Church of God News

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COGwriter

Reuters reported the following:

August 21, 2024

Gold hit a record high of $2,531.60 on Tuesday …

The dollar slipping to its lowest this year … https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/gold-holds-below-record-high-investors-await-clarity-fed-cuts-2024-08-21/

Gold hit a record on Friday August 16, 2024 and broke that record yesterday, August 20, 2024.

Sputnik News posted the following:

Why is Gold on a Bullish Roll?

August 21, 2024
Gold tends to be seen as a safe haven during economic and geopolitical turbulence, as is currently witnessed by the increasingly bullish trend displayed by the yellow metal.

Gold has been trading at $2,516 per ounce after setting a new record on August 16, when it eclipsed $2,500 for the first time in history. Since last year, the price of the precious metal has soared by almost 30%. …

How West’s mainstream media got it all wrong about gold

The Western mainstream media’s hype about gold losing its status as a safe haven appears to have fallen flat. A cascade of ‘doomsday’ MSM headlines two years ago had pushed the narrative that ‘stronger dollars’ were eating… pic.twitter.com/bVjM69m0Ud

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) August 19, 2024

Let’s take a closer look at what is driving this bullish trend.

Fed’s Monetary Policy

Gold soars on the prospect of further interest rate cuts by central banks, led by the US Federal Reserve. As a rule, the precious metal’s price goes up when interest rates go down, since lower rates diminish the likely yields, or returns, from bonds and shares.

Investors are waiting for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech on August 23 at the Jackson Hole Symposium for hints on further rate cuts. …

Economic uncertainty boosts demand for gold. After the release of the weak US jobs report in July, gold prices soared over fears of an upcoming recession. …

Dollar Decline

In anticipation of rate cuts, the US dollar fell by 2.2% against the combined strength of rival currencies, while the yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury note sank too, making bullion more attractive.

Central banks have been buying up gold, with net purchasing in H1 amounting to 483 tons. At the same time, their holdings of dollar-denominated assets reached a historic low amid US weaponization of the greenback. Dollar and US Treasury-denominated foreign reserves hit 58.9% in 2024, down from about 70% two decades ago, per a Nikkei-cited report.

China has led the bullion buy-up, with the People’s Bank of China bolstering gold purchases by 30% last year. Gold reserves in China increased to 2,264.32 tons in the second quarter of 2024. India has also stacked up its gold-denominated assets, currently worth $57.6 billion.

Russia’s gold reserves reached an all time high of 2,335.85 tons in the second quarter of 2024, according to the World Gold Council.

As part of the de-dollarization trend embraced by BRICS countries, many other states have been motivated to follow their example to dodge the risks of storing central bank assets in foreign countries.

I have long warned that US sanctions and other policies would hurt its dollar (e.g. watch, from 2018, US Sanctions and Tariffs leading to New World Order?).

The hype from the Democratic National Convention this week has not convinced investors that the US will strengthen its economy to the point that its dollar is more trustworthy.

Of course, gold did not just rise in the past week. Notice something that ZeroHedge posted earlier this year:

‘We Have Liftoff!’ – Spot Gold Takes Out Record High

March 5, 2024

Extending their run of the last few days, spot gold prices just exceeded their all-time highs, topping $2140 for the first time in history…

What is gold pricing in about future Fed action? Real rates dramatically negative? As Luke Gromen noted on X:

“When gold rises in your currency DESPITE positive real rates, the gold market is saying ‘Your government will have a debt spiral if real rates remain positive’.“

As Egon von Greyerz details in his latest note, “we have liftoff”, expect more to come…

All Empires die without fail, so do all Fiat currencies. But gold has been shining for 5000 years …

Luke Gromen in his Tree Rings report puts forward two options for the world economy which can be summarised as follows:

1. Dedollarisation continues, the Petrodollar dies and gold gradually replaces the dollar as a global commodity trading currency especially in the commodity rich BRICS countries. This would allow commodity prices to stay low as gold rises and drives a virtuous circle of global trade.

If the above option sounds too good to be true especially bearing in mind the bankrupt status of the global financial system, Luke puts forward a much less pleasant outcome.

And in my view, Luke’s alternative outcome is sadly more likely, namely:

2. “China, the US Treasury market, and the global economy implode spectacularly, sending the world into a new Great Depression, political instability, and possibly WW3…in which case, gold probably rises spectacularly all the same, as bonds and then equities scramble for one of the only assets with no counterparty risk – gold.   (BTC is another.)”

Yes, Bitcoin couldgo to $1 million as I have often said but it could also go to Zero if it is banned. Too binary for me and not a good wealth preservation risk in any case.

As Gromen says, there is a virtuous case and there is a vicious case for the world economy.

But above both cases shines GOLD!

So why hold the worthless paper money or bubble assets when you can protect yourself with Gold! …

And although the CBO forecasts a debt increase of $21 trillion by 2034 to a total of $55 trillion, they expect inflation to stay around 2%!

As I have stated in many articles, the US Federal debt has doubled every 8 years on average since Reagan became President in 1981! https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/we-have-liftoff-spot-gold-takes-out-record-high

The record price of gold should not come as a surprise to regular readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page.

For example, our free online book, Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? warned about this:

Many have complained about the U.S.A. “weaponizing” its dollar through sanctions, bank restrictions, and other means.[i] By doing so, the U.S.A. has inadvertently been  building up a coalition to push aside the dollar—and this will happen when the timing is considered to be better. European leaders have been working for years to establish a new reserve currency for the world, partially with the intent to remove the U.S. dollar from its position as the world’s primary reserve currency. The fact that Europe would develop its own currency, as well as for that purpose, was predicted by Church of God writers no later than 1971[ii] –which is over two decades before the euro was officially agreed to.

Those in Iran and some of the Arab lands, along with nations such as Brazil, China, and India have discussed plans for the removal of the dominance of the U.S.A. in global trade as well. The former (again current) President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, even claimed that eliminating the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status was one of the reasons that the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) was formed in the first place. [iii] Others have noted that bypassing the USA dollar is still an object of BRICS—and officially BRICS nations “are currently working on setting up a new global reserve currency,”[iv] which may have gold-backing.[v] The expansion of BRICS (which is in progress[vi]) may ultimately even hurt Australian trade as well as “severely weaken primacy of the US Dollar as an international currency.”[vii]

The Bible clearly warns against cheapening the money supply and encourages having money hold its value (Proverbs 25:4 Isaiah 1:25, Ezekiel 22:18-22). Debt is also warned against (Habakkuk 2:6-8). Yet policies enacted under the Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations, following certain other administrations, have ignored these warnings.

Destruction is coming.

However, the relationship between debt accumulation and prophesied destruction remains unapparent to many. Because there is a time lag, many ignore that there will be real consequences (cf. Ecclesiastes 8:11; Habakkuk 2:3,6-8). Yet, massive increases of debt are utterly dangerous. …

Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms.

[i]  Jayakumar V. The weaponization of finance threatens the future of the dollar standard. The Hill, March 1, 2022

[ii] Hogberg G. Rising World Colossus. Plain Truth magazine, May 1971

[iii] Escobar P. BRICS was created as a tool of attack: Lula. Asia Times, August 28, 2019

[iv] BRICS developing new global reserve currency – Putin. RT, June 22, 2022

[v] Helms K. Economists Discuss Russia, China Potentially Developing Gold-Backed Currency. BRICS Information Portal, November 11, 2022

[vi] US Responds to Massive BRICS Expansion Effort As Nations Push to Launch Global Currency, Ditch Dollar. Daily Hodl, May 5, 2023

[vii] Hunter M. BRICS Is Becoming The Big Kid On The Block: Implications For Australia – Analysis. Eurasia Review, November 1, 2022

The Bible shows that the Babylonian, European Beast power will control a lot of gold.

Related to that, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put out the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

Gold is so valuable it is called a precious metal. What nation has the most of it? Is there an area of nations with more? Will gold last longer than the USA dollar? Are there properties about the Beast and/or the Antichrist in the Bible that show that the European Babylonian Beast power will amass gold during the time of the Great Tribulation? Are there Eastern Orthodox prophecies that look forward to this? Are there biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies that warn against this? Are European central banks already accumulating gold? Did Swiss America state that some central banks are leaning towards a gold standard? Might the coming King of the North accumulate gold to use to help shore up his currency after the demise of the US dollar? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to the sermonette video: Beast Prophecies and European Gold.

What about silver?

Silver has long been used as money.

It should be noted that the Bible does show that silver (along with gold) will have value into at least the first few couple of years of the Great Tribulation. Here are some end time prophecies from scripture that help show that:

40 “At the time of the end…43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver (Daniel 11:40,43)

14… And the wealth of all the surrounding nations
Shall be gathered together: Gold, silver, and apparel in great abundance. (Zechariah 14:14)

12 … merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls … (Revelation 18:12)

Yet, throughout history, governments have often debased the value of their silver currency by making it dross.

This is something that the Bible warns against:

4 Take away the dross from silver (Proverbs 25:4a).

In the USA, its “silver” became “dross” in 1965. And while it has not hit records prices in US dollar terms (nor did any of my books state that it would–though the two mentioned in this post pointed to silver being of vulue), it too has gone up in value. Forbes posted the following:

August 21, 2024

The price of silver today, as of 8:19 am ET, was $30 per ounce. That’s up 0.50% from yesterday’s silver price of $29. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/silver-price/

On August 21, 2023, silver was $22.75 (https://www.bullion-rates.com/silver/USD/2023-8-history.htm). So, it is up over 31% in the past year. But, yes, it too, can go down in value.

One day, silver will have value and the US dollar will not.

Interestingly the USA, not being satisfied with simply making its silver dross, has taken so many steps to make its currency dross through debt, “quantitative easing”, massive deficits, and politically-motivated spending that it pays no attentions to God’s warnings about cheapening the money supply.

We have the following silver-related video:

15:10

Silver, Science, and Scripture

What is silver? What is it used for? How long has it been used? Will it have use in the future? There was an archaeological discovery that concluded that silver was used as a form of payment 3,700 years ago in the Levant (roughly the area of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria)–that was 500 years earlier than many thought it had been used there. Was silver shown to be used even a couple of centuries earlier than that by Abraham in the Bible? What is dross? Did ancient Rome have dross coins? Did the USA switch to dross coins instead of silver in 1965? Does the Bible teach against the use of dross? Does the Bible prophesy that silver will have value into the Great Tribulation? Are there Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies pointing to Great Monarch amassing precious metals and the Antichrist using wealth as bait? Will there be a time when people toss their silver into the street? Are there any radioactive risks with silver? Will gold and silver have value in the millennium? What does the word of God teach is more valuable than gold or silver? What should you invest in? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Silver, Science, and Scripture.

Anyway, the USA dollar will one day collapse and be worth no more than the scrap or novelty value of the cotton-paper it is printed on.

Rises in the price of gold and silver will happen and the USA dollar will basically become worthless.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold? Two videos of related interest are Beast Prophecies and European Gold and Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar.
The End of US Dollar Dominance Is the USA losing its economic status? What about the petro-gold-yuan? A related video is also available: US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan.
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.
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.
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.
Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction Can the USA survive two full presidential terms? In what ways are Joe Biden and Kamala Harris apocalyptic? This book has hundreds of prophecies and scriptures to provide details.  A Kindle version is also available and you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to your free Kindle reader app (or if you already have one or a Kindle),  you can go to: Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction (Kindle) to get the book in seconds.

(Image from Pixabay)

COGwriter

Science Alert posted the following:

Venting Doesn’t Reduce Anger, But Something Else Does, Study Says

August 6, 2024

Venting when angry seems sensible. Conventional wisdom suggests expressing anger can help us quell it, like releasing steam from a pressure cooker.

But this common metaphor is misleading, according to a recent meta-analytic review. Researchers at Ohio State University analyzed 154 studies on anger, finding little evidence that venting helps. In some cases, it could increase anger.

“I think it’s really important to bust the myth that if you’re angry you should blow off steam – get it off your chest,” said senior author and communication scientist Brad Bushman when the results were published in April.

“Venting anger might sound like a good idea, but there’s not a shred of scientific evidence to support catharsis theory.”

That doesn’t mean anger should be ignored. Reflection can help us understand why we get mad and address underlying problems. It can also aid emotional validation, an important first step towards healthily processing emotions.

Venting, however, often goes beyond reflection into rumination. The study suggests that many people also try to exorcize anger with physical exertion, which can offer health benefits but may not lighten the mood in the moment.

The studies reviewed included a total of 10,189 participants, representing a variety of ages, genders, cultures, and ethnicities. The findings show the key to curbing anger is reducing physiological arousal, the authors say, from anger itself or from the otherwise beneficial physical activity it might inspire.

“To reduce anger, it is better to engage in activities that decrease arousal levels,” Bushman said. …

“I wanted to debunk the whole theory of expressing anger as a way of coping with it,” explained Kjærvik. “We wanted to show that reducing arousal, and actually the physiological aspect of it, is really important.” …

“It was really interesting to see that progressive muscle relaxation and just relaxation in general might be as effective as approaches such as mindfulness and meditation,” Kjærvik said. …

Rather than trying to vent anger, the researchers recommend undermining it by turning down the heat. https://www.sciencealert.com/venting-doesnt-reduce-anger-but-something-else-does-study-says

As far as turning down the heat, the Book of Proverbs teaches:

29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding,
But he who is impulsive exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29)

1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.  (Proverbs 15:1-2)

18 A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention. (Proverbs 15:18)

The Bible also teaches self-control:

9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
For anger rests in the bosom of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

5 give yourselves to fasting and prayer; … so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:5)

While Paul did not write that specifically for uncontrolled anger, the principle is still applicable.

Also, do not sin when angry:

26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.  (Ephesians 4:26-27)

If you stay angry, you are sinning and giving the devil a place to impact you. Notice you are not to stay angry.

The old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

Social psychologist Carol Tarvis, in her new book Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion, asserts that anger released, rather than anger suppressed or dealt with otherwise, causes stress and may well spawn more conflict.

Says Dr. Tarvis: “People who are most prone to give vent to their rage get angrier, not less angry. I observe a lot of hurt feelings among the recipients of rage. And I can plot the stages in a typical ‘ventilating’ marital argument: precipitating event, angry outburst, shouted recriminations, screaming or crying, the furious peak (sometimes accompanied by physical assault), exhaustion, sullen apology, or just sullenness. The cycle is replayed the next day or next week. What in this is ‘cathartic’ [bringing release from tension]? Screaming? Throwing a pot? Does either action cause the anger to vanish or the angry spouse to feel better? Not that I can see.”

Dr. Tarvis goes on to show that anger and stress are not necessarily related — people who deal with anger in more mature ways may well be healthier than those who subscribe to the “let it out” theory.

Reflecting about a situation that makes you angry, deciding on a reasonable, effective, calm response and then executing the response is far more effective and healthy than erupting emotionally, increasing your blood pressure and exacerbating tensions between you and whoever else is involved in the dispute.

Rethinking a provocation and deciding on appropriate, intelligent action is a more mature emotional response. …

The Bible offers much sound advice on building successful human relationships. The book of Proverbs in particular contains much useful information on self-control, much of it dealing with emotional maturity. You might just read through these proverbs sometime. They apply to everyday situations and are easy to understand, especially if you read in a modern translation. You may be surprised at the wisdom you’ll find in them.

Lest anyone get the wrong idea, we must make this statement: We are not saying there is never a time for the proper expression of anger. God created our emotions and all of them have their right uses.

The Bible shows that there is a proper time to show “righteous indignation.” Even Jesus himself was angry on occasion, and with good cause.

But the type of anger Jesus expressed — the type we may express — is not selfish, depressing, resentful, hateful or violent toward other human beings. Righteous indignation seeks to teach people how to right wrongs. It feels stabbing sadness at the tragedies sin produces in this world. It is not destructive, but constructive. (Shoaf NL. A Much Overlooked Way to Assure Peace. Plain Truth, May 1983)

God told the prophet Jeremiah:

27 “I have set you as an assayer and a fortress among My people,
That you may know and test their way.
28 They are all stubborn rebels, walking as slanderers. (Jeremiah 6:27-28)

Despite Jeremiah being God’s prophet, people rebelled against him and slandered him (e.g. Jeremiah 43:1-4).

Some people allow pride to take over and seem to want to be angry:

22 An angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.

23 A man’s pride will bring him low,
But the humble in spirit will retain honor.  (Proverbs 29:22-23)

The Apostle Paul stated that we needed to be:

5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Yes, self-control is to also include your thoughts.

The Book of Hebrews teaches:

12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:12-15)

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

People who claimed to be God’s people rebelled against Moses. There have long been people who think they are right and who also rebel against proper theological governance (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government).

Many have hardened their hearts. Look, when Pharaoh hardened his heart, he thought he was doing what was best for Egypt. When the children of Israel hardened their hearts and rebelled against Moses, they apparently thought that they were the people of God, hence they were doing the right thing. Laodiceans are like that.

Because of how many end time Christian believe they were treated and/or what they think is best, they are not Philadelphian (even if they claim to be). Jesus warned the Philadelphians:

11 Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (Revelation 3:11)

Many Laodiceans have let the actions of men (and women) take the Philadelphian crown away from them. They tend not to really accept BIBLICAL governance (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government). They normally accept the fact that men ordained their leaders, but refuse to accept the fact that the Bible says that God reveals Himself to prophets via dreams (Numbers 12:9). True prophets of God are, from a hierarchical perspective, above evangelists and ministers per Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Corinthians 12:28. Yet, Laodiceans seem unwilling to believe God’s word about these matters (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God)–they have hardened their hearts–though they tend not to realize that.

Some tend to develop a “root of bitterness” which is not good for them:

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;  (Hebrews 12:14-15)

Yes, those with a root of bitterness can cause trouble–but it is their spiritual life that gets troubled the most. They sometimes think that they are making progress, yet instead of being like the Bereans of old who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11), they tend to be focused on not wanting to believe the Philadelphian work we are leading in the Continuing Church of God.

Whether you have been one of them or possibly mainly one with anger issues, don’t think you cannot change for the better.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

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

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

Yes, you can improve and not harbor angry hateful thoughts and actions.

Instead, remember that Jesus said to love, bless, and be perfect (Matthew 5:43-48).

Notice also the following:

4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. (Psalm 4:4)

As far as meditation goes, the Continuing Church of God put together this sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:17:21

Christian Meditation

Is meditation mainly based on repeating a sound from the Vedas? What about Eastern meditation or Transcendental Meditation? What about mantras such as used by Hindus and Buddhists? What does ‘om’ (AUM) mean? Could Psalm 37 or 73 help some who are facing difficulties? What does the Old Testament teach about meditation? What does the New Testament teach about meditation? Are there differences between men and women when it comes to the brain and meditating? Are Christians to live a contemplating life as opposed to being involved with others? What about love, the Ten Commandments, and the reality of the Kingdom of God? What did Jesus say about what goes on in the heart and then actions? What about meditating on the Sabbath or while fasting? What did the old Worldwide Church of God teach about meditation? When should you meditate? What did the Apostle Paul teach Christians were to think about? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more by quoting numerous scriptures.

Here is a link to the sermon: Christian Meditation. We also have a free online booklet: Meditation for Faithful Christians.

Several decades ago, when I needed a roommate to help split the cost of an apartment, there was someone who approached me that I turned down.

Why?

Because of something the Book of Proverbs stated:

24 Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,
25 Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul. (Proverbs 22:24-25)

It looked financially difficult to apply that, but I did — which is why I turned him down. As it later turned out, I did end up with a roommate who was not an angry or furious man.

Self-control, based on the biblical admonishment, was exercised and that was spiritually beneficial.

I did not deceive myself that I would not be affected by the first man’s behavior. The Apostle Paul warned:

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)

Yet, many are at the sleep spiritually and need to wake up (cf. Matthew 25:5; Revelation 3:14-22).

Proverbs also teaches:

11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
And his glory is to overlook a transgression. (Proverbs 19:11)

You simply should not let every real or imagined slight make you angry. The prophet Samuel made some real mistakes in management, but God was displeased with those who wanted a government with a human leader other than a prophet per 1 Samuel 8:1-20.

The Bible also teaches that males are not the only possible problem when it comes to anger:

19 Better to dwell in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman.  (Proverbs 21:19)

Some time back, we put out the following sermon:

1:17:00

Murder, anger, kindness, and love

The sixth commandment states, “You shall not murder.” How did Jesus extend the understanding of that command? What did He teach about anger and treating enemies? What did the Old Testament teach about anger? What does the New Testament teach about violence, anger, kindness, and self-control? If early Christians would not voluntarily be part of the military, when did that change? Did Roman Emperor Constantine influence this? Did the Greco-Roman saint and bishop Gregory of Nyssa teach that it was fine to hate and fight against those with differing religious views? Would early Christians watch violent sport? Should modern Christians watch sports that, when played according to the rules, results in bodily harm? Have many religious leaders gone “the way of Cain”? How can you reduce anger? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to the sermon: Murder, anger, kindness, and love.

As far as the rebellious go, they need to repent.

As far as one way you may be able to assist with that, Jesus said:

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

Yes, we are to love, do good, and pray for those who curse and hate us.

Update 08/27/24: We just uploaded the following related video:

15:21

Anger and Rebellion

Anger and rebellion have been issues throughout history. Do scientific studies point to venting one’s anger has the answer or something else? What does the Bible say about anger? Is anger ever a sin? Can people repent of rebellion? Do those that harden their hearts risk a root of bitterness? Does the company you keep affect you? Can relaxation and meditation help with anger? Did Jesus teach that we are to to love and do good even to those that hate us? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel discuss these matters and more.

Here is a link to the video: Anger and Rebellion.

Despite our personal flaws, we all need to be striving for perfection–which includes controlling anger.

Some items of possible interest may include:

SIXTH COMMANDMENT: Anger, Murder, Abortion, Sports, Self-Control, & Kindness Is there more to the 6th commandment than not murdering? What about abortion, hate, and violent sports? What is the attitude real Christians should have? Here is a link to a related sermon: Murder, anger, kindness, and love.
Meditation for Faithful Christians Meditation is a tool that can support Christian growth. This free online book goes into meditation from a biblical perspective. It, also, however, discusses Eastern meditation and why faithful Christians would not practice that. A related sermon video is available: Christian Meditation.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? People talk a lot about prayer. Many pray in public. Does God listen? What does the Bible teach about prayer? How can your prayers be more effective? Does the Bible give particular positions to pray in? What does God want you to pray for? What if what you want is difficult? What if what you want is humanly impossible? Why doesn’t God seem to answer all prayers? This free booklet answers all those questions and more. This contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)? There is also a single sermon available: 28 Tips on Prayer.
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.
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.

(Book cover via Amazon)

COGwriter

Israel365 News posted the following:

Yemen’s Houthis planned mass attacks on US warships, Israeli ports

August 20, 2024

According to “The Wall Street Journal,” Iran’s terror proxies are advocating a more aggressive approach, causing concern in Tehran.

The Houthis in Yemen planned to carry out massive attacks on American warships and Israeli ports, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing the Iranian terror proxy group and European officials.

The attacks would have come in response to last month’s targeting killing of Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Israeli strikes on terror targets in the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah in Yemen. https://israel365news.com/394907/yemens-houthis-planned-mass-attacks-on-us-warships-israeli-ports/

Hezbollah, another Iranian-connected group, wants revenge and may have already taken at least one step:

Haniyeh Revenge: ‘Iran & Hezbollah Sent’ Suicide Bomber To Tel Aviv; Israel Stunned | Report

August 20, 2024

Israeli security forces suspect Iran and Hezbollah’s role in the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv on Sunday. The Times of Israel believe that the ‘terror attack’ could be Iran and its proxy’s bid to avenge the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/international/haniyeh-revenge-iran-hezbollah-sent-suicide-bomber-to-tel-aviv-israel-stunned-report/videoshow/112654350.cms

Iran … has vowed revenge, said Paul Wood in The Spectator. It may be satisfied with a symbolic strike – or it could “call Israel’s bluff” by, say, activating Hezbollah, which has the weaponry to overwhelm Israel’s missile defences and cause real damage.  08/18/24 https://theweek.com/defence/iran-and-israel-is-all-out-war-inevitable

Hezbollah and Iran have vowed revenge against Israel for the assassination of the Hezbollah military chief of staff Fuad Shukr in Beirut and the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s killing, but has a history of carrying out targeted assassinations across the region.

Hezbollah released a video on Friday showcasing missile-laden trucks driving through an allegedly city-sized tunnel network, the first time the group had revealed its widely reputed tunnel network on camera.

A source in Hezbollah said: “The enemy [Israel] wants a war and is always attempting to pressure us, so we are ready for all possibilities.” They added that that the group’s rocket capabilities were “very large” and what was displayed in Friday’s video was just “a drop in the ocean of what Hezbollah possesses”. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/18/fighting-intensifies-between-israel-and-hezbollah-despite-diplomatic-drive

Here is something from the free online book Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century (notice also a reference below which I have bolded for this post):

The Bible points to Iran (Elam below) and its ally Syria (Kir below) causing damage to Jerusalem of the nation of Israel:

⁵ For it is a day of trouble and treading down and perplexity By the Lord God of hosts In the Valley of Vision — Breaking down the walls And of crying to the mountain.

⁶ Elam bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, And Kir uncovered the shield. ⁷ It shall come to pass that your choicest valleys Shall be full of chariots, And the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.

⁸ He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; ⁹ You also saw the damage to the city of David, That it was great; And you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. ¹⁰ You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, And the houses you broke down To fortify the wall.

¹¹ You also made a reservoir between the two walls For the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker, Nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago. ¹² And in that day the Lord God of hosts Called for weeping and for mourning, For baldness and for girding with sackcloth. (Isaiah 22:5-12)

The Bible tells that after Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria took over Damascus, he moved Syrians to Kir (2 Kings 16:9-10). While this does not mean that Kir must (or must only) be a reference to Syria, the fact that Syria is an ally of Iran is interesting. The Bible also has the expression “the Syrians from Kir” (Amos 9:7), which is basically confirmation that Kir of Isaiah 22 would include Syrians. The prophecy that “Kir uncovered the shield” suggests that Syria will have somehow reduced the effectiveness of Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ and/or other defensive equipment the nation of Israel will use. The Bible additionally tells of a time when Kir will be destroyed (Isaiah 15:1b) and also says that Syria’s capital Damascus will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). The “House of the Forest” was anciently located in Lebanon (e.g. 1 Kings 7:2, 10:17,21; 2 Chronicles 9:16,20 [i])–which is where Hezbollah is based out of.

Here is the Catholic Public Domain Version translation of Isaiah 22:8:

⁸ And the covering of Judah will be exposed, and in that day, you will see the weaponry of the forest house. (Isaiah 22:8, CPDV)

A way for Judah to “see the weaponry of the forest house” would be a massive attack by Hezbollah. In Isaiah 22: 8, “Judah” is a reference to those in the land commonly called Israel–God will allow Israel to be attacked.

In Isaiah 22:9, understand that “the damage to the city of David” is a reference to at least part of Jerusalem, which is the “city of David” (cf. 2 Kings 9:28).

Further notice that Isaiah’s prophecy states that the damage will be great. Also notice part of the reason will be because Judah (modern nation of Israel) would “not look to its Maker,” nor “have respect for Him,” that God will allow this. Just relying on Israel’s own military will not be enough.

It appears there will likely be a regional war involving Israel, who has threatened to take preemptive attacks to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons[ii] as well as retaliatory attacks because of a massive arial attack by Iran announced on April 14, 2024.[iii] Israel has promised retaliation, with Iran’s then President Ebrahim Raisi asserting that even the “tiniest” invasion of its territory would bring a “massive and harsh” response. … and that if Iran had wanted to carry out a bigger attack, “nothing would remain from the Zionist regime.”[iv] While Israel did make what could be considered a tiny response, Iran suggested that the matter was now closed.[v] This author does not believe that, but instead believes that Iran and its allies are biding their time until they launch a massive attack.

Scripture points to an attack with Iranian involvement that will cause great damage to Israel. Despite its posturing, relative military strength, and ability to damage Israel and others, Iran will be somehow effectively neutralized (cf. Ezekiel 32:24). This could perhaps be from an attack involving Israel and other nations and/or internal civil unrest — this could also include electromagnetic (EMP) or similar weapons used against Iran (Jeremiah 49:34-39).

[i] Though many scholars claim Jerusalem was the site of ‘the house of the forest,’ additional details as to reasons why Lebanon should be considered as the location are in the following paper: A Discourse on the House of the Forest of Lebanon, pp: 111-134 in Bunyan J. Stebbing H. The Entire Works of John Bunyan, Volume 4. Virtue and Company, 1860

[ii] Egozi A. With Netanyahu back in charge, is a solo Israeli strike against Iran in the cards? Breaking Defense, November 08, 2022

[iii] Frankel J. Israel says it will retaliate against Iran, despite the risks. ABC, April 16, 2024

[iv] The Latest | Netanyahu says Israel will decide how to respond as Iran warns against retaliation. Associated Pres, April 17, 2024

[v] Hafezi P, Mackenzie J. Tehran plays down reported Israeli attacks, signals no retaliation. Reuters, April 19, 2024

Now, lets look at something that that Iran is saying:

Waiting period for Iran’s retaliation against Israel ‘could be long’, Revolutionary Guards spokesperson says

DUBAI, Aug 20 (Reuters) – There could be a long wait for Iranian retaliation against Israel, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards spokesperson Alimohammad Naini said on Tuesday, according to state media.

The Middle East has been bracing for Iran’s avowed retaliation over the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied that it was behind the killing.

“Time is in our favour and the waiting period for this response could be long,” Naini said, referring to retaliation against Israel, and reiterating that “the enemy” should wait for a calculated and accurate response. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/waiting-period-irans-retaliation-against-israel-could-be-long-revolutionary-2024-08-20/

I believe that Iran is planning for a time it thinks it will be best and that a more intense attack will be coming.

Some of what Iran is doing is consistent with passages from the ancient book by Sun Tzu called The Art of War. Here are some lines from its first chapter:

18

All warfare is based on deception.

19

Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

20

Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

21

If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.

22

If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

23

If he is taking his ease, give him no rest.

If his forces are united, separate them.

24

Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

25

These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.

https://suntzusaid.com/book/1

I believe Iran is using some of Sun Tzu’s tactics.

Here is something from chapter 3 of Sun Tzu’s book:

17

Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory: (1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

(2) He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

(3) He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. (4) He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

I assert that Iran is waiting until it believes that the time for a massive attack is right. I do not believe Iran has given up on the idea of trying to conquer Israel.

Notice that this past Spring, Iran’s Supreme leader repeated a common protest slogan and again pushed to overthrow the government of Israel:

Iran’s Khamenei tells visiting Hamas chief that Israel ‘will one day be eliminated’

May 23, 2024

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei met Wednesday with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who visited Tehran as the Palestinian terror organization’s representative at the funeral for Iran’s president Ebrahaim Raisi after he died in a helicopter crash.

“The divine promise to eliminate the Zionist entity will be fulfilled and we will see the day when Palestine will rise from the river to the sea,” Khamenei told Haniyeh during a meeting at his office.

The Hamas politburo chief responded: “God willing we will see that day together.” https://www.timesofisrael.com/irans-khamenei-tells-visiting-hamas-chief-that-israel-will-one-day-be-eliminated/

So, Iran’s Supreme Leader still applauded Hamas and still wants Israel destroyed.

Partial destruction to parts of Israel, including Jerusalem is prophesied (cf. Isaiah 22:6-9).

More on what is prophesied to occur is in the following Bible News Prophecy video:

15:03

Iran and Israel Conflict

European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrel, has been brokering the nuclear negotiations involving Iran and said that he thinks the deal is “in danger.” Iran blames the United States, whereas the USA says they are not delaying it. Israeli sources stated that Israel will stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Joe Biden says the USA would use its own military power to prevent Iran from getting such a bomb if need be. In 2021, Iranian lawmakers have submitted a bill seeking the government by law to commit to Israel’s destruction by the year 2040. Does the 22nd chapter of Isaiah point to damage coming to Israel from Iran and possibly Syria? Might Iran be concerned enough about limited progress with the USA to launch some type of attack? Is Iran the prophesied ‘King of the South’? Is it reasonable to think that the prophesied peace deal of Daniel 9:27 will not happen until after a military conflict. like a regional war? Should Christians watch the Middle East? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Iran and Israel Conflict.

As the Ayatollah continues to age, he may well decide that 2024 is the year for him to attempt to fulfill his desire to eliminate Israel.

This is something to watch for (cf. Mark 13:37).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here are links to two related videos Iran In Prophecy and  Iran and Israel Conflict.
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.
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.
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.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
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.
Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or ? There is also a video titled: 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?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.

(Logo of the Democratic National Convention)

COGwriter

Here is a report about something in the Democratic National Party platform:

DNC policy platform slammed over ‘explicit’ Title IX protections for LGBT students: ‘Flagrant lawlessness’

August 19, 2024

The Democratic National Convention released the final 2024 Democratic Party platform Sunday night, … The latest party platform mimics the Biden administration’s attempted rule making on Title IX to widen the definition of sex discrimination to include gender identity.  …

Matt Sharp, senior counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian nonprofit that also focuses on parental rights issues, said the decision to include transgender protections in the Democratic Party’s platform “flies in the face of growing opinion” about expanding the definition of sex discrimination to include gender identity.

“I think it’s really concerning to see the DNC platform sort of keep going down this same path that courts time and time again have pushed back on, have not allowed to move forward, and that ultimately the American public is not in favor of,” Sharp said.

Sharp pointed out how efforts to redefine sex and sexual discrimination go all the way back to President Barack Obama’s administration. Once Trump took office, he rolled back the rule, but then it was put back in place by Biden.

“This has been a continuing pattern for several administrations to push this, but not only are the courts rebuffing it, but that the American public themselves are too, and we’re seeing it through more and more courageous female voices standing up against this,” Sharp said.

Reed D. Rubinstein, senior vice president at America First Legal, … The left has fought this reality for well over a decade — it has repeatedly attempted and repeatedly failed to amend Title IX in Congress. Twice, it has attempted to change the law by administrative fiat. To protect girls’ sports, bathrooms, and locker rooms, the Trump administration reversed the Obama administration’s ‘Dear Colleague’ letter that asserted ‘sex’ and ‘[gender identity’ are coextensive],” Rubinstein told Fox News Digital in a statement.

“The Trump administration issued a Title IX rule that survived every single left-wing court challenge. Now, the courts have stopped the Biden-Harris administration’s attempt to rewrite the statute by regulation. But the Supreme Court, unanimously, has made it clear the word ‘sex’ in Title IX does not mean ‘gender identity,’ but rather, biological sex, male or female. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dnc-policy-platform-slammed-over-explicit-title-ix-protections-lgbt-students-flagrant-lawlessness

Democratic National Committee delegates on Monday evening by voice vote adopted the party’s 2024 platform at their convention, 08/19/24 https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dnc-adopt-platform-echoes-biden-harris-call-arms/story?id=112948166

So, the DNC platform pushing gender abomination changes to Title IX was approved. That platform also promotes abortion.

Last Friday, the US Supreme Court knocked down the Biden-Harris Administration’s attempt to do the same to redefine sex under Title IX (see US Supreme Court rules on gender for showers at schools, etc.). But the DNC still wants to support that abominable immorality that goes against the word of God–promoting that will not end up well (cf. Romans 1:18-32).

Anyway, yes, the attempts to do this do go back to the Obama-Biden Administration–and Barack and Michelle Obama are scheduled to speak at the DNC today.

The Bible warns against promoting evil and perversity, as well as despising the word of God:

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

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

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel:

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

Woe to those that do such things.

Promoting LGBTQ+ matters during the Obama-Biden Administration was a major turning point that harmed US-Russian relations.

Consider that Barack Obama had fairly positive relations with Russia just prior to his re-election in 2012. Now the US and Russia do not.

What happened after 2012?

Notice something that Hillary Clinton (who spoke at the DNC last evening) wrote about that happened with Russia when she was Secretary of State:

When I pressed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to do more to protect the rights of LGBT people, the normally cool and restrained diplomat turned nasty. …

Meanwhile, I looked for ways to make progress closer to home, by better supporting LGBT members of the State Department. . . . I supported the State Department’s annual Pride event, hosted by a group called GLIFFA, Gay and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies. (Clinton HR. Hard Choices. Simon & Schuster, 2014, pp. 577-578)

After that meeting, USA-Russian relations went downhill. Russia told the US that it would not promote the LGBTQ+ agenda.

Hillary Clinton bragged about the use of the USA’s “soft power” around this time, which many have considered as bullying as well as interference in the internal affairs of their nations.

The bullying of the US by Hillary Clinton did not persuade Russia, so the US took steps against Russia since that time.

So, would one expect that Russia and others would be taking steps?

Yes. Notice the following:

Putin’s Masterplan For The Collapse Of America

June 21, 2024

In a startling move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been quietly steering Russia away from the global liberal order for years, foreseeing a looming catastrophe. Russian economist Sergei Glazyev revealed how Putin’s strategy, starting with forming the Eurasian Economic Union in 2014, aims to create a new power center to rival the US and Europe. Glazyev warns of an imminent US economic collapse due to unsustainable financial practices, predicting global repercussions akin to the Great Depression. As Russia prepares by ditching the dollar and international treaties, the world braces for unprecedented change. https://greatgameindia.com/putins-masterplan-for-the-collapse-of-america/

That said, a reader tipped me off to the following ‘safe haven’ decree from Russia:

August 19, 2024

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has signed a new decree aimed at making his country a ‘safe haven’ against neoliberal Western ideals.

• Putin has signed a decree that Russia will welcome foreigners who want to escape Western liberal ideals.
• Applicants may include those from countries unaligned with “Russian spiritual and moral values.”
• The application process has been simplified, and visas will be issued as soon as next month.

Russia, in many ways an authoritarian state, has designated itself as a “safe haven” for citizens of Western countries looking to escape “destructive neoliberal ideas.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that Moscow will assist any foreign nationals who want to apply for temporary residence in Russia “outside the quota approved by the Russian government and without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws,” Russian state media reported Monday.

People interested in temporary residency may apply for visas through a simplified and expedited process. Russia will begin issuing three-month visas as early as next month.

They can request residency based on the rejection of their home countries’ “destructive neoliberal ideals,” which differ from “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.” Russia is expected to produce a list of which countries are included in this exception, TASS said in its report on the new decree. https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-russia-safe-haven-for-people-escaping-western-liberal-ideals-2024-8

Russia has been the main large nation that has opposed the LGBTQ+ agenda. While homosexuality is legal in Russia, promoting it–particularly to children–is illegal.

Furthermore, back in December 2021, Vladimir Putin publicly denounced the multi-fluid gender nonsense that many in the West (like the DNC) promote:

President Putin: I Will Never Allow the ‘New World Order’ To Pervert Nature – There Are Only TWO Genders

December 24, 2021

Speaking to journalists at an end-of-year press conference, Putin warned that the elites in the West are deliberately trying to pervert nature by claiming that men can be women and women can be men.

“It’s inevitable [that these concepts will arrive in Russia],” Putin warned. “If someone thinks men and women are the same thing, let them think that, but let us think about common sense.”

“I believe that the traditional approach is correct. Male is male, female is female, mother is mother, and father is father. I sincerely hope that our society has the moral armor to protect us against this,” Putin added.

He also spoke about the far-left movement in the US to allow inmates to legally change their gender to female in order to enter women’s prisons.

“To fight against that, we should not just shout and point fingers, but we should support our own traditional values,” he declared.

Rt.com reports: Putin’s statement isn’t the first time a senior Russian politician has spoken out against modern, progressive ideas in regards to gender issues. Earlier this month, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko said that it is “unacceptable” to impose foreign values on a country without taking into account its history, faith, religion, and national characteristics.

“They are trying to impose alien values on us. And not only on us but on the advancement in the world in general,” she said. “It’s sexual minority rights. There are already 85 genders in Europe. It is unacceptable for us.” https://newspunch.com/president-putin-i-will-never-allow-the-new-world-order-to-pervert-nature-there-are-only-two-genders/

As far as the Putin Administration goes, it has been consistently supporting the idea of biblical marriage as well as not pushing the LGBTQ+ agenda.

Vladimir Putin has been the most powerful political leader in the world to take a stand against several parts of the LGBTQ+ agenda, vulgarity (see Russia’s Vladimir Putin takes a stand against vulgar language), and some other sins that plague Western society (see also ‘Ukraine Invasion Splits Orthodox Church, Isolates Russian Patriarch’ & ‘President Putin: I Will Never Allow the “New World Order” To Pervert Nature – There Are Only TWO Genders’).

As far as economic issues go for the USA, consider that around 605-625 B.C. Habakkuk wrote a short book of the Bible that has a lot of implications for the time that we are now in. Here is something related to debt accumulation that Russia has warned about:

6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his — how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you, Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:6-8)

Actually, with an admitted debt of over $35 trillion dollars and plans to increase that much further, the USA has increased pledges more than any nation in the history of the planet. Yes, one day the US will collapse.

Russia sees that a collapse of the US dollar and the US economy will come.

Notice more about steps it is taking:

June 21, 2024

It was precisely in order to minimize the costs of the coming catastrophe, as Glazyev said, that Putin began preparing Russia for it a long time ago. An important step in this direction was taken in 2021. It was then that the dedollarization campaign in the Russian Federation received a powerful impetus – the country began to actively get rid of this currency in gold and foreign exchange reserves and in foreign trade. https://greatgameindia.com/putins-masterplan-for-the-collapse-of-america/

As far as gold goes, the Bible shows that it will be valuable after the US is gone (cf. Daniel 11:39-434; Revelation 18).

Notice also:

“Now it is becoming clear to everyone that it is no longer possible to avoid the outbreak of a catastrophe in the United States, which will subsequently spread throughout the world and become global in nature. The only thing you can do is prepare well for it. This is exactly what Putin has been doing for several years now. Russia has already completely gotten rid of the dollar in the structure of its state reserves and transferred all foreign payments with all our key foreign partners to national currencies,” the specialist said.

According to him, when the American economy begins to collapse under the weight of accumulated problems and contradictions, when the entire global dollar system collapses, Russia will be safe, because by this time our country will have completely freed itself from all obligations associated with being in a controlled state. USA is part of the world. 06/21/24 https://greatgameindia.com/putins-masterplan-for-the-collapse-of-america/

The article related to Sergei Glazyev did not mention the BRICS alliance that Russia is a major part of.

Related to BRICS and the USA dollar, notice the following which is in my book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

Those in Iran and some of the Arab lands, along with nations such as Brazil, China, and India have discussed plans for the removal of the dominance of the U.S.A. in global trade as well. The former (again current) President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, even claimed that eliminating the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status was one of the reasons that the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) was formed in the first place. [i] Others have  noted that bypassing the USA dollar is still an object of BRICS—and officially BRICS nations “are currently working on setting up a new global reserve currency,”[ii] which may have gold-backing.[iii] The expansion of BRICS (which is in progress) may ultimately even hurt Australian trade as well as “severely weaken primacy of the US Dollar as an international currency.”[iv]

The Bible clearly warns against cheapening the money supply and encourages having money hold its value (Proverbs 25:4 Isaiah 1:25, Ezekiel 22:18-22). Debt is also warned against (Habakkuk 2:6-8). Yet policies enacted under the Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations, following certain other administrations, have ignored these warnings.

[i] Escobar P. BRICS was created as a tool of attack: Lula. Asia Times, August 28, 2019

[ii] BRICS developing new global reserve currency – Putin. RT, June 22, 2022

[iii] Helms K. Economists Discuss Russia, China Potentially Developing Gold-Backed Currency. BRICS Information Portal, November 11, 2022

[iv] Hunter M. BRICS Is Becoming The Big Kid On The Block: Implications For Australia – Analysis. Eurasia Review, November 1, 2022

One day the US dollar will be toppled. But let me add that the Bible teaches that a coming European power will accumulate gold too (cf. Daniel 11:38,43; see also The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold?).

Based upon several biblical prophecies, I have long written that the Asians and Europeans will cooperate, for a time, and eliminate the USA and its Anglo-Saxon descended allies.

And yes, from a physical perspective, it will be safer for most people to be in Russia than in places like the USA and UK during the coming Great Tribulation.

And while some may want to blame Russia for what is coming, the US through its bullying, pushing perversion, political inference, violence, and debt accumulation has been setting itself up for its destruction.

The collapse of the US is coming.

This Summer, we put together the following video:

14:37

America’s Collapse and Russia’s Preparations

For the first time ever, the USA is no longer listed in the top ten nations when it comes to global competitiveness. Reasons include lack of social cohesiveness, a polarized political landscape, a slow-moving legislative process, debt, sanctions policies, and immorality. While US President Barack Obama had very cordial relations with Russia in late 2012, that changed afterwards after then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tried to push aspects of the LGBTQ+ agenda on Russia. After Russia’s Sergey Lavrov would not accept such interference in its internal affairs, the USA turned against Russia in many ways. The Washington Post, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal reported that the USA, through its Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), supported the anti-Russian forces in Ukraine against its pro-Russian president in 2014 and supported assassinations, Neo-Nazi Ukrainians, and paramilitary actions against pro-Russian Ukrainians thereafter. Because of USA actions, Russian President Vladimir Putin began a series of actions, starting with the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union, and then more involving the BRICS nations to separate Russia from the West. He also moved towards dedollarization and the accumulation of gold as he and other Russian leaders see that the USA is setting itself up for collapse because of its bullying tactics, increasing debt, and various monetary policies. Some assert that Russia will be in the best position when America collapses. Steps away from the petrodollar by Saudi Arabia and others are putting the US dollar at greater risk for collapse. Is the USA’s reliance and promotion of oppression and perversity prophesied factors in its coming destruction? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters and more.

Here is a link to our video: America’s Collapse and Russia’s Preparations.

Vladimir Putin sees the proverbial handwriting on the wall and has taken steps.

Do you see? Have you taken the proper spiritual steps?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection; here is a message in Spanish: Me Está Llamando Dios Hoy? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
About Baptism Should you be baptized? Could baptism be necessary for salvation? Who should baptize and how should it be done? Here is a link to a related sermon: Let’s Talk About Baptism and Baptism, Infants, Fire, & the Second Death.
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Four related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code), and Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?
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.

Lateran Cathedra (Photo by Joyce Thiel, January 2014)

COGwriter

Some have written that because Vatican City is not within the seven hills of Rome, that the Bible is not referring to the Church of Rome in various passages of the 17th chapter of the Book of Revelation.

However, despite having its physical headquarters in Vatican City, the Church of Rome claims that its ‘spiritual authority’ derives from a chair, called the ‘cathedra,’ which is in nearby Rome, within its seven hills.

St. John Lateran dates back to Rome’s emperor Constantine, who donated the building to the Bishop of Rome in the 4th century (allegedly because he was healed of leprosy by Bishop of Rome Miltiades). It claims the title of the “mother church of the world”. It is sometimes referred to as the Papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, as it ‘ranks’ above all other Roman Catholic basilicas and cathedrals. It was officially ‘consecrated’ on November 9, 324.

Here is some information from Roman Catholic sources:

Most Catholics think of St. Peter’s as the pope’s main church, but they are wrong. St. John Lateran is the pope’s church, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome where the Bishop of Rome presides.

The first basilica on the site was built in the fourth century when Constantine donated land he had received from the wealthy Lateran family. That structure and its successors suffered fire, earthquake, and the ravages of war, but the Lateran remained the church where popes were consecrated. In the 14th century when the papacy returned to Rome from Avignon, the church and the adjoining palace were found to be in ruins.

Pope Innocent X commissioned the present structure in 1646. One of Rome’s most imposing churches, the Lateran’s towering facade is crowned with 15 colossal statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, and 12 doctors of the Church. Beneath its high altar rest the remains of the small wooden table on which tradition holds Saint Peter himself celebrated Mass. accessed 12/24/19: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/dedication-of-saint-john-lateran/

A Latin inscription in the Church reads: “omnium ecclesiarum Urbis et Orbis mater et caput.” Translated, this means, “The mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world.” In a sense, St. John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics, because it is the pope’s cathedral. This church is the spiritual home of the people who are the Church.

It is the oldest and highest ranking of the four papal major basilicas, giving it the unique title of “archbasilica.” It was originally named the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior. However, it is called St. John Lateran because it was built on property donated to the Church by the Laterani family, and because the monks from the monastery of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Divine served it. accessed 12/24/19: http://catholicnewsherald.com/faith/189-news/faith/faith-nov/3724-feast-of-the-dedication-of-the-lateran-basilica

Well, “donated” seems to be a stretch. Notice the following:

The Lateran Palace was handed over by Constantine I to the Bishop of Rome, who converted the building into a temple during the fourth century. The Basilica is the oldest church in Europe. …

History

In the early part of the fourth century, the Laterani family were stripped of their land as one of their members was accused of conspiring against the Emperor. It was given to the Bishop of Rome in order to build the first Roman basilica. (https://www.rome.net/basilica-st-john-lateran accessed 12/19/19)

So, obviously, when the Emperor gave the “donated” property, there was nothing originally sacred about St. John Lateran for succession.

Although one might think that the very official chair or “cathedra” of Peter would be in St. Peter’s Basilica (and perhaps the large black one that has been called “Satan’s Throne,” especially because some believe a piece of a chair Peter once owned or sat on is in that chair, and none are claimed for the one in the Lateran chair) and it would be the primary basilica for the Church of Rome, this is not the case.

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes:

Saint John Lateran

The basilica

This is the oldest, and ranks first among the four great “patriarchal” basilicas of Rome…313. From that time onwards it was always the centre of Christian life within the city; the residence of the popes and the cathedral of Rome. The latter distinction it still holds, though it has long lost the former…The ancient apse, with mosaics of the fourth century, survived all the many changes and dangers of the Middle Ages, and was still to be seen very much in its original condition as late as 1878, when it was destroyed in order to provide a larger space for the ordinations and other pontifical functions which take place in this cathedral church of Rome. (Barnes, Arthur. “Saint John Lateran.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 9. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. )

Here is something that the Vatican put out about it, in Italian, that I had machine translated into English:

San Giovanni in LateranoÈ la chiesa più antica dell’Occidente, precede San Pietro di circa tredici anni; è rimasta per più di mille anni, fino al XIV sec., residenza papale; è la sede del vescovo di Roma. Qui Bonifacio VIII da dato solenne avvio al primo Giubileo della Storia, affacciandosi dalla loggia delle Benedizioni nel 1300, come ricorda un frammento di un affresco di Giotto conservato all’interno della basilica. Qui si tennero ben cinque Concili Ecumenici dal 1123 al 1512 e fino al XIX secolo vi si celebrava la cerimonia d’incoronazione del Papa. Per questo sui due lati dell’ingresso incontriamo la fierissima iscrizione: “Sacrosanta Chiesa madre e corpo di tutte le Chiese di Roma e del mondo”. Fu poi papa clemente VI nella bolla d’indizione per il secondo Giubileo (1350), ad indicare che per ottenere l’indulgenza giubilare, sarebbe stato necessario visitare, oltre alle due chiese principali di San Pietro e San Paolo, anche quella del Laterano http://www.vatican.va/jubilee_2000/pilgrim/documents/ju_gp_15012000_p-04b_it.html

St. John Lateran

It is the oldest church in the West, by about thirteen years St. Peter’s; it remained for more than a thousand years, until the fourteenth century, papal residence; is the seat of the bishop of Rome. Here given by Boniface VIII solemnly inaugurated the first Jubilee of history, looking out from the balcony of the Blessings in 1300, as noted by a fragment of a fresco by Giotto in the Basilica preserved. Here are five ecumenical councils were held from 1123 to 1512 and until the nineteenth century there was celebrated the coronation of the Pope’s why the two sides of the fierce encounter the inscription: “Most Holy Mother Church and body of all the Churches Rome and the world. ” It was later Pope Clement VI in spirit call for the second Jubilee (1350), indicating that for the Jubilee indulgence, it was necessary to visit, in addition to the two main churches of St. Peter and St. Paul, including that of the Lateran.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is within the old walls of ancient Rome. It is located near the edge of one of the ‘seven hills’ (cf. Revelation 17:9) of Rome, called the Coelian (Celio/Cælian) Hill (Coelio is one of the original seven hills, or seven mountains, of Rome; see Heiken G, Funiciello R, de Rita D. The Seven Hills of Rome: A Geological Tour of the Eternal City. Princeton University Press, 2013, reprint, p. 123).

Here is a report about the chair itself:

It is the throne of the Lateran, not the chair of Peter, in which the sovereign of the Western Church is installed, exhibiting on its ancient marble steps, curiously interwoven with figures of the lion, the adder, the dragon, and the basilisk, on which he treads as he mounts his seat, (Milman HH. History of Latin Christianity; The Quarterly Review, Volume 95, 1854, p. 59)

A basilisk is a legendary reptile reputed to be king of serpents and said to have the power to cause death with a single glance. Although I have seen this chair a few times, I have not been allowed to be close enough to see that detail. Perhaps, the next time I am there, I will have some type of binoculars or tele-zoom lens. When I saw a blow up of the photo, it shows a snake, dragon, and perhaps a basilisk, so obviously these do not come from true Christian sources as those would not seem to be symbols that Christian leaders would want (cf. Revelation 13:11).

Here is a report from George Edmundson related to a chair that allegedly became part of the altar at St. John’s Lateran:

It is said that the house of Pudens (the elder Pudens mentioned by St. Paul) was during his stay in Rome the home of St. Peter. The sella gestaloria, or St. Peter’s chair, the oak framework of which is of great antiquity, is said to have been originally the senatorial chair of Pudens. (Edmundson G. The church in Rome in the first century: an examination of various controverted questions relating to its history, chronology, literature and traditions; eight lectures preached before the University of Oxford in the year 1913 on the foundation of the late Rev. John Bampton. Longmans, Green, 1913 Original from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Digitized March 14, 2008, p. 248)

It is unclear if any of the above is true, other than to say that there was a Pudens that the Apostle Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 4:21. But I will add that I have visited the ‘Pudentiana church’ in Rome and it is believed to be named after a female, who is claimed to be the daughter of Pudens, who in turn was claimed to be the son of Senator Quintus Cornelius Pudens (who was claimed to be a convert of Peter, which I doubt). The Basilica of Santa Pudenziana is claimed to have been built over a house in the second century A.D.

George Edmundson’s account continued with the following:

The wooden altar at the St. John Lateran again has been in continuous use there since the fourth century, when it was removed from St. Pudentiana, and that despite the fact that Pope Sylvester in 312 A.D. ordered that all altars should henceforth be of stone … When St. John Lateran replaced St. Pudentiana as the Cathedral Church of Rome the bishop and the altar moved there together. Edmundson, p. 248)

Rome clearly considers this building to be important.

Notice the inscription, that is shown in numerous places, on the outside of St. John’s Lateran church:

(Photo by Joyce Thiel)

The inscription from Latin above translated into English means, “Sacred Lateran Church Mother and Head of All Churches of the City and the World.” Notice the following warning against a worldly “mother” church associated with seven-hills:

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”

3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written:

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement…

9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. (Revelation 17:1-6, 9)

There seem to be many connections between Roman Catholicism and warnings in the Bible.

Now, having been to John’s Lateran several times, I can attest to it being within the seven hills of Rome. So, despite the Vatican being outside of that ancient boundary, its most ancient basilica in the area is.

Interestingly, perhaps it also should be mentioned that Vatican City is believed to have been named after a pagan goddess (Vatika) whose name also was associated with wine.

Even more connections with Revelation 17.

Related to an actual Vatican chair, we have the following related video:

25:02

Could the “Cathedra Petri” be Satan’s Throne?

Does Satan have a throne? If so, where might it be? The Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini encased an old piece of wood to make what he considered to be ” mighty throne for the apostle.” This black and gold throne, shown beneath a bright sun, is called the ‘Cathedra Petri.’ It is located in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Back in 1987, Dr. Thiel (while viewing it) was told that the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, called the ‘Cathedra Petri’ “Satan’s Throne.” Does the Bible teach that Satan has a throne? What are some reasons to consider that the ‘Cathedra Petri’ could be Satan’s throne? The four ‘doctors of the church’ whose sculptures (Athanasius, Ambrose, John Chrysostom, Augustine) uphold it helped push doctrines that the original catholic church did not hold. If Satan does have a physical throne on the earth, could this be it? What are some reasons to consider why the ‘Cathedra Petri’ could spiritually be Satan’s Throne? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to our video: Could the “Cathedra Petri” be Satan’s Throne?

Items of possibly related interest may include:

Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter! Here is a link to a sermon: Claims of Apostolic Succession. Here is a related article in the Spanish language La sucesión apostólica. ¿Ocurrió en Roma, Alejandría, Constantinopla, Antioquía, Jerusalén o Asia Menor?
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups that Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups? A related sermon is also available Christianity: Two groups.
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.
Cathedra Petri: Satan’s Throne? Does the Bible teach that Satan has a throne? Could it possibly be the Cathedra Petri that Italian sculptor Bernini made? Here is a link to a related video: Could the “Cathedra Petri” be Satan’s Throne? There is also an online sermon about Vatican City, Peter, and this same throne shot in Rome and Vatican City: The Vatican, Peter, and ‘Satan’s Throne’.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Who is the king of the North?
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
Joyce’s Photos of Pergamos Pergamos (also known as Pergamum, but currently known as Bergama, Bergamo, or Bergamum) was one of the seven churches of Revelation.
Joyce’s Photos of Rome, St. John’s Basilica, and the Vatican Rome has been a major world city for centuries. Since the late second century, it has made claims of prominence over Christianity. There are also two views of the Cathedra Petri shown.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.
The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church.
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?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

First layer of fence outside DNC breached. pic.twitter.com/wSCJItR7f3

— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) August 19, 2024

COGwriter

There are protesters in Chicago:

Protests threaten to overshadow DNC

Tens of thousands of activists are expected to protest in Chicago this week, threatening to overshadow the Democratic National Convention as the party looks to rally around its newly minted presidential ticket. https://thehill.com/video/protests-threaten-to-overshadow-dnc/9966198/

Chicago DNC protest: …

August 19, 2024

CHICAGO – Chicago protesters breached a security fence outside the United Center on Monday as thousands inside prepared for the first night of the Democratic National Convention.

Protesters broke through a portion of the security fence on West Washington Boulevard. Chicago cops could be seen running to confront the demonstrators. There was a brief standoff between the police and protesters.

Officers donned riot gear as they faced off with the large crowd. Four protesters were arrested, according to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. A woman was seen being led away in handcuffs, while a man was carried away by several officers. …

The following statement can be attributed to the DNC Joint Information Center:

“Demonstrators breached a portion of anti-scale fencing along the Democratic National Convention’s outer perimeter near the United Center on Aug. 19. Law enforcement personnel were immediately on-scene and contained the situation. At no point was the inner perimeter breached, and there was no threat to any protectees.

The National Special Security Event plan employs a multi-layered approach. Each NSSE plan is unique and includes multiple layers. One of these redundancies include the outer perimeter fence, which was erected to prevent entry into the inner perimeter.

The Chicago Police Department remains on-scene and is working to clear the area.” https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-dnc-protesters-breach-security-fence-united-center

Protesters break through mesh fencing at DNC perimeter

August 19, 2024

Dozens of protesters broke through part of the perimeter security fence surrounding the Democratic National Convention on Monday, drawing riot police to the site, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/protesters-break-through-mesh-fencing-dnc-perimeter-reuters-tv-2024-08-19/

Several protesters break through security fence near United Center as thousands of DNC protesters now marching on Chicago’s Near West Side

August 19, 2024

Thousands of pro-Palestine and other demonstrators rallied and marched past the Democratic National Convention headquarters on Monday in what had been billed as the largest of many planned demonstrations during the four-day event. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/08/19/dnc-chicago-protests-union-park/

19 August 2024

About half a mile east of the Democratic national convention in Chicago, Union Park filled at noon Monday with demonstrators intent on sending a message to Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, delegates and the world: that the war in Gaza should not be an afterthought.

Organizers for the Coalition to March on the 2024 Democratic convention drew 172 local and national organizations together for the protest. Thousands of people gathered for the march, one of the main anti-war demonstrations this week. …

Mo Hussief, a Chicago accountant, joined the rally. …

“I want the Democrats to basically do a weapons embargo for Israel,” he said. “If there is a weapons embargo on Israel, I will 100% vote for Harris. I love Tim Walz. The Democratic party does align on domestic issues. But for me, they have to end the genocide.” https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/19/pro-palestinian-protest-democratic-convention

August 19, 2024

President Joe Biden, forced to abandon his reelection bid, will urge fellow Democrats at their national convention on Monday to unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris in the fight for the White House against Republican rival Donald Trump.

While Democrats gathered at United Center, home to Chicago’s basketball and hockey teams, hundreds of protesters assembled at a nearby park to pressure the party to drop military support for Israel’s Gaza offensive.

Biden’s appearance at the start of the four-day event will serve as a symbolic passing of the torch to his No. 2 after he quit the race under pressure from top Democrats worried that the 81-year-old incumbent was too old to win or serve another four years. …

Pro-Palestinian protests injected a note of uncertainty into what is otherwise likely to be a week of celebration while some on the party’s left flank remain angered over the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. …

“The Democrats are the ones in power,” said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for a rally that drew hundreds of participants. “It’s their war. They’re responsible for it, they’re complicit and they can stop it.”

The protesters appeared unlikely to pressure Democrats to change. The party was due to vote on Monday on a 92-page policy platform that does not call for an arms embargo against Israel, a demand of pro-Palestinian groups. The United States approved $20 billion in additional arms sales to Israel on Tuesday. https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-815415

Many blame Kamala Harris for being complicit and not speaking out against various US policies and practices related to Israel. Notice also the following tweet:

pic.twitter.com/3IsutXMCap

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) August 19, 2024

That said, the protests will please Iran–even if the government there would prefer Kamala Harris to Donald Trump.

A couple of months back, Iran’s Supreme leader repeated a common protest slogan, again pushed to overthrow the government of Israel, and praised the pro-Palestinian protesters in the USA:

Iran’s Khamenei tells visiting Hamas chief that Israel ‘will one day be eliminated’

May 23, 2024

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei met Wednesday with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who visited Tehran as the Palestinian terror organization’s representative at the funeral for Iran’s president Ebrahaim Raisi after he died in a helicopter crash.

“The divine promise to eliminate the Zionist entity will be fulfilled and we will see the day when Palestine will rise from the river to the sea,” Khamenei told Haniyeh during a meeting at his office.

The Hamas politburo chief responded: “God willing we will see that day together.”

The Iranian leader also commented on the anti-Israel protests that pro-Palestinian students are holding on university campuses in the United States and elsewhere.

“Who would have believed that one day, slogans in support of Palestine would be raised in US universities and that the flag of Palestine would be raised there? Who would have believed that one day in Japan in demonstrations in support of Palestine, the slogan ‘Death to Israel’ would be chanted in Persian?” Khamenei was quoted as saying by the Tehran Times. https://www.timesofisrael.com/irans-khamenei-tells-visiting-hamas-chief-that-israel-will-one-day-be-eliminated/

So, Iran’s Supreme Leader has been at least pleasantly surprised about the pro-Palestinian protests across universities in the USA as well as in Japan.

Hamas is pleased with that as well, as it has always called for the elimination of the nation of Israel.

Actually, that is part of its official purpose. Notice something from one of Hamas’ official founding documents:

THE COVENANT OF THE HAMAS – MAIN POINTS . . .

Goals of the HAMAS:
——————
‘The Islamic Resistance Movement is a distinguished Palestinian movement, whose allegiance is to Allah, and whose way of life is Islam. It strives to raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine.’ (Article 6)

On the Destruction of Israel:
—————————–
‘Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.’ (Preamble)

Hamas and Iran want Israel gone—though that does not mean that they will not be open to some type of a temporary or timed withdrawal or peace deal. And a TEMPORARY one will come according to the Bible:

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

But, again, the deal will be temporary. The “one week” above has been understand to be a seven-year confirmation, but the fact that it will be broken in the middle shows it will basically only have a 3 1/2 year confirmation.

That said, expect more protests this week in Chicago.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam. Here is a shorter video: Afghanis: Potential terrorists?
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here are links to two related videos Iran In Prophecy and  Iran and Israel Conflict.
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.
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 related sermon in the Spanish language: El cristianismo visto a través de los ojos islámicos.
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.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
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.
Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or ? There is also a video titled: 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?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God continues to get additional materials translated into the Spanish language.

Here are the translations that we just received:

Germany wants peace deal in the Middle East

Alemania quiere un acuerdo de paz en Oriente Medio

https://www.cdlidd.es/alemania-quiere-un-acuerdo-de-paz-en-oriente-medio/

ToI: IDF on ‘high alert’ as Biden vows US to defend Israel against ‘all threats from Iran’

ToI: IDF en ‘máxima alerta’ mientras Biden promete que Estados Unidos defenderá a Israel contra ‘todas las amenazas de Iran’

https://www.cdlidd.es/toi-idf-en-maxima-alerta-mientras-biden-promete-que-estados-unidos-defendera-a-israel-contra-todas-las-amenazas-de-iran/

Reuters: British police boost presence after night of rioting in Sunderland

Reuters: La policía británica aumenta la presencia después de la noche de disturbios en Sunderland

https://www.cdlidd.es/reuters-la-policia-britanica-aumenta-la-presencia-despues-de-la-noche-de-disturbios-en-sunderland/

Jesus promises eternal life, but what about ‘near death experiences’ about seeing Jesus or Heaven?

Jesús promete vida eterna, pero ¿Qué pasa con ‘experiencias casi cerca de la muerte’ acerca de ver a Jesús o el Cielo?

https://www.cdlidd.es/jesus-promete-vida-eterna-pero-que-pasa-con-experiencias-casi-cerca-de-la-muerte-acerca-de-ver-a-jesus-o-el-cielo/

LSN: How the World Economic Forum could take firm control of the global financial system

LSN: Cómo el Foro Económico Mundial podría tomar el control firme del sistema financiero mundial

https://www.cdlidd.es/lsn-como-el-foro-economico-mundial-podria-tomar-el-control-firme-del-sistema-financiero-mundial/

BibleNewsProphecy: Great Tribulation Protection

BibleNewsProfecía: Gran Protección de la Tribulación

https://www.cdlidd.es/biblenewsprofecia-gran-proteccion-de-la-tribulacion/

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris: Biblically disqualified?

¿Donald Trump y Kamala Harris: Bíblicamente descalificados?

https://www.cdlidd.es/donald-trump-y-kamala-harris-biblicamente-descalificados/

Temple Institute performs a ‘red heifer’ type ceremony on the Temple Mount

Instituto del Templo realiza un tipo de ceremonia de ‘novilla roja’ en el Monte del Templo

https://www.cdlidd.es/instituto-del-templo-realiza-un-tipo-de-ceremonia-de-novilla-roja-en-el-monte-del-templo/

‘What Research Tells Us about Political Violence’ & Joe Biden on post-election violence

¿Qué nos dice la investigación acerca de la violencia política & Joe Biden acerca de la violencia post-elección?

https://www.cdlidd.es/que-nos-dice-la-investigacion-acerca-de-la-violencia-politica-joe-biden-acerca-de-la-violencia-post-eleccion/

Russia recruiting for battle against the “globalist-backed regime in Ukraine” to fulfill 18th century prophecy related to Crimea and Ezekiel 38?

¿Rusia reclutando para la batalla contra el régimen respaldado por “globalistas en Ucrania” para cumplir la profecía del siglo 18 relacionada con Crimea y Ezequiel 38?

https://www.cdlidd.es/rusia-reclutando-para-la-batalla-contra-el-regimen-respaldado-por-globalistas-en-ucrania-para-cumplir-la-profecia-del-siglo-18-relacionada-con-crimea-y-ezequiel-38/

Dinosaurs? What should you tell children about them?

¿Dinosaurios? ¿Qué deberías contarles a los niños sobre ellos?

https://www.cdlidd.es/dinosaurios-que-deberias-contarles-a-los-ninos-sobre-ellos/

NM: US Races to Forge Mideast Peace Deal as Iran Attack Looms

NM: Estados Unidos corre para forjar el Acuerdo de Paz en Medio Oriente mientras se avecina el ataque de Irán

https://www.cdlidd.es/nm-estados-unidos-corre-para-forjar-el-acuerdo-de-paz-en-medio-oriente-mientras-se-avecina-el-ataque-de-iran/

NBC: Research shows our bodies go through rapid changes in our 40s and our 60s

NBC: La investigación muestra que nuestros cuerpos pasan por cambios rápidos en nuestros 40 y 60 años

https://www.cdlidd.es/nbc-la-investigacion-muestra-que-nuestros-cuerpos-pasan-por-cambios-rapidos-en-nuestros-40-y-60-anos/

The Continuing Church of God has a separate Spanish language website http://www.cdlidd.es. The term Continuing Church of God translates into La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios in the Spanish language, also called Castellano or Español.

We have also additional Spanish language videos on our CDLIDDSermones channel.

Our Spanish translator normally provides translated news items once or twice per month.

So, in addition to having magazines and books in the Spanish language, we also post news items in it as well.

This is another avenue we utilize to teach all that we can in accordance with Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:28-37, and Matthew 28:19-20.

The Continuing Church of God is reaching people around the world in multiple languages via the internet, printed literature, and human church leaders.

We also reach people over the radio and through videos in the English language.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play? Two videos of related interest are available: Will Mexico Regain USA Territories? and Donald Trump and Mexico’s future. A sermon of related interest is available: Latin America in Prophecy.

CDLIDDSermones channel. This contains messages in the Spanish language.

CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God and has articles in español/castellano.

Bible News Prophecy International radio. This has links to our non-English language online radio station as well as materials in multiple languages, such as Spanish.

Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?

Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God “Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, NKJV), “Let brotherly love (Philadelphia) continue” (Hebrews 13:1) ” & continuing stedfastly in the teaching of the apostles” (Acts 2:42 YLT). So, what does that really mean in terms of specific beliefs–the Statement gives answers? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Declaración de las Doctrinas de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. Here is a related link in Tagalog: Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. Here is a related link in Mandarin Chinese ~ç~íy^v„eYOv„OáNðXðf. Here is a related link in Kiswahili: KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI. Here is a related link in Dutch: Verklaring van geloofspunten van de Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Deutsche (German): Glaubenserklärung der Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Italiano: Dichiarazione del Credo della Continuing Church of God. Here is related link in the French language: Déclaration des croyances de L’Église Continue de Dieu. Here is a related link in the Chichewa language: ZIKHULUPIRIRO ZA MPINGO WA CONTINUING CHURCH OF GOD. Here is a link in Romanian: Declarația de credințe a continuării Bisericii lui Dumnezeu. Here is a link in Portuguese: Declaração de Crenças da Continuação da Igreja de Deus. Here is a link in Russian: Утверждение верований о продолжении Церкви Божьей. Here is a link to a related English-language sermon: Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God. Here is a link to a booklet titled: Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God.

Faith for those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Here is a link to a pdf. booklet titled Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido.Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese 一篇关于信仰的小文章

CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?

CCOG Animations channel. The Continuing Church of God has some animations to teach aspects of Christian beliefs.

Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them there.

ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos. Here is a link to a short intro: ContinuingCOG Channel.

CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo.

BibleNewsProphecy Podcast. This has audio-visual podcasts of the Bible News Prophecy channgel. It plays on i-Phones, i-Pads, and Windows devices that can play i-Tunes.

Bible News Prophecy online and European Gospel radio. This has an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos and other radio broadcasts. It is also available as a mobile app.

CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址

CCOGAFRICA.ORG This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.

CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.

CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.

CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.

CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.

PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.

Study the Bible Course Want to learn more about the Bible? This new course is for you! Here is a: link to Lesson 1: Why Study the Bible? Here is a: link to Lesson 2: Here’s good news…the MESSAGE sent from Heaven. Here is a: link to Lesson 3: Christ Will Stop World Suicide! Here is a: link to Lesson 4: How to Study the Bible. Here is a link to Study the Bible Course: Test 1, for Lessons 1-4. Here is a: link to Lesson 5: The Millennium. Here is a: link to Lesson 6: Utopia! It is also available in French (Leçon 1 En francés), Kiswahili (Somo 1 Katika Kiswahili), Mandarin Chinese (™–˜u : N-Vý), Tagalog (KURSO SA PAG-ARAL NG BIBLYA), and Spanish (Lección 1 En castellano).
Youth Bible Lessons We have scores of lessons for the very young through teenage to learn about the ways of God.

(Photo from Pexels)

COGwriter

World Net Daily reported:

We’re doomed! Unless we stop the National Debt Clock

If the federal government could balance the budget and just move in the direction of paying the FIRST DOLLAR on the principal of the national debt, it would mean that a tectonic shift in attitude had occurred, and the madness and momentum of out-of-control government deficit spending will have reversed. …

“Cowards in Congress blame others for our national debt. Just fix it, already.” …

See our $35 TRILLION debt exploding on this National Debt Clock as it plunges us toward a preventable economic and societal cataclysm like a “cartoon snowball” gathering size and speed.

It was a mere $10 trillion in 2008, and $20 trillion as recently as 2017, 68% and 104% of GDP, respectively (GDP = Gross Domestic Product, the value of America’s entire yearly economy;

It’s taken just seven years to go from $20 trillion to today’s scary $35 trillion, a 57% increase and an amount that’s 122.8% of GDP (currently $28.5 trillion). Our 2028 debt nightmare is estimated to be $46.7 trillion. That’ll be a millstone on the U.S. economy at 147% of an estimated $31.6 trillion GDP!

This national debt crisis is a massive crime against our people because it causes an illegal “inflation tax” and “taxation without representation” on generations yet-to-be-conceived.

Anyone who downplays this danger is a deceiver. …

President Trump’s former chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney {said}:

“As a leading Republican senator once told President Trump: ‘No one in this town has ever lost his job for spending too much. People have lost for spending too little.’ Candidates for office talk about what people want them to talk about … and right now, voters don’t care about spending.”

Another high-ranking Republican remarked, “Nobody votes for Scrooge.”

In other words, dear reader, we are to blame. 08/16/24 https://www.wnd.com/2024/08/were-doomed-unless-we-stop-the-national-debt-clock/

Yes, politicians spend, promise to spend more, and get voted in.

What about the two leading presidential candidates?

Democratic party presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ recent speeches have basically promised more spending for various programs as well as giving money from the US Treasury. JD Vance has also promoted the latter with a recent child credit proposal, and Kamala is now also promoting a version of that.

For those who think that Donald Trump will fix the debt accumulation, consider the following that he said:

I’m the king of debt. I love debt. (Egan M. Donald Trump: ‘I’m the king of debt.’ CNN, May 7, 2016)

And what happened during the Trump-Pence Administration? The debt went up dramatically.

Related to Trump or Harris, we put together the following video:

14:24

Trump vs Harris vs Scripture

Are Donald Trump and Kamala Harris qualified to be President of the United States according to its Constitution? Does the adulterer Donald Trump’s record as a businessman who declared bankruptcy multiple times and who was once President of the USA make him the best choice? Does Kamala Harris’ political positions, one or more were related to adultery, and then later being Vice-President make her the best choice? What about their positions on adultery and LGBTQ matters? Do either of them meet the biblical requirements to be leaders? Could they both be evil? Should Christians put their faith in leaders or in Jesus and His Kingdom? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie go over these points.

Here is a link to our video: Trump vs Harris vs Scripture.

Put your faith in Jesus and the coming Kingdom of God, not in US elections.

Even when he was President of the United States, Barack Obama said the levels of debt his Administration oversaw was “unsustainable,” yet the debt kept going up during the Obama-Biden Administration.

Notice the following levels of official US debt:

• January 20, 2009, $10,626,877,048,913.08, date Obama-Biden Administration inaugurated.
• January 19, 2017, $19,944,429,217,106.77, date Obama-Biden leave office, replaced the next day by Trump-Pence.
• January 19, 2021, $27,752,835,868,445.35, the date  Trump-Pence leave office, replaced the next day by Biden-Harris.
• January 19, 2024, $34,072,342,032,939.15, after 3 years of the Biden-Harris Administration.

And it has gone up over one trillion dollars more since. According to the latest report from the US Treasury, the official US debt was $35,169,163,778,240.35 as of Thursday (see also  https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/datasets/debt-to-the-penny/debt-to-the-penny).

Official US debt nearly doubled under the Obama-Biden Administration. It also greatly increased by about the same amount in only four years under the Trump-Pence Administration. Debt went up over $7 trillion in less than four years of the Biden-Harris Administration and is expected to increase greatly.

Last Friday, the price of gold hit another record (see ‘Gold All Time Highs: Is $3000 Next?’). Gold will have ups and downs, but will set even more records in US dollar terms.

The Bible warns about debt and disobedience:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:43-45,47-52).

7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

13 And the Lord said, “Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked according to it, 14 but they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts…16 I will scatter them also among the Gentiles, whom neither they nor their fathers have known. And I will send a sword after them until I have consumed them.” (Jeremiah 9:13,14a,16)

12 One-third of you shall die of the pestilence, and be consumed with famine in your midst; and one-third shall fall by the sword all around you; and I will scatter another third to all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. (Ezekiel 5:12)

The US is doomed unless there is national repentance. Increasing debt is basically a sign that the US does not intend to do that.

Now, you may wish to read and re-read something that the prophet Habakkuk was inspired to write over 2600 years ago:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you. Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

9 “Woe to him who covets evil gain for his house, That he may set his nest on high, That he may be delivered from the power of disaster! 10 You give shameful counsel to your house, Cutting off many peoples, And sin against your soul. 11 For the stone will cry out from the wall, And the beam from the timbers will answer it. (Habakkuk 2:9-11)

The above prophecy points to doom. And it will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come,” Daniel 10:1,14). Daniel 8:19, 11:27,29,35 use the same Hebrew term for “appointed time” as Habakkuk 2:3, while Daniel 10, using a different term, ties the latter days to the time in Daniel 8:19. Habakkuk 2 was not fulfilled in its entirety anciently.

My book, Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction, has the following:

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel 11 … 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.

The “he” is the King of the North. This is the same King of the North that valued gold and silver in Daniel 11:38. Although other scriptures also show that gold and silver will have value around this time (like Revelation 18; 9:20), the Bible is clear that gold and silver will be worthless for a short time before Jesus returns, e.g. Ezekiel 7:19.

The fact that the King of the North himself will accumulate gold (and some silver) is consistent with several Byzantine (“Greek” Orthodox) prophecies of their expected Great Monarch:

Emperor Leo the Philosopher (died 912): You will amass gold … And you will be the leader of the surrounding nations …

Addressed to Emperor Manuel II, Palaeogous (died 1425): The Emperor … will discover gold and silver…

Saint Andrew Fool-for-Christ (c. 4^th century):  God will reveal to this king all the gold wherever it happen to lay concealed from view …[i]

One side note is that, in Egypt, major gold deposits were found in 2006.[ii] This is relevant as it does suggest that Egypt now has enough gold that a foreign power could be interested in taking/using it as Bible prophecy teaches.

Since many are now questioning the role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, more are looking into other currencies as well as gold. Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms. In 2017, I also published that in my book related to Donald Trump, and it did hit records in July and August in 2020. [iii]

It has been proposed that various nations around the world are already in the process of accumulating gold to one day overthrow the U.S. dollar—and that the “U.S. is unprepared for this strategic alternative to dollar dominance.”[iv]

When the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro (or something similar) is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer.

The collapse of the U.S.A. dollar will shake a lot of the world’s confidence in non-gold backed currencies.

The Europeans do not have to have a perfect currency, only one that is perceived to be in better shape than the U.S.A. dollar.

Having the European power acquiring more gold to back the Euro or possibly another future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro or even a basket of currencies) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe, even if the backing is only implied.

The debt accumulation policies of the Obama-Biden and the Trump-Pence Administrations, which were a massive acceleration of the previous policies of the Bush Administration, look like they will be continued by a Biden-Harris Administration.

The increases in America’s debt are heading the world into the time when something other than the U.S. dollar will be valued as its reserve currency.

A Biden-Harris Administration would need to make massive changes to possibly prevent this.

The U.S.A. and its dollar are at serious risk.

[i] Tzima Otto. The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Scriptural Prophecies.  Verenikia Press, Rock Hill (SC), 2000, pp. 76, 102, 114

[ii] A Gold Mine Worth LE 23 Billion (and counting).  Egypt Today, August, 2006

[iii] Gold hits new record, posts best month since 2016 CNBC, July 30, 2020; Woodall T. Gold surges to new highs as US dollar weakens despite growing macro risks. S&P Global, August 10, 2020

[iv] Rickards J. Axis of Gold. The Daily Reckoning, December 20, 2016

As far as being on a limb that will break, when enough disasters hit the USA, foreign creditors are going to conclude that since the USA could not truly pay its debt when it was doing well, there is no way it will pay them when hit with multiple disasters–Habakkuk 2:6-8–will be fulfilled!

Related to USA debt, we put together the following video:

14:44

And the Debt Goes On …

On June 3, 2023, US President Joe Biden signed a bill to increase the official debt-ceiling of the United States. According to the US Treasury the “ceiling” has been changed, increased, or delayed 78 other times. The official debt has nearly tripled since the Obama-Biden Administration. The official debt increased about $2 trillion per year under Donald Trump’s Administration and has done close to that in the Joe Biden Administration. While the USA has been able to increase debt with limited consequences (like inflation) so far, does the Bible show this can end in destruction? What did God warn about debt through the prophet Habakkuk? Is getting into high amounts of debt a blessing or curse according to the Bible? Do Democrats or Republicans currently have a plan that will now be implemented to pay off the debt? Has the USA been functioning as an international “leech” consistent with statements in the Book of Proverbs? Does the Bible say it is wicked to borrow money you do really intend to repay? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel cover these matters.

Here is a link to our video: And the Debt Goes On …

Perhaps it should be pointed out that the old Radio Church of God did teach that Habakkuk 1 had future fulfillment and tied it in with Isaiah 10 (Hoeh H. The Race Question. Plain Truth, July 1957 p. 22)–which WCG tied in with the coming destruction of the USA.

Furthermore, the old Worldwide Church of God did clearly teach that Habakkuk 2 had future application:

Habakkuk … God also said that this vision was to be written for our benefit today. … (Habakkuk 2:3). God showed Habakkuk that He will punish all the unrighteous at the end-time. … (Habukkuk 2:8, 10, 16-17) (Armstrong HW, editor in chief. THE MINOR PROPHETS SPEAK TO US! Youth Bible Lessons, Level 7, Lesson 9, 1986, p. 4)

So, yes, the old WCG understood that Habakkuk 2 was prophetic for the end time–not that it was fully fulfilled thousands of years ago (which many in certain COGs, like LCG, now wrongly believe).

Do NOT think that whoever may win the presidential election in 2024 will fix the debt matter.

The rising USA debt cannot continue indefinitely–there is a major price to pay.

While national repentance is not expected, personal repentance is something all who are willing can do.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028 or earlier? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection; here is a message in Spanish: Me Está Llamando Dios Hoy? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
About Baptism Should you be baptized? Could baptism be necessary for salvation? Who should baptize and how should it be done? Here is a link to a related sermon: Let’s Talk About Baptism and Baptism, Infants, Fire, & the Second Death.
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.USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.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?
Spiritual Samaritans: Old and New Who were the Samaritans? Do the represent true Christianity or something else? Here is a link to a related sermon: USA in Prophecy: Samaria.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety,’ Zephaniah 2 to ‘gather together,’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on fleeing to a place–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here are two related items in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra? and Existe un Lugar de Seguridad.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction Can the USA survive two full presidential terms? In what ways are Joe Biden and Kamala Harris apocalyptic? This book has hundreds of prophecies and scriptures to provide details.  A Kindle version is also available and you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to your free Kindle reader app (or if you already have one or a Kindle),  you can go to: Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction (Kindle) to get the book in seconds.

COGwriter

Where does the Bible actually begin?

In terms of time order, it would be John 1:1, and not Genesis 1:1 as many assume.

Here is an explanation from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

If one should ask, where do you find the actual beginning of events in the Bible, most who possess even a slight knowledge of the world’s “best seller” would say, “Why in Genesis chapter one verse one, of course.” WRONG!

The real beginning, in order of time sequence, is found in the New Testament, in the first chapter of John, verse one. The events portrayed in Genesis occurred later – possibly even millions of years later. But the event recorded in John 1:1 reveals an existence perhaps long prior to the time God created the earth and the material universe. Note it: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” It continues, “The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” The term “all things” is translated in Hebrews 1:3, in the Moffatt translation, as “the UNIVERSE.” The entire UNIVERSE was made by Him!

The fourteenth verse of John 1 says: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The Personage called the Word was the one who ultimately-yet more than 1900 years ago-was born Jesus Christ. The name, “the Word,” is translated from the original Greek text, and means, literally, just what is translated into English -“Spokesman.” But He was not the Son of God “in the beginning.” Yet the Scriptures reveal that He has always existed, and always will – “from eternity to eternity.” He was “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life . . .” (Heb. 7:3).

So think on this, if you will! Originally there existed only these two Spirit Personages, self-existent. They had creative powers – they had perfect supreme minds – they possessed perfect, holy and righteous CHARACTER.

But THERE WAS NONE ELSE – NOTHING ELSE! There was no matter – no material universe – YET! No other living being or thing. Only these two, equal in mind and powers, except that God was supreme in authority, and the Word in perfect harmony under that authority. They were of one mind, in absolute agreement.

But ALL THINGS – the universe and everything existing in it – was made by the Personage called the Word. Yet, as we read in Ephesians 3:9: “God. . . created ALL THINGS by Jesus Christ.” And prior to becoming Jesus Christ, He was “the Word!” Also, in His human life Jesus said He spoke only as the Father directed. Yes. THINK!

In the eternity even prior to “prehistory” there were these two Supreme Beings. Alone! In the emptiness of space! No other life forms – no other living beings! Nothing else!…

The Perfect Creation

The original Hebrew words (the words originally written by Moses) imply a perfect creation. God reveals Himself as Creator of perfection, light, and beauty. Every reference in the Bible describes the condition of any completed phase of God’s creation as “very good” – perfect. This first verse of the Bible actually speaks of the original PHYSICAL creation in its entirety – the universe – including the earth, perhaps millions of years ago – as a perfect creation, beautiful and perfect as far as its creation was a finished, completed work. God is a perfectionist! In Job 38:4,7, God is speaking specifically of the creation of this earth. He said all the angels (created “sons of God”) shouted for joy at the creation of the earth. This reveals that angels were created before the creation of the earth – and probably before the material universe.

The suns, planets, and astral bodies are material substance. Angels are individually created Spirit beings, composed solely of Spirit. It will come as a surprise to many to learn that angels inhabited this earth BEFORE the creation of man. This passage from Job implies it.

Angels on Earth Sinned

Other passages place angels on earth prior to man. Notice II Peter 2:4-6. First in time order were “angels that sinned.” Next in time sequence, the antediluvian world beginning with Adam, carrying through to the Flood. After that, Sodom and Gomorrah. This Book of books, containing the revealed knowledge of the Creator God, tells us that God created angels as composed of Spirit. But can you imagine angels becoming sinning angels? Angels were created with power of thought, of decision and of choice, else they have no individuality or character. Since sin is the transgression of God’s law, these angels rebelled against God’s law, the basis of God’s government. Notice carefully what is revealed in II Peter 2:4-5:

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.

These verses show that universal sin brings universal destruction to the physical earth. The antediluvian sin, culminating with the flood, was worldwide, universal sin. Notice: “…the earth was filled with violence …. for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth …. for the earth is filled with violence.” (Gen.6:1 1-13). “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the [Eternal]…. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (verses 8-9). All flesh had sinned – over the whole earth. But only Noah “walked with God.” So, the Flood destroyed the whole earth – all but Noah and his family. The homosexual and other sins of Sodom and Gomorrah spread over the territory of those two cities. And physical destruction came to their entire area. The sin of the angels was worldwide; the destruction of the physical earth was worldwide. The verses quoted above place the sinning of the angels prior to the antediluvian sins that started with Adam, prior to the creation of man. And that should be a surprise revealing of one phase of the missing dimension in knowledge! Angels inhabited this earth before the creation of man. And the government of God was administered on earth until the rebellion of the sinning angels.

How long these angels inhabited the earth before the creation of man is not revealed. It might have been millions – or even billions – of years. More on that later. But these angels sinned. Sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4). And God’s law is the basis of God’s government. So we know these angels, apparently a third of all the angels (Rev. 12:4), sinned – rebelled against the government of God. And sin carries penalties. The penalty for the sin of the angels is not death, as it is for man. Angels are Immortal Spirit beings and cannot die. These Spirit beings had been given dominion over the PHYSICAL EARTH as a possession and an abode. The universal, worldwide sin of the angels resulted in the physical destruction of the face of the earth…

Now back to Genesis 1: 1-2. Verse 1, as stated above, implies a perfect creation. God is the author of life, of beauty, of perfection. Satan has brought only darkness, ugliness, imperfection, violence. Verse 1 shows the creation of a perfect earth, glorious and beautiful. Verse 2 reveals the result of the sin of the angels.

“And the earth was [became] without form, and void.” The words “without form and void” are translated from the Hebrew tohu and bohu. A better translation is “waste and empty” or chaotic and in confusion.” The word “was” is elsewhere in Genesis translated “became,” as in Genesis 19:26. In other words, the earth, originally created perfect and beautiful, had now become chaotic, waste, and empty, like our moon, except its surface was covered with water.

David was inspired to reveal how God renewed the face of the earth: “Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth” (Ps. 104:30).

Now another surprise for most readers. Here is another bit of the missing dimension in knowledge, actually revealed in the Bible, but unrecognized by religion, by science, and by higher education. From verse 2 of Genesis 1 on, the remainder of this first chapter of the Bible is not describing the original creation of the earth. But it is describing a renewing of the face of the earth, after it had become waste and empty as a result of the sin of the angels.

What is described from verse 2 on, in the supposed “Creation chapter” of the Bible, did occur, according to the Bible, approximately 6,000 years ago. But that could have been millions or trillions of years after the actual creation of the earth described in verse 1! I will comment later on the length of time it might have taken before all earth’s angels turned to rebellion.

The earth had become waste and empty. God did not create it waste and empty, or in confusion. God is not the author of confusion (I Cor.14:33). This same Hebrew word – tohu – meaning waste and empty, was inspired in Isaiah 45:18, where it is translated “in vain.” Using the original Hebrew word, as originally inspired, it reads: “For thus saith the [Eternal] that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain [tohu], he formed it to be inhabited.”

Continue now with the remainder of verse 2 (Gen. 1) (the earth had become chaotic, waste, and empty): “And darkness was upon the face of the deep [the ocean or fluid surface of the earth]. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness” (verses 2-4).

Satan is the author of darkness. The rebellion of the angels had caused the darkness. God is the author of light and truth. Light displays and enhances beauty, and also exposes evil. Darkness hides both. The verses which follow in this first chapter of the Bible describe the renewing of the face of the earth, yielding beautiful lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetation – then the creation of fish and fowl, animal life, and finally man. (Armstrong HW. Incredible Human Potential, 1978)

So, yes God and the Word existed from the beginning and before anything else was made (John 1:1).

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

The Bible teaches:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a somewhat literal translation of it:

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

Here is a more understandable translation of it:

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

Before going further, notice something else:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s now see two translations of something else in the Bible:

28 And God blessed them; and God said unto them: ‘Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that creepeth upon the earth.’ (Genesis 1:28, Jewish Publication Society Tanakh 1917)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adam was told to replenish as Noah had.

There was a major time ‘gap’ between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2, and Jesus existed prior to all of that.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? Gap Theory? Does the Bible allow for the creation of the universe and earth billions of years ago? Why do some believe they are no older than 6,000 years old? What is the gap theory? Were the days of creation in Genesis 1:3 through 2:3 24 hours long? Here are links to two sermons: Gap Theory: Doctrine or Modern Heresy? and Genesis, ‘Prehistoric man,’ and the Gap theory. Here is a link to a related article in Spanish: ¿Cuán vieja es la Tierra? ¿Cuán largos fueron los Días de la Creación? ¿Teoría de la brecha?
Is God’s Existence Logical? Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. Two animated videos of related interest are also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator? and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?
Does it Make Physical Sense to believe in God? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true? Here is a link to a YouTube sermon titled Is it logical to believe in God?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge. Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Is There Another View of Evolution? and another titled Quickly Disprove Evolution as the Origin of Life.
Did Angels Marry Human Women? Many insist this is so and also that this mating caused giants to be born. Did this come from the ‘Book of Enoch’? What does Genesis 6:4 really mean? A related video is also available: Did Angels Marry Women and Produce Giants?
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article which answers what many really wonder about it.
Has time been lost? It Saturday the seventh day of the week?
Questions and Answers from Genesis Many wonder about certain early events that this article discusses.
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? There is also a video titled What is the meaning of your life?
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, Mystery of Race, and The Mystery of YOU.

Gold bullion

COGwriter

Gold hit a new record against the US dollar on Friday and some are pointing to it going higher:

Gold All Time Highs: Is $3000 Next?

August 17, 2024

The market is still sending messages: gold hitting all time highs says that traders are worried, perhaps about geopolitical risk, inflation, high rates or all of the above. https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2024-08-17/gold-all-time-highs-3000-next

Gold topped $2,500 an ounce for the first time, bolstered by hopes the US Federal Reserve is edging closer to cutting interest rates. …

The precious metal is up more than 20% this year amid mounting optimism on monetary easing and large purchases by central banks. It also has seen increased demand as a haven asset due to rising geopolitical risks, including tensions in the Middle East and Russia’s war with Ukraine. …

Gold investors are “typically more prone to think the Fed will be more aggressive on the monetary accommodation front,” said Bart Melek, global head of commodity strategy at TD Securities. Prices could rise further to $2,700 in the coming quarters, as “the macro/monetary and central bank ducks are aligning in a row,” he said. …

Spot gold gained 2.1% to $2,508.82 an ounce as of 4:06 p.m. in New York. https://fortune.com/2024/08/16/gold-prices-record-high-economic-outlook-recession-indicator-fed-rate-cuts/

As many of you are aware, I have the following statement on 293 of the print edition and page 317 of online version of free book from 2023, Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms.

One day the USA dollar will one day collapse and be worth no more than the scrap or novelty value of the cotton-paper it is printed on.

Many nations are looking to push aside the USA dollar and accumulating gold is one step many are taking.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold? Two videos of related interest are Beast Prophecies and European Gold and Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar.
The End of US Dollar Dominance Is the USA losing its economic status? What about the petro-gold-yuan? A related video is also available: US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan.
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.
Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction Can the USA survive two full presidential terms? In what ways are Joe Biden and Kamala Harris apocalyptic? This book has hundreds of prophecies and scriptures to provide details.  A Kindle version is also available and you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to your free Kindle reader app (or if you already have one or a Kindle),  you can go to: Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction (Kindle) to get the book in seconds.