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Many in the USA are familiar with Donald Trump using the term “deep state.”

Well, a reader tipped me off to a press release from Roman Catholic Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò concerning what he is calling the “deep church”:

ARCHBISHOP VIGANO ANNOUNCES ENTITY CREATED TO HELP RELIGIOUS VICTIMS OF “DEEP CHURCH”

July 1, 2023

Carlo Maria Viganò, Archbishop, Apostolic Nuncio, announces the association “exsurge domine” is born to help priests and religious who are victims of the bergoglian (Pope Francis and the “Deep Church”) purges.

See Archbishop Vigano’s message below:

The Church is going through a very serious crisis, mirroring that of civil governments: those who hold positions of power have shown themselves to be enemies of the institution they oversee and of the people over whom they exercise their authority. This subversive action leads those who are not willing to accept the betrayal to become the object of persecution: just as the doctors who chose to treat patients during the pandemic lost their licenses and were deprived of their salary, so the priests and religious who they do not adapt to the Bergoglian revolution are being removed from churches, expelled from convents, and left without any means of support. And what is most disconcerting is that the persecutions of those who are good multiply with impunity, while at the same time those who carry them out show themselves to be conciliatory and “inclusive” towards the enemies of the Church: heretics, perverts and those who are corrupt remain in their positions, indeed they are promoted and encouraged in sin and vice by the very ones whom Christ commanded to protect the flock from rapacious wolves. On the other hand, in the marvelous world of Santa Marta, convents and religious houses must be sold in order to transform them into resorts or lucrative immigrant “welcoming centers.” Or, more simply, they are sold in order to compensate for the millions in reparations that the Dioceses must pay to the victims of their corrupt clergy and the financial hole resulting from the disaffection of the faithful.

The persecution imposed by the Vatican – where Bergoglio’s protégés dominate with impunity – also manifests itself in disciplinary actions that violate the laws of the Church and the very purpose for which those laws have legitimacy: there are countless cases of placing Dioceses and religious communities under pontifical commissaries, of intimidating inspections, specious Apostolic Visits, removals of Bishops, while priests are suspended a divinis or reduced to the lay state whose only mistake has been not wanting to apostatize the Catholic Faith. The recent cases of the Benedictine Monastery of Pienza in Italy and the Carmel of Arlington in Texas, which are added to many less well-known cases, are the confirmation of a deliberate will to distort and destroy the last vestiges of Catholicism on the part of the highest levels of the Hierarchy.

To this end, under my personal patronage, the civil association Exsurge Domine has been founded, which has as its social purpose “to provide assistance, support and material help to clergy, religious and consecrated laity who are in conditions of particular economic and logistical difficulties; to defend the unchanged and incorruptible Tradition of the Catholic Faith; to preserve and promote the traditional liturgy; to encourage the study and theological and cultural awareness of the immense religious, historical and artistic heritage of Christianity; and to foster opportunities for dialogue and encounter between the various associations, experiences or groups operating within the perennial Tradition of the Catholic Church.”

Exsurge Domine will eventually be able to become a Foundation, but it is already operating at an international level, engaging in the assistance of religious who are persecuted because of their fidelity to Tradition. Anyone who shares these aims can contribute as a supporter.

A website has been activated – www.exsurgedomine.org – that I invite everyone to visit, where it is possible to follow and support ongoing projects.

In this spirit of true Christian fraternity and renewed unity in the bond of Faith, Hope and Charity, we can give an edifying example to our persecuted brothers and sisters, a warning to our unfaithful Pastors, and hope to our children. Because it will only be holy priests, priests who are faithful to the Gospel, priests who are in love with Christ, who will rebuild tomorrow, but beginning already today, that which we have allowed to be demolished for too long.

+ Carlo Maria Viganò, Archbishop, Apostolic Nuncio

July 1^st, 2023 https://joehoft.com/breaking-exclusive-archbishop-vigano-announces-entity-created-to-help-religious-victims-of-pope-francis-and-deep-church/

Archbishop Vigano has long been opposed to various actions by the current pontiff.

Notice something from the past:

Viganò on Vatican ‘health’ conference with Fauci: Holy See is ‘making itself the servant of the New World Order’

From May 6-8, 2021, the fifth International Vatican Conference will take place, entitled Exploring the Mind, Body & Soul. Unite to Prevent & Unite to Cure. A Global Health Care Initiative: How Innovation and Novel Delivery Systems Improve Human Health. The event is being hosted by the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Cura Foundation, the Science and Faith Foundation, and Stem for Life.

Michael Haynes of LifeSiteNews has reported (here) on the topics to be addressed and the participants, including the infamous Anthony Fauci, whose scandalous conflicts of interest did not prevent him from taking over the management of the pandemic in the United States; Chelsea Clinton, a follower of the Church of Satan and a staunch abortion advocate; the New Age guru Deepak Chopra; Dame Jane Goodall, environmentalist and chimpanzee expert; the CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna; representatives of Big Tech; and a whole slew of abortionists, Malthusians, and globalists known to the general public. The conference has recruited five prominent journalists to be moderators, who are exclusively from left-wing media outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, CBS and Forbes.

This Conference – along with the Council for Inclusive Capitalism of Lynn Forester de Rothschild, the Global Compact on Education, and the inter-religious Pantheon to be held in June in Astana, Kazakhstan – is the umpteenth scandalous confirmation of a disturbing departure of the current Hierarchy, and in particular its highest Roman members, from Catholic orthodoxy. The Holy See has deliberately renounced the supernatural mission of the Church, making itself the servant of the New World Order and Masonic globalism in an antichristic counter-magisterium. The same Roman Dicasteries, occupied by people ideologically aligned with Jorge Mario Bergoglio and protected and promoted by him, now continue unrestrained in their implacable work of demolishing Faith, Morals, ecclesiastical discipline, and monastic and religious life, in an effort as vain as it is unprecedented to transform the Bride of Christ into a philanthropic association enslaved to the Strong Powers. The result is the super-imposition over the true Church of a sect of heretical and depraved Modernists who are intent on legitimizing adultery, sodomy, abortion, euthanasia, idolatry, and any perversion of the intellect and will. The true Church is now eclipsed, denied and discredited by her very Pastors, betrayed even by the one who occupies the highest Throne. 04/20/21 https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/vigano-on-vatican-health-conference-with-fauci-holy-see-is-making-itself-the-servant-of-the-new-world-order

This is not the only thing some have wondered about associated with Pope Francis.

Fratelli tutti was signed by Pope Francis (see Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti Calls for Giving United Nations Organization ‘Real Teeth’).

Human efforts with the Vatican are the way of peace that Fratelli tutti wants. The Bible teaches that the Messiah (Jesus) is the “prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6), repentance is needed (cf. Acts 2:38), and true peace will come with the Kingdom of God–not some type of interfaith efforts from Rome. The Bible also warns:

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known. 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. (Romans 3:16-18)

Those with proper fear of God would pursue peace biblically, and not compromise doctrinally to do so.

While Archbishop Vigano has some valid concerns about Pope Francis, both of them should “earnestly contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) as their versions of catholicism differ from the original faith–the original catholic faith is documented in detail in our free online book: Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?

That said, now notice when Europe was still recovering from being devastated in World War II, after attending a conference related to the start of the UN, in the December 1948 issue of The Plain Truth Herbert W. Armstrong predicted a coming “United States of Europe” with Vatican involvement when he wrote:

It was the SERMON that shot forth that spark, impregnating the minds of world leaders in attendance. This amazing sermon was delivered by a foremost radio speaker of the Catholic Church, Bishop Duane G. Hunt of Salt Lake City … Without the guidance, supervision, authority of the Catholic Church, he told these men, they were laboring in vain …

This was the Roman Catholic bid to resurrect the so-called “HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE” ! And PROPHECY says they will succeed! … At the psychological time, the pope will step in … Thru this political movement, he will UNIFY … nations in Europe. It will be a “The UNITED STATES OF EUROPE,” but that probably will never become its official name. (Armstrong HW. Now It Can Be Told…The Plain Truth, December 1948, pp. 2,5).

Well, Pope Francis has continually been pushing aspects of a united Europe–one that resembles the prophesied Beast of Revelation 13:1-10 and 17:12-13.

Fratelli tutti was just another step.

A reader sent me a link to the following:

Frank Unterhalt, a diocesan priest of Paderborn, Germany has written an analysis of the new papal encyclical Fratelli Tutti, whose tone of religious indifferentism and the call to universal fraternity reminds him of the language and program of Freemasonry. He also reminds us all that the so-called Sankt Gallen (St. Gallen) Group – a group of progressivist cardinals who unsuccessfully tried to elect then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as Pope in 2005 – played a major role in electing Pope Francis in 2013 and that their goals are now being implemented by Francis.

In his new statement (see full text below), Father Unterhalt makes it clear that this new papal document that is promoting a sense of equality among religions and downplays Catholic beliefs and positions is not in accordance with the Church’s teaching on the unique role of the Catholic Church for the salvation of man.

Reminding us of Nathan the Wise, a play written by the German poet Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Unterhalt points out that it is the goal of Freemasonry to establish a new “brotherhood” in which all religions are equal. This idea also appeared during the French Revolution which was, at its core, deeply anti-Catholic.

These congruences are for Fr. Unterhalt a sign for our “apocalyptic” times. …

With this statement and critique of Fratelli Tutti, Father Unterhalt joins the voices of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò and Bishop Athanasius Schneider, both of whom have pointed to resemblances between this new papal document and Freemasonic thought. Both have also rejected the tone of religious indifferentism found in this new text. …

Fratelli tutti tries at the beginning (numbers 1-4) and at the end (number 286) to claim St. Francis of Assisi as the patron saint of a supposed interreligious brotherhood “without borders” by completely distorting his visit to the Sultan in Egypt 800 years ago. This path with the readiness to martyrdom had precisely not the goal of throwing itself at Islam in the desire “to embrace everyone” (number 3), in the noncommittal concealment of the Gospel in a weakening way, but rather in concern for the eternal salvation of souls to call for conversion to the true faith. …

Fratelli tutti … has repeatedly used … dreaming of “a single human family” (number 8) as an occasion to propagate a religious relativism. This intention was particularly striking in the context of the so-called prayer intention for January 2016, which was combined with a telling video. The symbols of the different religions were shown, equally placed next to each other. The child Jesus was also present — held in a circle next to the other signs in the camera and lined up in sayings of faith in Allah and trust in Buddha.

Former Israeli President Shimon Peres testified on September 4, 2014, after his audience in the Vatican, to his proposal to the Bishop of Rome to “found the ‘United Religions’” — developed out of the United Nations.[13]

The Grand Lodge of Spain, in view of the Christmas address of December 25, 2018, in the Vatican, has already expressed its enthusiasm and, in the name of all Freemasons, has joined the proclaimed “fraternity between men of different religions.”[14] In view of the latest brochure, the same Grand Orient is currently raising an even louder cry of euphoria when it states that in Fratelli tutti “universal fraternity, the great principle of modern Freemasonry,”[15] is now welcomed.

This idea has already been well advanced in the context of the Abu Dhabi Declaration. The Bishop of Rome, following up on the same document, established the so-called “Higher Committee for Human Fraternity” to implement it. The construction project “Abrahamic Family House” has already been launched in Abu Dhabi — an interreligious house with mosque, synagogue and church. The three buildings of the so-called “Abrahamic religions” look similar, are designed with identical dimensions and create the impression of equality. The common ground floor with teaching center connects the temples. The next step to the world-unifying religion is thus not far away.[16]

The Bishop of Rome recently proclaimed that man is obliged to obey the United Nations. …

The striving for universal ecumenism of religions has always been a concern of Freemasonry on the way to its actual goal, namely to bring about the breakthrough of that self-constructed religion in which all human beings are supposedly in agreement. …

When Fratelli tutti explicitly uses the crisis brought about by Covid-19 as an occasion to express the call “Let us dream, then, as a single human family” (number 8), one should be well aware of the clear statements of those behind the scenes who have already spoken out with the aim of a globalized New World Order. 10/19/20 https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/german-priest-says-new-papal-encyclical-has-masonic-tone-links-it-to-st-gallen-group

So, at least a few Roman Catholic clerics have noted similarities between Pope Francis’ Fratelli tutti and Freemasonry.

Well, in the Continuing Church of God, we noted similarities between Freemasonry and Pope Francis’ agenda well before the Fratelli tutti was released. Plus we also warned about the Abu Dhabi declaration.

Related to the Abu Dhabi document that Cardinal-elect Guixot referred to, we put together a video related to that:

15:31

Pope Francis signs ‘one world religion’ document!

On February 4, 2019, at the ‘ Global Conference on Human Fraternity,’ Pope Francis and leading Sunni Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb signed a document that some suspect may lead towards a “one world religion.” The World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary, Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, who also attended, pushed for religious leaders and institutions to push towards a particular cooperative agenda to help bring world peace. Will there be real peace or just a temporary one? Will destruction come to the USA and nations in the Middle East and North Africa? What will be some characteristics of this “one world religion’? Will all have the same religious practices? Might it have commonalities with the ancient Roman Empire? The Grand Mosque in the UAE was renamed “Mary, Mother of Jesus.” Will Catholic, Islamic, and even Hindu reverence for Marian figures play a role? Is that part of the plan? Should real Christians support the interfaith and ecumenical agendas or remain separate from them? What does the Bible teach? What did Jesus teach? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to that video: Pope Francis signs ‘one world religion’ document!

One symbol that the Vatican used last year was a ‘Chrislam Cross.’ We also put together a video related to the Chrislam Cross and the interfaith movement:

What is Chrislam? What are the two forms of it? Did the Vatican unveil the Chrislam Cross? How does it look? Are Christianity and Islam theologically compatible? What does the ‘Catechism of the Catholic Church’ say? What about the Bible and the Quran? Did Pope Francis and Sunni Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb sign an important interfaith document on February 4, 2019? Do biblical and Islamic prophecies point to a deal between the Europeans and Arabs that will be broken? Do Catholic and Islamic writings support the view that Mary and/or apparitions of ‘Mary’ may lead to temporary cooperation between the Arabs and Europeans? Will such cooperation bring lasting peace or war? Have any of the Eastern Orthodox warned of the danger in using ‘Mary’ to push the interfaith and ecumenical movements? Is there a ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus mosque? Should you wish to be part of the Chrislam movement? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to the sermonette video: The Chrislam Cross.

What about Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a ‘secret society’ (meaning that although the group itself is known, its members are sworn to secrecy about much of what it is and does).

They have the word “Free” as centuries ago, masons were allowed to freely cross national borders in order to build massive buildings. While modern Freemasons are rarely builders of massive monuments anymore, they kept the term “Free,” which seems to imply they are free to learn more about the practices, etc. of Masonry.

Here is some information from an actual Freemason website:

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely recognized fraternal organization in the world. Founded in London, England in 1717, its current worldwide membership totals 3.6 million members, 1.6 million of which are in North America. …

As a fraternal organization, Freemasonry unites men of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic, or social backgrounds, share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind.

The traditions of Freemasonry are founded upon the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and its fraternal ceremonies use the working tools of the stonemasons to symbolize moral lessons and truths. For example, Masons are reminded at Lodge to “meet upon the level of equality, act by the plumb of uprightness, and part upon the square of virtue.” https://www.freemason.com/how-to-join/what-is-freemasonry/ access 08/25/18

Historically, there were some ties between the Freemasons and a group called the Illuminati in the 18th century. Some claim that the Freemasons are the Illuminati. Others believe that the Illuminati are like a subset of the Freemasons, whereas others feel that the Illuminati per se, no longer exist, but that many of their ideas live on in Freemasonry.

There are still Roman Catholic concerns about it:

June 1, 2019

For the past 300 years, Freemasonry has done all in its power to do to the Catholic Church what the old heretics did to Christ, they wish to make it a merely human institution without divine powers. In this way, divorcing it from the divine assistance, they can overpower it. https://fsspx.news/en/news-events/news/ephesus-fatima-48248

Roman Catholics, historically, have considered the Freemasons to be a threat.

Both Freemasonry and the Vatican claim to be working towards world peace–and that is part of the hope in Fratelli tutti.

Now, consider that the Bible tells of one that will arise in Europe who will deceitfully arise promoting peace:

25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:25, KJV).

23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:23-24, NKJV)

Some small group is going to back this leader. It is not certain that it is Freemasons or the Illuminati or something like that, but somehow there are supporters of the Beast’s agenda.

Consider that the Bible warns of a power with a compromised religion (Revelation 17) that is involved in politics:

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. (Revelation 17:1-5)

It would seem reasonable that both the Vatican and the Freemasons would support this.

Let me add that it has long been my position, based on scriptures such as Daniel 11:38, that the Beast leader would, temporarily, feign Roman Catholicism. So much so, that he would perhaps initiate a ‘new order’ within Roman Catholicism.

I do not believe he will truly be a believer in Roman Catholicism, but will use that faith and persuade it to compromise. He and the false prophet/beast of the earth (this will be a type of what some call an antipope), will promote a compromised version of Roman Catholicism, but not really even believe that.

Vatican involvement is clearly shown with the beast:

7 … I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her … 9 Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. (Revelation 17:7,9)

According to even Roman Catholic scholars the seven mountains/hills are a reference to Rome.

Notice a similarity to how the Beast gains his power and what we previously read in Daniel 11:23-24:

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

Both the Vatican and the Freemasons have supported the European Union and various European goals. Some Roman clerics are warning about this, but it is still moving forward.

Now, although the beast and supporters appear to be in league with the Vatican (as the first 13 verses of Revelation 17 support), notice that supporters of the Beast will turn against the Church of Rome:

15 Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:15-18)

Well “that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” is a reference to the compromised Church of Rome.

Now, presuming that there was Masonic support for the rise of the Beast, there may also be Masonic support for the destruction of the Church of Rome.

Satan will one day, in my opinion, also exploit the historical animosity between the Masons and the Vatican.

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

1:16:04

Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome

What is Freemasonry? How long has it been around? Does Freemasonry point to cataclysms, such as Armageddon in 2022? Were many US founders and presidents Freemasons? Is there a difference between the USA/UK Freemasons and those in continental Europe? Can a biblical Christian be a Freemason? Are Roman Catholics allowed to be Freemasons? Do the Freemasons have a plan that includes an ecumenical Pope? Are Rotarians Freemasons? What about the Illuminati? Are many conspiracies about the Freemasons false? Could Freemasonry play a role in the rise of Europe and the destruction of the Church of Seven Hills?

Here is a link to the sermon: Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome.

Destruction will hit Rome and the Freemasons in Europe may well be major supporters of that.

Archbishop Carlo Vigano’and his new group will not prevent that from happening.

In the CCOG, we have long warned that the Beast and False Prophet would advocate breaking all the Ten Commandments (see the free online book: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).

Carlo Vigano’s comments show that the Vatican has been taking steps in that direction.

Some items of related interest may include:

Freemasonry and the Destruction of Rome? What is Freemasonry? What about ties to the Illuminati? Could they be involved in the fulfillment of prophecy? Here is a link to a related sermon: Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome.
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Another video is related to China’s One Belt, One Road Initiative (Silk Road project): watch Is China paving roads to Armageddon?
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Mystery of Iniquity What is the mystery of iniquity? How did it start? How will it end? Two related sermons are also available: The Mystery of Iniquity and The Mystery of Lawlessness.
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.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it? Here is a link to a related sermon video The Unpardonable Sin and the Prodigal Son.
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? Two related videos include UN’s ‘New Universal Agenda’ is a False Gospel! and United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol? Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? Two related YouTube videos would be Beware of the ‘Ecumenical Cross’ and Origin of the Cross.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Laudato Si: Pope’s Agenda or Kingdom of God? Pope Francis’ 2nd encyclical is titled ‘Laudato Si.’ In it, he goes over his views related to environmental, economic, social, moral, agricultural, and spiritual issues. He advocates international cooperation to solve various problems he believes are affecting humanity. Is that Pope’s agenda the solution? What about the Kingdom of God? does the Bible teach? Two related articles include Laudato Si: Will Pope Francis’ economic actions match his words? and Laudato Si: A call for a one-world government?
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, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
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.

Sister Wilhelmina, at Gower Abbey, today: pic.twitter.com/s1E7kdgQJz

— JD Flynn (@jdflynn) May 26, 2023

COGwriter

In his newsletter today, Michael Gendron had the following:

Hundreds of people have flocked to a town in Missouri to see a nun whose body has barely decomposed since 2019. Some say it’s a sign of holiness in Catholicism. Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster was exhumed in April, according to a statement from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, in Gower, Missouri. Visitors were allowed to touch her, because in real life, she was always accessible to people. Lancaster’s body will now be placed in a glass shrine.

The above has a link to the following from NBC:

Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster was exhumed in April, according to a statement from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, in Gower, Missouri.

The nuns had been preparing for the addition of a St. Joseph shrine, and that involved “the reinterment of the remains of our beloved foundress, Sister Wilhelmina,” the statement said.

When they exhumed Lancaster, they were told to expect only bones, since she had been buried in a simple wooden coffin without any embalming four years ago. …

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph also released a statement. …

“The condition of the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster has understandably generated widespread interest and raised important questions,” the diocese said. “At the same time, it is important to protect the integrity of the mortal remains of Sister Wilhelmina to allow for a thorough investigation.”

“Incorruptibility has been verified in the past, but it is very rare. There is a well-established process to pursue the cause for sainthood, but that has not been initiated in this case yet,” the diocese added.

The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, also said that Lancaster has not yet reached the required minimum of five years since death for the sainthood process to begin.

Rebecca George, an anthropology instructor at Western Carolina University in North Carolina, said the body’s lack of decomposition might not be as rare as people are expecting.

George said the “mummification” of un-embalmed bodies is common at the university’s facility and the bodies could stay preserved for many years, if allowed to. 05/31/23 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nun-whose-body-shows-little-decay-2019-death-draws-hundreds-rural-miss-rcna87080 

Although on the internet it has been claimed, “for each incorrupt body discovered, after research has been done to determine who the person was, it has always been determined that the person was an extremely devout Catholic,” that claim is in error. This type of “incorruptibility” has happened to others who were not Roman Catholic, as well as Roman Catholics who were not devout.

Concerning physical incorruptibility, the New Catholic Encyclopedia of 1967 stated, “Many cases could possibly have a natural explanation or be caused by diabolical power.” But many Roman Catholics tend to overlook that fact.

Inside the crypt was the body of one of these Hindu saints, completely incorrupt, completely intact…Opening the other five crypts, the remaining Hindu saints were found in similar fashion. (Hughes M. The Mysteries of the Redemption: A Treatise on Out-of- Body Travel and Mysticism. Lulu.com, 2004, p. 374)

Not all incorruptible are Roman Catholics. Some are not even Christians… Secular incorruptibles may be found worldwide. (Quigley C. Modern Mummies: The Preservation of the Human Body in the Twentieth Century. McFarland, 2006, p.195)

In the 20th century, the Catholic Church discontinued the practice of using incorruptibility as a prerequisite for sainthood. The Church wasn’t responding so much to the fraud of some cases, but to the cases in which incorruptible corpses didn’t extol Catholic piety. Members of other religions have been discovered in uncorrupted states. (Clark J. How can a corpse be incorruptible? http://people. howstuffworks.com/incorruptible.htm/printable viewed 12/04/10)

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it shall rise in incorruption… 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot possess the kingdom of God: neither shall corruption possess incorruption… 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise again incorruptible: and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:42, 50, 52-53, DRB)

Pope Pius X is another of the so-called “incorruptibles,” yet in 1903 he proclaimed, “the Son of Perdition of whom the Apostles speak, is already among us” (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 216). But since that individual would likely be dead by now, it appears that the pontiff was in error.

The Bible specifically warns about a lady that uses witchcraft and spells (Isaiah 47:9 NJB)—could this be what has caused many of the “incorruptibles” and perhaps explains why most later suffered deterioration?

There are many signs and ‘proofs’ that are not from the Bible.

The Bible prophesies that there will be signs and lying wonders:

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,

12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

While this is prophesied to increase in the last days, there have been various “signs and lying wonders” throughout the church age.

The ones called ‘incorruptibles’ are not as sign from God, but instead should be considered part of the “lying wonders” that were prophesied.

More are coming as 1 Thessalonians 2 shows–and more will fall for them.

The Bible also warns that the false prophet, the beast of the earth and THE Antichrist (although there have been antichrists since the time of the Apostle John), will perform signs and be involved with a different type of financial order:

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Revelation 13:11-17)

People are to love the truth of God and not be swayed by enchantments and sorceries. Notice also that this mystic above will persecute those that will not follow his deceit. The Bible says that God will punish those who accept the mark of the Beast (Revelation 16:2).

There is a great tendency within the Church of Rome to rely on signs, apparitions, and wonders to support teachings that do not square with the Bible. All who profess Christ, including those who are COG, Greco-Roman Catholic, Protestant, or anything else, should understand that Jesus is the center of the plan of salvation and that the Church of Rome intends to promote a further Marian reverence that will likely deceive nearly all (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17-18–and this includes nearly all who profess Christ (cf. Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

And those who venerate the ‘incorruptibles’ are unknowingly helping set this up.

(Facebook image)

COGwriter

The Protestant Harbingers Daily posted the following by Jonathan Brentner:

Is The UN’s Proposed Seven-Year Plan Prophetically Significant?

The UN recently announced that they need “7 Years of Accelerated, Transformative Action to Achieve SDGs.” The SDGs are the seventeen “Sustainable Development Goals” that the UN put in place eight years ago through which they intend to establish a one-world government.

Below is a quote from the UN’s website regarding the upcoming summit during which they hope the leaders of the world will commit to a seven-year initiative to achieve all their SDGs:

The SDG Summit, in September 2023, must signal a genuine turning point. It must mobilize the political commitment and breakthroughs our world desperately needs. It must deliver a rescue plan for people and planet.

At the center of this rescue plan, Heads of State and Government must recommit to seven years of accelerated, sustained, and transformative action, both nationally and internationally, to deliver on the promise of the SDGs. Leaders can show their resolve by adopting an ambitious and forward-looking political declaration at the SDG Summit and presenting global and national commitments for SDG transformation.

Is the fact that the globalists of our day are thinking in terms of “seven years” prophetically significant?

Those who believe that the seventy weeks of Daniel 9:24-27 remain relevant for our day would answer “yes.” They teach that the last week of seven years, as the prophet describes in 9:27, awaits a future fulfillment. …

Writing in about AD 95, John tells us that the coming beast, … will open “its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling” (Revelation 13:6). This is the guy of Daniel’s prophecy (9:27) as well as the one Jesus referred to Matthew 24:15. He’s also the “man of lawlessness” of 2 Thessalonians 2. 06/28/23 https://harbingersdaily.com/is-the-uns-proposed-seven-year-plan-prophetically-significant/

Yes, the coming beast will speak blasphemies (see Who is the King of the North?). Yes, he is also the guy of Daniel 9:27 (see The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27). And yes, he is also the “man of lawlessness” of 2 Thessalonians 2 (see Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?).

Let me add that many believe that they will know the fulfillment and sequence of certain end time prophecies. Yet, relatively few truly will. The fulfillment of Daniel 9:27 is one such end time prophecy.

Let’s look at Daniel 9:26-27 which states:

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).

The above is referring to a deal or covenant that has a time element attached to it.

The UN has been promoting its Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 about five years by now (they came after Pope Francis ‘Laudato Si–see also Laudato Si: Pope’s Agenda or Kingdom of God?) . The fact that it wants to take steps to accelerate various steps in September could be of interest.

Now, the ‘one week’ time element has generally been understood by prophecy watchers to mean a seven year deal (2520 days, based on prophetic 360 day years), that will be broken in the middle of it (after 3 1/2 years). The Hebrew word translated as “week” literally means “sevened” (OT:7620 literal, sevened. Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.). Harbinger Daily is correct that this is a seven-year period.

Once we know when the deal of Daniel 9:27 is confirmed, and the exact confirmation date may not be clear, we can know that Jesus will return in seven years.

Why?

Well, the time of the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord is shown to be a time, times, and half a time (Daniel 7:25; 12:7) and that is the amount of time the Philadelphian Christians are to be protected in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14)– which is 3 1/2 years. The Bible shows that the two witnesses have power for 1260 days (Revelation 11:3).

Further consider that there is a prophecy in Daniel that states:

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

Since the daily sacrifices are shown to be taken away in the middle of the week in Daniel 9:27, we see a tie between periods called 1290 days to it, which is also tied to the mention of 1335 days.

Now as far as Jesus’ return goes, since the sacrifices are stopped in the middle of the week in Daniel 9:27, this indicates that there are 1290 days from the time those sacrifices are stopped until Jesus will return. While the date of His return was not known to Jesus nearly two thousand years ago, these prophecies in Daniel show that God will be making that date knowable in the future.

Now, some have suggested/taught that the prophetic week mentioned in Daniel 9:27 must be a reference to seven 360 day years. Based upon this, they have multiplied 7 times 360 to come up with 2520 days.

In order to then figure out when the 1335 days will begin, they have subtracted those days from the 2520 days to arrive at 1185 days. The idea that we thus might be able to add 1185 days to the confirmation date in order to reach the 1335 date certainly makes some mathematical sense. But, my experience has been that those who put greater emphasis on mathematical calculations than on the actual signs that Jesus gave in Matthew 24 are bound to make some errors as there are still calendar issues to consider.

For example, there are some years in the Hebrew calendar with 13 months, hence the years do NOT average 360 days. Thus holding rigidly to 1185 days, when it could be 1215 days or so could be problematic if one insists that 1185 days must be followed. So, while I believe it could be that adding 1185 days to the Daniel 9:27 confirmation date will bring us to the approximate date of the start of the 1335 days, I would suggest that we also would need to look at events related to that date which Jesus and Daniel tell of (which would happen then) to be certain.

While we still see many matters “dimly” (2 Corinthians 13:12), certain things will be clearer as we get closer (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-10; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5).

More on the 1290 and 1335 days can be found in the article Who is the King of the North?

That said, some have suggested that Jesus will return in 2030. If the deal of Daniel 9:27 was confirmed in September of 2023–whether or not it had anything to do with the UN’s meeting, then, yes, Jesus would be expected to return in 2030.

Various ones have pointed to other dates with 2031 and 2033 as others of relevance. More on possible dates can be found in the article:
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?

That said, some have pointed to Jesus’ return on 2023 or 2024–that is too soon as the deal of Daniel 9:27 has NOT yet been confirmed. Related to those dates, we put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

14:45

Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024?

Will Jesus ever return? Various ones, including certain Protestants and Muslims have pointed to 2023 as the year He will. But are they looking at the wrong things? Can we see a 2023 or 2024 rapture? How about September 17, 2023? What are the signs that Jesus said to look for that precede His return? What parts of the Book of Daniel did Jesus say to look to? Have we seen any of those signs yet? Does Jesus come before or after the tribulation? Can Jesus possibly come before 2023? Are there clear signs that will point to when Jesus will return? Why do some say we need to wait at least seven more years? Why should Christians care? What about supporting the work of God? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel go over these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024?

Jesus also said the following as part of a parable:

42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:42-48)

Let me add that, sadly, more people are interested in knowing WHEN Jesus will return than supporting the work that Jesus would want them to support.

Do not be one like that as Jesus said He would spew most end-time Christians out of His mouth in Revelation 3:16 as they do not support the work as they should (cf. Revelation 3:14-22).

22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:22)

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2023, 2024, or 2025? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation start in 2022 or 2023? Notice also: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024?
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind? There is also a YouTube video with information Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
Blood Moons, Eclipses, and Prophecy There were four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Some claimed that they signaled the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ. I denounced that view in advance. Some claimed an eclipse in 2017 signaled the end, a “super blue blood moon” in 2018 was a divine warning, as was a ‘super wolf blood moon in 2019: Is that true? Two related videos are available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015. and Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse.
NASA predicts irreversible collapse of civilization; ‘perfect storm’ within 15 years? How has NASA predicted the end? Here is a link to a related video: BibleNewsProphecy: NASA ‘Irreversible Collapse’ of Industrial Civilization by 2030? Another video of interest may be Is the Universe Expanding or about to Catastrophically Collapse?
Comets, Wormwood, and Planet Nibiru Will the Earth be devastated by Planet X or Comet Encke? What about Planet Nine? Could it happen in 2017? Here is a link to two related YouTube videos Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017? and Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
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.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Laudato Si: Pope’s Agenda or Kingdom of God? Pope Francis’ 2nd encyclical is titled ‘Laudato Si.’ In it, he goes over his views related to environmental, economic, social, moral, agricultural, and spiritual issues. He advocates international cooperation to solve various problems he believes are affecting humanity. Is that Pope’s agenda the solution? What about the Kingdom of God? does the Bible teach? Two related articles include Laudato Si: Will Pope Francis’ economic actions match his words? and Laudato Si: A call for a one-world government?

The Ten Commandments

COGwriter

CBS put out a report a while back about what one author believes are the top six scams that affect people in the USA:

Overall, the nation’s most prevalent scam remains a fake check con, which involves “overpaying” for a product or service and asking the recipient to refund the difference. By the time the victim realizes that the check used for payment was bogus, the con artist has walked away with the consumer’s money…

The top six scams in order:

1. Fake checks
2. Bad Internet sales – products never delivered or misrepresented
3. Sweepstakes/prize/free gift cons that request payment to get your winnings.
4. Advance fee cons that promise a loan or line of credit, if you pay them first.
5. Phishing scams that attempt to get personal information to get access to your accounts, your tax refund or to open credit cards in your name.
6. Recovery/refund cons that promise past victims a recovery of swindled funds in exchange for a fee. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/top-6-us-scams/

Of course, there are also other scams.

As far as these six go, a while back someone tried the fake check scam for a business I own. I did not fall for it. The only one in the list that someone has not directly tried to involve me in is number 4 (although I may not have read every loan offer enough to see if that was the case). Otherwise, numbers 3, 5, and 6 are very commonly pushed to me. But other than number 2 (I have made some purchases over the internet that were misrepresented, so I took action), I have not fallen for any of the scams.

Sadly, many people are greedy and do not care how they harm others. Scams are based upon lies, theft, and deception. Scammers are, according to what Jesus said, a type of destroyer and murderer:

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44)

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. (John 10:10)

The Bible teaches “love truth” (Zechariah 8:19) and that those who do not have the “love of the truth” will perish (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Lying is prohibited by the Ten Commandments:

16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)

20 ‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Deuteronomy 5:20)

Notice what Jesus taught:

33 Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all (Mathew 5:33-34).

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…false witness…20 These are the things which defile a man (Matthew 15:19-20).

18 You shall not bear false witness (Matthew 19:18).

19 Do not bear false witness (Mark 10:19).

20 You know the commandments:…Do not bear false witness (Luke 18:20).

2 And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars (Revelation 2:2).

Notice what Paul taught:

9 You shall not bear false witness (Romans 13:9).

19 I do not lie (Galatians 1:19).

25 Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each of you speak truth with his neighbor’ (Ephesians 4:25).

9 Do not lie to one another (Colossians 3:9).

9…the lawless and insubordinate…10 liars…perjurers (1 Timothy 1:9,10).

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be…3 slanderers (2 Timothy 3:1,3).

2 God, who cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

18…it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18).

Those who scam defile themselves.

Those of us who believe the Bible, have read the Bible, and believe in keeping the Ten Commandments have long realized that telling the truth contributes to happiness. Notice the following:

18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. (Proverbs 29:18)

14 Happy is the man who is always reverent (Proverbs 28:14).

And since lying is a violation of the law, logic dictates that those who lie are less happy than those who do not.

Protestant pastor Andy Stanley has come out against the Ten Commandments on various occasions. Here is one:

Mega-pastor Andy Stanley is at it again – running down the Ten Commandments.

In a new article in Relevant Magazine, he tells Christians God’s words from Mount Sinai don’t apply to them any more.

• You shall have no other gods before Me.
• Don’t take the name of the Lord your God in vain. …
• Honor your mother and father.
• Don’t murder.
• Don’t commit adultery.
• Don’t steal.
• Don’t bear false witness against your neighbor.

It’s all apparently irrelevant today, he says.

“Participants in the new covenant (that’s Christians) are not required to obey any of the commandments found in the first part of their Bibles,” Stanley wrote.

“Participants in the new covenant are expected to obey the single command Jesus issued as part of his new covenant: as I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Is that what Jesus said? Did He ever suggest the Ten Commandments were irrelevant, outdated and replaced by a single new one?

You won’t find that suggestion anywhere in the words of Jesus, the Gospels or the rest of the New Testament no matter how hard you search for it.

Instead, here’s what you will find:

• Matthew 5:17-18: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
• Matthew 5:19: “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
• Matthew 19:17: “And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

Jesus did say in John 13:34-35 that He had a new commandment to give His disciples – that they love one another as He loved them. Remember how He loved them. He gave His life for them so that they might receive eternal life as His children. That’s how He expected them to love each other. It was a higher calling, not a lower one. 01/12/19 https://www.wnd.com/2019/01/mega-pastor-to-christians-10-commandments-dont-apply-to-you/#tYv8WK3LKMXSuIdt.99

Popular megachurch pastor Andy Stanley of North Point Ministries (NPM) says Christians need to stop erecting monuments to the Ten Commandments because they apparently no longer apply to Christians, which is completely false. …

“[I]f we’re going to create a monument to stand as a testament to our faith, shouldn’t it at least be a monument of something that actually applies to us?” Stanley openly pontificated. “Participants in the new covenant (that’s Christians) are not required to obey any of the commandments found in the first part of their Bibles. Participants in the new covenant are expected to obey the single command Jesus issued as part of his new covenant: as I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

He continued, “But how many times have you seen Christians trying to post the text of the sermon on the mount in a public place? Or the all-encompassing commandment Jesus gave us?”

Stanley goes on to say that this commandment from Christ is “a replacement for everything in the existing list. Including the big ten.”

“Just as his new covenant replaced the old covenant, Jesus’ new commandment replaced all the old commandments,” Stanley contended.

… The concept that the Old Testament no longer applies to Christians is actually a heresy known as Marcionism going all the way back to the 2nd Century. 01/10/19 https://www.dailywire.com/news/42048/popular-megachurch-pastor-says-10-commandments-no-paul-bois

As far as Marcionism goes, we have an article and a sermon about that:

Marcion: The First Protestant? Considered to have been an organized heretic, he taught against the Old Testament, the law, and the Sabbath. Some have considered him to be the first Protestant reformer. But was he? Here is a link to a related sermon: Marcion: The first Protestant reformer?

Marcion was condemned by early Church of God Christians such as Polycarp of Smyrna and Melito of Sardis.

Andy Stanley has apparently failed to realize that the early Christians did strive to observe the Ten Commandments (see also The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).

Like most who profess Christ today, Andy Stanley does not understand enough about early church history. But you can (and so could he) by reading the book: Continuing History of the Church of God.

Andy Stanley also wrote a book in which he calls the Old Testament obsolete. and repeatedly cited scriptures in the Old Testament to teach about Jesus.

Nor does he understand the New Testament related to obedience.

Notice that salvation itself is tied in with obedience:

9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (Hebrews 5:9)

Jesus kept the commandments and was perfected–and those who wish to be saved need to obey Him!

Who gets the Holy Spirit? Acts 5:32 says God gives the Holy Spirit “to those who obey Him.”

Andy Stanley does not understand that.

In a podcast, I heard Andy Stanley say:

“I’m convinced that we make a better case for Jesus if we leave the Old Testament or the old covenant out of the argument … you don’t need ancient prophs when somebody rises from the dead” (Jonathan Merritt interview of Andy Stanley. Seekers & Speakers, podcast. August 9, 2018).

By “prophs” he meant biblical prophecies from the Old Testament. That position is contrary to what Christians did.

The reality is that Jesus, the Gospel writers, and the Apostles frequently referred to the Old Testament to demonstrate that Jesus was the Christ. While there are too many references in the New Testament to list directly in this post, some may wish to read our free online book: Proof Jesus is the Messiah.

Furthermore, notice what the Book of Revelation states:

10 … Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)

To learn more about Andy Stanley’s improper teachings as well as what the Bible teaches on these matters, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

16:58

Did mega-Protestant Pastor Andy Stanley really say you should not use Old Testament prophecies to support Jesus’ Messiahship? Did he also claim that there was no Bible until the fourth century? Did he also teach against the Ten Commandments? Did Jesus, Peter, Paul, Apollos, and Philip use Old Testament prophecies to prove that Jesus was the Messiah? Did it really take until the fourth century to have a Bible? Did early Christians teach the observance of the Ten Commandments? Dr. Thiel, who listened to Andy Stanley in a podcast, plus who has studied the Bible and church history, answers these questions from a Christian perspective.

Here is a link to our video: Andy Stanley opposes prophesies of Jesus?

The New Testament warned:

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13, KJV).

Andy Stanley is both deceived and a deceiver.

After Paul stated, “the truth of Christ is in me” (2 Corinthians 11:10), he warned that there are,

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

Thus Paul is saying that certain professing ministers look like they are doing the right thing, but are really deceptive. Thus one reason to be separate is not to be deceived by Satan’s ministers, because they can look like they are righteous when they are not.

Paul also warned that false teachers, “by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18).

The real, biggest scam in the USA is how its theologians and political leaders do not truly understand and teach the Bible. Many modern Protestant leaders, for example, do not seem to realize that basically all early professing Christians (other than those associated with apostates like Simon Magus or Marcion) believed that Christians needed to keep the Ten Commandments.

If political and theological leaders would better understand and teach the Bible, we would see a massive increase in wealth and a decrease of scams here. But this is not expected to occur until after the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His millennial kingdom.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Lies Where did they originate? What was really the first lie? What happens for lies?
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
Simon Magus, What Did He Teach? Sometimes called “the father early heretics” or the “father of heresies”, do you know what early writers claimed that Simon Magus taught? Sadly, most who profess Christ still hold to versions of his teachings. Here is a link to a related sermon: Simon Magus and ‘Christianity’?
Cerinthus: An early heretic What did he teach? What did the Apostle John do about him?
Marcion: The First Protestant? Considered to have been an organized heretic, he taught against the Old Testament, the law, and the Sabbath. Some have considered him to be the first Protestant reformer. But was he? Here is a link to a related sermon: Marcion: The first Protestant reformer?
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There is also a YouTube video related to that also called: Living as a Christian: How and Why?
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?
COGwriter Position on Other Churches and Religions What is the fate of those who do not know Christ? What about those who profess Christ outside the Church of God?
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?
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.
Proof Jesus is the Messiah This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy. Here are links to seven related sermons: Proof Jesus is the Messiah, Prophecies of Jesus’ birth, timing, and death, Jesus’ prophesied divinity, 200+ OT prophecies Jesus filled; Plus prophecies He made, Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?, Daniel 9, Jews, and Jesus, and Facts and Atheists’ Delusions About Jesus. Plus the links to two sermonettes: Luke’s census: Any historical evidence? and Muslims believe Jesus is the Messiah, but … These videos cover nearly all of the book, plus have some information not in the book.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.

Four non-disqualified Red Heifer candidates March 2023
Photo from Temple Institute’s Facebook page

COGwriter

In its newsletter today, the Temple Institute had the following:

“A perfectly red unblemished cow”

(Numbers 19:2)

Tammuz 4, 5783/June 23, 2023

“This is the statute of the Torah which HaShem commanded, saying, Speak to the children of Israel and have them take for you a perfectly red unblemished cow, upon which no yoke was laid.” (Numbers 19:2) Thus begins parashat Chukat’s unveiling of the Torah’s, perhaps most mystifying and baffling, yet far reaching commandment. …

As you know, the Temple Institute has been deeply involved for decades in researching the requirements of the red heifer and in trying to raise a proper candidate. Our efforts continue unabated and we remain, as always, optimistic. Female calves, born with pure red hair, are not rare, and yet, raising the heifer while maintaining its viability is a tremendous challenge. Not placing a yoke upon the heifer is easy, and keeping it from developing any blemish whatsoever, is a daily challenge, but doable. But when two black or white hairs suddenly appear upon the heifer, inexplicably and unpredictably, we are right back in the thick of the mystery: Why? Accepting the disqualification of young heifers to whom we have devoted so much time and effort is accepting G-d’s will. It’s all part of the process, and a very necessary part. Do we accept mystery? Or do we want artificial intelligence to fill in all the blanks. The former will lead us to the Gates of the Holy Temple. The latter, to the abyss. Let us take heart in the words of King David: “Wait on HaShem; be strong and of good courage! Wait on HaShem!” (Psalms 27:14) …

There is nothing so elusive as the red heifer, whose ashes grant us the highest level of purity, and a green light to the temple courtyards. Full of enigmas and contradictions, and also full of promise, no more and no less than life itself!

I do not agree there “is nothing so elusive as the red heifer,” but do realize that certain Jews feel that this is matter is of vital importance.

Last September, five red heifer candidates arrived in Israel from the USA.

Certain Jews consider that the fate of the world depends on sacrificing an unblemished red heifer that is at least twenty-four months old.

Some believe that this could happen in 2024.

Here is what the Hebrew  scriptures say about a red heifer:

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 2 “This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord has commanded, saying: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which a yoke has never come. 3 You shall give it to Eleazar the priest, that he may take it outside the camp, and it shall be slaughtered before him; 4 and Eleazar the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, and sprinkle some of its blood seven times directly in front of the tabernacle of meeting. 5 Then the heifer shall be burned in his sight: its hide, its flesh, its blood, and its offal shall be burned. 6 And the priest shall take cedar wood and hyssop and scarlet, and cast them into the midst of the fire burning the heifer. 7 Then the priest shall wash his clothes, he shall bathe in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp; the priest shall be unclean until evening. 8 And the one who burns it shall wash his clothes in water, bathe in water, and shall be unclean until evening. 9 Then a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and store them outside the camp in a clean place; and they shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for the water of purification; it is for purifying from sin. 10 And the one who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until evening. It shall be a statute forever to the children of Israel and to the stranger who dwells among them. (Numbers 19:1-10)

Jews have interpreted this to mean that another red heifer needs to be sacrificed for sacrifices to be resumed or for the Messiah to return. While that is not directly stated above, it could be implied from it that one is again needed.

Now, here is something from the Temple Institutes’ Facebook page regarding its views on red heifers:

September 22, 2022

What is a red heifer?

The red heifer is first mentioned in the Book of Numbers 19:3, when God tells Moses and Aaron “This is the ritual law that God has commanded: Instruct the Israelite people to bring you a red cow without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which no yoke has been laid.”

The Torah goes on to explain how the heifer is processed and burnt and its ashes mixed into sanctified water. Those who became impure due to touching a human corpse would be purified by having the water mixed with the ashes sprinkled on them twice: once three days after they came in contact with the corpse and a second time seven days after contact.

The Torah relates that a red heifer was brought to Elazar the Priest, the son of Aaron, and was processed for its ashes for the ritual. According to the Talmud, those ashes were used from that moment until the end of the First Temple period. During the Second Temple period, another five to seven red heifers were burnt for their ashes. Maimonides wrote in his compendium of Jewish law, the Mishneh Torah (Laws of the Red Heifer, 3:4), that the next red heifer will be brought by the Messiah.

Why is the red heifer important?

In the modern day, all Jews, including kohanim, are assumed to be impure with the impurity imparted by a corpse. While in everyday life in the modern day this status does not have much of a practical effect, those impure with this type of impurity are prohibited from entering the Temple.

Kohanim impure with this type of impurity are thereby prevented from conducting the services required in the Temple and would need to be purified with the ashes of a red heifer before being able to serve again, making the creation of such ashes a necessary requirement for any attempt to reestablish the Temple in Jerusalem. (One exception is the Pascal sacrifice, which can be offered even by those who are impure with the impurity imparted by a corpse, as long as the majority of the Jewish people are impure with this type of impurity). https://www.facebook.com/templeinstitute/posts/10151740340689969

Israel365News posted the following:

Jews and Christians come together to reinstate the Biblical commandment of the Red Heifer

April 2, 2023

The Voice of Healing Church in Houston, Texas held an event last Monday in conjunction with Boneh Israel and the Israel Guys focusing on the recent efforts to reinstate the Biblical commandment of the Red Heifer.

The event was broadcast and recorded. It was hosted by VOH’s Pastor Michael Petro. Rabbi Itzchak (Tzachi) Mamo, Mo Bareli, and Byron Stinson representing Boneh Israel.

“The one thing we kept hearing, over and over, was that everyone felt so much love at the event,” Pastor Petro told Israel365 News. “Christians and Jews, we were all working towards the same vision with the same hopes which is remarkable since this event could never have taken place ten years ago. The Lord is pulling us together for a common purpose.”

The pastor has always been strangely drawn to learning about the Biblical sacrifices and, in particular, the ritual of the Red Heifer. https://www.israel365news.com/369150/jews-and-christians-come-together-to-reinstate-the-biblical-commandment-of-the-red-heifer/

Before going further, certainly that is strange as presumably Michael Pedro claims to accept the New Testament on matters like the red heifer.

Notice what the Apostle Paul was inspired to write:

11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:11-15)

Christians do not need any heifer, but certain Jews who reject Jesus’ sacrifice think that they do. A red heifer is NOT a biblical requirement for Christians. And since Jesus came, it is also not one for Jews either. Yet, because the Jews reject Jesus, some believe having a red heifer is a biblical requirement.

On the other hand, let me state that some with ties to Protestantism believe that the Sanhedrin (which has connections with the Temple Institute) is bringing on the ‘Antichrist’ through its sacrifices and desire for another temple (see Sanhedrin Accused of Bringing Anti-Christ). While that is not quite the case, it is true that the resumption of daily sacrifices is prophesied to be stopped by the coming Beast who is in league with the final Antichrist.

Notice the following scriptures:

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 … (Daniel 9:27)

So, after a deal is made, 3 1/2 years later, sacrifices will be stopped. By who? Well, the “he” above was called a “prince” in Daniel 9:26 and will become the King of the North Beast leader as discussed in Daniel 11. Notice also:

31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)

So, we see that the sacrifices will be stopped, hence they must start. And that is something that the Temple Institute and Sanhedrin are working towards.

Let me also add that representatives of both of those groups personally told me that they do NOT need a massive temple to resume such sacrifices–that is not only from Jewish tradition, but also from past practices, such as is recorded in Ezra 3:6:

6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. (Ezra 3:6)

Basically, to re-implement sacrifices, the Sanhedrin needs government permission, an altar, a high priest, various implements, and a tent–and they already have all of those, except legal permission–but with religious parties gaining political influence in Israel, one day they will get permission.

Notice now another passage in the Book of Daniel that mentions the sacrifices and the date:

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

Since those that wait the 1335 days are then blessed–this looks to be a reference to Jesus returning and establishing the Kingdom of God a little less than four years after the daily sacrifices are stopped by the Beast. So, since the sacrifices have to be started before they are stopped, it may well be that the sacrifice of a red heifer will be involved as many Jews want.

The fact is that certain Jews (and others) have put a lot of time and money into red heifer projects.

Here is more from the Israel365News article:

Moriel (Mo) Barelli, the representative from Boneh Israel, was inspired by the level of dual-faith cooperation manifested at the event.

“The theme of the event was redemption and how the red heifers play a major role in that,” Mo told Israel365 News. “It amazed me that when it came to redemption and the Third Temple, we all had so much in common. The people we met were connected to Torah and felt strongly that they wanted to be a part of the prophetic things happening in Israel right now. Of course, Christians and Jews have significant differences but it was very easy to focus on the important things we have in common.”

In September, Boneh Israel succeeded in bringing five red calves that were born in Texas to Israel with the intent of raising them to perform the commandment of the Red Heifer. The red heifers are now between 1 ½ and 2 years old. To replicate the ceremony mentioned in the Bible, they need to be at least two years old.

“The heifers will, God willing, be ready by Pesach next year,” Mo said. “All of the elements necessary, the land and the kohanim, are being made ready in the meantime.”

The flight to Israel and preparations cost over $250,000 dollars. Now that they are in Israel, the heifers will need to be raised until they are at least two years old.

It should be noted that the Jews only needs ONE, not five, red heifers. The Temple Institute announced one was disqualified (see Temple Institute says one red heifer disqualified, with four remaining viable).

And since the Jews believe that there have only been nine qualified red heifers in recorded history, it is almost guaranteed that at least three of the remaining heifers will some day be disqualified.

Notice some of what the Temple Institute teaches about the need for a red heifer:

But in truth, the fate of the entire world depends on the red heifer. For G-d has ordained that its ashes alone are the single missing ingredient for the reinstatement of Biblical purity – and thereafter, the rebuilding of the Holy Temple…

The Divine ordinance of the heifer, beyond the grasp of man’s frail intellect, with all the details of its preparation and ceremony, calls out to Israel and to all who seek to cling to the living word of the G-d of Israel: “Purify yourselves! Shake off your despair! Death is an illusion!” Thus it is written, “…but all of you who cling to the Lord your G-d…you are all alive today” (Deut. 4:4)…

G-d uses many devices to bring His children back to Him. …  the rabbis observed: “And if one should wonder, how could a man turn his life around, and come close to G-d on account of a heifer?! Do not wonder: For it is through the heifer that all of Israel becomes pure.  https://www.templeinstitute.org/red_heifer/introduction.htm

The Mishna teaches that up until the destruction of the Second Temple, ashes had been prepared from a total of only nine red heifers. The very first red heifer was processed by Moses himself – as the verse states, “… have them bring you a red heifer.” The second was done by the prophet Ezra in the days of the First Temple, and during the entire era of the Second Temple only seven more heifers were used for ashes. This was enough to provide for the nation’s needs for purification throughout all those years.

The names of all the High Priests who prepared those seven heifers during Second Temple times are recorded by the Mishna: Simon the Just and Yochanan each made two; El’yhoeini ben Hakof, Chanamel HaMitzri and Yishmael ben Pi’avi processed one heifer each. Thus, from the time that Moses received the commandment of the red heifer from the Holy One, blessed be He, until the destruction of the Second Temple, purifying ashes had been produced by the hands of these great leaders from a total of nine red heifers.

The Tenth Red Heifer Will be Prepared by the Messiah

In recounting this historical record in his commentary to the Mishna, the great Maimonides ends with the enigmatic statement: “… and the tenth red heifer will be accomplished by the king, the Messiah; may he be revealed speedily, Amen, May it be God’s will.”

With this amazing statement, Maimonides recounts an ancient tradition – that the tenth red heifer is associated with the Messianic era. Does this perhaps mean that the appearance of a red heifer in these waning end times is an indication, a forerunner of the appearance of the Messiah himself, who will officiate at its preparation?

If there has been no red heifer for the past 2,000 years, perhaps it is because the time was not right; Israel was far from being ready. But now… what could it mean for the times we live in, to have the means for purification so close at hand? With the words of Maimonides in mind, we cannot help but wonder and pray: If there are now red heifers… is ours the era that will need them?  https://www.templeinstitute.org/red_heifer/tenth_red_heifer.htm

Some believe that the tenth red heifer came prior to the destruction of the last temple. Whether it did or not, the Bible simply does not mention ten red heifers. Nor does the fate of the world depend on a red heifer. And as quoted before, the New Testament is clear that Christians do NOT need the ashes of a heifer for redemption (Hebrews 9:11-15).

Consider, though, that it is possible that if one red heifer is still acceptable to the Temple Institute next year–hence the last and tenth one to come according to Jewish tradition–this sacrifice could very well happen in 2024.

Why? Because if one truly is the tenth, the Jews will have a dilemma. How so? The Jews cannot wait for the Messiah to do it (which is what Boneh Israel wants) because that is not something Jesus will do upon His return. Furthermore, as they do not want to have the red heifer be too old nor risk getting somehow disqualified, they may decide one should be killed, just in case (or make up some other reason)–despite their traditions of expecting the Messiah to do it.

As far as dates go,

September 16, 2022

Chanan Kupietzky, an Orthodox Jewish resident of Efrat …

Chanan pointed out that last year was 5781 in the Hebrew calendar.

“In Hebrew numerology, this is תשפא. That is an acronym for תהיה שנה פרה אדומה (it will be the year of the red heifer). The cows we are looking at now were conceived last year,” Kupietzy said. “This year is תשפ,ב 5782, an acronym for תהיה שנה פרה בישראל (It will be a year for the heifer in Israel). In two weeks we will begin תשפג, 5783, the year in which the ceremony of the Red Heifer will be performed. This is an acronym for תהיה שנה פרה גאולה (It will be a year of the Red Heifer of redemption).”…

According to Jewish tradition, there will only be ten red heifers in human history with the tenth heifer ushering in the Messianic era. Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides), the most renowned medieval Jewish scholar known by the acronym Rambam, wrote in his explanation of the mitzvah that “the tenth red heifer will be accomplished by the king, the Messiah; may he be revealed speedily, Amen, May it be God’s will.” https://www.israel365news.com/274830/watch-red-heifers-arrive-in-israel/

Let me clearly state that two years past was not year 5781 anno mundi (year of the world), the next one was not 5782, and the from September 25, 2022 through sunset September 15, 2023 was not 5783 despite Jewish claims. Jewish scholars know full well that their ‘year count’ is off by over 200 years. For details, check out the article, Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?

We will see what “redemption” ceremony Jews may or may not perform this year (which for the Jews, the current year ends at sunset on September 15, 2023). While the Temple Institute has information about a Levitical priest conducting a red heifer sacrifice ceremony (see https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer-the-ceremony/), despite the statement from Chanan Kupietzky, I have not seen anything from the Temple Institute suggesting it is about to have one of the red heifers killed soon.

But again, since the Temple Institute has been waiting for a red heifer for a very long time and believes only one more will exist–it may take steps as opposed to waiting for the Messiah to sacrifice it–and since Jesus is not about to sacrifice a red heifer, then certain Jews may take matters into their own hands. The group also has some political influence and may point to having at least one red heifer as a Divine sign that the Jews can re-implement regular sacrifices.

While Jesus DID NOT specifically mention a ‘red heifer’ as a sign to look for in Matthew 24 (hence not a requirement He laid out), Jesus did refer to the Book of Daniel, which discusses sacrifices being stopped (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11). In order for them to be stopped, they first must be started.

If Jews will not resume regular animal sacrifices until there is a red heifer, then looking out for one would seem to be a sign that ties in with end time prophecy. The Bible shows that the Jews will again have animal sacrifices (cf. Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11). The fact is that The Temple Institute and others are taking steps that are consistent with that.

As far as timing goes, the Bible shows that the stopping of the animal sacrifices occurs just prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) and what is commonly considered to be the end of the world.

We will see if the Jews decide to actually sacrifice a red heifer in 2024–if so, this could set off a major prophetic sequence, and ultimately with Jesus returning and establishing the millennial Kingdom of God.

As Jesus said, “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37).

Related to those five red heifers that arrived in Israel last September, we put out the following short video:

15:19

5 Red Heifers and Year 5783?

The Temple Institute announced that “5 perfect, unblemished red heifers arrived in Israel from the USA” on September 15, 2022.. Chanan Kupietzky, an Orthodox Jewish teacher, pointed out that last year was 5781 in the Jewish calendar, pointing to the year these red heifers were conceived, 5782 is when they were to arrive in Israel, and that the year beginning sunset September 25, 2022 is supposedly 5783, which is supposed to be the year of red heifer redemption. Is that the correct year anno mundi (year of the earth) or is 5989 to 5992 more in line with history? What about the claimed Shemitah year? Might the appearance of a proper red heifer encourage the Sanhedrin to begin regular animal sacrifices? Might political considerations result in the resumption of animal sacrifices? Does the Bible show that animal sacrifices in Israel will be stopped? Does possibly having a red heifer mean that a massive Jewish temple is about to be rebuilt in Jerusalem? Do Christians need the sacrifice of Jesus or the blood of a red heifer to be purified? How close do we seem to be for Daniel 9:27b to be fulfilled?

Here is a link to our video: 5 Red Heifers and Year 5783?

Update 04/12/23: We put up the following related video:

14:53

Red Heifer Sacrifice Ready April 2024?

In September 2022, 5 seemingly unblemished red heifers were transported from Texas to Israel by Boneh Israel in conjunction with some Protestants. In March 2023, the Temple Institute declared one of the red heifers disqualified for sacrifice. What is a red heifer? Why are certain Jews so concerned about having one? What does the Bible teach about the ashes of red heifer? Is a red heifer needed for Christians? If animal sacrifices are not needed for Christians, does the Bible prophesy future animal sacrifices? If so, will the stopping of them have anything to do with the countdown for return of Jesus and the establishment of the Kingdom of God according to the Book of Daniel? Did Moriel Barelli of Boneh Israel say he hopes a red heifer will be available for sacrifice by Passover in 2024, which is April 22? Is the sacrifice of a red heifer, like the Temple Institute and Sanhedrin want, going to usher in the Antichrist? Is there any relationship between daily animal sacrifices and the King of the North Beast power? Does the “fate of the world” rely on a red heifer as the Temple Institute has stated? Will the Messiah sacrifice the ‘tenth red heifer’? If not, might the Jews do it anyway? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these issues.

While the fate of the world does not depend on red heifers, nor are any required for Christians, since certain Jewish attitudes of prophecy seem to require one–having an acceptable red heifer looks to have prophetic ramifications.

The cover of the July-September 2023 edition of the Bible News Prophecy magazine shows a red heifer:

Here is a link to the magazine online, which features an article on the red heifer matter: Bible News Prophecy July-September 2023 edition.

The red heifer issue is a matter various Jews believe will change world events.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, and The Mystery of YOU.
Proof Jesus is the Messiah This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy. Here are links to seven related sermons: Proof Jesus is the Messiah, Prophecies of Jesus’ birth, timing, and death, Jesus’ prophesied divinity, 200+ OT prophecies Jesus filled; Plus prophecies He made, Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?, Daniel 9, Jews, and Jesus, and Facts and Atheists’ Delusions About Jesus. Plus the links to two sermonettes: Luke’s census: Any historical evidence? and Muslims believe Jesus is the Messiah, but … These videos cover nearly all of the book, plus have some information not in the book. We also have the book translated in the Spanish PRUEBA de que JESÚS es el MESÍAS and French PREUVES QUE JÉSUS EST LE MESSIE languages.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to two sermons The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work and God’s Temple in Prophecy. And here is a version of the latter one in the Spanish: El templo de Dios en profecía.
Nascent Sanhedrin and Prophecy The reconstituted Sanhedrin wants the reimplementation of animal sacrifices. A related video is titled Sanhedrin pushing animal sacrifices. And a newer one is: Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!
The Red Heifer, Jewish Beliefs, and the End of the World The Temple Institute is watching a ‘red heifer.’ Why might this be important in the sequence of end time events? Here is a related link in the Spanish language Novilla roja descubierta en EE.UU. e Instituto del Templo está interesado en ella. Here are links to three related videos in English: Red Heifers and the Fate of the World and The Red Heifer and the End of the World and 5 Red Heifers and Year 5783?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available in hundreds of languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.

(Pixabay photo)

COGwriter

June 22 through 29 has been designated as Religious Freedom Week:

Religious Freedom Week

June 22 – June 29, 2023

Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all. https://www.usccb.org/events/2023/religious-freedom-week

Many are working towards freedom from religion. We now also have AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms that are used by search engines to make it more difficult to access biblically-based information. They often push a false secular “religion.”

Most in the USA say they support freedom of religion, yet a proposed law would not respect that constitutional right:

Poll: Overwhelming Majority of Americans Support Religious Freedom

A new national poll … shows that 82% of Americans say freedom of religion is important to a healthy American society … Results showed that support for freedom of religion stretches across the political spectrum, with 86% of Republicans, 79% of Democrats and 83% of Independents agreeing that religious liberty is “very important or somewhat important.”

The poll also revealed strong bipartisan agreement that churches and faith-based charities should not be required by law to hire people who oppose their religious beliefs. Only 20% of those surveyed suggested religious entities should be required to hire employees who disagree with their core beliefs.

“This research affirms that the American people overwhelmingly support the continued protection of the Constitutional right of freedom of religion, and oppose policies requiring churches and faith-based charities and organizations to compromise their deeply held religious beliefs,” said Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit.org. “Yet, leaders in Washington, D.C., are aggressively pushing forward on legislative measures such as the mislabeled Equality Act, which specifically strips away religious freedom protections. In an era of hyper-partisanship, freedom of religion retains broad, bipartisan support among Democrats, Republicans and Independents.” 06/24/21 https://harbingersdaily.com/poll-overwhelming-majority-of-americans-support-religious-freedom/

While many in the USA claim to support religious freedom, government actions and proposals have limited it and many believe, correctly, that the proposed ‘Equality Act’ is a real threat to religious rights.

Here is something from the Protestant Franklin Graham:

The message to the church from certain influential, high-level people in government is loud and clear: Fully embrace the sexual revolution and redefine marriage and gender—or else! The Equality Act is moving our nation in a direction that elevates government above God. They want to make the moral decisions, usurping His authority.

Under its broad reach, the Equality Act will:

• Force schools, churches, and hospitals to accept the government’s beliefs and mandates about sexual orientation and gender identity. It could threaten everyday speech, and people can be fined or lose their jobs for using the wrong name or pronouns.
• Allow boys in girls’ sports, boys in girls’ locker rooms, men in women’s shelters, and men in women’s prisons. It will force teachers and students to publicly pretend that a biological male is a female, making biological sex (and science) a relic of the past.
• Strip Christian and other religious ministries of their right to hire people of shared faith to pursue a shared mission. Can you imagine a Christian organization being forced to hire people hostile to its deeply held beliefs?
• Force many doctors and medical professionals to violate their conscience and engage in gender transition treatments such as hormone blocking.
• Threaten accreditation to religious colleges and universities if they do not apply sexual orientation and gender identity to dorms, sports, places of privacy, and even teachings.

This legislation would massively change our moral landscape and silence people of faith who do not agree with the secular values of the Left. But more than muzzling us, they want to force us to pivot—to change direction—instead of trusting God and standing on His Word. If we begin compromising on basic Biblical truths, it will lead to the end of Christianity in this country. 03/24/21 https://billygraham.org/story/franklin-graham-do-not-surrender-and-do-not-pivot/

Despite hopes and views of many, the end of religious freedom will hit the USA.

World Net Daily (WND) posted comments from a Jewish group who believes that the so-called Equality Act will essentially result in a banning of the Bible:

Holy Bible blasted as ‘bigoted document’: Equality Act ‘explicitly targets’ Scripture

… warns Yaakov Menken, the managing director of the Coalition for Jewish Values. … the bill classifies virtually all venues, from restaurants to catering halls and funeral homes as “public accommodations,” subjecting them to a mandatory ban on division by sex.

“This directly forbids traditional Jewish practice in any such location,” he said.

“Lest you imagine that such a Jewish event would be protected by its religious nature, the act goes out of its way — for the first time in history — to prohibit recourse to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). That law was specifically to shield religious practice from ‘laws ‘neutral’ toward religion [which] may burden religious exercise as surely as laws intended to interfere with religious exercise,'” Menken said.

“Stripping this protection from religious practice cannot be described as incidental. The Equality Act claims the notion that marriage is between a man and a woman is merely a ‘sex stereotype,’ and that opposition to same-sex marriage is inherently discriminatory. Any ‘discrimination’ on the basis of ‘gender identity’ is likewise prohibited, even in the private sector,” said Menken.

“Thus, the Equality Act explicitly targets the Bible, calling it a bigoted document filled with discriminatory stereotypes. These include the idea that male and female sexes are biological, not psychological (Genesis 1:27), created with procreation in mind (1:28), and that marriage is the unique, holy contract between man and woman forming the environment in which that procreation is intended to take place (2:24). And one cannot forget that which the Bible proscribes as an ‘abomination’ in Leviticus 18:22. …” 03/22/21 https://www.wnd.com/2021/03/holy-bible-blasted-bigoted-document-equality-act-explicitly-targets-scripture/

I have repeatedly warned about the Equality Act.

Here are some more comments from Yaakov Menken:

The Equality Act explicitly targets the Bible, calling it a bigoted document filled with discriminatory stereotypes. It would also ban observant Jews from religious ceremonies.

The Founding Fathers recognized freedom of expression and religious liberty as core elements of diversity and tolerance. Now, nearly 250 years later, Congress is acting to stamp them out, ushering in a new era of government-sanctioned anti-religious bigotry. …

With the Equality Act, Congress is waging a legislative effort to prohibit the next Siyum, scheduled to take place in June 2027, and other such “discriminatory” violations of human rights. Under the Act, observant Jews will no longer be legally permitted to gather to celebrate religious education, or any other occasion, in accordance with their beliefs.

The reason is simple: not only prayer services, but family lifecycle events of all kinds — from circumcisions to bar mitzvahs to weddings to funerals — are commonly divided by biological sex in traditional Orthodox Judaism. This is true whether or not ceremonies are held in synagogues. …

The Siyum held on New Year’s Day 2020 brought a level of decorum unheard of in a sports stadium: an absence of fights, drunkenness, and disorderly conduct. Police, who maintained a high level of security, said they never felt such appreciation from the public as they did then. Combined with its educational focus, the celebration exhibited values that America has long cherished.

Congress, to the contrary, would now grant antisemites a powerful legal tool with which to prevent such public displays in the future. Yet President Biden has committed to putting his name to it. If bigots were bent on eliminating Orthodox Judaism from American soil, it is difficult to imagine a more ruthlessly efficient tool than the Equality Act. https://thefederalist.com/2021/03/23/the-equality-act-would-legalize-religious-bigotry/

The Equality Act is anti-Christian, anti-Jewish, and anti-Bible.

Here is something from my book Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction:

Here is what the Biden-Harris Administration’s top priority is:

The Equality Act is the best vehicle for ensuring equal rights under the law for LGBTQ+ Americans, and will guarantee that LGBTQ+ individuals are protected under existing civil rights laws. Biden will make enactment of the Equality Act during his first 100 days as President a top legislative priority. Biden will also direct his Cabinet to ensure immediate and full enforcement of the Equality Act across all federal departments and agencies. … End the misuse of broad exemptions to discriminate. Religious freedom is a fundamental American value. But states have inappropriately used broad exemptions to allow businesses, medical providers, social service agencies, state and local government officials, and others to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people. Guaranteeing transgender students have access to facilities based on their gender identity… Biden will reverse Trump’s policies misusing these broad exemptions and fight so that no one is turned away from a business or refused service by a government official just because of who they are or who they love. ( The Biden Plan to Advance LGBTQ+ Equality in America and Around the World. JoeBiden.com accessed 10/16/20)

The above is a concern to many people who believe that they will be discriminated against if they hold to various religious and/or biblical beliefs on sexuality. Claiming religious freedom is “a fundamental American value” (which is clearly stated in the U.S. Constitution) while at the same time saying it must be not allowed for certain matters is wrong, insincere, and hypocritical.

The Bible, KJV translation, predicts the end of “an hypocritical nation” (Isaiah 10:5-11).

Furthermore, because the Bible teaches that homosexuality is an abomination (Leviticus 18:23; 20:13) and that homosexuals can change (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and the current LGBTQ+ propaganda does not want that to be considered, about three years ago a bill was introduced in California that, if taken to its logical conclusion, would ban the Bible.

We also made a video that discusses it and put that on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

12:15

Banning the Bible?

Could we see a ban of the Holy Bible in North America? Have there been partial bans proposed and enforced by government officials in Canada? Do any USA politicians consider any biblical teachings as fraudulent and hence banning them is NOT a violation of the 1st amendment to the Constitution of the USA? Are there risks associated with AB 2943? Have politicians like Hillary Clinton and California Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi called for long-held religious beliefs to change and “evolve with the times”? What about Jude 1:3 and 2 Timothy 3:14? Are there biblical prophecies about not being able to hear the word of God? Might we see more restrictions on explaining teachings of the Bible on the Internet and other forms of media? What are some of the verses that various government people do not want made public? Dr. Thiel provides facts on these issues and more.

Here is a link: Banning the Bible?

While the USA likes to act like it is the bastion of free speech and freedom of religion, more and more restrictions keep getting proposed. And, in our case, our most recently uploaded video to YouTube was censored and removed (details are here: YouTube censors and removes BNP video: Disney’s abominable promotions!).

Additionally, it should be pointed out that Canada has a de facto ban on parts of the Bible.

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

15:57

Canadian censoring of the Bible

The Bible warns against the rise of despisers of good in the last days:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,

4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,

7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

Those of us who hold to the idea that sexual relationships are only to be between a man married to a woman are considered to have “ugly narrow-mindedness” by supporters of the LGBTQ movement.

Furthermore, the LGBTQ-supporting crowd does not want people to believe the following:

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,

10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

The Equality Act is another step towards eliminating religious freedom in the USA.

The Bible not only warns that homosexuality, lesbianism, and cross-dressing are wrong, it also condemns those who condone all forms of sexual immorality:

5 A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 22:5)

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.

27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,

30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;

32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:24-32)

In Canada, quoting parts of Romans 1 in certain ways is essentially banned (watch Canadian censoring of the Bible).

The Bible warns that more censorship is coming:

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

As many realize, in order to protect the rights of the citizens of the USA to speak even against the government, the Bill of Rights came into effect as Constitutional Amendments on December 15, 1791. Here is the first amendment:

• First amendment — Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

But now we see laws that do respect secular religion as well as those against freedom of speech and even religious speech (e.g. watch: Biden-Harris & Hate Speech).

The Bible is not a book that should be censored.

It teaches:

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

The work of God needs to be done now as Jesus said:

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

The time to do the work is now, while we still can do it! We are seeing more and more signs that “the night is coming when no one can work.”

That is part of why we in the Continuing Church of God are preparing for the ‘short work’ (Romans 9:28) and the coming ‘famine of the word.’

A famine of the word is coming–and we are seeing Big Tech and governments already implementing restrictions.

Yet while we can, Philadelphian Christians will strive to go through the doors that Christ opens to proclaim the Kingdom of God (2 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 16:8-9; Colossians 4:2-4) and do the work.

Philadelphia means “love of the brethren.” It is LOVE to properly teach what the Bible teaches, even if some group calls that “ugly narrow-mindedness.”

We in the Continuing Church of God will teach and stand up for the truth (watch also the short introduction to our YouTube channel: ContinuingCOG Channel), despite realizing that the ‘famine of the word’ that the prophet Amos referred to is coming. We must do the work and persevere to the end–despite government restrictions and others who do not truly respect the Bible.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

‘Just disgusting’: A Nevada city confronts millions of smelly Mormon crickets https://t.co/JVYiano1eV

— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) June 19, 2023

COGwriter

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled Sorrows and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Here is a link to a shorter video: These Signs of the 4 Horsemen Have Begun.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2023, 2024, or 2025? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation start in 2022 or 2023? Notice also: Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.

DODGER STADIUM-The “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” are recognized for Pride night to a mostly empty audience.

Two Dodgers fan nearby begin loudly booing after they’re announced: pic.twitter.com/OO6NT5RIc8

— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) June 17, 2023

COGWriter

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially honored the blasphemous and anti-Roman Catholic perverts calling themselves The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence:

Dodgers Honor Anti-Catholic Drag Queens in Front of a Near Empty Stadium

To say there were more reporters in attendance than fans when the Dodgers honored the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at Dodger Stadium Friday night, would not be a major exaggeration.

Sister Unity and Sister Dominia stood to represent the “Sisters” and receive their Community Heroes Award as the public address announcer made the announcement official in front of what appeared to be roughly 50 fans – at least two of which were loudly booing – and assembled media.

Meanwhile, outside the stadium, thousands of pro-Catholic demonstrators protested and, at one point, even blocked one of the main entrances to the stadium.

BREAKING: Thousands of Catholics have shut down the main entrance to Dodger Stadium on Vin Scully avenue in protest of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence being honored tonight.

They are now lining the sidewalks and have taken over the entire block: pic.twitter.com/F5CSDvuap8

— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) June 17, 2023

The protest drew the support of non-Catholics as well. …

The fact that there were easily 50 times as many people outside the stadium protesting as there were inside watching the ceremony – on a night the stands should have been packed for a game against an archrival – puts into focus just how intense the backlash is to the team’s decision to honor the anti-Catholic drag queens. https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2023/06/16/watch-dodgers-honor-anti-catholic-drag-queens-in-front-of-a-near-empty-stadium/

Thousands of demonstrators descended upon Dodgers Stadium Friday evening to protest the team’s Pride Night ceremony honoring a controversial group of queer and trans nuns.

Organized by the group Catholics for Catholics, the massive crowd jammed up the main entrance of the ballpark ahead of the scheduled pre-game ceremony celebrating the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence …

The mass of protesters, some holding signs like “Bud Light the Dodgers” and “Stop Anti Catholic Hate,” took over the entire block on Vin Scully Avenue and chanted “Save our Children.” … Critics have blasted the group as a “blatantly perverted, sexual, and disgusting anti-Catholic hate group.” …

About an hour before the first pitch, two “nuns” joined members of the Dodgers organization near the third base line to accept the award for what the stadium announcer called “outstanding service to the LGBTQ+ community,” video of the low key, 30-second ceremony shows.

The small crowd in the stadium ahead of game time responded with a mix of cheers and boos, video shows.

https://nypost.com/2023/06/16/dodgers-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-event-draws-thousands-of-protesters/

What The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence do is appalling and should not be “honored.” They promote hate and perversion. Even their name points to being lustful.

Here is something from the website of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence:

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence® are a leading-edge Order of queer and trans nuns. …

We, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, are proud to accept the Community Hero Award from the Los Angeles Dodgers … https://www.thesisters.org/ accessed 06/17/23

The Los Angeles Dodgers were wrong to honor such a group.

Consider the following prophecy for the last days:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

We are in “the last days.” All the bolded portions clearly apply to The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (the unbolded terms do as well).

The Bible also teaches:

5 A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 22:5)

It is clear that the Bible condemns cross-dressing–but that is what The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence do.

The Bible also condemns males acting effeminate:

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, KJV)

Cross-dressing is not something that anyone should be doing–but that is also something that The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence do.

People are not to condone the LGBTQ+ agenda that The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence promote:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, …

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18,24-32)

No one should condone or honor The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Understand that the Bible says to:

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

So, we have continued to do that, where we can (John 9:4; Revelation 3:7-8).

Much of the sports and entertainment industries, however, have seemingly gone out of their way to push perversion.

And, often, they have support from the major media along with Big Tech.

Because we denounced Disney on YouTube for pushing the acceptance of sin and perversion on children a while back, instead of censoring Disney, the pagans at YouTube censored and removed our video.

That, however, is one reason we use other channels, like BitChute, which has the censored video up:

Disney’s abominable promotions!

Is Disney promoting abominations? According to the Bible it most certainly is. In addition to “Out” which is focused about a homosexual male and “Onward” which also condoned homosexuality, it is a big promoter of “Pride Month.” So, much so that on June 27, 2021, Disney+ intends to stream “This is Me: Pride Celebration Spectacular” hosted by “Nina West” that stage name of Andrew Levitt, who was born male but now dresses and performs as a female–contrary to scriptures like Deuteronomy 22:5. Is Disney inviting the wrath of God? Were pride, sexual immorality, and going after “strange flesh” reasons that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed? What should parents and children do? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel discusses and addresses these issues with scriptures and other information.

THIS VIDEO WAS REMOVED BY YOUTUBE AS IT DOES NOT WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT IMMORALITY AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN.

Here is a link to the YouTube removed video: Disney’s abominable promotions!

Many have been pushing to normalize perversion–and are more and more targeting children with that abominable message.

,The following is applicable to what The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Disney, and others have been doing:

9 The look on their countenance witnesses against them, And they declare their sin as Sodom; They do not hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought evil upon themselves. (Isaiah 3:9)

In Genesis 19:24-25, we read that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God.

And why did it happen?

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Homosexuality is a form of sexual immorality that involves going after “strange flesh.”

Notice that God turned:

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did.

The prophet Ezekiel twice associates “pride” with Sodom (Ezekiel 16:49,56)–which is also something we see with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the LGBTQ+ movement today–as well as in the entertainment industry.

Notice what God says parents should do:

6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6).

Denounce attempts promoting sinful abominations.

The truth is that no one, child or adult, should be trying to promote abominations.

Related to children, the Continuing Church of God put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

Parents want their children to grow up to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives. Former US Congressman Ron Paul wrote that government schools have no business instructing young children in sexuality. The American Thinker asserted that schools are improperly trying to indoctrinate children in a way of ‘normalizing perversion.’ What does the Bible teach about instructing children? What does the Bible teach about having a perverse mouth or engaging in perversity? Does the Bible tie perversity in with abominations? What about things like cross dressing? What are the results of teaching or engaging in perversity? What about those that only approve them? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to our video: Do not indoctrinate children in perversion.

The Bible refers to the time we are in as an evil time:

10 They hate the one who rebukes in the gate,
And they abhor the one who speaks uprightly. …

13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time,
For it is an evil time. (Amos 5:10,13)

We are in an evil time that will end in a lot of ruin and destruction.

Please heed the words of Jesus and pray for God’s Kingdom to come.

Some links to items of possibly related interest:

Cross-dressing and other assaults against your children. What should you do? Is there an agenda to turn your children and/or grandchildren away from biblical morality and towards practices promoted by homosexuals? What does the Bible teach about cross-dressing? What should parents do? If there is an agenda, what has been going on? There are also two YouTube videos related to this, titled Transgender ‘Woe to those who call evil good’ and Cross dressing and Other Assaults Against Your Children.
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change? A related video sermon is titled: What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?
USA pushing gender confusion On May 13, 2016, the Obama Administration sent notices to school districts around the USA on how it wants them to deal with toilets, lockers, sports, and other issues of interest to the LGBT crowd. The Obama Administration has redefined the word ‘sex’ as written in the 1964 Civil Rights Act as expanded in 1972. Does the Bible teach transgenderism? Are accommodations for those considering themselves transgendered helpful or evil? What does the Bible teach about cross-dressing and other transgender issues? Does the Bible warn of terrible consequences for those who merely approve the LBGT agenda? This is a video.
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone by 2028? Are there prophetic reasons to believe that the USA will not last two complete presidential terms? Yes. 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?
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church. Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, 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.
The Great Tribulation: What Happens First? What events have happened? What are some events that are now happening? And what events need to happen for the Great Tribulation to start? Here is a link to a related sermon video: Counting Down to the Great Tribulation. Here is a video in the Spanish language: Contando los eventos y el inicio de la Gran Tribulación.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

The three AI angels who commune with the machine god pic.twitter.com/ANGQ5lYSWJ

— Celestial Fang 🩸busy with college (@CelestialFang) April 20, 2022

COGwriter

Humans are more and more pushing away from the God of the Bible.

Many wish to make God in their image.

A reader sent me a link to the following:

The Machine God Takes Over

The Protestant German church was filled with worshipers. A photograph of the event showed a video screen in place of the pastor. And the sermon was written and delivered by the AI chatbot ChatGPT.

This was humanity worshiping its machines, and it may bring the wrath of God upon us all.

It seems as if society, worldwide, is determined to commit suicide. Artificial intelligence, which is nothing more than a computer program, preaching to humanity is the ultimate sin. 06/15/23 https://discernreport.com/the-machine-god-takes-over/

While biblically, one would not consider that a computer preaching “the ultimate sin” (cf. Mark 3:28-29), the Bible warns:

8 Their land is also full of idols;
They worship the work of their own hands,
That which their own fingers have made. (Isaiah 2:8)

And we are seeing that with AI religion, amongst other things.

Notice also two of the Ten Commandments:

3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image — any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Exodus 20:3-6)

Related to the above, the ‘Machine God’ article continued with:

That is the first and second of the Ten Commandments. Of course, an atheist casts all that aside. It is his or her risk to take. A Christian cannot dismiss these instructions, or the words that follow, yet here, in this Protestant church in Germany, the congregation sits and worships before an idol and calls the event a “service” – yet nothing about the service was real. …

For the college professor, his experimental church event was a success. The people sat there and took it seriously. …

Machine worship, like self-worship, can destroy civilization. https://discernreport.com/the-machine-god-takes-over/

And while that may seem like a fluke, notice the following:

An AI program is pretending to be Jesus and thousands of lost young people are flocking to it

There’s an event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew in which Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, and his disciples asked him what the sign of the end of the age would be.

Jesus replied, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.”

At least one of those deceivers is turning out to be an AI called “ask_jesus.”

According to The Independent, a Berlin-based tech collective has developed a chatbot resembling Jesus Christ, which already has thousands of followers seeking advice and guidance.

The chatbot, referred to as “AI Jesus,” has the appearance of a bearded white man with a radiant halo and utilizes artificial intelligence reportedly trained on the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. …

The chatbot has the ability to remember previous interactions with the user which gives it a false sense of omniscience. … one user asked it about gay marriage, and it gave them the noncommittal “all love is love” answer, staying politically correct at all times. 06/15/23 https://www.wnd.com/2023/06/ai-program-pretending-jesus-thousands-lost-young-people-flocking/

No, the real Jesus did not have a halo or work like ChatGPT. So, yes, another false Jesus–but this one is with AI. Others have tweeted that participating in this was surreal. Apparently mystical, though of course, not from God.

And that’s not all that is going on with AI. Consider something else that has been proposed regarding AI and religion:

World Economic Forum Contributor Says A.I. Could Rewrite the Bible, Create ‘Correct’ Religions

June 16, 2023

Yuval Noah Harari, known for being a contributor and speaker at the World Economic Forum, is promoting the idea that A.I. will be able to generate a new globally acceptable religious book.

Harari’s prediction is raising alarms for conservatives and Christians since the Bible is considered sacred as God’s holy word to mankind.

Harari explained A.I.’s purpose in writing a new Bible during a recent forum called “A.I. & The Future of Humanity.”

“It’s the first technology ever that can create new ideas. You know, the printing press, radio, television, they broadcast, they spread the ideas created by the human brain, by the human mind,” he said.

Harari said A.I. will soon be able to invent new concepts and beliefs that are more socially acceptable than the Bible.

“A.I. can create new ideas; {it} can even write a new Bible,” he said, in order to establish unified and “correct” religions.

“Throughout history, religions dreamt about having a book written by a superhuman intelligence, by a non-human entity,” Harari explained. Now he believes A.I. will become a new type of god.

“In a few years, there might be religions that are actually correct … just think about a religion whose holy book is written by an A.I.,” Harari said. “That could be a reality in a few years.” …

Harari … says the Bible is just fiction and compares it to fictional novels like Harry Potter.

“Billions of people have believed in these stories for thousands of years. Some fake news lasts forever,” Harari wrote. https://www2.cbn.com/news/world/world-economic-forum-contributor-says-ai-could-rewrite-bible-create-correct-religions

WEF Calls for AI to Rewrite Bible,  Create ‘Religions That Are Actually Correct’

June 10, 2023

A top official with the World Economic Forum (WEF) has called for religious scripture to be “rewritten” by artificial intelligence (AI) to create a globalized “new Bible.”

Yuval Noah Harari, the senior advisor to the WEF and its chairman Klaus Schwab, argues that using AI to replace scriptures will create unified “religions that are actually correct.”

Harari, an influential author and professor, made the call while giving a talk on the “future of humanity.”

According to Harari, the power of AI can be harnessed and used to reshape spirituality into the WEF’s globalist vision of “equity” and inclusivism. https://slaynews.com/news/wef-ai-rewrite-bible-create-religions-actually-correct/

The Bible is not “fake news,” but truth–as Jesus said, “Your word is truth: (John 17:17).

The Bible also teaches:

160 The entirety of Your word is truth, (Psalm 119:160)

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

Believe the word of God. Do not be among those the Bible warns against, which includes:

15 … idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:15)

Lies come from Satan and his followers (John 8:44).

Having found that AI like ChatGPT and BingChat give wrong answers to historical questions with religious connections, having AI write a new Bible or blasphemously pretend to be Jesus should not sound like a good idea for anyone interested in truth. The WEF has been pushing for a type of globalist false religion and now wants to have AI pretend it is God–this is blasphemous.

The Bible warns:

12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Many associated with the WEF and other worldly organizations do not believe or understand that. They cannot make a true God and their ways will end in death. Actually, according to Jesus, it will get so bad that:

22 … unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:22)

As far as AI and rewriting the Bible goes, PETA has began to try to do that. We made the following video related to that:

Here is a link to our video: PETA’s Preposterous Preaching.

Many people apparently want to worship the work of their hands, despite that being condemned by scripture.

Notice also the following:

4 And the Lord has sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear. 5 They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. 6 Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.’ (Jeremiah 25:4-6)

Despite warnings from God’s prophets, people still often want to worship the work of their hands.

I strongly suspect that the following is talking about some type of a demonically-affected machine god:

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:15)

Furthermore, notice that the Bible shows that humans are going to cling to that, despite punishments from God:

20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons … (Revelation 9:20)

Earlier this year, we put together the following video which highlighted some other risks with AI:

14:34

ChatGPT and 666

In November 2022, OpenAI released something called ChatGPT. Google held a meeting related to it the next month and some think it may possibly replace Google. Some suspect that artificial intelligence will generate up to 90% of internet content in the future. Some believe that items such as ChatGPT will eliminated certain writing, tech, and other jobs requiring a college education. What does ChatGPT stand for? Why are teachers concerned it may result in loss of writing and researching skills? Is ChatGPT a neutral information source or is it biased as ‘conservatives’ have claimed? What has it said about transgenderism, political leaders, and drag queens? Do ChatGPT and other tech companies “suppress the truth in unrighteousness”? Is more censorship coming according to the Bible? Why does it appear that types of artificial intelligence will be used by supporters of the coming 666 beast power? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: ChatGPT and 666. The Bible tells of a totalitarian Beast government that will rule for a time (cf. Revelation 13:1-18) prior to Jesus’ return (cf. Revelation 17:12-14). And, as I have written here for many years, this looks to involve technologies, including what is called Artificial Intelligence (AI)–watch for example from 2016: Crowdsourcing and Artificial Intelligence to solve “wicked problems”?; from 2018: Artificial Intelligence and Prophecy; and from 2023: ChatGPT and 666.

The reality is that many do not care for the word of God. Like Adam and Eve, they want to accept false ideas. But the time will come when humans will no longer worship the works of their hands:

13 Your carved images I will also cut off,
And your sacred pillars from your midst;
You shall no more worship the work of your hands;
14 I will pluck your wooden images from your midst;
Thus I will destroy your cities.
15 And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury
On the nations that have not heard. (Micah 5:13-15)

The ONLY real solution for the problems facing humanity is repentance, the return of Jesus, and the good news of the coming Kingdom of God. Not some type of AI machine god.

UPDATE 06/18/23: We just uploaded the following related video:

14:48

AI Jesus? Artificial Intelligence God?

We are seeing more and more steps to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in with matters of religion. From a Protestant sermon via AI, to PETA blaspheming God by re-writing a false account of the Book of Genesis, to Yuval Noah Harari of the World Economic Form (WEF) calling for a new globalist religion and Bible to be produced by AI, things like ChatGPT are being used. There is also an AI thing called “ask Jesus” which has a false Messiah who does not always provide biblically-accurate statements. Many humans want to worship “the work of their hands.” Is that warned against in scripture? Where is this leading? Might the “image of the beast” be demonic and/or involve AI and the Antichrist? Do humans know the way that is right that does not lead to death? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these matters.

Here is a link to our video: AI Jesus? Artificial Intelligence God?

The SBC Constitution was changed in 2015 after
170yrs of Baptist cooperation.
Now churches must be “CLOSELY” identified with our confession. NOT “completely”

Our BF&M2000 is 4,032 words
We disagree with only 1 word: men

We’re 99.9999999999% in agreement!
Is that CLOSE ENOUGH?

— Rick Warren (@RickWarren) June 11, 2023

COGwriter

According to the Bible, should women be able to preach sermons in church services or be pastors?

No.

The New Testament teaches:

3:1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach (1 Timothy 3:1-2).

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you– 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination (Titus 1:5-6).

Thus, the New Testament does not support the concept of women being elders/pastors/bishops over a church as only males are shown to be in those specific roles.

But many, including Rick Warren (see tweet at the beginning of this post), who claim to get their religion from the Bible disagree.

Some others, however, have fought against the trend towards female pastors.

World Net Daily reported the following:

Ban female pastors? Votes now counted at largest U.S. Protestant denomination

June 14, 2023

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) passed an amendment Wednesday to officially prohibit churches in the denomination from having a female pastor.

The convention, which took place in New Orleans this year, had voted earlier to remove two churches, including Rick Warren’s Saddleback church, from the denomination for employing female pastors in contradiction of the church’s constitution, according to The New York Times. A second vote confirmed a proposed amendment by adding it to SBC’s constitution affirming that only men can be appointed as a pastor or elder “as qualified by scripture.”

The amendment proposed by Arlington Baptist Church Pastor Mike Law spoke in favor of the amendment he proposed during the debate portion of the convention.

“This Amendment brings clarity, and SECOND it strengthens our cooperation,” Law said. “It puts us all on the same page about what a pastor is and who a pastor is – a biblically qualified man who is appointed, affirmed, and deployed for spiritual leadership in a local church … In conclusion, a YES vote on this amendment brings clarity AND strengthens our cooperation. Let us be a Convention who joyfully takes Christ to the nations in God’s way according to God’s Word.”

One woman spoke during the debate portion of the convention and invited any SBC female pastors to move to the United Methodist Church (UMC), which would “welcome” them with open arms. UMC has allowed ordained women since the 1800s and officially granted full clergy rights in 1956, according to its website. https://www.wnd.com/2023/06/ban-female-pastors-votes-now-counted-largest-u-s-protestant-denomination/

Perhaps it should be noted that the United Methodist Church, which endorses female pastors, has also ordained lesbians as pastors/bishops.

There is ongoing debate by some Roman Catholics who push for women priests, but so far that has not happened.

What about any who claim association with any Church of God?

Well, years ago, the old The Journal: News of the Churches of God had the following as part of its paid advertising by Tina Engelbart:

Corinthians 14:34-35. Here are the two verses in the King James Version. “Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak, but they are commanded to be under obedience [Gr. hupotasso], as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame [Gr. aischros] for women to speak in church” (Emphasis added).

First, some observations: The italicized phrase “they are commanded” was an addition by the translators; it is not in the original Greek. Further, hupotasso is more correctly translated “submission” rather than “obedience.” And the word translated as “shame” in verse 35 is the Greek word aischros— the same word translated as “ filthy” elsewhere, as in “ filthy lucre” (1 Timothy 3:8).

Most churches, and most Churches of God, and Mr. Mokarow say this means women must be silent in the church. UCG specifically said in their paper The Biblical Role of Women: “Women should not speak,” that is, preach or teach before the congregation (emphasis added). It is interesting that women are allowed to sing before the congregation, which is not exactly being silent. …

There is only one law that specifically forbids women to speak in the assembly — and that is the Oral Law of the Jews, later written down and known as the Talmud.

What a shame that our churches, in imposing the silence injunction on our women, are actually following the dictates of the Talmud instead of the Apostle Paul!

Let me make a few points.

First, while Tina Engelbart is entitled to her opinion about what she thinks the Greek means, the reality is that there is no record of Christian women preaching in either the New Testament nor in early Christian writings. While it is possible that the apostate Simon Magus may have had a female preach, and maybe some of the other apostates did, people who understood koine Greek at the time apparently did not feel that the Apostle Paul was allowing women to preach.

Second, UCG was (and still is) correct that women should not be preaching. This is confirmed by the following passage that is in the Bible (hence, even allowing for a different translation of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, this is not something only to be derived from the Talmud as Tina Engelbart indicates):

11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:11-12).

It is also a historically accurate position as the early COG did not have women preaching in services. Note: The COG is NOT Protestant (many details are in our free online book: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism).

Third, as far as the Talmud goes, Tina Engelbart needs to consider that the Jews DID allow women to sing and hence the prohibition they had related to women speaking before the assembly did not include singing. That is the same in the Christian church as well.

Fourth, I would add that instead of focusing on what women should not be doing, it is important to understand what they should be doing. For some details, here is a link to a written article titled: Women and the New Testament Church.

In the Continuing Church of God we do not believe that women are to preach. But some are deaconesses. Furthermore, for the CCOG, some edit, manage websites, manage Facebook pages, do translations, maintain our online radio presence, and host groups where we have no males. They also sing, provide music, help put together items related to the Study the Bible Course, and do some writing.

We also have the following sermon on women’s roles at our ContinuingCOG channel:

Women’s Roles in the Church

What roles, rights, and responsibilities do Christian women have? Did Jesus break Jewish traditions related to women? What did various women do in the New Testament? Can women be prophetesses or deaconesses? What about pastors and preachers? Do women have the same spiritual potential as men? Are women listed in the Book of Life? Will women be subject to persecution prior to the start of the Great Tribulation? Will women be wives or kings and priests in the coming kingdom of God? What are some of the roles women have in supporting the work in the Continuing Church of God? Dr. Thiel provides answers to those and other questions.

Here is a link to the sermon: Women’s Roles in the Church.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Women and the New Testament Church What roles did women play in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles? Did Jesus and the Apostle Paul violate Jewish traditions regarding their dealings with women? Do women have any biblical limitations on their role in the Church? Were there female prophets? Do women have any special responsibilities in terms of how they dress? What does the New Testament really teach about women? Here are links to two related sermons: Women’s Roles in the Church and New Testament Women.
True Womanhood: A Lost Cause? Is there still a place for being feminine? Here is an article from Herbert Armstrong about his thoughts relating to women and womanhood.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
What was the Liturgy of the Early Church? Were early church services mainly scriptural, emotional, or sacramental? Who follows the basic original liturgy today? A related video is also available: What were early Christian church services like?
Veils and Other Head Coverings Do women need to wear veils or similar coverings while praying or attending church services? What does the Bible teach about hair length? What about going around bald? Here are some scriptures on that subject.
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.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Eastern/Greek Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers? Here is a link to a YouTube video Marian Apparitions May Fulfill Prophecy.