a plot by non-white immigrants to “replace” them and poison their societies. …the party has been cagey about what exactly it means by remigration, with some AfD officials describing it simply as deporting asylum-seekers who’ve broken the law. Still others are more clear about their intentions to carry out widespread deportations, …

“It’s the thing that brings together the far-right in multiple countries,” Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the nonprofit Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, told Mother Jones. …

“The implication of the AfD’s messaging is, these aren’t real Germans,” Beirich says. “They don’t belong here. They’re the ones causing crime, taking your jobs. This all sounds very much like Trump.” https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/12/donald-trump-elon-musk-alternative-fur-deutschlandafd-german-elections/

As the tweet at the beginning of this post shows, even Elon Musk is now pointing to the AfD as what Germany needs.

And while Elon Musk’s tweet looks to be warning against Friedrich Merz of the CDU to be the next chancellor, a reader sent me a link to an interview with Alice Weide, who is co-chair of the AfD party. She has been considered as an alternative choice to be Germany’s chancellor. Here are some excerpts of her comments from an interview:

We are a a libertarian conservative party in Germany, so we perceive ourselves standing in the mirror and actually wanting to introduce sane and serious policies because we see that this country is in need of real reforms. …

We have the highest energy prices worldwide.

We are in the middle of a migration crisis.

We got a a million influx of immigrants, illegals.

We don’t know. Germany actually has literally has no borders, no border control, nothing. So we have criminal rights skyrocketing and taxes are too high. …

We don’t see that the European Union in its current state is a and is an institution that is working well. …

Donald Trump? We have huge hope, hopes with this in his presidency. And I really hope that he puts an end on this tale of a war in the Ukraine because the European member states are actually not willing or capable of doing something like that.

So we have to tell the truth that we are not capable anymore. …

Europeans should put their act together doing more within the NATO.

Germany, for instance, would never have been paying 2% of GDP at all.

So therefore Donald Trump is perfectly right to. So we need to contribute to to to NATO, but it’s also in our responsibility to formulate our national interests, because our national interests is quite different from the US. And it’s very simple why the US is very far away. And here in Europe we have this war in front of our doors. So our security interest is completely different. …

I think Germany should have taken a more diplomatic part, but Germany failed in doing so. And I think that Donald Trump is really capable to sit together with the with with Russian diplomats, with Putin, to formulate a freedom treaty, because what we need is a is freedom, because otherwise I am in fear, to be honest, that this conflict, this terrible war, may escalate. 12/18/24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeYB_Hmsu84

So, the co-chair of the AfD believes that Germany has serious problems, migrants are one of the problems, the European Union needs to change, Germany has should pay more for defense, Germany has different security priorities than the USA, but since Germany is not taking the diplomatic lead, that Donald Trump can solve various matters.

The AfD is considered Germany’s anti-migrant party. Its influence has been growing as more in Germany have been supporting it in elections.

And yes, it wants many migrants–particularly Islamic ones–to leave Germany.

As far as the European Union changing, it will, but not the way that those in the AfD now realize. The Bible shows that Europe will reorganize and become under the power of a totalitarian dictator the Bible calls the beast:

12 The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.  (Revelation 17:12-13)

More on how the European Union fits in with that can be found in the article: The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17.

Let me add that the Bible also shows that religion will be used by the coming European King of the North beast power:

36 “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. 37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.  (Daniel 11:36-39)

The King of the North Beast will also push out Islam (cf. Daniel 11:40-43) and lead a powerful European military (cf. Revelation 13:3-4; Daniel 11:39-43). These are things that many in Europe want, and not just the AfD!

A while back, we put out the following video related to the AfD:

14:22

AfD: Prelude to a Hitler Beast?

Germany’s Alternative für Deutshland (Alternative for Germany in English) party celebrated its 10th anniversary on February 6, 2023.

It objects to:
❌More illegal migration
❌More asylum abuse
❌More crime
❌More housing shortage
❌More Cancel Culture

The AfD also asserts, “Now it’s time to change that. And that’s only possible with us.” Many are concerned that the AfD’s growing political influence will impact Germany. Can a strong man worse than Adolf Hitler, that the Bible calls the Beast rise up from Germany? Could Europe reorganize with a small backing to put this leader into place? Does the AfD want to make a deal with Russia? Will Germany make a future deal with Russia that would be opposed to the USA? Does the AfD want religion involved to meet its objectives in such a way that it could support the coming King of the North Beast power that the Bible warns will arise in Europe? Could Europe unite under such a leader according to scripture? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel go over these matters.

Here is a link to our video: AfD: Prelude to a Hitler Beast?

The rise of AfD reminds some of pre-WWII Germany.

There will be migrant crises and other issues.

We are getting closer and closer to WWIII.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: ¿Deben los Diez Reyes gobernar sobre diez naciones? A related sermon in the English language is titled: Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Germany in Biblical Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here are links to two sermon videos Germany in Bible Prophecy and The Rise of the Germanic Beast Power of Prophecy.
War is Coming Between Europeans and Arabs Is war really coming between the Arabs and the Europeans? What does Bible prophecy say about that? Do the Central Europeans (Assyria in prophecy) make a deal with the Arabs that will hurt the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Do Catholic or Islamic prophecies discuss a war between Europe and Islam? If so, what is the sequence of events that the Bible reveals? Who does the Bible, Catholic, and Islamic prophecy teach will win such a war? This is a video.
Will Islam be Pushed Out of Europe? On June 8, 2018, Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced the closing of seven Islamic mosques in an effort to reduce “political Islam.” In the past several years, at least 6 European nations have banned the wearing of a commonly used garment by Islamic females. Heinz-Christian Strache (later Vice Chancellor of Austria) has declared that Islam has no place in Europe. Did Germany’s Angela Merkel call multiculturalism a failure? Will there be deals between the Muslims and the Europeans? Will a European Beast leader rise up after a reorganization that will eliminate nationalism? Will Europe push out Islam? What does Catholic prophecy teach? What does the Bible teach in Daniel and Revelation? Is Islam prophesied to be pushed out of Europe? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video.
Can the Final Antichrist be Islamic? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out. A related sermon is titled: Is the Final Antichrist Islamic or European? Another video is Mystery Babylon USA, Mecca, or Rome?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

(Pixabay photo)

COGwriter

Many who claim Christianity celebrate December 25th as the date of Jesus’ birth.

Yet, Jesus was not born then.

Jesus taught:

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

Why do Christians say no to Christmas?

Because of truth.

The truth is that Jesus could not have been born on December 25th.

Plus, it was not observed by the early faithful and it contains many pagan elements, from traditions of men.

Jesus also taught:

7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ (Mark 7:7)

Christmas is a vain tradition of men.

Of course, it is also vain and wrong to bear false witness to deceive children about Santa Claus.

There is a right way and a wrong way to live and worship God–do not base this on your emotional feelings about what is right:

8 You shall not at all do as we are doing here today–every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes– … 25 do what is right in the sight of the Lord. … 32 Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. (Deuteronomy 12:8,25,32)

God did not command keeping Christmas: pagans came up with it.

Consider something that the Apostle Paul wrote:

17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17-24)

Christians are to put off pagan ways, and live according to the truth, not longing for improper traditions.

Wiccan’s (witches) still keep Yule and teach the altar on Yule should face north and that the area is decorated with Holly and Mistletoe. They think that is good.

The foundation of Christmas is demonic paganism and lies.

Consider something else that Jesus had recorded:

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)

Which are you?

One who keeps God’s commandments or one who prefers to practice the idolatrous lie of Christmas?

Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?

Now, this year we put together the following video on ContinuingCOG channel:

 

1:25:55

Christians say No to Christmas

Was Jesus born on the 25th of December? Can you be certain He was not? If He was not, should Christians celebrate December 25 as His birth date? Was December 25th really celebrated by pagans as the birthday of the sun-god Mithras/Natalis Invicti? Did early Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth? Are many of the traditions associated with Christmas actually pagan as associated with the Saturnalia of Roman and the Druid practices of the winter solstice? What about evergreen trees, ivy, holly, exchange of gifts, and mistletoe? Do Buddhists and Hindus uses ‘Christmas lights’ today? Was ‘Saint Nicholas’ actually happy, fat, and jolly or a brawler? Any connections between the Norse god Odin and Santa Claus? Is it right to lie to children about Santa Claus? What is the connection of eating boar (ham/pig/pork) on Christmas and ancient Nimrod? Does the Bible discourage adoption on non-biblical worship practices? What does ‘The Catholic Encyclopedia’ reveal about Christmas and its associated practices? What about Emperor Constantine picking the date in 336 A.D.? Can you be certain that December 25th was not the date of Jesus’ birth? Where are God’s Holy Days listed in the Bible? Did Jesus condemn relying on tradition over scripture for worship? Why to faithful Christians say no to Christmas? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters and also goes over a list of 25 items to consider to not celebrating Christmas?

Here is a link to our video: Christians say No to Christmas.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

What Does the Roman Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god? Here is a link to three related sermon: Christians say No to Christmas, 25 Reasons to Not Keep Christmas, and What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas?
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. A related sermon is Which Spring Days should Christians observe?
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did the early Church use icons? What was the position of Christians about such things? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons.
What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol? Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? Two related YouTube videos would be Beware of the ‘Ecumenical Cross’ and Origin of the Cross.
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it? Here is an old, by somewhat related, article in the Spanish language LA DOCTRINA DE LA TRINIDAD. A related sermon is available: Trinity: Fundamental to Christianity or Something Else? A brief video is also available: Three trinitarian scriptures?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis?
Hanukkah: Jewish Christmas and Hidden Key to Prophecy? Originally a Jewish national holiday, has Hanukkah morphed into a Jewish Christmas? Does it hold hidden secrets to prophecy? Here is a related video: Hanukkah, Tradition, and Prophecy.
Canadian & Philadelphian Mummers Parades: Another tie to Saturnalia In Canada there is a ’12 days of Christmas’ celebration involving Mummers. In Philadelphia, a parade is held on New Years. Does this come from the Bible or where?
Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
How did December 25th become Christmas? Was Jesus born then? If not, why December 25? Here is the article translated into Mandarin Chinese 12g25eågTf/`NHˆ«‹¸YWúwcv„OáNð€‘Ç~³v„.
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations? A related sermon video is available and is titled: Birthdays, Christians, and December 25th. French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui? Here is a link to a short animation: Which Church would Jesus Choose?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
The 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.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they? A related sermon is titled Tradition and Scripture.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Internet censorship
(SCAF means Sensitive Content and Actions Filter that Big Tech uses)
(from free-images.com)

COGwriter

A Congressional report calls out US government censorship:

US Report Reveals Push to Weaponize AI for Censorship

December 20, 2024

For a while now, emerging AI has been treated by the Biden-Harris administration, but also the EU, the UK, Canada, the UN, etc., as a scourge that powers dangerous forms of “disinformation” – and should be dealt with accordingly.

According to those governments/entities, the only “positive use” for AI as far as social media and online discourse go, would be to power more effective censorship (“moderation”).

A new report from the US House Judiciary Committee and its Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government puts the emphasis on the push to use this technology for censorship as the explanation for the often disproportionate alarm over its role in “disinformation.” …

The report’s main premise is well-known – that AI is now being funded, developed, and used by the government and third parties to add speed and scale to their censorship, and that the outgoing administration has been putting pressure on AI developers to build censorship into their models. …

The Committee notes the current state of affairs where the Biden-Harris administration made a number of direct moves to regulate the space to its political satisfaction via executive orders, but also by pushing its policy through by giving out grants via the National Science Foundation, once again, aimed at building AI tools that “combat misinformation.” https://www.sgtreport.com/2024/12/us-report-reveals-push-to-weaponize-ai-for-censorship/

Many Americans believe that this is a violation of the first amendment to the US Constitution and are appalled by this.

Here is the introduction of the actual Congressional report:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Committee on the Judiciary and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government are conducting oversight of how and to what extent the executive branch has coerced or colluded with social media and technology companies and other intermediaries to censor lawful speech.1

As part of this oversight, the Committee and Select Subcommittee have examined the risk that the federal government’s involvement in and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) can pose to free speech.2 Previously, the Committee and Select Subcommittee uncovered that the Biden-Harris Administration is funding the development of AI-powered speech-monitoring tools that could enable the mass censorship of American speech.3 This interim staff report details threats to the free and open development of AI, identifies the free speech risks associated with the federal government’s current involvement in AI development, and recommends approaches that Congress should take to protect Americans’ fundamental First Amendment rights.

Throughout the 118th Congress, the Committee’s and Select Subcommittee’s oversight has demonstrated that the executive branch regularly abuses new technologies—and regulatory power over these technologies—to censor protected American speech. Most recently, the executive branch has coerced and colluded with social media companies to censor true information, opinions, jokes, and satire about elections, COVID-19, and other matters of public importance.4 This campaign to silence Americans is a frontal assault on the First Amendment: as
the Supreme Court has stated, “speech concerning public affairs is more than self-expression; it is the essence of self-government.”5 https://docs.reclaimthenet.org/12-18-24-Censorships-Next-Frontier.pdf

Other governments have also been doing this.

But it is worse in Europe and looks to get worse still soon. Notice the following:

The EU Just Declared War On Free Speech In America. It Is Time To Fight Back…

One of the greatest threats to free speech today is the European Digital Services Act. The act bars speech that is viewed as “disinformation” or “incitement.” European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager celebrated its passage by declaring that it is “not a slogan anymore, that what is illegal offline should also be seen and dealt with as illegal online. Now it is a real thing. Democracy’s back.”

In Europe, free speech is in free fall. Germany, France, the United Kingdom and other countries have eviscerated free speech by criminalizing speech deemed inciteful or degrading to individuals or groups. The result had made little difference to the neo-Nazi movement in countries like Germany, which is reaching record numbers. It has, however, silenced the rest of society.

According to polling, only 18 percent of Germans feel free to express their opinions in public. Fifty-nine percent of Germans do not even feel free expressing themselves in private among friends. Only 17 percent feel free to express themselves on the internet.

They have silenced the wrong people, but there is now a massive censorship bureaucracy in Europe and the desire to silence opposing voices has become insatiable.

Some in this country have the same taste for speech-regulation. After Elon Musk bought Twitter and dismantled most of the company’s censorship program, many on the left went bonkers. That fury only increased when Musk released the “Twitter files,” confirming the long-denied coordination and support by the government in targeting and suppressing speech.

In response, Hillary Clinton and other Democratic figures turned to Europe and called upon them to use their Digital Services Act to force censorship against Americans.

The EU immediately responded by threatening Musk with confiscatory penalties against not just his company but himself. He would have to resume massive censorship or else face ruin.

It was a case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object. The anti-free speech movement had finally found the one man who could not be bullied, coerced or threatened into submission.

Musk’s defiance has only magnified the unrelenting attacks against him in the media, academia and government. If Musk can be broken, these figures will once again exercise effective control over a large swath of speech globally.

This campaign recently came to a head when Musk had the audacity to interview former president Donald Trump. In anticipation of the interview, one of the most notorious anti-free speech figures in the world went ballistic.

European Commissioner for Internal Markets and Services Thierry Breton issued a threatening message to Musk, “We are monitoring the potential risks in the EU associated with the dissemination of content that may incite violence, hate and racism in conjunction with major political — or societal — events around the world, including debates and interviews in the context of elections.”

While offering a passing nod to the freedom of speech, he warned Musk that “all proportionate and effective mitigation measures are put in place regarding the amplification of harmful content in connection with relevant events.” In other words, be afraid, be very afraid.

Musk responded with “Bonjour!” and then suggested that Breton perform a physically challenging sexual act.

To recap, the EU is now moving to force censorship upon American citizens to meet its own demands of what is false, demeaning or inciting. And that includes censorship even of our leading political candidates for the presidency.

The response from the Biden administration was not a presidential statement warning any foreign government from seeking to limit our rights or even Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling the EU ambassador to his office for an expression of displeasure.

That’s because Biden and Harris are not displeased with but supportive of letting the EU do what they are barred from doing under our Constitution. https://jonathanturley.org/2024/08/19/the-eu-just-declared-war-on-free-speech-in-america-it-is-time-to-fight-back/

Was loss of free speech and of the press prophesied?

Yes.

Notice item 3 of my list of 24 items to prophetically watch in 2024:

3. Media, Internet, and Other Censorship  …

The labeling of things as ‘extremism’ is gaining so much traction that those that do it seem to think that it is normal to label whatever they are not comfortable with as extreme.

Expect more biblically-proper views to be categorized as extremists by more in the media and society.

Even connecting world events to biblical prophetic writings has triggered censorship.

Why stay on platforms like YouTube (which has censored and shadow-banned us), Twitter, and Vimeo (which has censored us) then?

Because they still, usually, are open doors for us to reach people.

We have had a couple of million views on YouTube and still, overall get about a couple thousand views of our videos each week.

YouTube is, overall, more effective than our other video platforms–but it is not reaching as well as it once did because of YouTube’s selective anti-biblical censorship and shadow-banning (which Google, who owns YouTube, also does)..

Furthermore, notice that he 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)

Yet, if some are insulted because their sins are called out, various ones want to stifle religious speech!

And this is in places like the USA, Canada, and Europe.

And it is not just the USA that is supporting restricting And yes, we realize that more censorship is expected.

Was loss of freedom of free speech and of the press prophesied?

Back in 1981, the old Worldwide Church of God correctly pointed out that it was:

THE MOST important work in the world cannot be done without freedom of the press!

What is that work?

It is the work of announcing that God will restore His Government to the whole earth! But before the Government of God is restored, it must first be announced! The good news of that announcement — the Gospel of the Kingdom of God — must be preached (Matthew 24:14) to all nations (Matthew 28:19). And the nations must choose whether they will want it or resist it.

In this day, God has made the MASS media available to accomplish His work. But reaching a mass audience with the good news of God’s soon-coming Government requires the freedom to PUBLISH. Notice Mark 13:10: “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.”

Further, God lays a special duty on his messenger and Church to publicly disseminate certain warnings to certain nations. Ezekiel 33:1-7 describes God’s charge upon the watchman. When the watchman sees “the sword” come upon the land — a prophetic symbol of military devastation — he must “blow the trumpet” or God will hold him personally responsible. …

Governmental Reaction

And yet while the Bible places a duty on God’s servants, it also warns that this world — even now and in the future — will not always allow the freedom to publish.

In the past a government’s excuse for persecution was that God’s message IS TOO DISTURBING to be allowed to circulate freely. …

In the New Testament, the authorities tried to prevent the apostles from preaching the Gospel. The apostles were forcibly brought before the council. The high priest asked them: “Did not we straightly command you that you should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine…” (Acts 5:28).

In other words, the civil and religious authorities were seeking to regulate the content of their message!

In response, the apostle Peter declared the firm rule that “we ought to obey God rather than men” (verse 29). Since Peter and company had a God-ordained duty to say what they were saying, the commands of the civil government of Jerusalem were in direct conflict with God’s.

For the future, the Bible prophecy reveals that the time will come when most of this world’s nations will be led by Satan to abolish freedom of the press — and all related freedoms. Why? To prevent any publishing of God’s message from reaching any substantial number of people!

`Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it” (Amos 8:11-12).

Elsewhere the Bible reveals how this prophesied press clampdown will take place. Revelation 13 describes a great religious-civil power that will arise in the place of the old Roman Empire. This prophesied power will not allow free speech, a free press or the free exercise of any religion — except the official religion of the state.

(Calkins J. FREE PRESS IN THE BIBLE? Was It Prophesied? Plain Truth. May 1981)

The Philadelphia portion of the Church of God did begin in the USA and its most faithful remnant, the Continuing Church of God, is still based out of the USA and we are proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and other biblical truths.

Yet now, in the USA and especially out of it, we are seeing more and more calls for speech restrictions and censorship.

More censorship is coming.

The Bible teaches:

11 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God,
That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
And from north to east;
They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
But shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

That does not mean that there will be no Bibles. But the time will come when those promoting various biblical teachings will no longer to be able to have access to the internet, etc. as before. We are seeing more and more of this.

Jesus said:

4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. (John 9:4)

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (Revelation 3:7-9)

As Philadelphia Christians, we do not give up when when door is closing–we look out for others to be opened. So, in 2023, we greatly increased our radio presence around the world.

So far, radio is NOT subject to the type of censorship Big Tech and many governments around the world have been engaging in–despite the problems we faced.

As far as censorhip goes, expect more.

The Bible shows more restrictions are coming.

Consider that Jesus said:

4 … the night is coming when no one can work. (John 9:4, NKJV)

4… the night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4 KJV)

Do not place your confidence in any governments in this world, but in Jesus and the coming Kingdom of God.

Some items of related interest may include the following:

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? Will Philadelphian Christians instruct many in the end times? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work. Here is a link to another: Preparing to Instruct Many.
24 items to prophetically watch in 2024 Much is happening. Dr. Thiel points to 24 items to watch (cf. Mark 13:37) in this article. Here is a link to a related video: 24 Items to Prophetically Watch in 2024. Here is a link to related video in the Spanish language titled 24 Cosas a tener en cuenta en 2024: https://youtu.be/6f7oqEhjhbg
The Mark of Antichrist What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?
Mark of the Beast What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
Orwell’s 1984 by 2024? In 1949, the late George Orwell wrote a disturbing book about a totalitarian government called “nineteen-eighty four.” Despite laws that are supposed to protect freedom of speech and religion, we are seeing governments taking steps consistent with those that Geroge Orwell warned against. We are also seeing this in the media, academia, and in private companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. With the advent of technology, totalitarianism beyond what Orwell wrote is possible. Does the Bible teach the coming a totalitarian state similar to George Orwell’s? What about the Antichrist and 666? Will things get worse? What is the solution? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more in this video.
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 are also three video sermons you can watch: Cancel Culture and Christian Persecution, The Coming Persecution of the Church, and Christian Persecution from the Beast. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2025, 2026, or 2027? 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? A short video is available titled: Great Tribulation Trends 2025.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Book cover

COGwriter

The Temple Institute sent the following in its newsletter and an included link today:

Kislev 19, 5785/December 20, 2024

Kislev 15: Antiochus’ Abomination Of Desolation Upon The Temple Altar

The ancient book of I Maccabees opens with the rise of Antiochus, one of Alexander the Great’s three generals who survived their leader’s death. Antiochus became sovereign over a large swath of Alexander’s empire, which included the land of Israel. I Maccabees provides a chilling description of Antiochus’ brutal oppression of the Jews and his systematic attempt to eradicate all aspects of the Jewish faith, making the performance of many Torah commandments punishable by death. In addition, Antiochus desecrated the Holy Temple and performed acts of idolatry on the Temple. I Maccabees, verse 54, describes that on the 15th day of the month of Kislev, the Greek invaders performed what would become known as “the abomination of desolation:”

“Now on the fifteenth day of the month Kislev, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Judah on every side.”

Antiochus was determined to destroy, not the Jews physically, but the Jewish faith and thereby cause the erasure of the Jewish nation. Ultimately, his provocations inspired the Maccabeean revolt, whose victorious return to the Holy Temple and its purification and rededication following the Greek abominations is celebrated every year during the eight days of Chanukah. Chanukah, which begins on the 25th day of Kislev,

Antiochus did that c. 168 BC.

Jesus prophesied something involving an abomination would happen later:

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)

Has that yet happened?

No.

However, last year, a reader forwarded me a 09/15/23 email he received from Joseph F. Dummond, who is a Sabbatarian. He seems to be somewhat of a Messianic with some type of prior COG background. Anyway, here are some excerpts from the email sent out by Joseph Dummond:

The Abomination That Makes Desolate

Will be set up in just 7 Days.

One Week form today Friday!
September 22, 2023.

We have confirmed the construction of the base and it is being readied as I write this.

The Countdown To the Abomination Began on March 11, 2020, when W.H.O. announced a worldwide pandemic!

THE BIGGEST EVENT SINCE THE CRUCIFIXION IS ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE, AND YOU HAVE FRONT-ROW SEATS …

Joseph Dumond gives answers that pinpoint exactly where we are prophetically today. Not only this, he gives us the tools to prove the answers for ourselves. 

He does this by demonstrating in the clearest terms aided by his colourful charts that the major KEYS to understanding END-TIMES’ PROPHECY are the Sabbatical and Jubilee Cycles. Most students of the Bible sadly are wholly unaware of their existence. …

The 1290 Days have already started counting down. Yehshua warned what was going to come next. Get ready!! 

We are here now and no one is prepared.

No, the countdown for the abomination did not begin on March 11, 2020. And no, the abomination of desolation was not set up on September 22, 2023.

And while Jesus (Yehshua) warned about many events, that abomination was not set up last year. And I denounced that at that time (see Sabbatarian falsely asserts: The Abomination That Makes Desolate Will be set up in just 7 Days … September 22, 2023.).

Since Jesus referred to Daniel, let’s see some of what he wrote related to the abomination:

26 “And after the sixty-two weeks
Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself;
And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.”  (Daniel 9:26-27)

While the covenant deal of Daniel 9:27 has not yet been confirmed by a “prince” (someone other than the top leader of Europe at that time), we know that the abomination will not be there until after the deal is broken, which is at least 3 1/2 years away (that is half of the prophetic week the deal is confirmed for). (See also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27.)

Notice also some signs that Daniel wrote with proceed the breaking of the covenant:

29 “At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. 30 Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.

31 “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.

33 “Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. (Daniel 11:29-33, NIV)

The above verses have not happened. And until verses 29-30 happen, the covenant deal will not be broken nor the abomination of desolation set up.

It also needs to be made clear that the 1290 days has not started. Let’s look at the one passage from Daniel that is related to the abomination and the 1290 and 1335 days:

11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. (Daniel 12:11-12)

Notice the tie to the removal of daily sacrifices and the abomination. Well, since the daily sacrifices have not begun, they cannot yet have been taken away. Therefore, those who will believe what the Bible actually says can be assured that the 1290 days have not already begun.

Joseph Dummond is wrong about this and other matters. As is RCG’s David Pack who has again falsely pointed to the 1335 days of Daniel 12 having started (see RCG again wrong on the return of Jesus and the start of the 1335 days).

Notice also the following:

20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. (Luke 21:20)

We have not yet seen this happen yet–so no the abomination of desolation is not about to occur!

The Apostle Paul warned about false leaders:

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)

Like many false predictors, Joseph Dummond, David Pack, and many others rely NOT on signs that Jesus/Yeshua said to look at in the Gospels (cf. Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), but instead their own calculations and assumptions.

While some have claimed that the Holy Place that Jesus spoke about is a rebuilt Jewish temple, consider that the Jews simply cannot make any place holy.

The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong he taught:

THE TEMPLE CHRIST WILL RETURN TO

Everybody’s wondering what temple is Christ coming to? Are the Jews going to build another temple over there? Oh, poppycock! I’ll show you the temple He’s coming to! YOU, BRETHREN, ARE THAT TEMPLE; and all the rest of us. I had a crowd, just about this size, over in the Philippines just about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I had a crowd about this size in London about (When was that?) maybe two months now. I don’t know. Time flies so fast. We’re all over the world. But I’m going to show you that. Now, let’s go on a little bit further. Well, let’s turn over to the next chapter now; of Malachi, the fourth chapter, beginning with verse five.

Malachi 4:5 Behold, [He’s talking about the time at the very end of the whole world, and the time at the end of the Millennium even; and they’re all part of the fourth chapter. But the fourth chapter, verse five: “Behold,”] I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

Now, here again, just before the Day of the Lord — when the gospel of the Kingdom is to be preached to the world. …

Malachi 4:5-6 …before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. (6) And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The word “curse” is used in the Hebrew language; otherwise translated as total destruction, utter total destruction. It’s just before lest He does that, and the earth would be in total destruction if Christ didn’t come.

Now then, John the Baptist was asked, “Are you the Elijah that was to come?” He said, “No, I am not.” I have been asked, “Are you Elijah?” And I have said, “No, I am not.” Jesus Christ said one time, “But if you will bear it, the Elijah has already come.” Then they questioned Him a little further. And then Jesus Christ said Elijah in person, the same Elijah, didn’t come. But John the Baptist came in the power and spirit of Elijah. That prophecy meant and referred to John the Baptist coming, but that was only the First Coming.

The prophecy is someone to prepare the way for the Second Coming. The first was physical — the physical Jesus coming to the physical temple, to a physical people. Someone to prepare the way for the Second Coming is preparing the way for THE SPIRITUAL CHRIST to come to HIS SPIRITUAL TEMPLE for the marriage of the Lamb (of Christ) with the Church; and the Church is that temple! …

Ephesians 2:19-21 Now therefore you [You people up at Ephesus, who were born Gentiles. You…] are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God. [Now they are citizens. That is like a country. But they are in a household. That is, a family. Notice, they are a family.] (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone [They’re the Church.]; (21) in whom all the building fitly framed together [The Church is a building fitly framed together.] groweth unto A HOLY TEMPLE IN THE LORD.

“Grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” THE CHURCH IS THAT TEMPLE. The Church is to meet Christ in the air. The Church will be changed from human to divine. We won’t be human beings. We’ll be God-beings. We’ll be God-persons, just like God is. GOD IS REPRODUCING HIMSELF. Now that temple has to be built for Christ’s coming.

ZERUBBABEL AS A TYPE

Now let me show you another prophecy about building that temple. Let’s go back now for just a moment in the Old Testament, to Haggai; Haggai the second chapter beginning with verse three. Now, I want you to notice the time he’s talking about. This is a prophecy; and duality is here again (a first and a latter; a first and a second).

Notice it now.

Haggai 2:3 Who is left among you…
This is not a history, but it’s talking about the time when they were building the temple to which Christ came the first time. Zerubbabel was a governor of the colony, and he was sent there to build that temple.

Haggai 2:3-9 Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? [It’s talking about Solomon’s temple that was so glorious as a physical temple.] And how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? (4) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel [The second temple was like nothing compared to Solomon’s. It was bigger, but it was not as fine. Now “Be strong, O Zerubbabel”], saith the [ETERNAL]; and be strong, O Joshua, son of [Well, his father; and so on.] …and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD [That is, work in building the temple.]… (5) According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. (6) For thus saith the LORD of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I WILL shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; (7) and I will shake all nations; and the desire of all nations shall come [Meaning, peace which will come with Christ.]; and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. (8). The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. (9) THE GLORY OF THIS LATTER HOUSE SHALL BE GREATER THAN OF THE FORMER…

The glory of the house he was building was NOT ANYWHERE NEAR as glorious as the former temple of Solomon. But he’s talking about a time when the thrones of nations will be destroyed; when God is going to shake the earth, and shake nations. He’s talking about our time, now. He’s talking about the Second Coming of Christ.

Can you see that? He’s not… It’s a prophecy. It’s not a history.

Malachi 2:9 …and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

He hasn’t given that yet; but He will, at the time He’s talking about. Now, He’s talking of a time of building the temple for Christ to come to. That temple is a spiritual temple. Zerubbabel was a TYPE. He built the physical temple to which Christ came the first time. Someone has got to be, not in the physical wilderness of the Jordan River, but amidst the spiritual wilderness and Babylon of religious confusion of our twentieth century, who is paving the way for the Second Coming of Christ to HIS GLORIOUS TEMPLE, a spiritual temple; and not to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God, but TO SET UP THE KINGDOM OF GOD and to rule it right then and there. …

Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the[ETERNAL].

And, anyway, it says that… (Armstrong HW. Building the Temple. Sermon: February 14, 1981)

Each individual is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will come in each one of us and our bodies become a temple of the Holy Spirit. But on the other hand we speak collectively as a church. The whole church of many members becomes a temple to which Christ is going to come in His second coming. He’s not coming to one single body but the collective temple. I will dwell in them. (Armstrong HW. Bible Study on 2 Corinthians. 1981)

The Jews cannot make a place holy, hence the holy place is NOT a building that the Jews are about to build. (As far as Zerubbabel matters go, we have the following article available: Zerubbabel and Prophecy and a related sermon: Zerubbabel and Joshua for 21st Century? We also have a related sermon in the Spanish language: Zorobabel y la profecía).

The Holy Place Jesus spoke with would have a Christian connection. It is only God who can make a place holy. Jesus said:

20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)

Isaiah wrote:

15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, (Isaiah 57:15)

God’s presence made the old Jewish temples holy (2 Chronicles 7:1-3; cf. Psalm 5:7). It takes God’s presence to make anything holy. Therefore, in the Christian church era, since the presence of the resurrected Jesus could make a place holy, the holy place Jesus referred in Matthew 24:15 would seem to be a place where Christians would have met. This could be a place in either the 21st century or perhaps the first Church of God building in Jerusalem which was built in the late 1st century–if God places His presence there for some time if true Christians were to meet there again (see also Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill). Regarding that latter building, anciently it was called a/the holy place/church.

When citing Acts 1:12, Eusebius also wrote about the building and he called it the “Holy Church of God”:

“Then they returned from the mount called the Mount of Olives, which is opposite to Jerusalem.” The Mount of Olives is therefore literally opposite to Jerusalem and to the east of it, but also the Holy Church of God, and the mount upon which it is founded…(Eusebius. The Proof of the Gospel: Being the Demonstratio Evangelica of Eusebius of Cæsarea, Book IV, Chapter 18. John W. Ferrar, editor. Society for promoting Christian knowledge, 1920. Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized July 2, 2009, p. 30)

Although the Greco-Romans have built their type of church around it, some few of the original bricks, also called ashlars, continue to be part of it. You can see the some of the original building bricks by looking at the front cover of the Jan-March 2013 edition of Bible News Prophecy magazine; a more recent photograph is shown on the back cover on the pdf booklet: Continuing History of the Church of God. Here is a photo I took on October 2013 of some of the original bricks of the Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill:

The ashlars, which look to have came from the second temple, also are the foundation of the ‘Cenacle’ building. Notice also something written by Anglican curate Stephen Sizer:

Even though many Jews and Christians believe the Temple must be rebuilt, there is one small problem. It is essential that any future Temple is built on the same foundations as the previous ones. (Sizer S. Will the Jewish Temple be Rebuilt?  http://www.stephensizer.com/2014/02/will-the-jewish-temple-be-rebuilt/ accessed 03/05/19

Curate Sizer does not believe that a future Jewish temple is required by scripture, nor do I (see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?).

After rebellions by the Jews against the Romans, Jerusalem was mainly destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Roman General Titus. Many fled to Pella, then many of them came back. “Later witnesses describe them in their former residence in Mt. Zion” (Briand, p.13).

In 333 A.D. this building was observed by someone called the “Bordeaux pilgrim” and called the holy place by Bellarmino Bagatti:

In 333 the Bordeaux pilgrim found there a basilica erected “by order of Constantine”.  By then the holy place had passed from the hands of the Judaeo-Christians, who had held it until then, to those Gentile Christians. (Bagatti, Bellarmino.  Translated by Eugene Hoade.  The Church from the Gentiles in Palestine. Nihil obstat: Ignatius Mancini, 1 Februari 1970. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari, 26 Februari 1970. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 28 Februarii 1970.  Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, 1971, p. 61)

The “holy place” mentioned above had been a meeting place for the Christians.  This is the place that has been called Sion and the Cenacle. The Greco-Romans eventually added a shrine and a variety of relics (Ibid, pp. 27-28,69)–that is not holy.

Theodosius in the 6th century referred to the building as, “holy Sion, which is the mother of all churches” (Travel And Travellers of the Middle Ages European civilization Volume 45 of The history of civilization / general editor C.K. Ogden. The history of civilization. European civilization Editors Arthur Paul Newton, Arthur Percival Newton Translated by E. D. Hunt. Psychology Press, 1996, p. 48).

A Roman Catholic scholar wrote it was basically constructed by what we would call Church of God Christians (which he calls Judeo-Christians):

The Judeo-Christians probably built their church, at that time called a synagogue, sometime in the decade after 73 A.D. For its construction, they could have used some of the magnificent ashlars from Herod’s destroyed citadel, not far away. Or perhaps they used the stones from the ruins of the Temple itself…with the intention of transferring some elements of the Holy Temple to a site becoming a new Mt. Zion (Zion III).

If that is so, the event may in fact be referred to in one of the apocryphal Odes of Solomon composed about 100 A.D. by a rival sectarian Judeo-Christian group. The fourth ode begins:

“No man can pervert your holy place, 0 God, nor can he change it, and put it in another place, because [he has] no power over it. Your sanctuary you designed before you made special places.” (Charlesworth, Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, p. 736.)

Was this passage in condemnation of the effort of the Judeo-Christians who built the synagogue on Mt. Zion to transfer some of the holiness of the destroyed Temple to their place of worship on the new Mt. Zion by constructing it in part with stones from that Temple?

From this time on, the western hill of Jerusalem was referred to by Christians as Mt. Zion (Zion III). Very few places in Jerusalem can point to such an enduring tradition as Zion’s claim to be the seat of the primitive church. No other place has raised a serious rival claim …

By this time the Judeo-Christian synagogue on Mt. Zion had become known as the Church of the Apostles. It became known as the Church of the Apostles not only because the apostles returned there after witnessing Christ’s post-resurrection ascent to heaven, but also because the building was built, as we have seen, under the leadership of Simon son of Kleophas. Kleophas was known as a brother of Joseph of Nazareth, therefore Simon was a cousin of Jesus. Simon was later considered one of the apostles, outside the circle of the 12. For this reason, the house of worship built by Simon could rightfully be called the Church of the Apostles.

(Pixner B. Church of the Apostles Found on Mt. Zion. Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 1990: 16-35,60. Also found at http://www.centuryone.org/apostles.html –yet that site and others who seemed to have copied it have left out important statements on page 26, which are included above and italicized by me as they are left out of the that online version)

The original bricks seem to have come from the old Jewish Temple. I personally examined some of them on October 24, 2013. The original bricks physically constitute a type of “temple” in the sense that this seems to have been the closest thing to a physical church building (and actually more closely resembled a synagogue) where early real Christians attended for services. That or something used in the 21st century look to be the holy place that Jesus spoke of.

Now, related to the abomination and its timing, notice something from the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong‘s sermon that was titled Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era and was given on December 17, 1983,:

Jesus … He said, “Take heed that you be not deceived (now, at the very beginning). For many will come in My name, saying that I am Christ, and deceiving . . .” Here He says, and He’s speaking to them, “Many false prophets shall arise, and deceive many.” Well, they did! And they did come in Jesus’ name, saying that they were His ministers!

Matthew 24:13-14 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (14) And this GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM [That’s the gospel He was preaching to them—the Kingdom of God.] shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and THEN shall the end come.

The end of the world, and the Second Coming of Christ! That was the only sign He gave of His Second Coming.

You know, Jesus was asked by the Pharisees for a sign that He was the Messiah; and He said only one sign would be given; and that was the sign of the prophet Jonah—that as Jonah was three days and three nights in the great fish’s belly, so Jesus would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, or the tomb, which was hewn out of rock in the heart of the earth.

Now He continued:

Matthew 24:15 … “When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand).

And you find in Luke 24 and verse 20 that that refers to the same thing, and “the abomination of desolation” there spoken of was Jerusalem being surrounded by armies. Now that applied to 70 AD. It is going to apply again, because so many things happen in a dual manner. Sort of a one-two punch, as I sometimes call it. And Jerusalem will again be surrounded by armies. …

Matthew 24:16 Then let them which be in Judea [Of course, He was speaking locally there.] flee to the mountains…”

And so on. Then He comes down to that terrible time that happened in 70 AD as a type of what is going to happen at the latter time—the Great Tribulation (verse 21).

Anyway, until Matthew 24:14 is fulfilled to God’s satisfaction, the end will not come and the abomination of desolation Jesus said Daniel referred to will not be set up.

While the end is coming soon, the end is not yet (Matthew 24:6).

New JUPITER Module Strengthens Leading Position of Europe’s Upcoming Exascale Supercomputerhttps://t.co/f0RBqCZ4Zx #HPC #TCIwire #SC24

— HPCwire (@HPCwire) November 20, 2024

COGwriter

Google recently announced a new computing chip called Willow. Here is some information about it from Hartmut Neven:

I’m delighted to announce Willow, our latest quantum chip. Willow has state-of-the-art performance across a number of metrics, enabling two major achievements.

• The first is that Willow can reduce errors exponentially as we scale up using more qubits. This cracks a key challenge in quantum error correction that the field has pursued for almost 30 years.
• Second, Willow performed a standard benchmark computation in under five minutes that would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion (that is, 10²⁵) years — a number that vastly exceeds the age of the Universe.

The Willow chip is a major step on a journey that began over 10 years ago. When I founded Google Quantum AI in 2012, the vision was to build a useful, large-scale quantum computer that could harness quantum mechanics — the “operating system” of nature to the extent we know it today — to benefit society by advancing scientific discovery, developing helpful applications, and tackling some of society’s greatest challenges. As part of Google Research, our team has charted a long-term roadmap, and Willow moves us significantly along that path towards commercially relevant applications. …

As a measure of Willow’s performance, we used the random circuit sampling (RCS) benchmark. … Willow’s performance on this benchmark is astonishing: It performed a computation in under five minutes that would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 10²⁵ or 10 septillion years. If you want to write it out, it’s 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years. This mind-boggling number exceeds known timescales in physics and vastly exceeds the age of the universe. 12/09/24 https://blog.google/technology/research/google-willow-quantum-chip/

One thing to mention here is that Hartmut Neven is German and has been involved in Artificial Intelligence. Here is something Wikipedia has about him:

Hartmut Neven (born 1964) is a scientist working in quantum computing, computer vision, robotics and computational neuroscience. He is best known for his work in face and object recognition and his contributions to quantum machine learning. He is currently Vice President of Engineering at Google where he is leading the Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab which he founded in 2012. …

Born	1964 (age 59–60) Aachen, Germany
Nationality	German

(Hartmut Neven. Wikipedia, accessed 12/19/24)

Notice that some suspect that chips like Willow may be a threat to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin according to this report from Forbes:

Small Step Or Giant Leap? Assessing Google’s Quantum Threat To BTC

December 19, 2024

Any major developments regarding quantum computing tend to cause a collective intake of breath among the crypto community. Google’s latest announcement launching its quantum processor, dubbed Willow, is no different. Not only does Willow feature double the number of qubits (or quantum bits, the quantum equivalent of processing capacity in traditional computers), but Google has also managed to reduce the instability usually caused by adding more qubits.

Therefore, Willow offers increased computational capacity relative to the number of additional qubits compared to other quantum machines. To put this into context, Willow takes around five minutes to execute a task that would take a standard supercomputer a trillion trillion years to process.

This significant leap forward in processing power leads to questions about Bitcoin’s legendary security, unbroken for 15 years since the genesis block. Bitcoin relies on cryptography, including the SHA-256 algorithm, which is secure enough to withstand any brute-force attack by traditional computers. But, if we put the same task in front of increasingly powerful quantum machines, a successful attack will begin to approach the point of feasibility. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nimrodlehavi/2024/12/19/small-step-or-giant-leap-assessing-googles-quantum-threat-to-btc/

I have long warned that Bitcoin had risks, and this looks to be another one.

That said, these developing superfast computers are not just a threat to Bitcoin, but when improperly used, they likely are something to be exploited by the coming European 666 Beast power.

As far as Europe and supercomputers go, notice the following:

New JUPITER module strengthens leading position of Europe’s upcoming Exascale Supercomputer

The journey towards Europe’s first exascale supercomputer, JUPITER, at Forschungszentrum Jülich is progressing at a robust pace. A major milestone has just been reached with the completion of JETI, the second module of this groundbreaking system. By doubling the performance of JUWELS Booster—currently the fastest supercomputer in Germany—JETI now ranks among the world’s most powerful supercomputers, as confirmed today at the Supercomputing Conference SC in Atlanta, USA. The JUPITER Exascale Transition Instrument, JETI, is already one-twelfth of the power of the final JUPITER system, setting a new benchmark on the TOP500 list

Built by the Franco-German team ParTec-Eviden, Europe’s first exascale supercomputer, JUPITER, will enable breakthroughs in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and take scientific simulations and discoveries to a new level. Procured by the European supercomputing initiative EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), it will be operated by the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), one of three national supercomputing centres within the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing (GCS). Since the middle of this year, JUPITER has been gradually installed at Forschungszentrum Jülich. Currently, the modular high-performance computing facility, known as the Modular Data Centre (MDC), is being delivered to house the supercomputer. The hardware for JUPITER’s booster module will occupy 125 racks, which are currently being pre-installed at Eviden’s flagship factory in Angers, France, and will then be shipped to Jülich ready for operation.

The final JUPITER system will be equipped with approximately 24,000 NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips, specifically optimized for computationally intensive simulations and the training of AI models. This will enable JUPITER to achieve more than 70 ExaFLOP/s in lower-precision 8-bit calculations, making it one of the world’s fastest systems for AI. The current JETI pilot system contains 10 racks, which is exactly 8 percent of the size of the full system. In a trial run using the Linpack Benchmark for the TOP500 list, JETI achieved a performance of 83 petaflops, which is equivalent to 83 million billion operations per second (1,000 PetaFLOP is equal to 1 ExaFLOP). With this performance JETI ranks 18th on the current TOP500 list of the world’s fastest supercomputers, doubling the performance of the current German flagship supercomputer JUWELS Booster, also operated by JSC. …

In order to equip Europe with a world-leading supercomputing infrastructure, the EuroHPC JU has already procured nine supercomputers, located across Europe. No matter where in Europe they are located, European scientists and users from the public sector and industry can benefit from these EuroHPC supercomputers via the EuroHPC Access Calls to advance science and support the development of a wide range of applications with industrial, scientific and societal relevance for Europe. 11/18/24 https://www.mynewsdesk.com/partec/pressreleases/new-jupiter-module-strengthens-leading-position-of-europes-upcoming-exascale-supercomputer-3355162?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Alert&utm_content=pressrelease

The JUPITER Exascale Transition Instrument, JETI, is already one-twelfth of the power of the final JUPITER system, setting a new benchmark on the TOP500 list. 11/19/24 https://www.hpcwire.com/off-the-wire/new-jupiter-module-strengthens-leading-position-of-europes-upcoming-exascale-supercomputer/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_term=hpcwire&utm_content=05dac910-6268-4a88-b01b-1f0dd233eca9

Exascale: the Engine of Discovery

Exascale computing will have a profound impact on everyday life in the coming decades. At 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 operations per second, exascale supercomputers will be able to quickly analyze massive volumes of data and more realistically simulate the complex processes and relationships behind many of the fundamental forces of the universe.

accessed 12/19/24 https://www.exascaleproject.org/what-is-exascale/

The “much more” would seem to include military applications as well as the surveillance and control of people and buying and selling.

This sounds like another step to 666.

The speed of process is so fast that it is mindboggling.

The Bible shows that a European power will arise that will control buying and selling:

COGwriter

Germany’s Defense Minister is pushing for a much stronger German military:

German Defence Minister proposes growing armed forces further and faster

19 December 2024

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has announced an ambitious plan to grow the ranks of his country’s armed forces up to 230,000 personnel, a marked increase from the current target of 203,000. …

He added that by recruiting more active troops, Germany will ensure it is legally compliant with relevant international and national legislation. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/19/german-defense-minister-pistorius-wants-to-increase-size-of-armed-forces

More and more leaders in Germany have been publicly calling for increased military might. Its Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has laid out reasons to increase it. Will that happen?

Yes.

Last year, the New York Times published the following:

Can Germany Be a Great Military Power Again?

January 24, 2023 …

On Sept. 12, Christine Lambrecht, Germany’s defense minister at the time, addressed the German Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin and declared that Germany must be willing to become a Führungsmacht, or “leading power,” within Europe. …

Few countries have been as fundamentally shaken by the Russian invasion as Germany. … Scholz vowed to meet the NATO defense-spending target “from now on,” …

That both Germany and Japan — two former World War II axis powers — are now remilitarizing illustrates the degree to which the world may be reverting to great-power rivalry, with unpredictable consequences. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/24/magazine/germany-military-army.html

Biblically, we know the consequences. What could be called the ‘Fourth Reich’ will form. A militarized Germany will lead the coming European Beast power and destroy the USA, UK, and Canada (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; see also Germany in Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecy).

The Germans want to be separate from the USA militarily. Notice the following from German-Foreign-Policy.com:

“Think Big and Do Big Things”

13 November 2024

BERLIN (own report) – In light of the looming new elections, the debate on increasing the German military budget is intensifying. German Economyics Minister Robert Habeck, is insisting on a new “Special Fund” being adopted before elections, reasoning that if the AfD and BSW win together a third of the seats in the next Bundestag, the necessary two-thirds majority can no longer be achieved. According to the Federal Audit Office, the “Special Funds,” which were first accorded in late February 2022, are in fact special debts. On the other hand, Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, proposes the alternative of increasing the Bundeswehr’s budget up to 3.5 percent of Germany’s GDP. Currently, that would amount to more than €140 billion. https://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en

Berlin and Paris strive for greater EU sovereignty vis-à-vis the USA and embark on massive rearmament – due also to Germany’s severe setbacks in its rivalry with Washington.

23 JAN 2023

PARIS/BERLIN (Own report) -Germany and France are seeking greater “European sovereignty” and aim to “strengthen the EU as a geopolitical actor,” according to a Franco-German declaration published yesterday in Paris on the occasion of the ceremonies marking the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Élysée Treaty.  …

This is also due to Germany’s severe setbacks in its rivalry with the Unites States, including its growing military dependence and the threat of its deindustrialization due to the exodus of production sites to the USA. According to the French publicist Emmanuel Todd, the current global power struggle – “the third world war has begun” – is also “about Germany.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz anticipates the emergence of a “multipolar world,” in which Germany and the EU are to assume leading roles as strong military powers.

Setbacks in Transatlantic Rivalry

The development of the relationship between Germany and the United States is largely the reason behind yesterday’s calls for “European sovereignty.”  …

Over the past few months, Scholz has been repeatedly trying to verbally focus on alternatives to the growing one-sided dependence on the USA. … At the beginning of the year, Scholz had declared in an internationally noted article published in the US periodical Foreign Affairs, that in the currently emerging “multipolar world,” “Germans are intent” on being an “advocate for multilateral solutions to global problems” within the European Union.  …

the 60^th Anniversary of the signing of the Élysée Treaty in Paris. … In a Franco-German declaration published for the celebration, they declare that they will work together for a European Union that is “more resilient, more sustainable and more capable to act independently” than is currently the case. …

In reference to Berlin’s plans to increase the defense budget, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Germany is “the largest national economy in Europe.” “Therefore, we should also aim at having the strongest and best equipped army in the EU.” https://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en/news/detail/9140

Now, notice the following:

Prince, judge and chef ‘part of far-right plot to install Fourth Reich

29 April 2024

One of the largest state security trials in German history, involving suspected members of a far-right plot to seize power that “would involve killing people”, started in Stuttgart on Monday.

In the first of three separate court cases against a total of 27 suspects, nine alleged members of a suspected terrorist organisation went on trial accused of high treason and plotting a violent coup d’état. They are alleged to have planned to storm the Reichstag and install a Fourth Reich, led by the disenchanted aristocrat Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss. … Prosecutors said the Stuttgart defendants had been in the process of setting up a nationwide system of 286 military units they called “homeland security companies”. https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/far-right-reichstag-plotters-go-on-trial-for-planning-violent-coup-8fx5tns0f

While the above attempt failed, there are ways others are looking for another German reich (reign):

Berlin wants EU to be ‘Fourth German Reich’, says Poland’s Kaczynski

24 December 2022

Poland’s national-populist leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski accused Germany of trying to turn the European Union into a federalist “Fourth German Reich” in an interview published Friday.

There are countries that “are not enthusiastic about the prospect of building a German Fourth Reich on the basis of the EU,” the Law and Justice (PiS) party president told Polish far-right daily GPC.

According to Kaczynski, who is also Poland’s deputy prime minister in charge of national security, the term “Fourth German Reich” “has nothing negative about it, as it is not the Third Reich but the First”, i.e. the Holy Roman Empire.

During the recent visit of the new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Poland, his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki described the German coalition government’s support for greater federalism in the European Union as “utopian and therefore dangerous” and reiterated

In February of 2021, State of the Nation (SOTN) reported that some Germans were attempting to engineer a Fourth Reich:

The Fake ‘GREAT RESET’ & The End Of Civilization As We Know It … The Fourth Reich

A certifiably crazy German engineer (and phony economist) — Klaus Schwab — was selected by the NWO cabal to pitch a GREAT RESET that is really a “great incarceration of the human race”.

The following excerpt from a highly detailed exposé entitled Schwab Family Values says it all:

The last question that should be asked about the real motivations behind the actions of Herr Schwab, may be the most important for the future of humanity: Is Klaus Schwab trying to create the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or is he trying to create the Fourth Reich?

Clearly, Schwab was installed at the WEF so he could advance the New World Order agenda in the wake of the global chaos …

They are also using key elements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to accomplish these goals planet-wide, which will essentially transform the world into a Fourth Reich where the super elites rule by remote via a tyrannical technocracy. …

Just consider how German Chancellor Angela Merkel was able to take over virtually all of Europe, adroitly using the European Union government, without firing a single shot. …

Germany was able to pull this off because they possessed the most Deutsche Marks. Even though Deutsche Bank has been virtually been bankrupted in the process, Merkel has has successfully revitalized the Third Reich. …

The Fourth Reich

Now what is very confounding about the emerging Fourth Reich is that it’s not just a Fascist superstate. In point of fact, the rapidly manifesting Fourth Reich also has many attributes of a communist regime controlled by a still concealed One World Government. …

Consider this statement taken from Merkel’s Wikipedia page.

At the Academy of Sciences, she became a member of its FDJ secretariat. According to her former colleagues, she openly propagated Marxism as the secretary for “Agitation and Propaganda”.

How ironic that a German Chancellor would be a closet communist who successfully conquered the European continent using Nazi tactics and fascist strategies. …

This analysis only grazes the tiny tip of the colossal iceberg known as the New World Order controlled by a secret One World Government that is really the Fourth Reich being cunningly ushered in via the Fourth Industrial Revolution. …

The GREAT RESET is truly all about one thing: locking down humanity so securely that no one will pose a real threat to the power elite. 02/27/21 http://stateofthenation.co/?p=54171

Could pandemics or other ‘crises’ lead to a ‘fourth reich’?

Yes.

Germany has had to call for another election in 2025 because the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholtz has collapsed (see also 12/17/24 https://www.dw.com/en/german-election-2025-parties-launch-their-campaigns/a-71083928).

But we will see worse matters than that for Germany.

As far as huge changes coming, notice something about Germany’s history published decades ago by the old Worldwide Church of God:

In 1933 Adolf Hitler, using Germany’s growing economic crisis as a stepping-stone to power, gained control of Germany, inaugurating the Third Reich of German history.

It quickly became clear that Hitler’s geopolitical aims far transcended his own country’s borders. Hitler held an unshakable conviction that his German Reich would one day rule all of Europe — and from there seize the leadership of the world! He dreamed of a “new world order” that would remake the political face of the earth, with himself at its helm.

In 1939 Hitler began in earnest his struggle for the mastery of the world. (Stump K. Coming Soon – A New World Order. Good News, 1985)

Adolf Hitler used an economic crisis to rise up and form his so-called third reich.

Could there be some type of a ‘fourth reich’ this century to follow the ‘third reich’ of last century?

The old Radio Church of God thought so, even decades earlier:

The “German Problem” is not dead. Germans are thinking more than ever of an undivided Reich – and of an undivided Europe! … On the 17th of June, Germans celebrated a national holiday a day dedicated to AN UNDIVIDED GERMANY. Stores closed. No one worked. The striking thing is that this day signifies something that has not happened yet! Most holidays commemorate an event – something that has already taken place. Not this one – it looks forward to an event which all Germans hope for and even pray for – AN UNDIVIDED GERMANY! (Kelly R. The March for an Undivided Germany. Plain Truth, September 1964)

Well, since that came out, East and West Germany united, the European Union formed, and a European currency has been implemented.

So, is a ‘fourth reich’ with military capabilities in the process of forming? Some in Germany and elsewhere seem to think so.

Many in Europe are concerned that Germany is simply too big of an economic power. However, without the economic might of Germany, the European Union would have even more difficulties sticking together. Plus, many in Europe are getting wary of relying on the USA for defense, especially since the reelection of Donald Trump.

Bible prophecy shows that Germany will become a major military power again.

This does not mean that everyone in Germany wants it to militarily dominate the world, but Bible prophecy shows that deep down, those there do want to dominate.

Notice the following prophecy:

5 “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger
And the staff in whose hand is My indignation.
6 I will send him against an ungodly nation,
And against the people of My wrath
I will give him charge,
To seize the spoil, to take the prey,
And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Yet he does not mean so,
Nor does his heart think so;
But it is in his heart to destroy,
And cut off not a few nations.
8 For he says,
‘Are not my princes altogether kings? (Isaiah 10:5-8)

Notice that the leader of the final empire will not think that he wants to destroy nations, but he really does, and really will.

Notice that Isaiah tells of a time when the end time Assyrian power will be sent against an ungodly (NKJV), “hypocritical” (KJV) nation. The Hebrew word used signifies being “soiled” or impious, and certainly that is now the case for the nation known as the United States. The Snowden leaks of USA espionage and other USA issues enraged the Germans years ago, as also has Donald Trump.

Not only do Germans feel that the USA has been hypocritical related to Snowden’s leaks, they were outraged to learn that according to leaked documents from the National Security Agency (NSA), Germany was one of the most spied upon nations by the USA. Another NSA document said that the only nations that the USA considered to be “close friends” that did not warrant extensive USA espionage was the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic dominated lands. Germany and others have noticed this and will take steps against them later (cf. Daniel 11:39; Psalm 83:-3-8). Then there was German distaste of US President Donald Trump. Now, there is the situation in Ukraine.

What exactly is the ‘fourth reich’? Notice one interpretation:

The Fourth Reich (German: Viertes Reich) is a theoretical future German empire, following the First Reich (the Holy Roman Empire, 962–1806), the Second Reich (Imperial Germany, 1871–1918) and the Third Reich (Nazi Germany, 1933–1945). (Wikipedia, accessed 04/03/15)

Some believe that Germany already has had a type of fourth reich as it has been able to dominate European matters at least for the past decade or so. Poland and some others have expressed concerns.

Biblically, the final European King of the North will lead a revived ‘Holy Roman Empire.’ This will be the empire of the Beast power of Revelation 13. This new world order, which will have German dominance, will in a sense be its fourth militaristic reich (reich means reign).

Technology will, in my view, be key in the establishment of a militaristic fourth reich, consistent with scriptures such as Revelation 13:4.

But what about the use of a pandemic and other crises to rise up?

The Bible shows that the final Beast leader will attain power after the start of the ride of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Specifically, after the fourth one, which DOES INVOLVE A PANDEMIC. One MUCH WORSE than COVID-19!

Related to that, the Continuing Church of God put out the following sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:16:57

Fourth Horseman, COVID, and the Rise of the Beast of Revelation

The 6th chapter of the Book of Revelation tells of the ride of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. What do each represent? Is the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, part of the fourth horseman? Does the Bible point to around 2 billion people dying from hunger, war, and the beasts of the earth? Was the ancient Roman Empire impacted by pestilences? What about the black death, also known as the Bubonic plague? Are disease epidemics part of the beginning of sorrow and troubles that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24 and Mark 13? Does the pale green horseman represent Islam? Could genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or synthetic biology cause or contribute to coming pandemics? Is chemical and biological warfare (CBW) a real threat to humanity? What about a doomsday bug or antibiotic resistant superbugs? Is fear a contagion that will help people move away from democracy? Will scientists be able to stop what is coming? Is the good news that the Kingdom of God will? Could COVID-19 be setting the stage for the rise of the ‘prince,’ who will become the totalitarian Beast of the Sea (also known as 666 and the King of the North)? Is this leader similar to the Great Monarch of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies? When is the Great Monarch supposed to arise according to the Eastern Orthodox? Why might Europe be less affected by the ride of the third horseman that the US, Canada, and the UK? Are governments taking steps now, consistent with the words of Adolf Hitler? What seal represents the start of the Great Tribulation? Which Christians did Jesus promise to protect from the coming “hour of trial”?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: ¿Deben los Diez Reyes gobernar sobre diez naciones? A related sermon in the English language is titled: Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
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. A related sermon is titled: 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.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
The Great Monarch: Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Is the ‘Great Monarch’ of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies endorsed or condemned by the Bible? Two sermons of related interest are also available: Great Monarch: Messiah or False Christ? and Great Monarch in 50+ Beast Prophecies.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Here is a link to a related sermon: Fourth Horseman, COVID, and the Rise of the Beast of Revelation. Here is a version of that sermon in Spanish: El Cuarto Caballo, El COVID y El Surgimiento de la Bestia del Apocalipsis. Some shorter related videos may include Amphibian Apocalypse: Threat to Humans? and Zombie Deer Disease is Here! Are the 10 Plagues on Egypt Coming? Here is a version of the article in Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

4th century depiction of warring sun god Mithras
(photo by dynamosquito from France)

COGwriter

Our Sunday Visitor put up the following by a Roman Catholic apologist named Jimmy Akin:

Dispelling some common myths about Christmas

Every year, various myths about Christmas circulate. …

One of the most common ideas is that Christmas is based on a pagan holiday, so it’s really “pagan” in origin. 12/08/22 https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/dispelling-some-common-myths-about-christmas/

Well, the fact is that it is pagan in origin.

Christians should not follow myths that try to say otherwise.

The Apostle Peter stated:

16 When we told you about the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not slavishly repeating cleverly invented myths; no, we had seen his majesty with our own eyes. (2 Peter 1:16, NJB–a Roman Catholic translation)

Plus December 25th was not adopted by the church of Rome until the 4th century.

The Catholic Encyclopedia teaches that:

Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church … Christmas … Irenaeus and Tertullian omit it from their lists of feasts; Origen, glancing perhaps at the discreditable imperial Natalitia, asserts (in Lev. Hom. viii in Migne, P.G., XII, 495) that in the Scriptures sinners alone, not saints, celebrate their birthday; Arnobius (VII, 32 in P.L., V, 1264) can still ridicule the “birthdays” of the gods. (Martindale C. Transcribed by Susanti A. Suastika. Christmas. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

The above is true.

The World Book Encyclopedia notes:

In 354 A.D., Bishop Liberius of Rome ordered the people to celebrate on December 25. He probably chose this date because the people of Rome already observed it as the Feast of Saturn, celebrating the birthday of the sun (Sechrist E.H. Christmas. World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 3. Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, Chicago, 1966, pp. 408-417).

It needs to be understood that some scholarly sources believe that the celebration in Rome of Christmas may have begun a couple of decades earlier (by Constantine), but none I am aware of suggest it was prior Constantine in the fourth century.

Jimmy Akin further wrote:

It’s sometimes claimed that Jesus couldn’t have been born on Dec. 25 because Luke reports that shepherds were tending their flocks the night Jesus was born (cf. 2:8). It would have been too cold for that in December, so Jesus must have been born in a warmer time of year.

This is nonsense.

Well, according to The Catholic Encyclopedia that is not nonsense as it states:

Authorities moreover differ as to whether shepherds could or would keep flocks exposed during the nights of the rainy season. (Martindale, Christmas)

While it is not impossible for shepherds to be in the field at night in late December, that was not their ancient practice. Normally, shepherds stopped spending the night with their flocks outside during the Fall because of cold and rain. The Catholic Encyclopedia seems to recognize this.

December 25th is impossible, as The Catholic Encyclopedia admits:

The Gospels. Concerning the date of Christ’s birth the Gospels give no help; upon their data contradictory arguments are based. The census would have been impossible in winter: a whole population could not then be put in motion…

If something is impossible, then it did not happen.

Jimmy Akin further wrote:

What about the claim that celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 is based on a pagan holiday?

Even if that were true, so what?

So what? The Bible opposes pagan practices.

Notice something that Nehemiah declared:

30 I cleansed them of everything pagan (Nehemiah 13:30)

Christians should follow Nehemiah’s example and not participate in pagan practices.

Jesus taught (note: scriptures in this post here were translated by Roman Catholic scholars):

24 God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24, NJB)

7 And in vain to they worship me, teaching doctrines and precepts of men. (Mark 7:7, DRB)

Of course, it is vain and bearing false witness to deceive children about Santa Claus.

There is a right way and a wrong way to live and worship God–do not base this on your emotional feelings about what is right:

8 ‘You must not behave as we are behaving here today, each of you doing what he himself sees fit, (Deuteronomy 12:8, NJB)

²⁹ ‘When Yahweh your God has annihilated the nations confronting you, whom you are going to dispossess, and when you have dispossessed them and made your home in their country,

³⁰ beware of being entrapped into copying them, after they have been destroyed to make way for you, and do not enquire about their gods, saying, “How did these nations worship their gods? I am going to do the same too.”

³¹ This is not the way to treat Yahweh your God. For in honour of their gods they have done everything detestable that Yahweh hates; (Deuteronomy 12:29-31a, NJB)

32 What I command thee, that only do thou to the Lord: neither add any thing, nor diminish. (Deuteronomy 12:32, DRB)

God did not command keeping Christmas; pagans came up with it.

Consider something that the Apostle Paul wrote:

¹⁷ So this I say to you and attest to you in the Lord, do not go on living the empty-headed life that the gentiles live. ¹⁸ Intellectually they are in the dark, and they are estranged from the life of God, because of the ignorance which is the consequence of closed minds. ¹⁹ Their sense of right and wrong once dulled, they have abandoned all self-control and pursue to excess every kind of uncleanness.

²⁰ Now that is hardly the way you have learnt Christ, ²¹ unless you failed to hear him properly when you were taught what the truth is in Jesus. ²² You were to put aside your old self, which belongs to your old way of life and is corrupted by following illusory desires. (Ephesians 4:17-22, NJB)

Christians are to put off pagan ways, and live according to the truth, not longing for improper traditions.

The Apostle Paul further wrote:

19 What then? Do I say, that what is offered in sacrifice to idols, is any thing ? Or, that the idol is any thing?

20 But the things which the heathens sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God. And I would not that you should be made partakers with devils.

21 You cannot drink the chalice of the Lord, and the chalice of devils: you cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord, and of the table of devils. (1 Corinthians 10:19-21, DRB)

To further answer Jimmy Akin’s “so what?,” the Bible says we are not to adopt pagan practices, which the Apostle Paul says are from devils.

Jimmy Akin further wrote:

Some sources link Christmas with the Roman holiday Saturnalia, which was a festival in honor of the god Saturn. …

But there is a major problem claiming that Christmas is an alternative to Saturnalia. This Roman festival was originally celebrated Dec. 17, though by the time of the Republic it extended through Dec. 23. So, Christmas wasn’t held until after Saturnalia was over.

First, consider that there are normally many Christmas parties before December 25th.

Second, consider that many customs of Saturnalia are part of Christmas celebrations.

And third, notice something from a then Roman Catholic scholar named Tertullian in the early 3rd century:

The Minervalia are as much Minerva’s, as the Saturnalia Saturn’s; Saturn’s, which must necessarily be celebrated even by little slaves at the time of the Saturnalia. New-year’s gifts likewise must be caught at, and the Septimontium kept; and all the presents of Midwinter and the feast of Dear Kinsmanship must be exacted; the schools must be wreathed with flowers; the flamens’ wives and the aediles sacrifice; the school is honoured on the appointed holy-days. The same thing takes place on an idol’s birthday; every pomp of the devil is frequented. Who will think that these things are befitting to a Christian master, unless it be he who shall think them suitable likewise to one who is not a master? (Tertullian. On Idolatry, Chapter X. Translated by S. Thelwall. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Around the time of Tertullian, the Roman Bishops Zephyrinus (199-217) and Callistus (217-222) had a reputation of compromise and corruption (and this is confirmed by such Roman Catholic saints such as Hippolytus) and allowed people in their church that compromised with paganism, etc.

So, notice what else Tertullian wrote:

But, however, the majority {of Greco-Roman ‘Christians} have by this time induced the belief in their mind that it is pardonable if at any time they do what the heathen do, for fear “the Name be blasphemed”…To live with heathens is lawful, to die with them is not. Let us live with all; let us be glad with them, out of community of nature, not of superstition. We are peers in soul, not in discipline; fellow-possessors of the world, not of error. But if we have no right of communion in matters of this kind with strangers, how far more wicked to celebrate them among brethren! Who can maintain or defend this?…By us, … the Saturnalia and New-year’s and Midwinter’s festivals and Matronalia are frequented–presents come and go–New-year’s gifts–games join their noise–banquets join their din! Oh better fidelity of the nations to their own sect, which claims no solemnity of the Christians for itself!…Not the Lord’s day, not Pentecost, even it they had known them, would they have shared with us; for they would fear lest they should seem to be Christians. We are not apprehensive lest we seem to be heathens! (Tertullian. On Idolatry, Chapter XIV. Translated by S. Thelwall. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

The scripture Tertullian seems to be referring to is 1 Timothy 6:1:

1 Whosoever are servants under the yoke, let them count their masters worthy of all honour; lest the name of the Lord and his doctrine be blasphemed. DRB

But, as even he alluded to, that should not have been an excuse to celebrate pagan days. Notice that it would be false teachers that would get the way of truth blasphemed:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there shall be among you lying teachers, who shall bring in sects of perdition, and deny the Lord who bought them: bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their riotousnesses, through whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you. Whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their perdition slumbereth not. (2 Peter 2:1-3, DRB)

So following covetous, false teachings is really what causes the way of truth to be blasphemed.

Getting back to Tertullian, he wrote:

But “let your works shine,” saith He; but now all our shops and gates shine! You will now-a-days find more doors of heathens without lamps and laurel-wreaths than of Christians. What does the case seem to be with regard to that species (of ceremony) also? If it is an idol’s honour, without doubt an idol’s honour is idolatry. If it is for a man’s sake, let us again consider that all idolatry is for man’s sake; let us again consider that all idolatry is a worship done to men, since it is generally agreed even among their worshippers that aforetime the gods themselves of the nations were men; and so it makes no difference whether that superstitious homage be rendered to me of a former age or of this. Idolatry is condemned, not on account of the persons which are set up for worship, but on account of those its observances, which pertain to demons (Tertullian. On Idolatry, Chapter XV. Translated by S. Thelwall. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

What Tertullian seems to be saying is that observing mid-winter celebrations make Christians appear to be followers of pagan gods–even more so than the pagans themselves–and since the pagans would not intentionally celebrate days considered by many to be Christian, Christians should not celebrate days that are honored by the heathen. Specifically, he felt that those who profess Christ should not celebrate Saturnalia, New Year’s, or other pagan days, as even the observance is a form of idolatry (click here for an article titled Is January 1st a Date for Christians Celebrate?).

Notice that he was also pointing out that his ‘Christians’ even used laurel wreaths and lights more than the heathen. Even The Catholic Encyclopedia says of them that they have pre-Christian origin, that Tertullian considered them pagan.

Notice that they were in widespread use, however, by the time of the late 4th century Bishop of Consantinople, John Chrysostom:

A wreath of flowers or evergreens formerly used in connection with baptismal, nuptial, and funeral rites, as well as in solemn processions.

The bridal crown or wreath is said to be of pre-Christian Greek origin, adopted later by the Romans. Tertullian refers to it as a sign of paganism, but this prejudice was afterwards set aside, and it was in common use among Christians by the time of St. John Chrysostom … (Alston, George Cyprian. “Garland.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 6. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1909).

Notice also the following:

Roman ‘Christmases’ were similar to ours

The Romans celebrated the winter festival of Sigillaria on 23rd of December, part of their Saturnalia festivities. Just like on Christmas Day, Sigillaria saw presents exchanged.

Saturnalia began in the very early history of Rome. It was a festival devoted to the god Saturn … The popularity of Saturnalia continued into the 3rd and 4th centuries until it was supplanted by the Christian festival of Christmas …

“Just like our festive season, it seems that the whole of Rome geared up early for Sigillaria. Seneca noted: ‘It is now the month of December, when the greatest part of the city is in a bustle. Loose reins are given to public dissipation; everywhere you may hear the sound of great preparations’. (Ep. 18.1).” (Roman ‘Christmases’ were similar to ours. December 23, 2013 http://phys.org/news/2013-12-roman-christmases-similar.html viewed 12/30/13)

Since the modern Christmas celebration is at the same time as the old Gentile Saturnalia holiday (and with many of the same elements, like wreaths and gift-giving), it is clear that Tertullian is condemning these practices by stating that those that keep it are of the pagan god Saturn.

Tertullian also wrote against winter giving:

… gifts like those you have in the Saturnalia! (Tertullian. De Fuga in Persecutione, Chapter 13. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 4. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

So basically, those who teach “Jesus is the reason for the season” are in error. Those who professed Christ and observed these pagan holidays did not attempt to pretend that they were celebrating “Christmas” then (that term was not developed until centuries later). The initial reason for the season appears to be that many of those who somewhat professed Christ wanted to have a party. And they did not care if the party was related to pagan gods.

It is interesting to note that Tertullian objected to keeping a celebration lasting until the Roman New Years, putting up wreaths, and giving gifts. Since most of these quotes come from his writing titles “On Idolatry” apparently he considered those practices as idolatrous.

It seems to me that no true Christians would do this, only those who were somewhat nominal, but who had been accepted, to some degree, by part of the Greco-Roman confederation. Tertullian’s complaints apparently did not stop this from happening, though his objections certainly have biblical support.

Notice something that John Chrysostom wrote in the fourth century condemning paganism:

And what, pray you, is that Minerva of theirs, and Apollo, and Juno? They are different kinds of demons among them. (Chrysostom J. The homilies of S. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople: on the Acts of the Apostles, Volume 1, Homily IV. John Henry Parker, 1851. Original from Harvard University. Digitized, Apr 12, 2008, p. 66)

Notice that, like Tertullian, John Chrysostom associated paganism with demons.

Yet, ‘venerable’ Cesare Baronius, a Roman Catholic of the 16th century, wrote:

If the candles which were formerly distributed at the Saturnalia are now identified with the feast of the Purification of our Lady? What, I ask, is there so surprising if holy bishops have allowed certain customs firmly rooted among pagan peoples, and so tenaciously adhered to by them that even after their conversion to Christianity they could not be induced to surrender them, to be transferred to the worship of the true God?” (Baronius, “Annales”, ad ann. 58, n. 77). (as cited in Thurston, Herbert. “Lights.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 9. Nihil Obstat.October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910.21 Dec. 2009 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09244b.htm>)

Thus, Baronius seems to be saying that Saturnalia lights are a pagan practice, yet using them is acceptable.

But even the Rheims‘ version of the New Testament (a Catholic approved translation) states the following:

15. And what agreement with Christ and Belial? or what part hath the faithful with the infidel? 16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with Idols? For you are the temple of the living God. as God saith, Then I will dwell, and walk in them, and will be their God: and they shall be my people. 17. For the which cause, Go out of the midst of them, and separate yourselves. saith our Lord, and touch not the unclean: and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:15-17, The Original And True Rheims New Testament Of Anno Domini 1582. Prepared and Edited by Dr. William von Peters, Ph.D. Copyright © 1998, Dr. William G. von Peters. Ph.D. 2004, copyright assigned to VSC Corp.).

So unclean practices associated with idols are prohibited by God. Does not that include celebrating as the idolaters celebrate?

The Roman Saturnalia and the Persian Mithraism themselves were adaptations of an even earlier pagan religion – that of the ancient Babylonian mystery cult. The ancient Babylonians celebrated the reborn Nimrod as the newborn Tammuz by worshipping an evergreen tree. The Babylonians also celebrated this rebirth during the season of the winter solstice. Jeremiah condemns ancient Israel for copying this type of paganism, and and condemned the the pagan use of trees in Jeremiah 10:2-4 and the evergreen tree in Jeremiah 3:13.

To take this a step further, notice that using trees as part of worship was condemned by God thousands of years ago:

2 ‘You must completely destroy all the places where the nations you dispossess have served their gods, on high mountains, on hills, under any spreading tree; 3 you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, burn their sacred poles, hack to bits the statues of their gods and obliterate their name from that place. (Deuteronomy 12:2-3, New Jerusalem Bible, NJB, a Catholic translation)

2 Destroy all the places in which the nations, that you shall possess, worshipped their gods upon high mountains, and hills, and under every shady tree: 3 Overthrow their altars, and break down their statues, burn their groves with fire, and break their idols in pieces: destroy their names out of those places. 4 You shall not do so to the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 12:2-4, Douay OT, DOT, a Catholic translation).

16 Beware lest perhaps your heart be deceived, and you depart from our Lord, and serve strange Gods, and adore them (Deuteronomy 11:16, DOT).

9 When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee, beware lest thou have a mind to imitate the abominations of those nations…12 For the Lord abhorreth all these things, and for these abominations he will destroy them at thy coming. (Deuteronomy 18:9,12, DOT)

Roman Catholic translations of the Bible show that spreading shady trees, like evergreens, were not to be part of the worship of the true God–and that people should not be deceived and serve such strange practice or other pagan practices. The truth is that Christmas reminds us that people are often unwilling to worship God as He intended, but instead often prefer pagan substitutes that they rationalize as somehow acceptable if they pretend the holiday is about Jesus.

Those who truly believe Jesus’ words, “Human beings live not on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NJB) will not celebrate a compromised pagan holiday such as Christmas because it contains practices and symbols (see also What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?) warned against in the Bible and was never enjoined upon true believers to practice.

Apparently the practice of ‘Christmas caroling’ also has its origins in Saturnalia:

In ancient Babylon, the feast of the Son of Isis (Goddess of Nature) was celebrated on December 25. Raucous partying, gluttonous eating and drinking, and gift-giving were traditions of this feast.

In Rome, the Winter Solstice was celebrated many years before the birth of Christ. The Romans called their winter holiday Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the God of Agriculture. In January, they observed the Kalends of January, which represented the triumph of life over death. This whole season was called Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. The festival season was marked by much merrymaking. It is in ancient Rome that the tradition of the Mummers was born. The Mummers were groups of costumed singers and dancers who traveled from house to house entertaining their neighbors. From this, the Christmas tradition of caroling was born. In northern Europe, many other traditions that we now consider part of Christian worship were begun long before the participants had ever heard of Christ. The pagans of northern Europe celebrated the their own winter solstice, known as Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born … http://www.essortment.com/christmas-pagan-origins-42543.html

Many practices that people associate with Christmas came from pagan holidays. (For more on Mummers, please see Canadian & Philadelphian Mummers Parades: Another tie to Saturnalia.)

The “twelve days of Christmas” originally came from the 12 days of Yuletide which began at sunset on December 20, known as Mother Night, and ended on the night of December 31, the Night of the Oak King and the Roman day of Hecate. The dates were later moved by those who keep Christmas.

Yuletide is perhaps the greatest of all Heathen holidays. It is a time of celebration and close family contact that lasts twelve days and nights; each of which can be viewed as a month of the preceding year in miniature. Many of the customs associated with Christmas actually began from Heathen Yule rites and customs. Many Gods and Goddesses are honored during Yuletide and most Asatruar believe that they, as well as the spirits of the earth and our ancestors, all join us for the celebrations. All are our kith and kin, after all.

There are many traditions and practices that are traditional to the month of Yule the most well known is of course the 12 days of Yule. Some Heathens may simply bookend Yule with Mother’s Night and Twelfth Night and not have specific observances in-between those days, there are some other Heathens who have taken things a step further. Pulling inspiration from the Nine Noble Virtues, and combining it with candle-lighting celebrations like Chanukah or Kwanzaa, they have come up with a reason to light a candle every night during the Yuletide.

The alter {sic} on Yule should face north, the area is decorated with Holly and Mistletoe and dried leaves and fruit such as Hips and Haw. A chalice of appropriate wine, mead or cider. The Oak or Pine log with up to 13 green, white and red candles decorated with carvings, runes or symbols is placed centrally on the altar. (12 Nights of Yule. Nordic Wiccan, December 5, 2014. http://nordicwiccan.blogspot.com/2014/12/12-days-of-yule.html)

Faithful early Christians were not keeping the twelve days of Yuletide–MANY OF WHICH PRACTICED COINCIDED WITH SATURNALIA.

Jimmy Akin further wrote:

Today, many authors link Christmas with the birthday of Sol Invictus — that is, the sun god Sol, who was nicknamed Invictus or “the Unconquerable.” This was celebrated on Dec. 25.

But we have no early Christian sources saying, “We decided to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25 to compete with Sol Invictus.” That means that the idea is sheer speculation, not something that we have evidence for.

It’s not even good speculation, because the only thing the two celebrations have in common is the date, but that doesn’t mean one is based on the other.

First it needs to be understood that Sol Invictus is Mithra–the sun god worshiped by Emperor Constanine.

Roman Mithras is the invincible sun-god, Sol Invictus. This is the burden, repeated a hundred times over, of the votive inscriptions from the second to the fourth centuries AD, whether in the form Sol Invictus Mithras, or Deus Sol Invictus Mithras, or Deus Sol Mithras, or Sol Mithras. There do not seem to be any significant regional or temporal variations among such formulae. In the very earliest epigraphic evidence for the Roman cult of Mithras, the god is already invoked as Sol Invictus Mithras. These facts are confirmed by the numerous votive offerings to Sol, Deus Sol, Sol Invictus, and Deus Invictus Sol which were put up in mithraea.  (Clauss M. The Roman cult of Mithras. Taylor and Francis, 2017, p. 117)

Many Roman Catholic authors rightly connect Sol Invictus–Mithra–with Christmas being December 25th.

Notice the following from The Catholic Encyclopedia:

Constantine the Great… Constantine can rightfully claim the title of Great, for he turned the history of the world into a new course and made Christianity…the religion of the State… it is easy to understand that many of the emperors yielded to the delusion that they could unite all their subjects in the adoration of the one sun-god who combined in himself the Father-God of the Christians and the much-worshipped Mithras; thus the empire could be founded anew on unity of religion. Even Constantine…cherished this mistaken belief… Could not Sol Deus Invictus, to whom even Constantine dedicated his coins for a long time, or Sol Mithras Deus Invictus, venerated by Diocletian and Galerius, become the supreme god of the empire?  Constantine may have pondered over this. Nor had he absolutely rejected the thought even after a miraculous event had strongly influenced him in favour of the God of the Christians… It is true that the believers in Mithras also observed Sunday as well as Christmas. Consequently Constantine speaks not of the day of the Lord, but of the everlasting day of the sun.  (Herbermann C., Georg Gp. Constantine the Great. The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 4. Nihil Obstat. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York.  New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908).

Mithraism A pagan religion consisting mainly of the cult of the ancient Indo-Iranian Sun-god Mithra. It entered Europe from Asia Minor after Alexander’s conquest, spread rapidly over the whole Roman Empire at the beginning of our era, reached its zenith during the third century, and vanished under the repressive regulations of Theodosius at the end of the fourth century…Helios Mithras is one god…Sunday was kept holy in honour of Mithra, and the sixteenth of each month was sacred to him as mediator. The 25 December was observed as his birthday, the natalis invicti, the rebirth of the winter-sun, unconquered by the rigours of the season (Arendzen J. Mithraism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911).

The birthday of the sun god Mithras was what Constantine observed and he wanted his followers to observe. And it ended up getting officially adopted by the Greco-Roman bishops.

Emperor Constantine became a highly devout follower of the sun-god after he said he saw an apparition of the sun god Sol in a grove of Apollo in Gaul in 310 (discussed in Rodgers, Barbara S. “Constantine’s Pagan Vision,”Byzantion, vol. 50, 1980, pp. 259–78). He also observed the sun-god Mithras’ birthday on December 25th. He also seems to be have instrumental in getting the Greco-Romans to celebrate December 25th as Jesus’ birthday:

The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336AD, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine (he was the first Christian Roman Emperor). A few years later, Pope Julius I officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on the 25th December. (Why is Christmas Day on the 25th December? http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/25th.shtml accessed 12/07/15)

The eventual choice of December 25, made perhaps as early as 273, reflects a convergence of Origen’s concern about pagan gods and the church’s identification of God’s son with the celestial sun. December 25 already hosted two other related festivals: natalis solis invicti (the Roman “birth of the unconquered sun”), and the birthday of Mithras, the Iranian “Sun of Righteousness” whose worship was popular with Roman soldiers. The winter solstice, another celebration of the sun, fell just a few days earlier. Seeing that pagans were already exalting deities with some parallels to the true deity, church leaders decided to commandeer the date and introduce a new festival.

Western Christians first celebrated Christmas on December 25 in 336, after Emperor Constantine had declared Christianity the empire’s favored religion. (Coffman E. Why December 25? For the church’s first three centuries, Christmas wasn’t in December—or on the calendar at all. Christianity Today, August 8, 2008. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/news/2000/dec08.html accessed 12/07/15)

The sun-god worshiping Emperor Constantine succeeded in getting the Greco-Romans, over time, to mainly agree with his date–the date of the rebirth of the sun-god Mithras.

Jimmy Akin wrote:

Could the fact that Dec. 25 was the winter solstice have played a role in their celebrating it as Jesus’ birth?

Yes. While Jimmy Akin elsewhere also tries to point to December 25th as having a pre-Sol Invictus origin, the reality is that December 25th was previously also tied to pagan solstice observations.

Jimmy Akin further wrote:

The calculation theory

The easiest date in Jesus’ life to calculate is the day of his death …

Just as Dec. 25 was the winter solstice, March 25 — three months later — was the spring equinox, and the timing of Passover was determined by the spring equinox.

Knowing that Jesus was crucified at Passover, it was easy for ancients to conclude he died around March 25, and that became the standard date.

Let me state that Jimmy Akin does not know the date of Jesus’ death–more on that can be found in the article What Happened in the ‘Crucifixion Week’?

As far as December 25th goes, The Catholic Encyclopedia states:

The Gospels. Concerning the date of Christ’s birth the Gospels give no help; upon their data contradictory arguments are based. The census would have been impossible in winter: a whole population could not then be put in motion…

Natalis Invicti. The well-known solar feast, however, of Natalis Invicti, celebrated on 25 December, has a strong claim on the responsibility for our December date. For the history of the solar cult, its position in the Roman Empire, and syncretism with Mithraism, see Cumont’s epoch-making “Textes et Monuments” etc., I, ii, 4, 6, p. 355…The earliest rapprochement of the births of Christ and the sun is in Cypr., “De pasch. Comp.”, xix, “O quam præclare providentia ut illo die quo natus est Sol . . . nasceretur Christus.” – “O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born . . . Christ should be born.”

Since the census WAS IMPOSSIBLE THEN, December 25th is not possibly the date Jesus was born.

Jimmy Akin further wrote:

Looking at the Gospels

While the calendar date of Jesus’ birth is something we cannot know definitively, the Gospels present us with solid information about the Nativity. …

Since Joseph’s family was from Bethlehem, he and Mary were likely staying with family. But it is also possible that there were so many family members visiting for Caesar’s enrollment (cf. Lk 2:1) that the living area was full, and so Mary chose to give birth in another part of the house.

Family rooms were on an upper floor, so Mary would have gone to the lower part of the house, which is where animals were kept, as indicated by the presence of the manger.

What kind of animals were they? We cannot say, though cows, sheep, and goats were commonly kept. In any event, Jesus was likely born in the lower part of a house, and — most likely — in a cave.

Mithra was allegedly born in a below-ground cave, and many (contrary to logic) claim that Jesus was born in a cave–but He was not. For details, see Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity?

Jimmy Akin further wrote:

Conclusion

There are a large number of myths about Christmas.

Yes, there are many myths. But sadly, Jimmy Akin was attempting to perpetuate many.

Jesus was not born on December 25th, early Christians did not celebrate Christmas or even birthdays.

Faithful early Christians attempted to remain separate from pagan observances.

True Christians do so until this day.

Christmas is NOT a biblical nor truly a Christ-centered holiday. It is a sentimental and commercialized, pagan tradition.

We put out the following video which scripturally deals with many of the so-called reasons that Protestants and Roman Catholics point to for observing Christmas:

1:10:57

Arguments for Christmas?

This sermon goes over four articles, two from Protestants and two from Roman Catholics, who give their reasons and arguments for why they feel that real Christians should observe the 25th of December as Christmas. The writers generally admit that Jesus was not born then, that the trappings of Christmas a pagan, the timing is pagan (it coincided with the pagan Saturnalia and the birthday of the sun god Mithras), and that Santa Claus is a lie. Dr. Thiel explains errors in their arguments, brings up scriptures, and points out the Bible enjoins God’s Holy Days, that Christmas was not one of them, and that early Christians did not observe it. Dr. Thiel explains what the word ‘Christmas’ means, when it was first used, where it comes from, and why true believers would not wish to celebrate it. He over points out that its observance distorts God’s plan and that most who observe Christmas do not understand God’s plan of salvation.

Here is a link to our video: Arguments for Christmas?

We also recently put out the following sermon-length video:

 

1:25:55

Christians say No to Christmas

Was Jesus born on the 25th of December? Can you be certain He was not? If He was not, should Christians celebrate December 25 as His birth date? Was December 25th really celebrated by pagans as the birthday of the sun-god Mithras/Natalis Invicti? Did early Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth? Are many of the traditions associated with Christmas actually pagan as associated with the Saturnalia of Roman and the Druid practices of the winter solstice? What about evergreen trees, ivy, holly, exchange of gifts, and mistletoe? Do Buddhists and Hindus uses ‘Christmas lights’ today? Was ‘Saint Nicholas’ actually happy, fat, and jolly or a brawler? Any connections between the Norse god Odin and Santa Claus? Is it right to lie to children about Santa Claus? What is the connection of eating boar (ham/pig/pork) on Christmas and ancient Nimrod? Does the Bible discourage adoption on non-biblical worship practices? What does ‘The Catholic Encyclopedia’ reveal about Christmas and its associated practices? What about Emperor Constantine picking the date in 336 A.D.? Can you be certain that December 25th was not the date of Jesus’ birth? Where are God’s Holy Days listed in the Bible? Did Jesus condemn relying on tradition over scripture for worship? Why to faithful Christians say no to Christmas? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters and also goes over a list of 25 items to consider to not celebrating Christmas?

Here is a link to our video: Christians say No to Christmas.

Christmas is a distraction from the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. It is not a Christ-centered holiday as its proponents sometimes claim.

Christmas has the wrong emphasis and is not based on truth.

The foundation of Christmas is demonic paganism and lies.

Consider something else that Jesus had recorded:

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)

Which are you?

One who keeps God’s commandments or one who prefers to practice the idolatrous lie of Christmas?

Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?

Again, here is a link to our short video: 22 Points to Consider About Christmas.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Protestant and Roman Catholic Arguments for Christmas Various ones believe that Christians should celebrate Christmas. Do their arguments stand up to biblical or historical scrutiny? Here is a link to a related sermon: Arguments for Christmas?
What Does the Roman Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god? Here is a link to two related sermon: 25 Reasons to Not Keep Christmas and What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas?
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. A related sermon is Which Spring Days should Christians observe?
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did the early Church use icons? What was the position of Christians about such things? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons.
What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol? Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? Two related YouTube videos would be Beware of the ‘Ecumenical Cross’ and Origin of the Cross.
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it? Here is an old, by somewhat related, article in the Spanish language LA DOCTRINA DE LA TRINIDAD. A related sermon is available: Trinity: Fundamental to Christianity or Something Else? A brief video is also available: Three trinitarian scriptures?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis?
Hanukkah: Jewish Christmas and Hidden Key to Prophecy? Originally a Jewish national holiday, has Hanukkah morphed into a Jewish Christmas? Does it hold hidden secrets to prophecy? Here is a related video: Hanukkah, Tradition, and Prophecy.
Canadian & Philadelphian Mummers Parades: Another tie to Saturnalia In Canada there is a ’12 days of Christmas’ celebration involving Mummers. In Philadelphia, a parade is held on New Years. Does this come from the Bible or where?
Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
How did December 25th become Christmas? Was Jesus born then? If not, why December 25? Here is the article translated into Mandarin Chinese 12g25eågTf/`NHˆ«‹¸YWúwcv„OáNð€‘Ç~³v„.
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations? A related sermon video is available and is titled: Birthdays, Christians, and December 25th. French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui? Here is a link to a short animation: Which Church would Jesus Choose?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
The 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.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they? A related sermon is titled Tradition and Scripture.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Artist’s conception of the Apostle Paul before King Agrippa II where
he asked, “DO YOU BELIEVE THE PROPHETS?” (Acts 26:27)
(Photo from 1932 book, now in the public domain)

COGwriter

The Bible teaches:

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes. (Proverbs 26:4-5)

Jesus sometimes answered detractors and sometimes He did not.

Last week, a couple of people posted some statements about me, Bob Thiel, such as that I have had many false prophecies. Yet, they listed none as proof. Instead, they repeated that claim multiple times.

The Bible teaches:

16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can answer sensibly. (Proverbs 26:15)

Can you accept the sensible truth?

Earlier this year, Gary Leonard, the webmaster at the Banned by HWA , posted the following at his Banned by HWA website:

This brings us today to our very own resident prophet of God dreamed into being as the foundations of the world were being created. Assigned to be revealed on earth in the perilous end times as God’s most important human to ever walk the earth, after Jesus of course, but above all others, this great prophet would arise from the ashes of Armstrongism to bring truth and light to a hurting world. This prophet would be the last chance anyone in humanity would have to be saved before Satan is unleashed to wreak havoc worldwide. Only true followers of this mighty prophet would be able to discern the time they need to flee to Petra, Sella, or some other godforsaken place in the Middle East where all devoted followers would be subjected to 3 1/2 years of hearing him preach.

Never in the history of the Church of God movement has a man as great and important as Bob Thiel the Great Bwana to Africa and 100 Caucasians been more prophetically endowed than we see in him today. A world-renowned scholar on everything imaginable, from the Mayans to end-time prophecy, the Great Bwana is the most quoted man spiritually converted man ever to appear on MSNBC and in the Washington Post. These news organizations stood in awe as the wisdom of the Great Bwana astounded them all as he spoke. Never had they heard such mind-altering information!

As the new year starts all kinds of people are making their yearly predictions on what they expect to happen in 2024. For prophecy addicts this is a very important time to get their messages out even though their track records have all been epic failures the previous year. Yet, they march on to victory! Onward Christian Soldiers!!!

Anyway, back to our favorite resident prophet of Armstrongism, the Great Bwana to Africa and 100 Caucasians has released his list of prophetic things to watch for in 2024. Anyone with half a brain can see these are nothing more than current news stories or just daily events that happen all the time. It is so easy for COG false prophets to search for articles and news stories to prop up their utterances.

The Great Bwana Mzungu writes:

Sermon: 24 Items to Prophetically Watch in 2024 

Dr. Thiel goes over 24 items to watch in 2024 and points out events that were related to several of them in 2023:

1. Scoffing in the Last Days

2. Immorality Prophecies Being Fulfilled

3. Media, Internet, and Other Censorship

4. Weather Sorrows and Troubles

5. Earthquakes and Volcanoes

6. The White Horse of the Apocalypse

7. Strife and the Red Horse of War

8. Trade Issues

9. The Deal of Daniel 9:27

10. Knowledge Increasing

11. Debt

12. US Dollar Dominance will Decrease

13. CBDC and 666

14. Gold

15. Unrest, Terror, and the Dividing of the USA

16. Europe Will Work to Reorganize

17. Europe Will Have a Great Army and Many Ships

18. Steps Towards the Formation of the King of the South

19. The Time of the Gentiles will Lead to Armageddon

20. Jews Readying to Sacrifice

21. Inventions of Evil Things

22. Totalitarian Steps

23. Preparation for the Short Work

24. Fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 and 28:19-20.

Dr. Thiel goes over prophetic scriptures (in 2 Timothy, Habakkuk, Amos, Daniel, Matthew, Mark, Romans, Revelation, Isaiah, 2 Corinthians, Psalms), including those that must be fulfilled before the start of the Great Tribulation, as well as others that also need to be fulfilled before Jesus returns. When are some prophetic events expected and not expected to be fulfilled? Could we see events in 2024 in the Middle East involving Israel that would lead to the Great Tribulation starting in 3 1/2 years and Jesus returning in 2031? Dr. Thiel goes over many biblical items and ties them in with world events that happened and are in the process of happening.

Here is the list of years where the Great Bwana Bob was wrong:

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Gary Leonard saying that I was wrong about each of those years is not the truth. Related to world events aligning with the those items in 2024, check out a new article which has links showing events that did align in 2024: 25 items to prophetically watch in 2025.

Consider further that Jesus said:

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

So yes, Gary Leonard, Jesus said I am blessed when you post all kinds of insults, evil, and false things about me.

Now, before going further, while I normally do not look at the comments at the Banned by HWA website, related to that post I did. As it turns out, the first person to comment about what Gary Leonard posted put forth the following:

Bob’s predictions have been accurate, so far.

Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11:38:00 AM PST

The above commenter was right about that.

Furthermore, related to each and every one of those twelve years, I posted that those who claimed that the Great Tribulation would start or Jesus would return in those years was wrong, and gave biblical reasons for that. And, of course, I was right.

Regarding 2012 and Mayan matters, by the end of 2012 world events aligned/confirmed at least 32 predictions in my 2012 book. Some details can be found at the following link: End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?

In 2013, I wrote that Russia would end up with at least some territory of Ukraine, that happened in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea–and it did not give it back despite sanctions, like some hoped in 2019.

On January 28, 2020, someone who calls himself “Tonto” posted posted the following related to me and the coronavirus at the anti-COG site Banned by HWA :

Tonto said…

If Thiel was such a great prophet, then why didn’t he specifically and directly warn the world about this coronavirus several weeks ago?

The next day, I responded with:

Actually, I specifically warned about risks associated with the coronavirus in 2013 (see Coronavirus: A new risk for humans? and Saudi Arabia warning visitors to Mecca about coronavirus risk) and 2014 (see Saudi Arabia, MERS, and Missiles and Infection-gate: A dangerous scandal hitting the USA?). Additionally, I have also warned also about human engineered pathogens without mentioning the coronavirus in 2018 (see DARPA to weaponize insects to spread viruses across the population… sinister plans exposed by team of scientists) and 2019 (see DARPA: ‘Militarized Microbes’ To Spread GMO Bacteria). Humans messing around with viruses, like what was being officially done in Wuhan, poses risks. And I have warned about those risks, including research involving the coronavirus for years.

Pretty much every day, I pray and ask God to assist me choosing topics to write about. And a few times in the past, that has specifically included the coronavirus.

On February 22, 2022, two days before Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine began, I posted:

I expect that Donetsk and Luhansk will either be annexed by Russia and/or join its Eurasian Economic Union.

On September 30, 2022, Russia formally annexed Donetsk and Luhansk.

In 2022. for another example, I made a speculative prediction about Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg which was confirmed in November 2023 (see Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is to become a ‘media brand’? Another COGwriter speculative prediction confirmed?).

In 2024, I made a couple of predictions related to Europe and Mercosur that came to pass.

Consider also the following summary of various predictions:

Coincidences or Divine Intervention?

Surely not all of those are coincidental or the result of news analysis (particularly those related to the late Dr. and Mrs. Meredith which were not related to world news and trends).

Now, it is not just me saying that the predictions in my books have come to pass. On August 24, 2020, I received the following unsolicited email from someone I had not spoken to for three years and who was not in any COG:

Hi Bob, it’s your old radio promoter XXXXX XXXXXX, and I remembered your name after seeing some Thiel headlines recently. I’m not doing media anymore, but it’s neat to see how your were right in your predictions.

Anyway hope things are going well otherwise,

Jesus said:

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

Confirmed predictions are certainly a fruit of a true prophet.

Despite Jeremiah giving true predictions, people who claimed to believe the Bible denounced him as a false prophet (cf. Jeremiah 43:1-2)–according to Jesus this has occurred throughout history (Matthew 5:12; 23:29-31).

The fact that the Continuing Church of God has been the fastest growing xWCG group in the 21st century is also a fruit of having a true prophet for those who have an ear to hear (Revelation 3:13).

The Apostle Paul made the following comments:

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.  (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)

27 … Do you believe the prophets? (Acts 26:27)

Many of those at the Banned by HWA website despise prophecies and do not believe the prophets–do not be like them!

Many people, including Christians, think they believe the Bible and think they would have listened to the prophets and those God gave dreams to in scripture–yet in the 21st century they really do not have that type of faith to believe. This may be why Jesus wondered how much faith He would find when He returned (Luke 18:8).

As far as prophets and dreams go, Jeremiah was inspired to write:

28 The prophet who has a dream should tell his dream. … (Jeremiah 23:28, GWT)

28 The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream;
And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. (Jeremiah 23:28, NKJV)

That is something that I, Bob Thiel, have done (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).

That said, another commenter at the Banned by HWA website, posted the following related to Gary Leonard’s post related to the 24 items to prophetically watch in 2024:

10. Knowledge Increasing

Not in CCOG!

Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 6:03:00 PM PST

That is also a lie.

Much knowledge has been increased in the CCOG.

Here is a summary related to some:

Dreams & Signs of Acts 2:17-18
Why God Created Anything
Why God Created Human Beings
Teaching all things Jesus taught (Matthew 28:19-20; see also The Final Phase of the Work)
Church History–and how it supports the COG contending for the original faith.
Laying on of Hands Succession and List
Violent Sports (see also Is American Football Evil?)
Details and Ramifications of Being Non-Trinitarian (see also Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?)
The Final Phase of the Work and Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God translated into over 1500 languages–while working on more (see also Preaching the Gospel in Over 1500 Languages)–and while distinguishing between the millennial and post-millennial phases of the Kingdom of God.
Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles
Major and massive details on God’s plan of salvation (see also Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation)
Prophecy (watch also 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors)
Habakkuk 2 and Debt (e.g., see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel)
Identity of the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2
Daniel 11:39 and the Start of the Great Tribulation
USA-Samaria Identification
Mark of the Beast
Attaining the Unity of God (see also What is Your Destiny? Deification? Did the Early Church Teach That Christians Would Become God?)
Why Do Christian People Die?
Information on the Third Resurrection (see also Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation
The reason there was both a Passover and Atonement sacrifice representing Jesus (see Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?).

More details are in the links as well as as in the article: Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things.

Does any of this mean that Bob Thiel is perfect or something?

No.

Yet, notice:

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours [with the same physical, mental, and spiritual limitations and shortcomings], (James 5:17, Amplified Bible)

Yes, prophets are regular human beings, not perfect ones. Just because you may not agree with everything from a prophet does not mean he is not one.

Now getting back to Banned by HWA, one of the other Satanic tactics it has repeatedly done at its website is to use the “guilt by association” game. This is an old Satanic tactic that was done on more than one occasion against Jesus by some of those who rejected Him (e.g. Luke 5:30, 15:2). The Bible teaches that Satan is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:9-10), and we have seen his allies do the same.

The Apostle Peter taught:

14 … “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.  (Acts 2:14b-18)

This is a prophecy, according to the Bible, for the last days.

Are we in the last days?

If yes, there should be at least one true prophet of God according to the New Testament.

According to Norman Edwards (who was a former board member of the old Global Church of God and now runs Nashville Christian) pride is the reason people do not accept a prophet of God:

“… I [an angel] am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).

With dozens of New Testament Scriptures explaining and encouraging the ongoing prophecy in the New Testament and with no scriptures clearly declaring its end, one must conclude that prophets and prophecy are something that God wants for His Church today!

Implementing These Truths

In this 21 st century, most who call themselves Christian neither observe the Sabbath nor seek prophets or prophecies in their congregations. A few teach and practice one or the other. Only a tiny fraction accepts both.

The single biggest difficulty in acquiring any truth, no matter how valuable, is overcoming our own human pride. It is very difficult to accept that we have been wrong about something for many years— especially when we have been right on other things. (Edwards N. Need Prophets More than Prophecy. Shepherd’s Voice, Fall 2013)

Most end time Christians, according to Jesus (Revelation 3:14-21) are Laodiceans that need to change. Jesus said most, however, are too self-satisfied and do not think that they do.

The New Testament has the following warnings:

8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
In the day of trial in the wilderness,
9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
And saw My works forty years.
10 Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.’
11 So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ (Hebrews 3:8-11)

15 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. (Hebrews 3:15)

7 Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts. (Hebrews 4:7)

Many have hardened their hearts. Look, when Pharaoh hardened his heart, he thought he was doing what was best for Egypt. When the children of Israel hardened their hearts, they apparently thought that they were the people of God, hence they were doing the right thing. Laodiceans are like that when they will not prove for themselves whether there is any true prophet today.

The Bible says:

1 Cry aloud, spare not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet they seek Me daily, (Isaiah 58:1-2)

Many people do not want to hear that even believers can be committing sins of omission. This post is intended to point part of that sin out.

Yes, even God’s people need to change–and yes, it is at least a lukewarm sin to not accept God is working now to fulfill Acts 2:17-18.

Isaiah was inspired to write:

9 That this is a rebellious people,
Lying children,
Children who will not hear the law of the Lord;
10 Who say to the seers, “Do not see,”
And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things;
Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.  (Isaiah 30:9-10)

For Christians, verses in the Book of Acts are also the law of the Lord.

Norman Edwards also wrote the following:

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

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

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

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

The Apostle Paul wrote:

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.  (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, NKJV)

19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, KJV)

Have you REALLY done that related to 21st century prophets?

Many have been affected by wrong comments when it comes to true prophets, and instead tend to despise God pouring out His Spirit in dreams and prophecies in this Laodicea-dominated age.

Do not simply accept nonsense and other anti-CCOG statements posted at places like the Banned by HWA webmaster.

Be wise, prove all things, and accept the truth.

A ram’s horn was blown in the Bible to mark the start of a Jubilee
(Photo from Wikipedia)

COGwriter

Israel365News posted the following:

UNPRECEDENTED: Pope to Open Five Sacred Portals on Christmas in Manner Described by Talmud

“ and you shall hallow the fiftieth year. You shall proclaim release throughout the land for all its inhabitants… Leviticus 25:10 (The Israel Bible)

December 18, 2024

The Vatican announced that the Pope will open five “sacred portals” on Christmas Eve. The ceremony will be the first time this is done and is set to coincide with the 2025 Jubilee Year. Jubilees have been celebrated every 25 years since the Vatican adopted the tradition in 1300. This year’s theme is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The ceremony, dubbed “doorway to salvation” by the Vatican, involves the opening of five “Holy Doors” at ancient basilicas. The doors are located at the basilicas of St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, all within a 30-minute drive of the Vatican.

The ceremony began on December 2 at the door of St. Peter’s Basilica. Prayers were held at the site, and a metal box containing a key was removed from a metal box.

The second portal, a symbolic door at the Rebibbia prison in Rome, will be opened by the pontiff on Dec. 26 for the feast of St. Stephen.

On December 29, the Holy Door of Basilica Saint John Lateran will be opened. Pope Francis is the bishop of this basilica.

On New Year’s Day, the Solemnity of Mary, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

The final sacred portal will be opened on Jan. 5 at the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The Holy Doors will be sealed with bricks once again on Jan. 6, 2025, to await the next jubilee year.

The insides of the doors were sealed with brick, which was removed before the Pope opened them. When Jubilee finishes on January 6, 2025, the Pope will be the last person to walk through each of the four doors before closing them, which will then be bricked up and sealed.

For the first time, the ceremony will include one “hypothetical” door at Rebibbia prison, Italy’s largest correctional facility, intended as a message of hope to prisoners.

The ceremony has no source in the Bible or Christian theology …

Pope Boniface VIII was the first to Christianize the ceremony in 1300 CE … In 1474, Pope Paul II established that the Jubilee should be held every 25 years, which followed the tradition of opening all four basilica doors.

The ceremony is highly reminiscent of a section of the Talmud (Sanhedrin 98a) dealing with signs the Messiah is imminent:

“Rabbi Yosei ben Kisma’s students asked him: When will the son of David come? Rabbi Yosei ben Kisma said: I am hesitant to answer you, lest you request from me a sign to corroborate my statement. They said to him: We are not asking you for a sign. Rabbi Yosei ben Kisma said to them: You will see when this existing gate of Rome falls and will be rebuilt, and will fall a second time and will be rebuilt, and will fall a third time. And they will not manage to rebuild it until the son of David comes.” https://israel365news.com/398695/unprecedented-pope-to-open-five-sacred-portals-on-christmas-in-manner-described-by-talmud/

First, let me state that irrespective of what the Talmud states, the Vatican’s opening of five doors is NOT a biblical sign of the Messiah. Jesus laid out signs in the 24th chapter of the Book of Matthew, and opening physical doors was not one of them.

Secondly, the biblical Jubilee happens every 50 years on the Day of Atonement, which comes in the Fall.

Thirdly, this door opening is NOT a belief of the original catholic church (for what the original catholic church believed, check out the free online book: Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?).

Fourthly, the way the Church of Rome understands doors and keys is not biblical (see Was Peter the Rock Who Alone Received the Keys of the Kingdom?).

It is a fact that the Church of Rome proclaims what it calls a ‘Jubilee’ every 25 years and does not start it on the Day of Atonement. Furthermore, the faked one from the Vatican is handled differently than the biblical one.

Someone posted the following tweet related to this door opening matter:

🚨Update: Pope to Open 5x Sacred Portals on Christmas Eve, This Ritual Has NEVER Been Done Before!

The door at St. Peter’s was sealed shut by a wall of bricks, but on Dec. 2 they were ripped down to ready the door as part of ‘The Rite of Recognition’

Starting on Dec. 24, the… pic.twitter.com/nmtPknBIPr

— US Civil Defense News (@CaptCoronado) December 12, 2024

One statement in the tweet which does not appear above unless you click on it is, “This specific ritual has NEVER been done before. we live in VERY strange times folks. Is he trying to release the demons…?”

Now, the Bible does show a future time when demons will go over the earth:

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:12-14)

However, the fulfillment of that prophecy is at least seven years away and is not about to be fulfilled in the next few weeks. Also, note that these demons are released after an angel pours out a bowl, not after a pontiff opens doors.

Furthermore, regarding the Vatican’s Jubilee plans, notice the following:

Jubilee 2025 to welcome LGBT pastoral groups for the first time in history

December 8, 2024

The upcoming Holy Year of 2025 is set to make history by including, for the first time, a dedicated day for Christian and Catholic associations involved in LGBT pastoral care. This unprecedented move, scheduled for September 6, 2025, underscores a message of inclusion under Pope Francis’ ongoing call for a more welcoming Church. While the vice-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, sought to frame this event as one among many within the broader Jubilee calendar, his message was clear: “All are welcome.” Vatican representatives have emphasized that the inclusion does not equate to sponsorship of specific events, reflecting a careful balancing act within the Church’s approach to contentious issues. https://zenit.org/2024/12/08/jubilee-2025-to-welcome-lgbt-pastoral-groups-for-the-first-time-in-history/

December 16, 2024

Agnese Palmucci, a spokesperson for the Dicastery for Evangelization, the Vatican department responsible for Jubilee organization …

Over the weekend, Palmucci told Italian media outlets that in conversations with Father Pino Piva, an Italian Jesuit and an advisor to the Tenda di Gionata group, it became clear that some of the logistical information the dicastery usually requires to list an event was missing, so the Sept. 6 pilgrimage was temporarily removed.

As soon as that information has been submitted, Palmucci said, the LGBTQ+ pilgrimage will be returned to the calendar. …

Already on Sept. 6, for instance, in addition to the LGBTQ+ event, there are also diocesan pilgrimages for the dioceses of Ascoli Piceno and San Benedetto del Tronto-Ripatransone-Montalto.

Founded in 2018 at the suggestion of a priest from the Fermo diocese, the group La Tenda di Gionata is part of a series of organizations and movements in Italy seeking to provide pastoral and spiritual care for LGBTQ+ Christians. https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2024/12/vatican-says-lgbtq-pilgrimage-will-return-to-jubilee-2025-calendar

That is so wrong. One would think that the Vatican would accept what is written in Bible translations they accept like the following:

22 For professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

23 And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of the image of a corruptible man, and of birds, and of fourfooted beasts, and of creeping things.

24 Wherefore God gave them up to the desires of their heart, unto uncleanness, to dishonour their own bodies among themselves.

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie; and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God delivered them up to shameful affections. For their women have changed the natural use into that use which is against nature.

27 And, in like manner, the men also, leaving the natural use of the women, have burned in their lusts one towards another, men with men working that which is filthy, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was due to their error.

28 And as they liked not to have God in their knowledge, God delivered them up to a reprobate sense, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all iniquity, malice, fornication, avarice, wickedness, full of envy, murder, contention, deceit, malignity, whisperers,

30 Detractors, hateful to God, contumelious, proud, haughty, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Foolish, dissolute, without affection, without fidelity, without mercy.

32 Who, having known the justice of God, did not understand that they who do such things, are worthy of death; and not only they that do them, but they also that consent to them that do them. (Romans 1:22-32, Douay-Rheims Bible)

Having LGBT pastoral groups as part of their religious and ecumenical plans is certainly providing them some approval, some consent, yet the Bible clearly opposes that.

That said, it should be obvious that Rome’s ‘Jubilee’ is not the same as the biblical one.

As far as the Bible and the Jubilee year, here is a lot of what the Bible itself teaches about it:

8 ‘And you shall count seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years; and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years. 9 Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land. 10 And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family. 11 That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine. 12 For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat its produce from the field.

13 ‘In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his possession. 14 And if you sell anything to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor’s hand, you shall not oppress one another. 15 According to the number of years after the Jubilee you shall buy from your neighbor, and according to the number of years of crops he shall sell to you. 16 According to the multitude of years you shall increase its price, and according to the fewer number of years you shall diminish its price; for he sells to you according to the number of the years of the crops. 17 Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 25:8-17)

25 ‘If one of your brethren becomes poor, and has sold some of his possession, and if his redeeming relative comes to redeem it, then he may redeem what his brother sold. 26 Or if the man has no one to redeem it, but he himself becomes able to redeem it, 27 then let him count the years since its sale, and restore the remainder to the man to whom he sold it, that he may return to his possession. 28 But if he is not able to have it restored to himself, then what was sold shall remain in the hand of him who bought it until the Year of Jubilee; and in the Jubilee it shall be released, and he shall return to his possession.

29 ‘If a man sells a house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year he may redeem it. 30 But if it is not redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house in the walled city shall belong permanently to him who bought it, throughout his generations. It shall not be released in the Jubilee. 31 However the houses of villages which have no wall around them shall be counted as the fields of the country. They may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee. 32 Nevertheless the cities of the Levites, and the houses in the cities of their possession, the Levites may redeem at any time. 33 And if a man purchases a house from the Levites, then the house that was sold in the city of his possession shall be released in the Jubilee; for the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel. 34 But the field of the common-land of their cities may not be sold, for it is their perpetual possession. (Leviticus 25:25-34)

40 As a hired servant and a sojourner he shall be with you, and shall serve you until the Year of Jubilee. 41 And then he shall depart from you — he and his children with him — and shall return to his own family. He shall return to the possession of his fathers. (Leviticus 25:40-41)

47 ‘Now if a sojourner or stranger close to you becomes rich, and one of your brethren who dwells by him becomes poor, and sells himself to the stranger or sojourner close to you, or to a member of the stranger’s family, 48 after he is sold he may be redeemed again. One of his brothers may redeem him; 49 or his uncle or his uncle’s son may redeem him; or anyone who is near of kin to him in his family may redeem him; or if he is able he may redeem himself. 50 Thus he shall reckon with him who bought him: The price of his release shall be according to the number of years, from the year that he was sold to him until the Year of Jubilee; it shall be according to the time of a hired servant for him. 51 If there are still many years remaining, according to them he shall repay the price of his redemption from the money with which he was bought. 52 And if there remain but a few years until the Year of Jubilee, then he shall reckon with him, and according to his years he shall repay him the price of his redemption. 53 He shall be with him as a yearly hired servant, and he shall not rule with rigor over him in your sight. 54 And if he is not redeemed in these years, then he shall be released in the Year of Jubilee — he and his children with him. 55 For the children of Israel are servants to Me; they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 25:47-55)

2 And they said: “The Lord commanded my lord Moses to give the land as an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel, and my lord was commanded by the Lord to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters. 3 Now if they are married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then their inheritance will be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and it will be added to the inheritance of the tribe into which they marry; so it will be taken from the lot of our inheritance. 4 And when the Jubilee of the children of Israel comes, then their inheritance will be added to the inheritance of the tribe into which they marry; so their inheritance will be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers. (Numbers 36:2-4)

16 ‘If a man dedicates to the Lord part of a field of his possession, then your valuation shall be according to the seed for it. A homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver. 17 If he dedicates his field from the Year of Jubilee, according to your valuation it shall stand. 18 But if he dedicates his field after the Jubilee, then the priest shall reckon to him the money due according to the years that remain till the Year of Jubilee, and it shall be deducted from your valuation. 19 And if he who dedicates the field ever wishes to redeem it, then he must add one-fifth of the money of your valuation to it, and it shall belong to him. 20 But if he does not want to redeem the field, or if he has sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed anymore; 21 but the field, when it is released in the Jubilee, shall be holy to the Lord, as a devoted field; it shall be the possession of the priest.

22 ‘And if a man dedicates to the Lord a field which he has bought, which is not the field of his possession, 23 then the priest shall reckon to him the worth of your valuation, up to the Year of Jubilee, and he shall give your valuation on that day as a holy offering to the Lord. 24 In the Year of Jubilee the field shall return to him from whom it was bought, to the one who owned the land as a possession. (Leviticus 27:16-24)

Essentially, the jubilee was a reset for society and a new chance for those who had not handled their finances as well as others may have. People would get their ancestral lands back, if they would have sold them. And since it was supposed to be observed once every 50 years, most people who did not die in childhood would have experienced it once or even twice in their lifetime (yes, even three times was possible).

As far as the meaning of the term translated as jubilee in most Bibles, notice the following:

The translation “Jubilee year” results from a mistaken application of cognates (similar words in different languages). In the original Hebrew, the year was called the “year of the horn,” or, in Hebrew, “the year of the yovel.” The Latin for yovel is iobileus, which just happens to sound like the Latin word iubileus, connected to the verb iubilare, “to celebrate.” The English “Jubilee year” comes from the Latin. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-joel-hoffman/five-mistakes-bible-translation_b_1129620.html

Of course, the world does not endorse the biblical jubilee.

Some have suggested that because the jubilee is not observed, that this is perhaps why there tends to be major economic problems every 50-60 or so years. Notice the following:

“Kondratieff long wave cycle (K-wave) was originally used to explain long wave economic cycles. Its originator Nickolai Kondratieff was a Russian economist (1892-1938) in Stalin’s Agricultural Academy and Business Research Institute (“Long Waves in Economic Life” – originally published in German in 1926). Kondratieff’s major premise was that capitalist economies displayed long wave cycles of boom and bust ranging between 50-60 years in duration. Kondratieff’s study covered the period 1789 to 1926 and was centered on prices and interest rates.”

“The 50-60 year cycle of catastrophe and renewal had been observed and recorded by the ancient Mayans of Central America and by the ancient Israelites. Further studies have discovered similar long economic waves from the period of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Kondratieff identified four distinct phases the economy goes through. They are a period of inflationary growth, followed by stagflation, then deflationary growth and finally depression.” http://www.gold-eagle.com/editorials_02/chapmand062902.html See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kondratiev_wave

Some have seen major economic disturbances throughout history (beyond what we have seen this week) that seem to possibly correlate with not following the admonition of having a Jubilee year.

Since it is the part of the “1%” that would be harmed in modern times by a Jubilee year, and they have major political influence, things would have to change for them to be willing to forgive debts (though political pressure could be one way).

Some have wondered when the biblical Jubilee year is.

Furthermore, from time to time I receive emails from some who think they know when the jubilee year is, despite the fact that history does not clearly record a particular year that the children of Israel actually observed it. There was, for one example, someone who emailed me and claimed that the 50 year biblical jubilee would begin on October 8, 2011. He was upset that I would not proclaim that as he was convinced that was the year. I told him I did not believe that the jubilee period could have begun then. One of the reasons is that since it appears that God has a 6,000 year plan for humankind that should be up within a decade or two and since 6,000 years is divisible by 50, I did not believe that 2011-2012 could possibly have been the year of jubilee as some asserted.

I have looked at a lot of calculations for the next Jubilee year and am not absolutely certain which is correct. One that is supposedly based upon the reign of King Josiah seems to point to the 2028 or 2027 time period (see The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets?), but there are others that point to Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:29-34) that suggest more like a 2050 or 2051, date which seems too distant. Another from the Talmud that leaves over 200 years off of the age of the world, seems to point to 2038, while one related to Ezekiel 40:1 (which the Pulpit commentary says may have been 575 BC) points to 2026 , and one by the Rabbi known as Maimonides seems to point to 2025 (http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12967-sabbatical-year-and-jubilee#anchor9). Some others thought it was a couple of years ago.

That said, because of its timing being declared on the Day of Atonement, I have wondered if the ultimate fulfillment of the Jubilee will be with the millennial kingdom of God.

Notice what happens during the millennium:

1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.  (Revelation 20:1-6)

Satan will be gone, like is also pictured by the Azazel goat being put into the wilderness in the old Day of Atonement ceremony (Leviticus 16:8-10; see also The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance).

When Jesus comes to reign, He is going:

To proclaim liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1)

Which is what was supposed to be declared on the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament per Leviticus 25:10.

For this reason, some believe that Jesus will return near the start of a real, not fake, Jubilee year.

That said, the old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

Every 50 years a Jubilee year was to be proclaimed nationally (verses 8-17). An inheritance could be “sold” — leased out — only until the Jubilee year. That year it would once again revert to its rightful owner. (City property, however, could be sold permanently for major development — see Leviticus 25:29-31.)

A person who leased out his land could get it back before the Jubilee, however, if he so desired. He could repossess it anytime he wanted it by canceling the lease and refunding a fair prorated amount to the person to whom he had leased it. Thus a person could not be permanently deprived at the very least of a tax-free house and home.

This is the way agricultural lands will be treated in the world tomorrow, for in order that “everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree” — a picture of the peaceful conditions of the age to come — it will be necessary that everyone have his own piece of land either in a town or village or in the countryside. (See Micah 4:4.)

What a different world that will be! (Steep CD. A Welfare Plan With a Heart! Plain Truth, July-August 1984)

Yes, there will be real and positive economic reform coming.

But there will be an even greater liberty that will occur a century past the end of the coming millennium.

Let’s read about that in Revelation 21:

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.”

5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. (Revelation 21:1-7)

That time is coming.

That is additional good news that we proclaim now.

But, unlike, the Jubilee of the Hebrew scriptures, that time of freedom will not be limited to one year. It will last for eternity. Notice something from the Literal Standard Version translation of the Bible:

6 For a Child has been born to us, “” A Son has been given to us, “” And the dominion is on His shoulder, “” And He calls His Name “” Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, “” Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of [His] dominion, “” And of peace, there is no end, “” On the throne of David, and on His kingdom, “” To establish it, and to support it, “” In judgment and in righteousness, “” From now on, even for all time, “” The zeal of YHWH of Hosts does this. (Isaiah 9:6-7, LSV)

Yes, eternal peace and righteousness–the ultimate Jubilee!

Remember to pray, as Jesus said in Matthew 6:8-10, for God’s kingdom to come.

As far as the Vatican’s fake Jubilee goes, we put out the following video:

14:31

Jubilee Fake vs Real

he Bible speaks of the blowing of horn, every 50 years, on the Day of Atonement, commonly called the Jubilee year as the Temple Institute reported about on 24 May 2024. Is it related to the Day of Pentecost that comes in the Spring or the every 25 year Roman Catholic Jubilee (the next one which runs from December 24, 2024 through January 6, 2026)or something else? What is a Jubilee? What about land reform and debt forgiveness? Did this help as a societal economic reset or opportunity? What does the Bible say about the Jubilee? Will Jesus fulfill it, according to the Book of Isaiah, perhaps at the start of the millennial reign? What about the millennial and post-millennial Kingdom of God. Have the K-wave cycle, Mayan records, and even those of ancient Greece and Rome point to waves of cycles and booms coming around each 50-60 years throughout history? Did the old Worldwide Church of God teach anything about the Jubilee? When might the Jubilee year be? Might it be within the next decade? Could there be an eternal ‘Jubilee’ which will be better and, of course, last longer than the one in Leviticus 25 that only lasted one year?

Here is a link to our video: Jubilee Fake vs Real.

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? 2032, 2035, or 2036 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2025, 2026, or 2027? 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? A short video is available titled: Great Tribulation Trends 2025.

The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement.” Does it have any relevance for Christians today? What is the Jubilee? Is fasting healthy? Here is a link to a sermon: Day of Atonement: How Jesus fulfilled His part for the Atonement. Here is a link to a related article in the Spanish language: El Día de Expiación –Su significado cristiano.

Was Peter the Rock Who Alone Received the Keys of the Kingdom? How should Matthew 16:18-19 be understood? Here is a link to a related sermon: Peter, the Rock, and the Keys.

Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and three video sermonette are also available:  Pope Francis signs ‘one world religion’ document! and The Chrislam Cross and the Interfaith Movement and Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?

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