Church of God News

Treasury building in Petra

COGwriter

The Times of Israel reported the following:

Researchers uncover hidden tomb under ‘Indiana Jones’ landmark in Petra

14 October 2024

A team of archeology researchers has unearthed a previously hidden tomb underneath the iconic treasury building of the Nabatean ruins at Petra, Jordan, …

Unlike other tombs found in Petra, which were largely empty, the newly discovered one was filled with ancient artifacts and at least 12 human remains, believed to be over 2,000 years old.

“This is a hugely rare discovery,” said Josh Gates, the host of the Discovery Channel show. “In the two centuries that Petra has been investigated by archaeologists, nothing like this has been found before.” …

Often considered one of the wonders of the world, Petra’s treasury building was made world famous by Stephen Spielberg’s 1989 hit sequel “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” as the iconic ruin was used as the setting for the film’s climax. https://www.timesofisrael.com/researchers-uncover-hidden-tomb-under-indiana-jones-landmark-in-petra/

For many of us with a Worldwide Church of God or Radio Church of God background, Petra was known to us as a possible place of safety to flee to and be protected from the “hour of trial” coming on the world.

For example, back in April 1962, the old Radio Church of God published the following from the late Dr. Herman Hoeh:

Let’s open our Bibles to see why Petra has puzzled scholars and Bible students for centuries.

The true Church of God is pictured in Revelation 12. It is symbolized by a woman-the bride of Christ. But it is a persecuted woman-a Church hated by the world. According to verse 6 the Church fled the first time from her persecutors for 1260 years – during the Middle Ages. But verse 14 unveils another flight of the Church-in the very last days. This time the duration is only 3 1/2 years! “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle”-supernatural deliverance-“that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time”–3 1/2 years.

This prophecy has never been understood by the world because the world cannot understand to whom this prophecy refers. It does not recognize who are the true Church. It sees only the false churches, described in Revelation 17.

But consider now the special time of this prophecy about protection in a mysterious wilderness. Notice exactly which period in the history of God’s Church the escape shall occur. Turn to Revelation 3:7-13. This is addressed to the Philadelphia Era of God’s Church -the Church before whom Christ opens the door to preach His gospel around the world (verse 8). Because this Church has kept Gods word, Jesus promises: “I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation”-the time of trial–“which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth’ (verse 10). Here is a world-wide terror to come upon all nations. This is not for the slow-moving past. It is a prophecy for the pulsating present the last days of human history–just before God intervenes to set up His Kingdom to bring peace at last.

Here is a prophecy for this generation- at the very time God’s Church is preaching and publishing the Gospel of the Kingdom of God world-wide. This prophecy is about us!

But how will Jesus keep us from the coming trial and persecution? We just read the answer from Revelation 12! There is a place of safety, in a wilderness, for the people of God.

But where is that wilderness?

That is the mystery that has puzzled so many for so long! God has kept it a mystery so the world would not know. He has even kept it hidden from God’s Church in the past so His people would have their minds on their work! It is only those who are having a part in the work of God-who have their minds on the Kingdom of God, not some physical place of protection–who will escape. That escape cannot be planned for in advance. It is a supernatural escape!

Remember, if the Christians in Jerusalem in apostolic days had quit their work and prematurely escaped to Pella before A.D. 69, they would have been destroyed by the Roman armies who devastated the city. It was only those who completed the work of God who reached safety in A.D. 69 after the Romans destroyed Pella!

That is why God has veiled the exact place of escape from human eyes all these years. But as the days draw closer to the time of the end, the light of prophecy shines ever more clearly! When the moment comes that we need to know where that place of safety is, Christ will make it known. Meanwhile we need to keep our eyes open and our minds yielded-drinking in the implications of prophecy for this Church today! But where does Petra fit in all this?

An Old Testament Prophecy

Turn to Isaiah 42:l0-13. Here is a prophecy for today-a time of divine intervention, verse 14. Now read verse 11 from the Jewish Publication Society translation according to the original inspired Hebrew:

“Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit”–the descendants of Kedar are the Bedouin Arabs who dwell throughout the Middle East in black tents. Here we have a wilderness located in the Arab world! But continue reading: “Let the inhabitants of Sela exult. Let them shout from the top of the mountains.” The inhabitants of Sela? Who are they? And where is Sela? (In the King James Version the word for Sela is translated “rock.”)

Any Bible student knows that Sela is the Hebrew name of Petra! Sela means Rock–in Hebrew; Petra means Rock in Greek! But Sela or Petra is fundamentally uninhabited today, save for a few dozen wandering Bedouin. These are not the inhabitants in this verse, for notice verse 12: “Let them’’–the inhabitants of Petra or Sela–“give glory unto the Lord”–the Bedouin do not know God, they are Mohammedan–“and declare His praise in the islands.”

Which islands? The islands which Israel inhabits–Isaiah 41:1 and 8. God is certainly not going to use a few uneducated, ignorant Mohammedan Bedouin to declare His glory in the islands and coastlands of Northwestern Europe -where Israel is today! This prophecy resurrection and the return of Christ in power and glory. Christ is going to use His servants–now immortal in the Kingdom of God–to proclaim His intervention and the establishment of His Kingdom over all the earth. He is going to use the very ones whom He is now using to proclaim His message. Then they will finally heed!

Isn’t this prophecy a clear indication that the place of safety for the people of God who are now doing the work of God–and broadcasting to the islands and coastlands of Northwestern Europe–is in an Arabian wilderness, where the Bedouin dwell and is probably at Sela, or Petra?

Supernatural Protection

Turn now to another parallel passage, this time Isaiah 33. Read especially verses 13-17. Notice the time setting. It is when the worlds ambassadors, who seek to make peace, suddenly find the world caught up in frightful destruction (verses 7-8).

Beginning with verse 13 God warns the House of Israel-the “sinners in Zion”-of their sins (verse 14). “Who will be able to live through the endtime fiery atomic and hydrogen warfare?” God asks (verse 14). Those who obey Him, declares verse 15. But where will they go?

Verses 16 and 17 answer! “He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks.. .” This verse is poorly translated in most versions because the translators did not understand the prophecy. The true meaning has been hidden. The place of protection shall be, not munitions of rocks, but the “strongholds of Sela!” The original, inspired Hebrew, mistranslated “munitions,” is metsad, and means a stronghold or a castle or a fort. And the word for “rock” in this verse is Sela, the name of Petra in the Hebrew language!

Petra is a dry, barren area. It hardly provides a few dozen Bedouin sufficient sustenance. How are all of the faithful people of God to be provided for? Continue with the end of verse 16: “…his bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” Here also is supernatural provision! Remember what happened to the children of Israel in the Sinai wilderness? God supernaturally provided them food and water nearly 40 long years! God can do the same today! It is not those who heap up provisions that shall escape! It is those who obey God, who do His work, and who trust Him to provide the necessities and the divine protection when that time arrives!

Verse 17 completes the picture: “Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off’-or “they shall behold a land stretching afar,” according to the Jewish translation. We shall see Him as He is (I John 3:2). Notice also that those in safety see “the land”-Palestine, the promised land stretching into the distance. Surely here is another indication of the high rocky crags of Petra from which one may look northwest to the promised land.

Place of Safety

Perhaps the most commonly quoted verses about Petra are found in Isaiah 16. The prophecy is found in verses 1 to 5. It is a message to Moab-modern Jordan, in whose territory Petra or Sela is presently located. Verse 1 should read: “Send ye the lambs for the Ruler of the land from Sela that is toward the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion” (compare the KJV with the JPS translation).

The time setting of this prophecy is the return of Christ to rule the nations. He is the King of the land. The Moabites are commanded to seek Him, to send Him an offering as a token of their submission. The offering comes from Sela. But why are the Moabites found in Sela, when only Bedouin dwell there today? The succeeding verses answer: “For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters”– and‘ descendants–“of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.” Other prophecies picture hordes from the east capturing the land east of the Jordan. (See Ezekiel 25:l0.) As these Communist hordes plunge toward Palestine, slaughtering as they go, a pitiful remnant–described in Jeremiah 48:1-25–escapes at the Arnon (a stream running into the Dead Sea). The Moabite refugees flee southward for protection. Why? Is it perhaps because they have known of others already there in a place of safety? Now look at verse 4. God is addressing Moab: “Let Mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler.”

So there are others there already. “Mine outcasts,” God calls them. God’s people, who flee from the world, refugees or outcasts!

The fleeing Moabites are not to betray where they are. This makes verse 3 much clearer. The Moabites are commanded to “Give counsel, execute justice; make thy shadow as night in the midst of the noon day; hide the outcasts; betray not the fugitive” (JPS trans.). Their flight is not to reveal where God’s own outcasts are. Their movements are to be as invisible as if it were in black night!

Now compare this prophecy with Jeremiah 48:28, “O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock”–Sela, in Hebrew–“and be like the dove that makes her nest in the sides of the holes mouth”! A perfecr description of Petra, with its caves!

Isaiah 16:5 then reveals the very next prophetic event to occur: “And a throne is established through mercy, and there sitteth thereon in truth, in the tent of David, One that judgeth, and seeketh justice, and is ready in righteousness” (JPS trans.). Christ is now pictured as seated on the throne of David! Surely this indicates that God‘s outcasts in Isaiah 16 are the same as those mentioned in Revelation 12 who escape to the wilderness-shortly before the return of Christ!

Now while many people are focused on the PLACE of safety, Petra may not be the place. For scriptural and other details, please check out the article: There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra.

But there are more important things for Christians to focus on than the PLACE.

One of the reasons for posting about this is today I responded to someone in my former church association who politely suggested that if one strives to be close to God and keeps the commandments, that they basically will automatically be protected.

But that is not what the Bible teaches.

In the New Testament, not all Christians are promised physical protection. It is ONLY the Philadelphian Christians who are promised to be protected from the Great Tribulation:

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:7-10)

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

Notice that Revelation 12:17 shows that there are two groups of Christians, and only one group is protected from the hour of trial in the wilderness. Notice that Revelation 12:17 specifically shows that accepting Jesus and keeping the commandments is NOT enough to be protected.

Most Christians will NOT be Philadelphians in the end before the start of the Great Tribulation. Most Christians still not have the same zeal or love of the truth and proclaiming it that they should–although the Book of Hebrews teaches:

1 Let brotherly love (Philadelphia) continue (Hebrews 13:1).

There still are some Philadelphians in various groups as well as one known Philadelphian organization. Jesus noted that there were Laodiceans who could not see their problems and had the wrong work (Revelation 3:14-18).

In the letters to the churches of Revelation 2 & 3, Jesus discusses various conditions in various true Christian churches.

Jesus is clear that those of Sardis and Laodicea have the wrong focus and need to repent.

Notice Jesus’ statements to Sardis:

1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘ (Revelation 3:1-6

Herbert W. Armstrong identified the Church of God, Seventh Day as representing Sardis.

And those of that persuasion have lost lots of truth. This relates to doctrine, church history, and prophecy. And this has affected their focus and work. Even though CG7 people accept Jesus and strive to keep the ten commandments, notice that Jesus said that there were only “a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.” And even those are NOT promised protection from the coming hour of trial.

Now notice Jesus’ statements to Laodicea:

14 And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’–and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked–
18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘ ” (Revelation 3:14-22, NKJV throughout).

There are several differences in the statements to the church of the Laodiceans that do not seem to be included in the messages to the other churches.

These unique statements include: the term for the location being plural (vs. 14), being lukewarm (vs.15-16), being vomited out (vs.16), thinking they are self-sufficient while not knowing that they are miserable and blind (vs. 17), being counseled to buy gold refined in the fire (vs. 18), that those among them that Jesus loves will be rebuked and chastened (vs. 19), and that Jesus has to knock to find out if any will answer (vs. 20). Jesus also condemns their work.

Those of Laodicea think that they are fine Christians as they are. But Jesus says otherwise.

It is also of interest to note that those that escape will be assembled–they are not lone independents–this is also consistent with writings in Zephaniah 2:1-3.

Nor are those who will be protected wedded to Laodicean organizations.

According to Strong’s Concordance, Laodicea is a combination of two words, laos which it defines as “people” and dike, which is defined by Strong’s as “right,” “judgment,” “punish,” and “vengeance.” Smith’s Bible Dictionary defines Laodicea to mean “justice of the people.” Might the term Laodicean convey that the predominant characteristic of this Church is the carnal view that people rule, the people judge, discount how God works, or, in fact that the people are judgmental?

I personally feel that the term Laodicea conveys a difference in governance and that most Laodiceans have rejected the restored truth about governance (The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government), which results in a lukewarm attitude about doing the work. As well as the fact that the Laodiceans do not recognize sins and other problems in their midst (they tend to rely on themselves or certain leaders even if they have conflicts with portions of scripture). Nor do Laodiceans faithfully accept what the Bible prophesies related to dreams and prophets in the last days (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?)–Jesus specifically warned those of Laodicea to, “anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Revelation 3:12)–but how God works with dreams, and that in the end times they should heed a true prophet of God, is not something that they are willing to see. Yet, Jesus also specifically told those of Laodicea to “be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

Now consider that God inspired the Prophet Zephaniah to write the following:

1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation, (Zephaniah 2:1)

Although it has certain misunderstandings, the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary realized that the gathering together was intended for a religious group or assembly:

Zephaniah 2:1

Gather yourselves together – to a religious assembly, to avert the judgment by prayers, (Joel 2:16, “Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders,” etc.) (from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

When are they to gather together?

2 Before the decree is issued, Or the day passes like chaff, Before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, Before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you! (Zephaniah 2:2)

This gathering is to take place well before the day of the Lord (which happens about 2 1/2 years after the Great Tribulation of Matthew 24:21 begins) and before some type of decree is issued. People who have not gathered together and think they will be able to know what to do at the end are mainly deceiving themselves–which is something Jesus pointed out that the Laodiceans and most in Sardis have done.

Consider also what the New Testament teaches about the importance of gathering together as we get closer to the end:

23 We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming. (Hebrews 10:23, Gods Word Translation)

Who does God want to gather together?

The end time Philadelphian Christians.

Notice what Jesus stated and something the Apostle Peter wrote:

19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19, NKJV)

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10, KJV)

This is a peculiar people. These are people who the world does not desire. These are Philadelphian Christians. Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

This gathering together before Jesus returns is for Christians.

How else do we know that Zephaniah 2:1-3 is related to Christians? Because the decree is for the end time and because of what else God inspired Zephaniah to write:

3 Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. (Zephaniah 2:3a)

The above is a reference to Christians as they are to be the “meek of the earth” (Matthew 5:5) and to Philadelphians who “have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility.” These are Philadelphian Christians who understand that church leaders need to have integrity and are willing to be humble enough to accept the authority of a church led by a low-level prophet in the absence of a clear apostle (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-15). They are humble enough to not think that they should remain ‘independent,’ as many who once were part of the old Worldwide Church of God have done.

Why does God tell them they may wish to be gathered together? So:

3 … It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:3b)

Interestingly, the Hebrew words translated as Zephaniah means “Yahweh Hides” or “Yahweh Has Hidden” (Holy Bible: Vine’s Expository Reference Edition, p. 826).

Why have I written that Zephaniah 2:1-3 has to do with Philadelphian Christians?

Because they are the only ones who will actually ‘gather together’ as they should.

Why?

Because it is only to the Philadelphians that Jesus promises to protect from the coming hour of trial, also referred to as the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord (Revelation 3:7-13).

Now consider that much of the persecution in Daniel 11:30-35 (see Persecutions by Church and State) will be directed against Philadelphian Christians.

One of the reasons for this is that the Philadelphians are leading the final phase of the work and will identify the King of the North and reveal some of his plans.

This will result in much of the world temporarily shifting attention towards the church that is doing that.

Many people will wonder and Philadelphian Christians are to answer questions.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:6)

Not only should be always speak with grace, we also need to have the knowledge of how to talk and answer questions.

The Apostle Peter wrote:

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15, KJV)

And while that ability is needed in all ages, notice the following end time prophecy:

32 … the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. (Daniel 11:32, ESV)

33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; (Daniel 11:33)

The old Radio Church of God taught:

Daniel prophesied: “The people that do KNOW their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Dan. 11:32). Such a statement could refer only to God’s people. Now notice what follows: “And they THAT UNDERSTAND among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days” (verse 33).  …

Some commentators has incorrectly applied this to the Jews. But it could not refer to the Jewish people of our day! The Jews do not KNOW their God, nor do they UNDERSTAND, nor do they instruct many in the ways of God.

This prophecy concerns GOD’S CHURCH. (Neff L. Beware of False Brethren! Good News, January 1960)

Others have also taught it:

Dan. 11:32-33

“Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. [God grant that we will be such faithful people of God.] And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering.”

God’s people will be persecuted, but will warn the world. They will do a mighty work at the time of the end, just at the time when this great false leader will come in and place the abomination of desolation

(Meredith RC. Gospel of Matthew–Program 27, Bible Study https://members.lcg.org/bible-studies/gospel-matthew-program-27).

Sadly, many have forgotten this prophecy–or at least what to do about it–even though it is to be fulfilled within the next decade or so.

Isaiah teaches that God’s people are to be His witnesses:

10 “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, (Isaiah 43:10a)

29. But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We are obligated to obey God rather than men. 30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31. Him has God exalted by His right hand to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. 32. And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts 5:29-32, A Faithful Version)

How can Philadelphian Christians be witnesses, take action, and instruct many if they are not prepared?

They are being prepared by gathering together with the Philadelphian remnant to hear messages on doctrine, prophecy, and church history as well as believing that God has been working miraculously today (see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

Please understand that the Sardis and Laodicean churches do not even know why God created anything or why God created people. But those who accept what the CCOG points out that the Bible teaches can know as well as teach the truth on that–see The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?

Those properly gathered together with us should be learning and can be used by God to instruct many (see also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word). Those of Sardis and Laodicean have not learned what they should know about doctrine, prophecy, church history, how God is intervening, or serving others.

Getting back to Zephaniah, notice that book is teaching that a decree is issued, apparently by a church leader–and I believe that the leader will be part of the Continuing Church of God. This would seem to happen after the gospel has been preached enough to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14), Jewish sacrifices are stopped, and the abomination is set up (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27) per Jesus’ statements in Matthew 24:15-16.

What kind of decree will be issued?

A decree that may allow those who are gathered together and who listen to it an opportunity to be protected (Zephaniah 2:1-3). A decree that the Philadelphians will listen to and then fly/flee.

When is a decree to be issued? After an event that Jesus told of that He tied to the writings of the Prophet Daniel:

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), (Matthew 24:15)

14 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), (Mark 13:14a)

What did Jesus say happens next?

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. (Matthew 24:16-21)

Why a decree?

Apparently, to make it easier for people who read what Jesus said to better be able to understand that Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 and Daniel 9:27b and Daniel 11:31 had been fulfilled.

By whom will the decree be made?

The Bible says:

7 Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
8 A lion has roared!
Who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken!
Who can but prophesy? (Amos 3:7-8)

The prophet may make the decree personally and/or pass it on to another authority in the church to make.

Who is the only Church of God in the 21st century to teach all of this?

The Continuing Church of God.

If you are not with the group that is leading the final phase of the work will you not be able to fly/flee if you wait until the last moment! While that may be remotely possible for some, remember that God inspired Zephaniah to admonish God’s people to ‘gather together…before the decree is issued.’

Most will discount this and many will scoff. Most COGs do not have anyone considered to be a prophet, and those other than CCOG who claim to, have prophets that have been proven to be false (e.g. PCG, CGPFKG, TPM).

Furthermore, let me mention that I read a post from a CCOG scoffer who picked at the very idea that one should suggest that a COG is Philadelphian and those part of such a COG will have be subject to being protected in a place of safety.

He and many others do not realize how important Jesus taught paying attentions to world events and prophecy is. Notice something Jesus taught:

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

Notice Jesus said to watch and pray ALWAYS. He was referring to prophetic matters. THIS CAME FROM JESUS, BUT MANY SCOFF AT PROPHECY for differing reasons (cf. 2 Peter 3:1-7)–yet being a prophetic scoffer is a mistake (cf. 2 Peter 3:8-9).

Believing that all commandment keepers will be protected is also a mistake.

Jesus realized that if people did not pay attention to prophecy and pray always, they would not properly take the steps to “be counted worthy to escape all these things.” Yes, God uses prophecy as a motivator for people. Remember that God used Jonah to warn Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-4) and they repented (Jonah 3:5-9), and they did not get the punishment they were going to get then (Jonah 3:10).

Yet, in this Laodicea-dominated age, most Christians think that they are fine not supporting true Philadelphian church governance.

That, and the not accepting how God has been confirming aspects of Acts 2:17-18, is a problem for the non-Philadelphians.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

This is PETRA! This is a 1962 Good News article by the late Dr. Hoeh.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety,’ Zephaniah 2 to ‘gather together,’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on fleeing to a place–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had? What are some of the scriptural limits on ecclesiastical authority? Do some commit organizational idolatry? Here is a Spanish language version La Biblia, Policarpo, Herbert W. Armstrong, y Roderick C. Meredith sobre el gobierno de la Iglesia. Here is are link to two sermons: Hierarchical Governance and Corruption and Church Governance.
Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit.
21st Century Church of God Prophets Are there any true prophets in the 21st century? What about false prophets? What are scriptures and fruits to identify the true from the false? You you prove all things and test the spirits?
Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation start in 2022 or 2023? Notice also: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de 5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses some early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, CG7-Salem, Jerusalem 7DCG, and COG-7th Day-Denver. Here are two historical sermons: Sardis Church Era: Beginnings, Doctrines, and Leaders and Sardis: SDBs, SDAs, & CG7s.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots.  They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?

Portrait of a man said to be Christopher Columbus (Wikipedia)

COGwriter

Today, used to be simply called Columbus Day in the USA, but that changed in this century. Voice of America reported the following:

US Observes Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day

The United States observes its Columbus Day holiday on Monday as well Indigenous Peoples Day.

Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1971 to celebrate the 1492 landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.

Recognition of the violence, disease and other suffering inflicted by European nations on the people already living in the Western Hemisphere has in recent years prompted a reevaluation of the holiday, including calls for its abolishment and new commemorations of indigenous populations.

U.S. President Joe Biden last week issued the first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day to be observed Monday.

“Today, we also acknowledge the painful history of wrongs and atrocities that many European explorers inflicted on tribal nations and indigenous communities,” Biden wrote. “It is a measure of our greatness as a nation that we do not seek to bury these shameful episodes of our past — that we face them honestly, we bring them to the light, and we do all we can to address them.” October 11, 2021 https://www.voanews.com/a/us-observes-columbus-day-indigenous-peoples-day/6265612.html

Joe Biden was correct to state that there were many “wrongs and atrocities that many European explorers inflicted on tribal nations and indigenous communities.”

Christopher Columbus was a flawed, and often cruel, visionary. Yet, God’s Grace is For All.

A while back, a reader sent me a link to a paper about some of Christopher Columbus’ flawed religious plans:

Americans outside the rarefied circle of Columbus scholars still know little about the man and his mission … his ultimate goal, the purpose behind the enterprise, was Jerusalem!

The 26 December 1492 entry in his journal of the first voyage, hereafter referred to as the Diario, written in the Caribbean, leaves little doubt. He says he wanted to find enough gold and the almost equally valuable spices “in such quantity that the sovereigns… will undertake and prepare to go conquer the Holy Sepulchre; for thus I urged Your Highnesses to spend all the profits of this my enterprise on the conquest of Jerusalem” (Diario 1492[1988: 291, my emphasis]). This statement implies that it was not the first time Columbus had mentioned the motivation for his undertaking, nor was it to be the last. Columbus wanted to launch a new Crusade to take back the Holy Land from the infidels (the Muslims). This desire was not merely to reclaim the land of the Bible and the place where Jesus had walked; it was part of the much larger and widespread, apocalyptic scenario in which Columbus and many of his contemporaries believed. That scenario, derived from the biblical book of Revelation, claims that the conversion of all peoples to Christianity and the re-conquest of Jerusalem are necessary preconditions for the “Second Coming” when Christ will return before the “End of Days.” Columbus felt strongly the imminence of this event; he also came to feel that he had a providential role to play in the drama. There is considerable evidence from his contemporaries and his own writings, especially in the little known Libro de las profecı´as, or Book of Prophecies, that these were longstanding beliefs of Columbus. …

The Libro is not really a book in the conventional sense, but rather a collection of passages culled from the Bible (Genesis to Revelation); numerous ancient authors such as Aristotle, Ptolemy, Seneca; church fathers such as Augustine, Jerome, Chrysostom; and medieval authors including Aquinas, d’Ailly, Joachim of Fiore, and Roger Bacon. It also includes extracts from the Qur’an and the writings of a number of Muslims such as Alfraganus and Averroes. This collection was meant to be used in the composition of a long poem to be presented to the King and Queen. The poem was never completed, but the original manuscript has, amazingly, survived, and today it is housed at the Biblioteca Columbina attached to the Cathedral in Seville.

It is believed the Libro de las profecı´as was compiled during the period between Columbus’s return from the third voyage in late October 1500 and the beginning of the fourth voyage in May 1502. However a passage referring to being in Jamaica in 1504 may indicate that he took a draft along on the final voyage in order to make additions or corrections suggested by his friend Fray Gaspar Gorricio, a Carthusian monk. …

The cover letter that Columbus inserted in the notebook begins: “Most Christian and very exalted princes, the reason which I have for the restitution of the Holy Sepulchre to the Holy Church militant is the following” (Libro 1500–1502 [Thacher 1904, vol. III: 660]). It is an urgent letter that warns them the end of the world will take place in 155 years. This date was arrived at by the common practice of using biblical genealogies to calculate the number of years from Creation, to Christ, to the current year. In this instance Columbus cites Elucidario astronomice concordie cum theological & hystorica veritate by his most crucial source—Pierre d’Ailly: “From Adam to our Lord Jesus Christ there are 5343 years and 318 days, according to the account of the King Don Alonso [sic; should be Alfonso] … adding to this 1501 incomplete years [i.e., the year he is writing], makes in all 6845” (Libro 1500–1502 [Thacher 1904, vol. III: 662]). The end point is fixed—the duration of the world is only seven millennia based on the notion that the seven days of Creation compute to seven thousand earth years. Columbus cites “St. Augustine who says that the end of this world is to come in the seventh millenary of years from its creation… [so] according to this account, there are only lacking 155 years to complete the 7000, in which year … the world must end” (op. cit). …

In late fifteenth- and early sixteenth-century Spain there was a widely circulated notion of “a last world emperor” who would fulfill what was known as the unum ovile et unun pastor prophecy of John, 10: 16: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (my emphasis). This emperor would fight the Antichrist and reestablish Christian sovereignty over Jerusalem and the Holy Land. As noted, Columbus believed this ruler was to come from Spain; https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/columbus.pdf accessed 01/25/20

So, let us consider some of this and its possible ramifications.

First, yes, it was long believed that God had a seven-thousand year plan. The ‘school of Elijah’ has been credited as the source, and that would have been 8 or 9 centuries before Jesus was born on the earth.

Jews and early Christians believed this.

However, Christopher Columbus (known in Spanish as Cristóbal Colón) was in error about the timing.

Not only is the 7,000 years not up, the 6000 years God allowed humans to rule themselves is not yet up, but is quite close to being so (see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

Next, the Book of Revelation says nothing about Christians trying to take over Jerusalem prior to the second coming of Jesus.

However, Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies, which also discuss a coming human emperor (often called “the Great Monarch” who seems to have a lot in common with the biblical King of the North) do.

Notice some Catholic private prophecies/writings that support the view that this leader, like the biblical King of the North, has a major impact in Jerusalem towards the beginning of his reign:

St. Thomas a’Beckett (12th century): A knight shall come from the West. He shall capture … the three Crowns. He shall then sail … and reach Christ’s grave where he will fight. (Dupont Y. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p.16)

Blessed Joannes Amadeus de Sylva (died 1482): Germany and Spain will unite under a great prince … After much slaughtering, the other nations will be forced to come into this union. There is no hope for the unbelievers until all of Germany is converted; then all will happen quickly … the time will be prolonged until all countries unite under the Great Ruler. After this union, mass conversions will take place … (Connor, Prophecy for Today, p. 34). Connor, p. 34).

Abbot ‘Merlin’ Joachim (died 1202) A remarkable Pope … shall recover the kingdom of Jerusalem … in order to obtain these happy results, having need of powerful assistance, this Holy Pontiff will ask the cooperation of the generous monarch of France (Great Monarch). (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 32)

Eastern Orthodox Scholar Helen Tzima Otto (2000): Of course, Jerusalem will be invaded in WWIII and finally liberated by the Great Monarch. (Tzima Otto, H. The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenika Press, Rock City (SC), 2000, p. 316)

Monk Adso (10th century). “Some of our Teachers say that a King of the Franks will possess the entire Roman Empire. He will be the greatest and the last of all Monarchs. After having wisely governed his kingdom, he will go in the end to Jerusalem and will lay down his sceptre and his crown upon the Mount of Olives…” (Dupont, p.18).

It would seem that Christopher Columbus was aware of some of those Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies.

Sadly, when many people see some of what Jesus said that they should be looking for, instead of being concerned about this leader, they will apparently embrace that false one.

There are, however, some Greco-Roman Catholics (apparently a minority) who could oppose this as the following suggests:

Catholic writer Paul Thigpen warns, “Looking for the Great Monarch, then, who does not appear in Scripture, might lead to overlooking the Antichrist who does. It might even lead to–a more disturbing thought–to mistaking the Antichrist for the Great Monarch. After all, lesser antichrists of the past such as Hitler and Stalin have seduced followers with visions of grand and glorious earthly kingdoms. Surely Antichrist of the last days will do the same.” (Penn L. False dawn: the United Religions Initiative, globalism, and the quest for a one-world religion. Sophia Perennis, 2005, p. 420)

Priest Herman Kramer (20th century): The False Prophet … will persuade all infidels, apostates and apostate nations to worship and adore him … Antichrist “sitteth in the temple of God” (I Thes. II. 4) … possibly one of the churches in Jerusalem or St. Peter’s in Rome … The False Prophet will proclaim the resurrection of the Roman Empire … The word “image” is in the singular number, indicating only one statue, which he may set up in the great church, St. Peter’s (Kramer H.B. L. The Book of Destiny. Nihil Obstat: J.S. Considine, O.P., Censor Deputatus. Imprimatur: +Joseph M. Mueller, Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, January 26, 1956. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 320-323).

The King of the North, presuming he is also considered to be the Great Monarch, will be involved with Jerusalem and biblically is dangerous.

Additionally, some Greco-Roman Catholic writers clearly have understood that the two-horned beast in Revelation 13 is likely to be an antipope and that a negative power will be established in Jerusalem:

Priest E. Sylvester Berry (published 1920): The two horns denote a twofold authority – spiritual and temporal. As indicated by the resemblance to a lamb, the prophet will probably set himself up in Rome as a sort of anti-pope…Antichrist will establish himself in Jerusalem…with his ‘lying wonders’… (Berry ES. The Apocalypse of St. John, 1920. Quoted in Culleton RG. The Reign of Antichrist. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), pp. 199-200).

Much of the above teaching is consistent with certain scriptures.

Although most in the Protestant world that watch prophecy, as well as perhaps most in the Catholic world, have confused who the Antichrist is (many modern Protestants think he is the Beast of the Sea), various Catholic sources have correctly declared that the False Prophet is (or likely is) the final Antichrist. This was also the position of the Catholic saint Augustine (Augustine. City of God, Book XX, Chapter 14. Translated by Marcus Dods. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 2. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1887.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/120120.htm>.Culleton, The Reign of Antichrist, p. 117).

Anyway, part of the point of this post is to emphasize that Christopher Columbus was highly influenced by Greco-Roman Catholic prophecy.

It was a driving factor for him. It partially led to him changing the world.

Do not think that in the 21st century that the world will not be affected by Greco-Roman Catholic and other non-biblical prophecies.

Many are part of Satan’s plan.

That being said, the local school district here stopped having Columbus Day as a holiday several years ago.

They felt that Columbus should not be honored in light of various atrocities he was involved in.

The fact remains, however, that Columbus did open up the Americas (yes, I know there is evidence that various others, like the Vikings, came to the Americas before him) to the world and that God does have a plan that is being worked out on this earth.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
The Great Tribulation: What Happens First? What events have happened? What are some events that are now happening? And what events need to happen for the Great Tribulation to start? Here is a link to a related sermon video: Counting Down to the Great Tribulation. Here is a video in the Spanish language: Contando los eventos y el inicio de la Gran Tribulación.
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Other videos include: Armageddon Will it come on Trump’s watch?, Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy, Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome, Is China paving roads to Armageddon?, and Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.
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 Catholic Prophecies Is the ‘Great Monarch’ of 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.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach? Here is a link to a related sermon titled Race and Grace; Do you view race as God does? Watch also Mystery of Race.

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe logo

COGwriter

Ecumenical News reported the following:

European parliamentary assembly urges sanctions on ‘Russian propagandists,’ such as Orthodox Church, and state media

October 12, 2024

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, also known as PACE, has called for sanctions against Russian propagandists and state media, as well as recognizing the Russian Orthodox Church as a tool of Russian influence and propaganda.

This was announced on Oct. 1 by Yevhenia Kravchuk, deputy head of the Humanitarian and Information Policy Committee and a member of the Ukrainian delegation to PACE, reeported NV, the New Voice of Ukraine.

Kravchuk said that a resolution, titled “Propaganda and Freedom of Information in Europe,” was adopted by PACE with 117 votes in favor.

“The resolution states that member states of the Council of Europe must protect themselves from all forms of propaganda, including war propaganda, incitement to genocide and other international crimes, hate, terrorism, and discrimination,” she said.

“They must also be able to counter and neutralize propaganda that contradicts the fundamental values of the European Convention on Human Rights.” https://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/european-parliamentary-assembly-urges-sanctions-on-russian-propagandists-such-as-orthodox-church-and-state-media/61178.htm

The above is disturbing for several reasons, including religious freedom and freedom of speech.

It also looks to set a precedent for Europe to condemn and/or attempt to stifle religious viewpoints it does not agree with.

It is another move towards allowing Europe to become totalitarian in regards to religion, which is prophesied to happen in the 13th chapter of the Book of Revelation.

That sai, this past Summer, the government of Ukraine took another step to diminish religious rights in that country.

Its move has been condemned by Russia:

Kremlin Calls Ukrainian Ban on Branch of Orthodox Church an Attack on Freedom of Religion

August 27, 2024

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia on Tuesday condemned a move by Ukraine to ban a Moscow-linked branch of the Orthodox Church, describing it as an attack on Christianity and a blow to freedom of religion.

Ukrainian lawmakers voted last week to ban the Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which Kyiv has accused of abetting Moscow’s 30-month-old war by spreading pro-Russian propaganda and harbouring spies.

“The Kyiv regime, unfortunately, continues to show its true nature. This is an open attack on freedom of religion, an attack on the Orthodox Church as a whole, and an attack on Christianity,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

A majority of Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians but the faith is split between the UOC and an independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, recognised by the world Orthodox hierarchy since 2019.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has hailed last week’s vote as a step to strengthen Ukraine’s “spiritual independence” and signed it into law. https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-08-27/kremlin-calls-ukrainian-ban-on-branch-of-orthodox-church-an-attack-on-freedom-of-religion

Banning what has been the most popular church in Ukraine is not supporting personal “spiritual independence,” but shows governmental control over religion.

But attempting to control religion in Ukraine is not new with this legislation (see ‘Ukrainian parliament votes again to ban Russian Orthodox Church’).

Pope Francis also spoke out against this move by the government of Ukraine:

Pope Francis on Ukraine’s Russian Orthodox Church ban: ‘Churches are not to be touched!’

August 26, 2024

Pope Francis on Sunday sharply denounced the Ukrainian government’s recently enacted ban on Russian Orthodox Church worship, arguing that the faithful should not be barred from worshipping as they please.

The new Ukrainian law, which passed the country’s Parliament on Aug. 20, bans the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukrainian territory. The measure comes roughly two-and-a-half years after Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the two countries’ ongoing conflict.

The new law further encourages religious organizations in Ukraine, including the Moscow-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church, “to break the existing ties with the Russian state,” according to the parliamentary news agency.

In his Angelus address on Sunday, the Holy Father said he has been “thinking about the laws recently adopted in Ukraine,” which he said causes him to “fear for the freedom of those who pray.”

“[T]hose who truly pray always pray for all,” the pope said. “A person does not commit evil because of praying. If someone commits evil against his people, he will be guilty for it, but he cannot have committed evil because he prayed.”

“So let those who want to pray be allowed to pray in what they consider their Church. Please, let no Christian church be abolished directly or indirectly,” Francis said.

“Churches are not to be touched!” he added. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/258917/pope-francis-on-ukraines-russian-orthodox-church-ban-churches-are-not-to-be-touched

Despite his views, churches are being touched.

This year there have also been disturbing moves against churches in Burundi, Nicaragua, and Rwanda. Related to that, here is our latest uploaded video:

14:29

New Religious Persecution

Are we seeing new forms of religious persecution popping up? Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law on August 24, 2024 banning the Orthodox Church in Ukraine? Did Rwanda recently shut down over 5,100 churches, including house churches? Was this really about safety or perhaps also politics? Did Rwandan President Paul Kagame state that he is considering implementing a tax on church donations? Did the Nicaraguan government under its President Daniel Noriega change laws on August 22, 204 that could allow it to impose taxes of up to 30 percent of a church’s annual income? Did the Nicaraguan government recently shut does 1,500 non-governmental organizations, including 678 religious associations? Is Burundi causing issues for the churches of God because of some of its rules? Did Jesus prophesy about persecution? Will some Christians be beheaded and others burned according to biblical, as well as Greco-Roman, prophecies? Is economic 666 persecution also prophesied? What should the faithful do? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.

Here is a link to our video: New Religious Persecution.

Sadly, the trend from certain governments is not good.

Jesus warned of persecutions:

20 If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. (John 15:20)

On a more positive note, Jesus also said:

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Furthermore, Jesus additionally said:

23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. (Matthew 10:23)

We see that persecution is prophesied and sometimes Christians will have to flee geographically because of it.

That said, what we are now seeing in the world will pale in comparison to the persecution that is coming.

4 And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:4-8).

Not worshiping the Beast will be a cause of persecution.

Pray to the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) for God’s kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10).

#IDF Bombs Lebanon’s Nabatieh: Apocalyptic Scenes After Massive Explosions | Residents Flee In Panic#TNDIGITALVIDEOS pic.twitter.com/Gb4y2pFEDP

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 13, 2024

COGwriter

Israel continues its war efforts in Lebanon:

‘Apocalyptic’: Israel destroys mosque, bombs market in southern Lebanon

October 13, 2024

A series of Israeli air raids have destroyed a mosque and levelled a marketplace in southern Lebanon, in what has been described as “apocalyptic” scenes as Israel intensifies and widens its bombardment campaign across the country.

In the latest Israeli raid early on Sunday, an old mosque in the village of Kfar Tibnit in southern Lebanon was “completely destroyed”, the National News Agency reported. There were no immediate reports on deaths.

Al Jazeera’s Laura Khan, reporting from capital Beirut, said the Lebanese Red Cross is still trying to see “if there were any survivors and trying to pull out those injured”.

“Many people have taken to social media. They have been sending videos of what almost seems like apocalyptic scenes – entire streets destroyed.

“The fire was so bad that emergency services were not able to get in and see if there were bodies in the rubble,” said Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan, reporting from Hasbaiyya in Nabatieh governorate, adding that the market “is now completely destroyed”.  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/13/apocalyptic-israel-destroys-mosque-bombs-market-in-southern-lebanon

Last week, Israel365News reported the following:

IDF just destroyed the fake Lebanese Dome of the Rock

October 10, 2024

The IDF announced on Tuesday that it took operational control of a Hezbollah combat compound in Maroun El Ras, in southern Lebanon, a site noted for its “Iranian Gardens” containing a replica of the gold Dome of the Rock. Used as a Hezbollah outpost, the compound contained significant amounts of weapons. When the IDF moved on, the pseudo-Dome of the Rock, used as a mosque, was no longer standing. …

Hezbollah terrorists had used the site as living quarters.

Inside the building, IDF forces uncovered a staging area and a significant stockpile of weapons, including guns, anti-tank missiles, camouflage nets, and military vests. Additional launchers were hidden in the kitchen. … tweets show side-by-side photos showing the Dome of the Rock replica before and after its destruction.

ارتش اسرائیل امروز وارد بوستان ایران شد!
“حدیقة إیران” سال 1386 با هزینه بودجه دولتی ایران در روستای مارون الارس ساخته شد و سال های متوالی با امکانات تفریحی توسعه یافت.
در این پارک علائمی نظیر مجسمه قاسم سلیمانی، تندیس خامنه ای، ماکت مسجد الاقصی وجود داشت که توسط IDF تخریب شد pic.twitter.com/yONWziaUuE

— سرباز میهن (@IRANIANguardian) October 8, 2024

It should be remembered that the current war began with the Palestinian Hamas invasion of southern Israel, which they named ‘Al Aqsa Flood.” Many IDF soldiers reported seeing images of the Dome of the Rock prominently displayed in many homes in Gaza.

While Al Aqsa is the focus of Islamist violence against Israel, they universally misidentify it as the golden dome, which is referred to in  Arabic as Qubbat aṣ-Ṣaḵra. Located at the Temple Mount’s center on the Jewish Temples’ Holy of Holies site, it is not a mosque but a shrine that Islamic law forbids facing while praying. https://israel365news.com/396963/idf-just-destroyed-the-fake-lebanese-dome-of-the-rock/

Related to that, we just uploaded the following video:

14:42

Israel destroys ‘Dome of the Rock’ of Lebanon

Israel has been bombing parts of Lebanon and Syria, while considering an attack against Iran. In Lebanon, Israel destroyed a replica of the Dome of the Rock which is associated with the “Iranian Gardens” in Lebanon. Why might this further infuriate the Muslims? Has Hamas claimed that one of the reason it launched its October 7, 2023 attack against Israel was because it was concerned that after the arrival of five red heifers, that the Jews hoped to clear the Temple Mount of the Dome of the Rock? Does the Jewish Temple Institute really want to clear the Temple Mount region of all mosques and the Dome of the Rock in order to build a third temple in Jerusalem? Have representatives of the Sanhedrin and Temple Institute told Dr. Thiel that regular animal sacrifices can begin without a third temple consistent with what is recorded in Ezra 3:6? Does the Bible, in the 22nd chapter of Isaiah, prophesy that the nation of Israel and the ‘City of David’ will face damage from what looks to be an Iranian-Syrian-Lebanese confederation? Will Israel’s famed ‘Iron-Dome’ prevent great damage from coming? Is the Middle East an area to “Watch” like Jesus said in Mark 13:37? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Israel destroys ‘Dome of the Rock’ of Lebanon.

As far as Israel’s war against Hamas, Israel365News reported the following:

REPORT: Hamas admits 80% of casualties are terrorists and family of members

October 13, 2024

ecent reports from Israel’s Channel 12 indicate that Hamas privately acknowledged that approximately 80% of the casualties from the war against Israel were affiliated with the organization or are their family members. This revelation casts doubt on claims made by the Biden administration and the United Nations concerning civilian deaths.

Hamas has claimed that the total death toll in Gaza has reached around 40,000. However, it is crucial to note that the group does not differentiate between terrorists and civilian casualties in its figures, raising questions about the accuracy and reliability of this data. The Ministry of Health in Gaza, which operates under Hamas, reports that nearly 40% of those killed are adult males aged 18 to 59, a demographic that includes combatants. …

The Political Implications of Casualty Figures

The Biden administration and the United Nations have faced criticism for citing Hamas’s casualty numbers as factual, which may inadvertently lend credibility to unverified claims. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces estimate that at least 13,000 of those killed in Gaza were terrorists, alongside an additional 1,000 who died during the October 7 attack inside Israel.

As the conflict continues, the debate over casualty figures reflects broader tensions surrounding the war and the narratives being constructed around it. Accurate data collection and reporting are vital for understanding the full impact of the conflict and ensuring accountability. https://israel365news.com/397047/report-hamas-admits-80-of-casualties-are-terrorists-and-family-of-members/

According to the polls I have seen, most people in Gaza support Hamas. Therefore the above report, if accurate, is not a surprise.

A reader from Italy sent me a link to the following:

‘Jewish state will extend from Jerusalem to Damascus’: Israeli finance minister

In a new documentary, Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich detailed his desire to conquer not only all Palestinian territory to the Jordan River but also the Syrian capital of Damascus and territories extending as far as Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Smotrich, the Finance Minister in the Israeli cabinet and head of the Religious Zionism party, made the comments in a recently released documentary entitled Israel: Extremists in Power. The documentary was produced by Arte Reportage, a Franco-German broadcast news magazine.

When asked about his goal, Smotrich tells the interviewer, “I want a Jewish state … It is a country run according to the values of the Jewish people.” https://thecradle.co/articles-id/27227

The Bible tells of destruction coming to Damascus:

1 The burden against Damascus.

“Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,
And it will be a ruinous heap.
(Isaiah 17:1)

The above destruction has not happened yet.

It may come from the nation calling itself Israel or possibly from the King of the North (cf. Daniel 11:40-43).

That said, the Bible does not show Israel settling in Damascus.

But, the Bible does warn that the descendants of Judah will lose protection and great damage will hit Jerusalem, by a confederation of peoples from Iran, Syria, and Lebanon (cf. Isaiah 22:6-9).

Israeli military actions are fanning the fire for that to happen.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There are also two related videos: Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to two sermons The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work and God’s Temple in Prophecy. And here is a version of the latter one in the Spanish: El templo de Dios en profecía.
Nascent Sanhedrin and Prophecy The reconstituted Sanhedrin wants the reimplementation of animal sacrifices. A related video is titled Sanhedrin pushing animal sacrifices. And a newer one is: Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!
The Red Heifer, Jewish Beliefs, and the End of the World The Temple Institute is watching a ‘red heifer.’ Why might this be important in the sequence of end time events? Here is a related link in the Spanish language Novilla roja descubierta en EE.UU. e Instituto del Templo está interesado en ella. Here are links to three related videos in English: Red Heifers and the Fate of the World and The Red Heifer and the End of the World and 5 Red Heifers and Year 5783?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation. A short video is also available titled Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27? Here is a link to something related in the Spanish language: Estados Árabes emiratos unidos y el tratado de paz en el medio este.
Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century This is a free online book which helps show where biblical and Islamic prophecies converge and diverge. Here are links to related sermons: Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes, Imam Mahdi, women, and prophecy, and Terrorism, Iran, and Fatima, Dajjal, Antichrist, Gold, & Mark of the Beast?, and Jesus and God’s Plan for Muslims. Here is a link to a sermon in the Spanish language: El Imám Mahdi las mujeres y la profecía bíblica
Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes This article has information from the book, Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century, as well as from the old WCG and other sources. Here is a link to a related sermon: Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes. Here is a related sermon in the Spanish language: El cristianismo visto a través de los ojos islámicos.

 

Chagos Islands (Wikipedia)

COGwriter

Earlier this month, the UK announced it would give the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. And while that was not a “sea gate” that the old Worldwide Church of God seemed to warn would be lost, it is one that I predicted would be lost back in 2019 (see UK to give up Chagos islands, including Diego Garcia, confirming prediction from COGwriter).

The Economist has protested the decision:

Britain should not hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius

Once again, the Chagossians have been denied a say

The Chagos Islands are the site of one of the shabbier episodes from the period when Britain gave up its empire. Their 1,500 or so inhabitants, the Chagossians, were forcibly expelled in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for an American military base on the atoll of Diego Garcia. British authorities blocked families returning from trips, cut off the supply of teachers and doctors, gassed the islanders’ dogs and eventually deported anyone still left. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/10/09/britain-should-not-hand-the-chagos-islands-to-mauritius

It was also reported here that the Chagossians had no say in this (see UK to give up Chagos islands, including Diego Garcia, confirming prediction from COGwriter).

Forbes warned:

The U.K. Turning Over The Chagos Islands To Mauritius Empowers China

We live in a world getting ever more dangerous. The inability and unwillingness of the U.S. and the rest of the Free World to adjust to new, ominous realities was on pathetic display a few days ago when Britain announced that it was turning over the Chagos Islands, where we have a crucial military base, to Mauritius, which is off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Mauritius is an ally of China, and Beijing is licking its chops at the prospect of conducting electronic snooping of the base and other nefarious activities.

Amazingly the Biden-Harris Administration encouraged London to go for such an agreement under the illusion that this would preserve the base. https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveforbes/2024/10/10/the-uk-turning-over-the-chagos-islands-to-mauritius-empowers-china/

Notice the following promise to the descendants of Abraham:

16 “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son — 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:16-18)

Enemy gates were promised to Abraham’s descendants. Now, the UK is giving Chagos up to Mauritius, who supports a nation that the UK and USA consider a type of enemy.

Allow me to add that since the UK announcement to turn sovereignty to Mauritius, Argentina has since asked for the Falkland Islands again, and the UK last Monday said no (see After Chagos announcement, Argentina pushes for Falkland, UK says no, but …). However, things will not go as the UK hopes.

The Continuing Church of God put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel related to Chagos and other British-controlled territories:

14:36

Prophecy: UK’s Loss of Chagos Islands

On May 28, 2019, Dr. Bob Thiel posted and predicted that the United Kingdom would lose the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia. He repeated that prediction on October 1, 2024. On October 3, 2024, the BBC reported that the United Kingdom was going to lose the Chagos Islands and give its sovereignty to the nation of Mauritius, thus confirming his predictions. US President Joe Biden praised the UK decision. Why did Dr. Thiel make that prediction? Was it based on several biblical prophecies? Have other predictions related to loss of ‘sea gates’ possessed by the UK and United State of America come to pass? Will the UK one day lose the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, and even Northern Ireland for their disobedience? What are some of the Bible prophecies that pointed to the attaining of sea gates and losses of territories to the end time descendants of Joseph, Ephraim (the company of nations, once the British Commonwealth) and Manasseh (a once great nation, the US). Does the Bible have the “more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV)? Were prophets and prophecies expected in the ‘last days’ according to Acts 2:17-18? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel discuss these matters. They also referred listeners to a free online book which helps identify various peoples that the Bible prophecies about titled ‘Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?’ URL: https://www.cogwriter.com/LostTribes.pdf

Here is a link to our video: Prophecy: UK’s Loss of Chagos Islands.

Prophecies are being fulfilled.

See also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? For many years, the major sea gates of the world were possessed/controlled by the United States (Panama Canal and certain locations in the Pacific ocean) and the British Empire (Straits of Malacca, Singapore, Suez Canal, Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Simon’s Town/Cape of Good Hope, Malta, etc.), and many are no longer under their control. Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). UK Prime Minister David Cameron says the UK will defend the Falklands Gibraltar. Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with those ‘sea gates’? Do promises made the Jacob’s mother Rebekah play a role? What about Deuteronomy 28? This is a video.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
Will the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit.
21st Century Church of God Prophets Are there any true prophets in the 21st century? What about false prophets? What are scriptures and fruits to identify the true from the false? You you prove all things and test the spirits?
Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?

A photostatic copy of a page from Ilustração Portugueza, October 29, 1917

COGWriter

October 13th is the 107th anniversary of something commonly called ‘the miracle of the sun.’ In the past to commemorate it, Pope Francis ‘dedicated the world’ essentially to a statue that was supposed to be that of the “Lady” that appeared in 1917. (watch Fatima and Pope Francis).

Lucia Santos, one of three children who saw the apparition, wrote that the ‘Lady’ told her the following on July 13, 1917:

I want you to come here on the 13th of next month, to continue to pray the Rosary, every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, in order to obtain peace for the world and the end of war, because only she can help you. …

Continue to come here every month. In October, I will tell you who I am and what I want, and I will perform a miracle for all to see and believe. (Santos, p. 178).

Lucia wrote that the ‘Lady’ told her the following on August 15, 1917:

I want you to continue going to the Cova da Iria on the 13th, and to continue to pray the Rosary every day. In the last month, I will perform a miracle so that all may believe. (Santos, p. 180).

Lucia wrote that the ‘Lady’ told her the following on September 13, 1917:

Continue to pray the Rosary in order to obtain the end of the war. In October, the Lord will come as well as Our Lady of Dolours and Our Lady of Carmel. Saint Joseph will appear with the Child Jesus to bless the world. God is pleased with your sacrifices. He does not want you to sleep with the rope on, but only to wear it during the day. (Santos, p. 181)

The “rope” was intended to cause pain and discomfort. This was part of the “suffering for sinners” that the Lady wanted the children of Fatima to endure. “Our Lady of Dolours” means Our Lady of Sorrows.

Since the 15th century, popular devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has centered on the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as the Brown Scapular, a sacramental associated with promises of Mary’s special aid for the salvation of the devoted wearer. (Wikipedia, accessed 09/13/17)

On October 13, 1917 the ‘Lady’ was seen by three Portuguese children: Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. Though others did not see her, there was apparently some type of change in the sky on October 13, 1917 that many others (supposedly around 70,000) reportedly witnessed. Every year, throngs of people visit Fatima this day because of it (others visit throughout the year, but the 13th of May and the 13th of October seem to be the most attended times). The “Lady” that appeared gave various messages that many believe have been confirmed by world events. Millions falsely believe that the “Lady of Fatima” was Jesus’ mother Mary.

As far as this “miracle of the sun” goes, let me simply state that there were various accounts of what was seen and I do not believe it was a miracle from God. Yet, many associated with the Church of Rome believe it is and will not believe what actually appeared in Fatima, Portugal.

Fatima Chapel Statue and What the Fatima Children Said They Saw

Many believe that something looking like the statue to the left appeared, whereas as three of the witnesses who claimed to see it described something that looked like the statue to the right. This fact alone should be evidence that whatever happened on October 13, 1917 was not a miracle of God. Details on this are in the article: Fatima and the ‘Miracle of the Sun’.

Since we in the Continuing Church of God do not believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared in Fatima, Portugal in 1917, why pay attention to this?

There are several reasons. Notice three:

1) Some of the events claimed to have been predicted in 1917 (though not written down until years later) appear to have taken place. This has given the Fatima messages credibility even among those not part of the Catholic faith. Various Catholics believe more strongly in Fatima than the Bible.

2) The Fatima appearances, though not necessarily all the messages, have been accepted as legitimate and/or “worthy of belief” by the Vatican. As there are at least 1-2 billion people with at least some minimal ties with the Church of Rome, this means that a huge portion of the West (Europe and the Western Hemisphere), as well as people throughout the rest of the world, have reasons to pay attention to the Fatima messages. The current pontiff takes Fatima seriously and had his pontificate dedicated to the “Lady of Fatima” on May 13, 2013 (the 96th anniversary of the first appearance of the”Lady” to the children in Fatima).

3) Some of the Fatima messages are claimed to still be for the future. And whether people believe them or not, there will be repercussions from them. Some of those repercussions will likely shock the world. If you survive, you will likely be affected by these repercussions in the not too distant future. This is mainly because of warnings in the Bible about a woman (Isaiah 47) that seems to have had a lot in common with the apparition that supposedly appeared nearly a century ago.

Furthermore, the Bible warns that signs and lying wonders will deceive those that do not have the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). And prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments suggest that a “Lady” who is considered a virgin will be involved in deceit.

And while I (who have looked into Fatima extensively) do not believe that Mary of the Bible appeared there, it is likely that messages believed to have been given will affect the world again.

Notice also the following:

12 October 2019

MANILA – A Fatima crusader on Saturday called on the faithful to repent and pray the Rosary every day in response to the request of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the world to attain genuine and lasting peace.

“The world is currently undergoing purification because of the sin of mankind, but in the end the Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph,” Rev. Fr. Homer Prieto of the Fatima Parish Church in Cubao, Quezon City said when asked about the troubles happening around the world today, on the eve of the 102nd anniversary of sixth and final apparition by the Blessed Virgin before three young shepherds in Fatima, Portugal on Oct. 13, 1917. … In the Philippines, the only Catholic country in Asia, many churches have been named after Fatima. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082987

No, praying the rosary will not bring world peace. The ‘Lady of Fatima’ is NOT the answer–the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is.

Fatima has been a concern for a long time. Notice something that the late Church of God evangelist Raymond McNair wrote:

In the German Süddeutsche Zeitung there was an article in which it was revealed that Pope Paul VI had received a message in Fatima through the only remaining shepherd girl (who is now a nun). They were seen quite some time together and it appeared as if she had something to say to him. When asked in Rome, after his return, if his visit to Fatima was a success, Pope Paul said: ” I went to Fatima to pray for peace to the Virgin Mary and I received the answer how to, achieve this peace.”

There are many rumors that he did receive a message, but he has not wanted to divulge it.

Since the pilgrimage to Fatima, the Pope has spoken out on Jerusalem- demanding it become an international city. What most do not know is that there is evidence the Vatican has plans to move from Rome to Jerusalem … This event will stir the world! It will be the Pope ‘s final effort as the world’s peacemaker! (McNair R. The Real Meaning Behind POPE PAUL’S PILGRIMAGE TO PORTUGAL. Plain Truth, June 1967, pp. 3, 47)

Jerusalem will become increasingly important to Catholics in the near future. The Papacy will, as previously reported in The PLAIN TRUTH, be moved from Rome to Jerusalem … Bible prophecy is very explicit on this point. Furthermore, according to a recent report in a leading German newspaper, the Third Fatima Message is reported (by inside, informed Vatican sources) to reveal that there will be a terrible World War III, during which (according to this Fatima Vision) both Rome and the Vatican will be destroyed! Could this possibly explain why the Vatican will be moved to Jerusalem? (McNair R. POPE MEETS PATRIARCH. Plain Truth, October 1967)

Like me, Raymond McNair (and the old Radio Church of God, who published the above) was aware that Catholic actions can be influenced by Marian apparitions and Catholic private prophecies. Fatima is more important to the Church of Rome than most non-Catholics realize.

Pope Francis had his pontificate dedicated to the ‘Lady of Fatima’ and has been promoting his version of ‘Mary’ since his pontificate began. He has been influenced by Marian apparitions and private prophecies, including Fatima.

Pope Francis offered special indulgences related to Fatima. This way, one can get out of purgatory almost free in 2017:

Pope Francis has granted a plenary indulgence opportunity throughout the Fatima Anniversary Year.

There are three ways of obtaining the indulgence.
To obtain the plenary indulgence, the faithful must also fulfill the ordinary conditions: Go to confession and Communion, be interiorly detached from sin, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

1 – Pilgrimage to the Shrine
Make a pilgrimage to the Fatima shrine in Portugal and participate in a celebration or prayer dedicated to the Virgin. In addition, the faithful must pray the Our Father, recite the Creed and invoke the Mother of God.

2 – Prayer before any statue of Our Lady of Fatima
Visit with devotion a statue of Our Lady of Fatima solemnly exposed for public veneration in any church, oratory or proper place during the days of the anniversary of the apparitions, the 13th of each month from May to October (2017): there devoutly participate in some celebration or prayer in honor of Our Lady.

3 – Application for the elderly and infirm
Those who, because of age, illness or other serious cause are unable to get around well, can pray in front of a statue of Our Lady of Fatima and spiritually unite themselves to the jubilee celebrations on the days of the apparitions, the 13th of each month, between May and October 2017.

They also must “offer to our merciful God with confidence, through Mary, their prayers and sufferings or the sacrifices they make in their own lives.” http://livingfatima.com/plenary-indulgence-for-the-100th-anniversary-of-fatima/ accessed 09/11/17

I will add that my wife and I were offered a plenary indulgence if we were in the audience to see Pope Francis the last time we were in Rome. We declined. We have also visited the Fatima shrine, but that was in 2011, hence we were not granted a plenary indulgence for that. And, of course, we also did not pray in devotion to Mary before any statue.

Catholics should consider what the ‘Lady’ of Fatima reportedly said on the day of the ‘miracle of the sun.’ Notice what Lúcia wrote that the apparition said on October 13, 1917:

I want to tell to you that a chapel is to be built here in my honour.

And this happened, as my wife and I actually visited that Capelinha in Fatima in 2011.

Anyway, the request from the apparition was not only immodest, it seemed to violate what the Bible tells people to do:

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31, DRB)

29 …no flesh should glory in his sight… (1 Corinthians 1:29, DRB)

11 …every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11, DRB)

9 Not to us, O Lord, not to us; but to thy name give glory. (Psalms 113:9, DRB)

Mary is not God. Despite her role as the mother of Christ (and yes, I believe that Jesus is God lest someone criticize me for using this expression), no proper Roman or Eastern Orthodox Catholic (or Protestant for that matter) believes that Mary is God either.

It is important to note that the apparition wanted a chapel built essentially for her glory. That is not what a true follower of Christ would have done. Mary of the Bible did not do that nor drop any hint that she ever would do that. A “Marian” apparition that appeared to Estelle Faguette at Pellevoisin, France in 1876 said, “I choose the little ones and the weak ones for my glory.”

But God specifically said the weak were chosen for His (not Mary’s) glory (1 Corinthians 1:27-29), so that apparition was false also. Actually, statements from many “approved apparitions” have requested actions for their glory or otherwise contradicted scripture.

Lúcia, herself, claimed, “The Rosary and Scapular are inseparable.”

A brown scapular originally was a wool object that sometimes comes in the form of metals instead. It seems to be worn like a medallion.

“Sister Lúcia has said all Catholics should wear the Brown Scapular as part of the Fatima message.”

Supposedly, when the apparition appeared on October 13, 1917, Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta saw her hold a brown scapular in her hand.

“At the end of the 40s…Lúcia… recalled that the Blessed Virgin…wished that devotion of the holy Scapular be propagated.”

Of course, if Mary actually wanted this, it seems odd that it took Lúcia decades to tell this to anybody.

“The Brown Scapular is part of a religious habit belonging in its own right to the Carmelite order. Devotion for the Scapular of Our Lady of Carmel was born in the 13th century when after being purchased from Palestine by the Saracens, the Carmelite brothers encountered great difficulties in getting established in Europe and elsewhere…

Simon Stock, elected Prior General of the order in 1247, had, a few years later an apparition…presenting the Scapular to him as a sign of salvation for his brothers.”

The pushing for Fatima and related wonders will have ramifications in the world according to both Greco-Roman Catholic and biblical (Isaiah 47; Nahum 3:4-5; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 17 & 18) prophecy. No one should accept false claims about apparitions that many consider to be Jesus’ mother Mary.

False claims about ‘Mary’ are expected to be used as part of the ecumenical and interfaith agendas that Pope Francis and others are pushing. Do not fall for them.

For more information on Fatima and other mystic Catholic claims, please check out the following:

Fatima and the ‘Miracle of the Sun’ On October 13, 1917, tens of thousands of people witnessed what they considered to be a miracle in the sky in Fatima, Portugal. Was this a miracle from God? Can you be certain? Here is a link to the sermon: Fatima and the ‘Miracle of the Sun’.
Fatima and Pope Francis Could end time prophecies be fulfilled by apparitions? May 13, 2017 marked the 100th anniversary of a ‘Lady’ that appeared before three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. Pope Francis declared them Catholic saints on the 100th anniversary–how did the children describe what they saw? Is it possible that Jesus’ mother Mary appeared at Fatima? Could signs and lying wonders come from apparitions? How could the Fatima hype be setting the world up for the end? Did the old Radio Church of God teach about Fatima? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more. This is a video.
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.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Eastern/Greek Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers? Here is a link to a YouTube video Marian Apparitions May Fulfill Prophecy.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church. Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God? , Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, and What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, and Early Heresies and Heretics, and Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, and Saturday or Sunday?, and The Godhead.
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?
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Feast of the Immaculate Conception? Did early Christians teach Mary had an immaculate conception and led a sinless life?
Origin of the Marian Dogmas: Where Do Catholic Scholars Say The Four Dogmas of Mary Came From?
Assumption of Mary Did Mary die? Was she taken to heaven on August 15th? What is known? What does the Bible show?
Christ or Antichrist? 1961 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist? 1964 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Certain Catholic writings indicate this, while others take a different view, but what does the Bible show? A related sermon is Will Jesus Christ be called the Antichrist?
Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available in hundreds of languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! is a highly documented book by Bob Thiel for those interested in the real truth about Fatima and how future apparitions may affect the future. In addition to the print version, there is a Kindle version of Fatima Shock! which you can acquire in seconds.

King Charles III (White House photo)

COGwriter

The BBC reported the following:

King says a republic is up to Australian people

12 October 2024

King Charles has confirmed that it is up to the Australian people to decide whether the country remains a constitutional monarchy or becomes a republic.

Ahead of the King’s visit to Australia next week, the Australian Republic Movement exchanged letters with Buckingham Palace officials, writing on the King’s behalf.

Correspondence from the palace, revealed by the Daily Mail, says that “whether Australia becomes a republic” is a “matter for the Australian public to decide”.

The future of the monarch in Australia is likely to be an issue during the royal visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla, which includes events in Sydney and Canberra. …

“The King appreciated that you took the time to write and asked me to reply on his behalf,” says the letter from Buckingham Palace to the Australian Republic Movement, written in March.

“Please be assured that your views on this matter have been noted very carefully.

“His Majesty, as a constitutional monarch, acts on the advice of his Ministers, and whether Australia becomes a republic is therefore a matter for the Australian public to decide.”

The letter adds that the King and Queen have a “deep love and affection” for Australia and “your thoughtfulness in writing as you did is warmly appreciated”.

A referendum on the issue was held in Australia in 1999, where people voted to remain a constitutional monarchy.

Earlier this year Australia’s government said plans for another referendum were “not a priority”. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4d22yl9kpo

(Photo from Pexels)

COGwriter

It is the Day of Atonement.

In the original Hebrew, the Bible calls the day Yom Hakippurim (which is Hebrew for “Day of the Atonements”).

The original rites and practices for the Day of Atonement are set forth in the sixteenth chapter of Leviticus (cf. Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 23:27-31, 25:9; Numbers 29:7-11). It is considered to be a time for fasting, during which no food or drink are to be consumed:

26 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. 27 It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls…32 It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath (Leviticus 23:26-27,32).

This fasting is historically how the phrase “afflict your souls” has been interpreted by the Jewish community to mean fasting (this is also verified by such passages as Psalm 35:13; 69:10 and Isaiah 58:5) , unless one is somehow ill, and thus is already afflicted. Evening to evening means from sunset to sunset.

In the New Testament, the Day of Atonement is referred to as “the Fast” (Acts 27:9). The fact that this day was referred to that way (or even at all) is an indication that it was observed by Christians after Christ’s resurrection. The Bible clearly shows that so-called Jewish holy days, such as Pentecost were observed by Christians after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:1).

A unique ceremony related to the Day of Atonement is discussed in Leviticus 16:

8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for Jehovah, and the other lot for Azazel. 9 And Aaron shall present the goat upon which the lot fell for Jehovah, and offer him for a sin-offering. 10 But the goat, on which the lot fell for Azazel, shall be set alive before Jehovah, to make atonement for him, to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:8-10, ASV)

8 ‘And Aaron hath given lots over the two goats, one lot for Jehovah, and one lot for a goat of departure; 9 and Aaron hath brought near the goat on which the lot for Jehovah hath gone up, and hath made it a sin-offering. 10 ‘And the goat on which the lot for a goat of departure hath gone up is caused to stand living before Jehovah to make atonement by it, to send it away for a goat of departure into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:8-10, YLT)

Christians note the parallels between the first of the two goats with Jesus and the second of the two goats with Satan (the Azazel goat).

Such as Jesus does get killed, but that Satan does not.

The slain goat represents Christ who actually dies for our sins. Notice Leviticus 16:15-19:

15 Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. 16 So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting which remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness. 17 There shall be no man in the tabernacle of meeting when he goes in to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out, that he may make atonement for himself, for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel. 18 And he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD, and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and some of the blood of the goat, and put it on the horns of the altar all around. 19 Then he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, cleanse it, and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

Christ’s sacrifice is an atonement sacrifice to reconcile us to God. Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

The late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

Now the goat which God selected through lot, to represent Christ was slain, as Christ, its antitype was slain. But the other goat selected by God to represent Azazel was not slain, but was driven, alive, into an uninhabited wilderness. It was not a resurrected goat, symbolizing the resurrected Christ, for it never died. The uninhabited wilderness, to which this goat was driven, cannot, as we shall show, represent heaven, where Christ went. Heaven is neither uninhabited, nor a wilderness.

After God designated which goat represented Christ and which Azazel, the high priest (verse 11) killed the bullock for a sin offering for himself, then took the burning coals of fire and the sweet incense into the Holy of Holies, also sprinkling the blood of the bullock before the mercy seat, typical of the throne of God, covering the tables of testimony (the law). This the high priest was required to do in order to purify himself to officiate, and to represent Christ as High Priest. In the antitype, this was not done, for Christ, our High Priest, had no need of this purification as the typical substitutionary priests did.

Now the Levitical high priest was ready to go out and officiate.

Next, the goat which God selected by lot to represent Christ, as the sin offering of the people, was killed. Thus the sins of the people were borne by the goat, even as Christ, finally, once for all, bore our sins on the cross. But Christ rose again from the dead, and ascended to the throne of God in heaven.

Now, who, or what, from this point on in the Levitical ceremony, typified the resurrected Christ, who went to heaven? Some say the goat representing Azazel. Let us see.

The risen Christ, now at the right hand of the throne of God in heaven (I Peter 3:22), is called what? Our High Priest! What was the earthly type of God’s throne? The uninhabited wilderness? No! That is where the live goat went!

The earthly type of God’s throne was the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies. After Christ died, He went to the heavenly mercy seat interceding for us, as our High Priest. “. . . Entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Hebrews 6:19-20).

Now, again, who, or what, in the Levitical ceremony of the Day of Atonement, typified the risen Christ, our High Priest, who went within the veil to God’s throne in heaven? The one goat had been slain. It represented the slain Christ. It can no longer represent the risen Christ. The slain Christ was not our High Priest, because the Levitical priesthood, with its high priest, did not end until Christ rose from the dead and ascended to heaven as a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec. But the risen Christ was High Priest. Now WHO took this part in the Levitical ceremonies, temporarily re-enacted year by year, on this eternal Holy Day? Why, so obviously a child could see, it was the Levitical high priest, not the goat representing Azazel!

The High Priest Type of Christ

As soon as the slain goat was dead, who went within the veil, presenting the blood of this goat before the typical throne of God?

Leviticus 16:15-16 “Then shall he [the high priest] kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and [now the high priest himself typifying the work of the risen Christ] bring his blood within the veil . . . and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat: and he shall make an atonement for the holy place. . . .”

And so it was the high priest taking blood within the veil, to the mercy seat, that typified the risen Christ figuratively taking HIS blood, once for all, within the veil to the very throne of God in heaven, there to intercede for us as High Priest. Surely this is so plain a child can see.

The slain goat represented the crucified Jesus. The high priest, by taking the blood of this slain goat into the veil to the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies, a type of God’s throne, represented and did the work of the risen Christ, who ascended to the right hand of the Majesty on high, there interceding as our High Priest. (Pagan Holidays or God’s Holy Days Which?)

The Holy Days of the Hebrew scriptures have applicability now and all help point to Jesus Christ. As far as why Jesus is shown in Passover and Atonement, that is discussed in our sermon: God’s Atonement and Fasting Plan.

In the Old Testament, the Day of Atonement included a ceremony where the Azazel goat was sent to the wilderness (Leviticus 16:1-10). Christians see this sending of the Azazel goat away as picturing the time during the millennium when Satan will be bound and sent away for a thousand years in the bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1-4). This means that Satan will not be able to tempt and deceive during that time. The Azazal goat was not slain, nor is Satan pictured being slain.

Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, a goat is not sacrificed by Christians to observe this day (cf. Hebrews 10:1-10).

Yet, although Jesus was our Passover lamb sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7-8) and He was slain only once (Hebrews 9:28), we also see a time other than Passover where Jesus is ceremonially slain.

Why?

Many have speculated, but there look to be scriptural clues, along with the fact that this happens before the release of the second goat.

Why two sacrifices since Jesus was only sacrificed once?

Because of how the biblical holy days picture God’s plan of salvation.

The biblical festivals begin with the sacrifice of Jesus (Passover), putting out sin (Days of Unleavened Bread), and the calling of the firstfruits in this age (Pentecost)–which is the beginning of the Church age (cf. Acts 2). The Church age ends when Jesus returns after the last trumpet is blown (Feast of Trumpets sets off a sequence of seven trumpets). The Day of Atonement comes after the Feast of Trumpets and, in sequence, happens AFTER the church age ends.

Jesus’ Passover sacrifice pictured His sacrifice for those called during the Church age, whereas the Atonement sacrifice pictures that Jesus did NOT JUST DIE FOR THE ELECT but for all (cf. John 3:16-17). That is also related to Him returning the second time for salvation!

This is a truth that has been restored in the Continuing Church of God.

This age lasts until Jesus returns, which He does on the seventh and last trump (1 Corinthians 15:52), which is one of the trumpets pictured by the Feast of Trumpets. After the church age is over, Jesus’ sacrifice will be accepted by more than the elect of the church age. It is NOT because Jesus will get sacrificed again.

Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Passover shows part of why He is the author and the Day of Atonement helps show us He is the finisher (as does His return with the last trumpet on pictured by the Feast of Trumpets).

So, although the Greco-Roman-Protestants tend to think the atonement was just a past event, this understanding of the Day of Atonement points to a future time–and shows an aspect of God’s plan of salvation that most seem to have missed.

As Christians, this picturing of Jesus as the goat of the atonement also shows us that we are not ‘better’ than others (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31) and that although we are the ones who have accepted Jesus’ Passover sacrifice now, others will accept His atoning sacrifice later (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).

Since the Bible calls Satan “the god of this age” who has “blinded” the world (2 Corinthians 4:4), most have been blinded and have not yet been covered by the sacrifice of Jesus. Yet this will happen for nearly all who will be called–either in this age or the age to come (Matthew 12:32). Showing the sacrifice, ceremonially after the church age ends on the Day of Atonement, helps demonstrate that the sacrifice of Jesus was not just for those called in the church age, as God’s plan includes offering salvation to all, and not just today’s elect.

By showing the sacrifice prior to the other goat being released, this shows that Jesus was not taking away the sins of Satan.

Jesus took the penalty of all human beings. But it doesn’t apply to humans until after God calls us and grants us repentance (John 6:44) and we come to be willing to repent and we come to believe. Not only in Jesus, but we believe the Son and we believe the Father, that is, we believe what They say. Also, we prove it by repenting, being baptized, being granted the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) and actually trying to live as They would have us live (cf. 1 John 2:6).

People attempting to be faithful to the Bible have observed the Day of Atonement and we faithful in the Continuing Church of God continue to do so in the 21st century.

We are pleased to announce this Day of Atonement offertory from its ContinuingCOG channel:

Here is a sermon made and recommended for 2022:

1:12:04

God’s Day of Atonement Plan

The Day of Atonement is discussed in the Old Testament and is referred to as “the Fast” in the New Testament. How does it picture in God’s plan? Did Jesus pray that we would be at one with God/ Why fast? Do those who can fast avoid food and drink from sunset to sunset and not work on the Day of Atonement? What about nursing infants and small children? Did Jesus just die for those called in this age? What about everyone else? Since the Bible shows that Jesus only needed to die once, why do we see ceremonies related to Passover and Atonement which both picture His death? Is the timing of the Day of Atonement help point to its part of God’s plan? Are we to consider others as we “afflict our souls”? What about Satan and his role in our sins? Will there come a time of no sorrows? How can fasting help you? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters and more.

Here is a link to the sermon: God’s Day of Atonement Plan.

Here is a sermon made and recommended for 2021:

1:11:14

Jesus THE Atonement

The Jews call it Yom Kippur and Christians call it the Day of Atonement. In transliterated Hebrew, the Bible calls the day Yom Hakippurim, which is Hebrew for “Day of the Atonements.” What do Old Testament scriptures say about it? Why is fasting associated with it? Did Jesus shed His blood only for Christians in this age? What about the age to come? If Jesus is only to be sacrificed once, why is He symbolically sacrificed as the Passover lamb as well as one of the goats associated with the Atonement ceremony in the Book of Leviticus? Is the Day of Atonement referred to in the Book of Acts? Is there evidence that Christians kept the Day of Atonement throughout the church age? Why should Christians observe it? Dr. Thiel addresses these topics and more in this video sermon.

Here is a link to the sermon: Jesus THE Atonement.

Those who have more interest may wish to study the following:

The Meaning of Atonement That was the title of a sermon by Herbert W. Armstrong gave on September 20, 1980. The article is based on that and has been expanded with updates and additional scriptures. Here is a link to a related sermon video: The Meaning of Atonement.
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.
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. A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
The Atonement Plan How does the Day of Atonement tie into God’s plan of salvation? Two sermons of related interest are available God’s Atonement and Fasting Plan and God’s Atonement Plan.
Atonement Offertory Should an offering be taken up on the Day of Atonement? What does the Bible seem to teach about that? Was Jesus a type of atonement offering? If you send an offering, how does that support the work? Does God need your money or do you need to give? Dr. Thiel goes over scriptures and facts related to this. Here is a link to the donation page of the Continuing Church of God, which includes the ability to use PayPal: http://www.ccog.org/donations/
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Michael’s Day of Atonement Quiz Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays.
Importance of Fasting An old article by Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject. Here is a link to it in Mandarin Chinese 禁食的重要性.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should Christians keep the Fall Biblical Holy Days?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not? What does the Feast of Trumpets, which the Jews call Rosh Hashanah, help teach? A related sermon video would be Feast of Trumpets and the Book of Life as well as The Trumpet Release. The article has links to hear shofar blasts.
Feast of Trumpets: Why Should You Keep It? What does the Bible say? What does this festival picture?
Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
Proof Jesus is the Messiah This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy. Here are links to seven related sermons: Proof Jesus is the Messiah, Prophecies of Jesus’ birth, timing, and death, Jesus’ prophesied divinity, 200+ OT prophecies Jesus filled; Plus prophecies He made, Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?, Daniel 9, Jews, and Jesus, and Facts and Atheists’ Delusions About Jesus. Plus the links to two sermonettes: Luke’s census: Any historical evidence? and Muslims believe Jesus is the Messiah, but … These videos cover nearly all of the book, plus have some information not in the book.
Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived–the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come. Here is a link to a related sermon series: Universal Offer of Salvation 1: Apocatastasis, Universal Offer of Salvation 2: Jesus Desires All to be Saved, Mysteries of the Great White Throne Judgment (Universal Offer of Salvation part 3), Is God Fair, Will God Pardon the Ignorant?, Can God Save Your Relatives?, Babies, Limbo, Purgatory and God’s Plan, and ‘By the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets’.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2033, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。.

(Official movie poster)

COGwriter

Yesterday, I watched parts of a James O’Keefe documentary called ‘Line in the Sand.’ Here is some information about it and what it says is happening in the USA:

The terrifying documentary “Line in the Sand,” by journalist and film director James O’Keefe, premiers on the Tucker Carlson Network today, Oct. 10, 2024. It is a chilling tale of modern-day exploitation, of human misery and abuse in the illegal-immigration system across the U.S. border where millions cross and children disappear from facilities, the federal government pays for the illicit process and cartels profit by the billions. Half a million children have been moved in three years across the U.S. border illegally, most of them currently unaccounted for, says O’Keefe in the film’s trailer. Where did they disappear to once they entered the United States? Who are the government employees and NGO and church staff that work in silence amid this massive illegal humanitarian crisis? It is a billion-dollar business with immense human cost for those who are the human merchandise. Many end up in sex slavery and prostitution.

Why is this form of human slavery, trafficking and gross abuse not stopped? O’Keefe concludes that all those involved are getting rich off the industry – the NGOs, the government, the churches, the cartels. It is child trafficking with federal government employees helping to facilitate the unaccompanied children to “sponsors” all across the U.S., he says. They are delivered to people whom they often do not know and left there reportedly without any further follow up.

O’Keefe spent a year on the film, risking his life pretending to be a Ukrainian refugee, crossing the Mexican border into the United States, all with hidden cameras documenting what he and his courageous team saw. Yet, what shocked him the most was how willing regular American employees were to hide what was going on. He asks: Are we a nation of moral cowards? How is it acceptable for so many individuals that work at these facilities to close their eyes to the human trafficking only so they can collect their pay checks? This is mass criminal behavior. 10/09/24 https://www.wnd.com/2024/10/children-for-sale-watch-okeefes-line-in-the-sand/

There are a lot of problems with the border policies of the USA.

Kids being sex trafficked is one of them.

Related to sex trafficking, earlier this year, I watched the movie Sound of Freedom.

I reported about that movie last Summer when it came out and brought out the fact that YouTube censored various comments about it (see “YouTube Is Pulling ‘Sound Of Freedom’ Interviews, Reviews”).

While the movie, for the most part, attempted to be tastefully done, I suspected that it would be gut-wrenching to watch–and it was.

One of the scriptural reasons I watched it was because the Bible teaches:

2 Better to go to the house of mourning
Than to go to the house of feasting. (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

After watching parts of Line in the Sand, it seemed timely to again denounce pedophilia. 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.  (Isaiah 58:1)

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (1 Corinthians 6:9, KJV)

According to the Sound of Freedom movie, pedophilia is a $150 billion per year industry and the USA is one of the biggest “consumers” of such.

While many believe coming to the USA by any means will help them, Line in the Sand brought the following to mind:

19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption … (2 Peter 2:19)

(The above verse is also applicable to religious leaders, like Andy Stanley, who promote lawlessness. See also HD: Andy Stanley Holds ‘Unconditional Conference’ Instructing Pastors To Celebrate and Affirm LGBT Congregants).

That said, many in the media do not want people to learn about how horrendous the sins of sex-trafficking are.

Getting back to the Sound of Freedom movie, it was originally made for Disney, but it shelved it. Notice also:

Actor Jim Caviezel, … revealed recently what took place behind the scenes of a Disney movie.

“They wanted me to remove ‘God’ from all the script. True story … what happened to God? ‘God will give me justice,’” he said, quoting the book.

“I had to say, no, I can’t do this,’” he said.

The response was vintage liberal Hollywood.

“Disney said, ‘Oh, so you’re one of those?’ I said, ‘One of those what? One of those who rewrite Alexandre Dumas? One of those who rewrite Shakespeare? because that’s essentially what you did,’” he said. 07/03/23 https://www.wnd.com/2023/07/jim-caviezel-reveals-disney-told-references-god-count-monte-cristo/

Consider the above with the following:

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)

The sexually immoral do not want to retain God in their knowledge (though they will tend to support various false concepts about God).

Homosexuality, pornography, and sexual immorality, combined with greed, have fueled the pedophilia situation.

I pray that the victims of such trafficking will be able to cope with what they have been through so that they can move forward with their lives.

Child pornography is considered to be a factor that encourages pedophilia. And the internet is a place where this happens, despite its illegality. We have both an article (Pornography: A scourge on society) as well as a YouTube video speaking out against pornography, including child pornography (Pornography: Harmless Fun or a Scourge on Society?).

Of course, sex trafficking of children is not new. Notice something written against it decades ago published by the old Worldwide Church of God:

There is still a flourishing black market for kiddie porn. “Those who know” can readily obtain the literature and movies they desire…

Dr. Peter Decourcy declared in a report to the American Psychological Association: “Children constitute the most oppressed minority group in this country. It is a minority group whose members are regularly humiliated, beaten, mutilated, killed or sexually abused and who have little effective legal recourse or police protection.” …

The cause of the sexual exploitation of children, then, lies close to home — in fact, in the home.

Recent studies into incest indicate that the magnitude of the problem is far greater than previously imagined. An article in the April issue of Ms. magazine asserted that one girl in every four in the United States experiences some form of sexual abuse before she reaches the age of 18. Three-fourths of the abusers are known by their victims. And about one-third of the incidents of abuse take place in the victim’s home. In at least ten percent of all reported cases, the victim is a boy, but in virtually all cases, boys and girls, the victimizer is male.

Compounding the tragedy of incest is the fact that, unlike an isolated incident of rape, incest is a crime that may continue for years. Its victims are trapped not only by brute force but by loyalties and dependencies.

Even when incest is not a factor, Dr. Avedis Panajian, director of psychological services at MacLaren Hall (the juvenile hall for Los Angeles County), believes that the family of a child who is involved in pornography is usually the cause of the problem. “What is needed is treatment of the child and his family,” he believes.

“Turn the Hearts of Fathers to Their Children”

In ancient times, the prophet Malachi equated a loving family relationship with human survival itself. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse [marginal reading: utter destruction]” (Mal. 4:5-6).

Modern civilization is most certainly under a curse today because so many parents have become alienated from their children. The curse is reflected in skyrocketing juvenile crime, the breakdown of school systems, jails filled to overflowing, and obscenities such as child pornography and teenage prostitution.

The time must come, will come, when, in the words of noted psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, “There will exist a well-informed, well-considered and yet fervent public conviction that the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of a child’s spirit; for such mutilation undercuts the life principle of trust, without which every human act, may it feel ever so good, and seem ever so right, is prone to perversion by destructive forms of consciousness.” (Graunke DP. KIDDIE PORN Causes and Cures. Plain Truth, December 1977)

The problem has worsened since, even though there are now laws against child pornography. More and more children are being sold for purposes of sexual immorality. And more in various media want to allow pedophilia–or at least reduce criticisms of it.

Another thing that is worse now is the sexual mutilation of thousands in the USA. Notice the following:

US Hospitals Raked In $120 Million Performing Sex Changes On Thousands Of Kids, New Data Shows

U.S. hospitals charged nearly $120 million over five years for sex-change procedures performed on around 14,000 children, according to new data compiled by medical watchdog Do No Harm.

The first-of-its-kind database, which logs sex-change procedures given to children nationwide between 2019 and 2023, catalogs a total of 5,747 minors who underwent sex-change surgeries, along with 8,579 who obtained puberty blockers or cross sex hormones.

Do No Harm believes the problem is likely even bigger than the data shows. The numbers, which are drawn from insurance claims data across all 50 states, do not include self-pay, charity payments, internal Veterans Affairs claims or patients covered by Kaiser Health Plans. 10/09/24 https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/us-hospitals-raked-in-120-million-performing-sex-changes-on-thousands-of-kids-new-data-shows/ar-AA1rUd5d

Sex Change Procedures Inflicted on 14,000 Children

Everyone agrees that Josef Mengele was a villain. But his crimes are dwarfed by the scale of evil currently taking place in the USA, as revealed by Do No Harm:

From January 2019 to December 2023, 13,994 minor patients received gender-transition treatments, with 5,747 undergoing sex-change surgeries and 8,579 getting hormones and puberty blockers, according to Do No Harm’s database. A majority of the body-modification procedures were conducted on minors around the age of 15.

No child can meaningfully consent to being deformed for social engineering purposes.

The database lines up with anecdotal accounts of teenagers being rushed into surgical operations and hormone procedures that permanently alter their bodies. A number of medical patients who later came to regret these procedures, known as “detransitioners,” have publicly spoken about their experiences being pushed to undergo gender-transition operations while they struggled with mental-health issues and sought guidance.

The figures given are lower limits:

The database likely undercounts the true number of trans medical interventions because it excludes “gray area” cases and lacks data from certain health-care providers. …

Do No Harm’s figures are based on publicly available insurance claim data the organization obtained from clearinghouses, data aggregators, payers, health systems, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and open sources.

The crimes against humanity are inflicted to advance the LGBT agenda. 10/09/24 https://moonbattery.com/sex-change-procedures-inflicted-on-14000-children/

The Bible warns of “inventors of evil things” (Romans 1:30) and those involved in these type of gender destruction are certainly pushing such evil inventions.

The Bible also warns:

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Child traffickers, pornographers, and those who mutilate children have a love of money that is abhorrent.

The Apostle Paul prophesied that things would get worse in these 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! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

The Bible condemns prostitution and other forms of sexual immorality, but as a society goes further and further away from biblical morality, it should not be surprised to see the rise of horrific crimes such as the sex-trafficking of children.

While Sound of Freedom and Line in the Sand highlight some of the problems, do not think that human trafficking is about to be solved.

Human trafficking is prophesied to be part of end time Mystery Babylon’s trade:

12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble;

13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. (Revelation 18:12-13)

Notice some other scriptures:

4 We pay for the water we drink, And our wood comes at a price. 5 They pursue at our heels; We labor and have no rest. 6 We have given our hand to the Egyptians And the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. 7 Our fathers sinned and are no more, But we bear their iniquities.  8 Servants rule over us; There is none to deliver us from their hand”. (Lamentations 5:4-8)

18 They tracked our steps
So that we could not walk in our streets.
Our end was near;
Our days were over,
For our end had come.

19 Our pursuers were swifter
Than the eagles of the heavens.
They pursued us on the mountains
And lay in wait for us in the wilderness. (Lamentations 4:18-19)

8 Israel is swallowed up; Now they are among the Gentiles
Like a vessel in which is no pleasure. 9 For they have gone up to Assyria (Hosea 8:8-9)

3 They shall not dwell in the Lord’s land, But Ephraim shall return to Egypt, And shall eat unclean things in Assyria…17 My God will cast them away, Because they did not obey Him; And they shall be wanderers among the nations. (Hosea 9:3,17)

(More details are also in the article Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?)

Notice that some of the above scriptures mention Assyria (including eating unclean things there), which is who God will use to punish certain descendants of Israel, such as the USA, UK etc. (cf. Isaiah 10:5-7). Assyria is a biblical reference to the end time German-dominated Beast power (see also Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy).

The late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

The GREAT TRIBULATION, we shall fully then realize, is the time of “Jacob’s Trouble,” spoken of in Jeremiah 30:7. And Jacob’s name was named on Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48:16). At that time a third of the people in our nations will die, or shall have died, by famine and disease epidemics; another third will dies of the war–our cities being destroyed (Ezek. 6:6), and the remaining third will be carried to the land of our enemies as slaves (Ezek. 5:12). Armstrong, Herbert W. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).

Jacob’s trouble is punishment inflicted on the descendants of Israel. And this includes Ephraim and Manasseh (cf. Genesis 48), which means the United Kingdom and the United States in the 21st century (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

Sadly, prophecy is clear that there will be more human trafficking until Jesus returns.

We all should follow Jesus’ admonition to pray for the Kingdom of God to come.

Man applying pesticides
(UnSplash photo)

COGwriter

Pesticides contain poisonous toxins and are dangerous.

Notice also the following:

October 11, 2024

Under the Biden administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a series of new policies to protect the environment against pesticide exposure, especially for endangered and threatened species. https://agupdate.com/midwestmessenger/news/crop/prepare-for-change-under-new-epa-pesticide-strategies/article_905f47f0-8651-11ef-814f-fb02de2b9962.html

While it is good to reduce toxic pollution and protect wild species from pesticides, what about also protecting people, including children from them?

A reader sent me a link to the following:

‘Shocking’: Heavy Metals, Nearly 50 Pesticides Detected In School Lunches

October 10, 2024

Food items served to school kids in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., contained heavy metals, including lead, and roughly 50 pesticides, according to new testing commissioned by Spotlight on America.

The Health Research Institute (HRI), an accredited independent lab in Iowa, conducted the testing. HRI’s Chief Scientist and CEO John Fagan told The Defender, “We tested every part of the lunch … it was pretty shocking.”

Nearly 30 million U.S. kids eat school lunch every day, according to the School Nutrition Association.

Fagan’s lab identified 49 pesticides — listed at the end of this article — with 38 different pesticides detected in just one elementary school lunch. Among them was carbendazim, a fungicide banned in most European countries that can cause infertility and endocrine disruption.

Many wheat-based items contained the weedkiller glyphosate, commonly marketed as Roundup, which causes cancer and disrupts immune function.

A single strawberry cup contained 23 pesticides, Spotlight on America reported.

Fagan’s lab also found numerous heavy metals in the samples. According to the Cleveland Clinic, exposure to heavy metals can cause irreversible damage to the human body, and may even be life-threatening.

Lead — which “at any level is harmful to children’s IQ,” Fagan said — was found in 100% of the samples.

Some samples contained cadmium, a heavy metal known to increase the risk of lung cancer, at a level 12 times higher than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) limit for bottled water, according to Spotlight on America.

The lab also found arsenic in rice at levels 6 times higher than what’s allowed in apple juice, Spotlight on America said.

Fagan said, “The children need our help and protection.”

Zen Honeycutt — founder and executive director of Moms Across America, a nonprofit representing hundreds of thousands of mothers who want safer food served to their kids — agreed.

Honeycutt told The Defender that if foreign countries were serving these types and amounts of toxins to our children, “we would call it poison and be at war with them.”

“It is time,” she added, “for parents and concerned citizens to demand that our regulatory agencies require the food suppliers and farmers to do better. This is not an impossible task … it is, in fact, what regenerative, organic and biodynamic farmers do every day.”

School meals should not be ‘another source of toxic exposure’ https://connecticutcentinal.com/shocking-heavy-metals-nearly-50-pesticides-detected-in-school-lunches/

It is not only school lunches that are affected by toxins.

Many foods that are naturally healthy have been tainted by pesticides:

‘Superfoods’ like blueberries, spinach and kale named among ‘dirty dozen’ produce aisle fruits and veggies with most pesticides

•  Blueberries and green beans joined the highest amount of pesticides list
•  They contain organophosphates which can damage the human nervous system
• People exposed to common pesticide have signs of cancer in their urine

Blueberries, spinach and kale — each usually recognized as among the healthiest foods one can eat — have been named among produce with the most pesticides.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), based in Washington DC, named its ‘dirty dozen’ produce foods this week, a dubious honor reserved only for fruits and vegetables in America laced with the most chemicals.

Alongside the antioxidant-rich blueberries and leafy greens are other snacktime favorites such as strawberries, grapes, apples, nectarines, pears and cherries. …

The EWG studied 46 produce aisle staples for its study, and found that 75 percent of freshly grown produce in America contain residue of harmful pesticides. Human ingestion can damage the nervous system or even cause cancer. …

Over 250 different pesticides were discovered on the fruits and vegetables, some of which have been barred in the US or Europe because of the effect they have on human health.

For example, the neurotoxic organophosphate insecticide acephate, which was banned from use on green beans in 2011 showed up on six percent of green bean samples.

The insecticide is listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a possible human carcinogen.

Both blueberries and green beans harbor worrying levels of organophosphate insecticides.

These can damage the human nervous system and is particularly poisonous for children’s developing brains.  03/17/23 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11869115/Superfoods-like-blueberries-spinach-kale-laced-dangerous-chemicals.html

Our food should be nourishing and safe to eat.

But more than 10,000 chemicals are allowed in food sold in the U.S. Some are direct additives, such as preservatives like butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA, and butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, which are intentionally added to processed food. Others are so-called indirect additives, like heavy metals, which contaminate food during processing, storage and packaging.

Almost 99 percent of food chemicals introduced since 2000 were greenlighted for use by food and chemical companies, rather than properly reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. Many of these widely used chemicals are associated with major health harms, including increased risk of cancer, developmental harm and hormone disruption.

These substances end up in what we eat, thanks to a legal loophole that allows foods to be classified as “generally recognized as safe.” It’s a loophole food and chemical companies have exploited for decades – it means that instead of the FDA determining which food chemicals are safe to consume, the manufacturers of those substances decide.accessed 03/19/23 https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/ewgs-dirty-dozen-guide-food-chemicals-top-12-avoid?gclid=CjwKCAjw5dqgBhBNEiwA7PryaFFWHZ-6l-xZJzAiAe1UuKeh0kgnoMD9D3SauIXxZD8PnU25_q5johoCcCIQAvD_BwE

Yes, there are many, many pesticides used in conventional agriculture.

Most, in small amounts, do not noticeably affect human health.

However, none in my opinion (and based on what I learned in conventional nutrition classes), have been thoroughly tested to ensure that they do not cause or contribute to human health problems. We know some do cause problems, but that does not mean that the others do not. It is just that the ways that they are tested do not take into account all the variables and possible health problems they could contribute to.

Organic produce, foods grown without pesticides, are better. But they are normally more expensive, often less available, and sometimes not as fresh. And because they are normally grown in regions with other farms, organic produce also, often, has pesticide residues. However, they are normally much less than their non-organic counterparts.

And then there is refined carbohydrates and ultra processed foods–which have their own health risks (e.g., see CNN: Cognitive decline linked to ultraprocessed food, study finds).

The Bible teaches:

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).

Information on how to do so should not be suppressed.

But, YouTube did that to us. However, the good news is that nearly a decade ago, when I saw that YouTube was effectively ‘shadow banning’ our videos, we in the CCOG decided to go on additional platforms. Here is information and a link to the YouTube censored video that we still have up at BitChute:

Feb 21, 2021

COVID-19: Eat what is good!

US President Joe Biden said on 2/19/21 that the USA may NOT “return to normal” in 2021 because of vaccine and mutation issues. Is there another approach? Would it make sense to improve nutrition to strengthen the immune system and to help people with COVID-19? What about zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin D? What about avoiding unclean meats? What about eating more fruits and vegetables and items such as pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts? What about eating bovine glandulars? What about herbs? Could fasting help? What about exercise and sunlight? What about masks, lockdowns, junk food, obesity, and weight gain? Dr. Thiel, who possesses a US regionally accredited PhD. in nutrition science from the Union Institute and University, a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California, and a natural scientist license from the State of Alabama, explains why people may wish to consider approaches for their immune system. He also goes over scriptures related to worse pandemics coming (associated with the ride of the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse–Revelation 6:7-8), and the fact that the Bible teaches to “eat what is good” (Isaiah 55:2).

A written article, with references, of related interest is also available titled “Joe Biden: life may not return to normal this year due to COVID mutations; Paul Roberts: The Covid Pandemic Is The Result of Public Health Authorities Blocking Effective Treatment” URL: https://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/joe-biden-life-may-not-return-to-normal-this-year-due-to-covid-mutations-paul-roberts-the-covid-pandemic-is-the-result-of-public-health-authorities-blocking-effective-treatment/

Here is a link to the censored video: COVID-19: Eat what is good!

Now, related to food, we put out the following video:

Related to Christian health, we put out the following video:

Ingesting poisons, which are basically what pesticides are, does not support optimal health.

Try to avoid them and consider alternatives to school lunches if you can.

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 two related sermons: Let’s Talk About Food, Evil is Affecting the Food Supply, and Let’s Talk About Health.
GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here are some related videos: GMO Risks and the Bible and GMOs, Lab meat, Hydrogenation: Safe or Dangerous?
Chimeras: Has Science Crossed the Line? What are chimeras?  Has science crossed the line? Does the Bible give any clues? A video of related interest is Half human, half pig: What’s the difference?  and Human-Monkey Embryos and Death.
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? A related video would be 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?
The Bible, Christians, and the Environment How should Christians view the environment? Does the Bible give any clues? What are some of the effects of air, water, and land pollution? Is environmental pollution a factor in autism and death? Do pollutants seem to double the autism risk? What will Jesus do? Here is a link to a related sermon: Christians and the Environment (there is also a YouTube video available titled Air Pollution, Autism, and Prophecy, one titled Will Pollution lead to the End?, and one called COP 27 and Solving Climate Change).