Church of God News

1. Ready for #war?#CCP has quietly passed its Reserve Military Service Law, which will take effect on 3/1/2023.
Anyone who is 18 years or older is obliged to enlist after a national defense mobilization is announced. “After receiving the call-up notice, reservists must report to pic.twitter.com/CwdZ4d4xtX

— Inconvenient Truths by Jennifer Zeng 曾錚真言 (@jenniferzeng97) February 7, 2023

COGwriter

Notice the following related to Russia, the UK, Ukraine, etc.:

Russia Warns Of “Consequences For Entire World” If UK Sends Jets To Ukraine

February 8, 2023

Given the UK government clearly said it is “exploring” the possibility of sending fighter aircraft to Ukraine, namely its Typhoon jets, upon a visit by Ukraine’s Zelensky to London, Russia has responded fiercely. Prime Minister Sunak earlier explained:

“The first step in being able to provide advanced aircrafts is to have soldiers or aviators that are capable of using them. That is a process that takes some time. We’ve started that process today,” Sunak said at a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after announcing Britain would train Ukrainian pilots.

“Nothing is off the table and our leadership on this issue is something that we all collectively should be very proud of.”

Russia’s embassy to UK quickly warned of “military and political consequences for the European continent and the entire world” in response. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/uk-pledges-fighter-pilot-training-ukraine-zelensky-surprise-visit

Are we close to World War III?

Protestant Michael Snyder seems to think so. He posted the following:

Will 2023 Be A Year Of Global War? China And Russia Are Both Making Mobilization Moves That Are Raising Red Flags

February 7, 2023

Why are China and Russia both suddenly so concerned about mobilizing troops?  What we are witnessing right now is unlike anything that we have seen since World War II.  The Russians are mobilizing hundreds of thousands of fresh troops as they prepare for a new offensive in Ukraine, and meanwhile NATO countries are getting ready to send heavy tanks to the Ukrainians for the first time since the war started.  But why have the Chinese decided that a nationwide mobilization may soon be necessary?  Is China expecting a war?  It is being reported that anyone in China that is “18 years or older” could potentially be subject to mobilization under a brand new law which will go into effect next month. …

But why would they need to do that?

Nobody is going to invade China.

So why would they be going to war?

Needless to say, the answer is obvious.

The only reason why China would be involved in a major war is if they decide to invade Taiwan, and that may happen a lot sooner than many of the “experts” had been anticipating. …

If China invades Taiwan, it truly will be a nightmare scenario for the entire globe. …

Elsewhere, the Russians have already been mobilizing hundreds of thousands of new troops, and it appears that they are poised to make a really big move.

Of course the Russians have already been making gains on a daily basis.  After months of telling us that “Ukraine is winning”, even publications such as the Wall Street Journal are now being forced to admit that the Russians are on the move “on five fronts in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions”…

Russian forces launched several attacks in eastern Ukraine, pushing for a breakthrough on the battlefield ahead of the delivery of new Western weapons, although the U.K. cast doubt on the prospects for a major Russian offensive.

The General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces said Russia was regrouping and attacking on five fronts in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as part of a wider offensive anticipated by Kyiv and its Western allies.

If the Russians start gobbling up huge chunks of new territory in Ukraine, there will inevitably be a very strong response from the western powers.

And that will bring us even closer to nuclear war. …

Now we stand on the brink of the unthinkable, and we are almost out of exit ramps.

Thanks to our very foolish leaders, we could soon find ourselves fighting Russia and China simultaneously. https://endoftheamericandream.com/will-2023-be-a-year-of-global-war-china-and-russia-are-both-making-mobilization-moves-that-are-raising-red-flags/

Irrespective of what happens between China and Taiwan, no, 2023 will not bring about a global world war three.

Michael Snyder  has a different view, and a couple of weeks ago, he also posted the following:

The Nuclear War That We Have Been Relentlessly Warned About Is Now Right On Our Doorstep

January 26, 2023

On Thursday, Russia responded to news that the U.S. and Germany would be giving highly advanced tanks to the Ukrainians by firing “a barrage of missiles and drones across the country”.  The Russians are now so invested in this war that there is no way that they could ever back down.  Of course the same thing is true for the Biden administration.  Joe Biden has staked his presidency on winning this war, and Congress has already approved approximately 100 billion dollars in total aid for the Ukrainians.  We are on a collision course with destiny, and the cataclysmic war with Russia that I have been warning about for many years is now right on our doorstep. …

We must end this war before the nukes start flying.

And actually Joe Biden once warned that we would be facing “World War 3” if we ever sent tanks into Ukraine.

But now the Biden administration is trying to assure us that sending tanks into Ukraine is perfectly fine.

Donald Trump is warning that a worst case scenario is coming too.

… more escalations are inevitably coming.

It is time for the American people to face the truth. We are at war, and there is no way out. http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/the-nuclear-war-that-we-have-been-relentlessly-warned-about-is-now-right-on-our-doorstep/

Related to a possible nuclear conflict between the USA and Russia, we put together the following video:

15:31 

Nuclear WWIII from Russia?

Are we close to a nuclear third world war? Is Russia’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine the start of WWIII? what did Ukrainan Defense Minister Guido Crosetto say related to WWIII? Does Ezekiel 38 involves Russia? Are certain Protestant writers correct that it is for our day and that Russia will launch a massive nuclear attack against the USA? Did Herbert W. Armstrong say that Russia would not attack the USA? Is a direct military skirmish between the USA and Russia possible? If the Bible does discuss the destruction of the USA, is this from a power that borders the Mediterranean sea according to biblical prophecies in the books of Revelation and Daniel? Why has the military devastation in Ukraine been a “wake-up call” for Europe? Has Europe been taking military steps? Is Europe prophesied to dominate the world? Are there biblical prophecies pointing to Europe being attacked by Russia? Does the Bible describe anything that sounds like nuclear devastation? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.

Here is a link to the video: Nuclear WWIII from Russia?

That said, the Book of Revelation predicts the following:

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (Revelation 6:3-4)

Apparently paralleling the ride of the second horseman of Revelation 6:3-4, Jesus warned about wars:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. (Matthew 24:6-7a)

Notice some of what in 1973, the old Worldwide Church of God, taught will happen after the first horseman:

As the first horsemen rides forth “conquering and to conquer” in the name of his false religion, the second horseman—war—is quick on his heels as that instrument of conquest. (Alexander G, pp. 23-24)

It should be pointed out that although the old WCG tended to see all the horsemen coming rapidly after each other, the following statements by Jesus suggest a time gap:

8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” (Luke 21:8-9)

How long the time gap between the horsemen is not specified, but the above suggests a significant gap. A gap that we now seem to be in.

Consider that the opening of the second seal (Revelation 6:3-4) is to result in less peace on the Earth.

While this is commonly called the red horse (or horseman) of war, that is not quite what is stated. Notice that he “takes peace from the earth AND that people should kill one another.” Could it be that events starting in 2019, such as COVID-19 are consistent with taking “peace from the earth”?

Around the world people are AFRAID. The feeling of normalcy is gone for many around the globe. Consider that the travel restrictions are because of fear. The media and government officials are saying everything will not go back to how it was and that we need to accept what they have called “the new normal.” Speculatively, could this be related to the opening of the second seal?

Not since World War II have we seen anything affect the entire planet so much. I have had a kind of gnawing feeling that perhaps the second seal was opened the late Spring or early Summer of 2020 (or even in the Fall of 2019) that perhaps we needed to better reconsider the opening of the second seal as possible. Furthermore, while the fear of COVID has reduced to some degree, fear associated with Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine has also contributed to taking away the feeling of the peace.

The literal Greek here for “peace” (εἰρήνην transliterated as eirēnēn) in Revelation 6 can be interpreted to mean taking away prosperity as well (see BibleHub.com). COVID-19 has, to a degree, done that–and then there was Russia-Ukraine and murmurings about Taiwan. People are afraid or at least uneasy to a degree we have not seen around the world anytime in the 21st century.

Barnes Notes on the Bible states:

The power given to him that sat on the horse: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. This would seem to indicate that the condition immediately preceding this was a condition of tranquility, and that this was now disturbed by some cause producing discord and bloodshed. This idea is confirmed by the original words – τὴν εἰρήνην tēn eirēnēn – “the peace”; that is, the previously existing peace. When peace in general is referred to, the word is used without the article: Matthew 10:34, “Think not that I am come to send peace – βαλεῖν εἰρήνην balein eirēnēn – upon the earth.”

So, this rider is not just a rider of war, but taking away THE peace. So-called ‘free’ societies have experienced aspects of totalitarianism. Even societies with totalitarian governments saw increases in totalitarian controls and a decrease in personal freedom and peace.

But things will get worse.

The old WCG also put out the following:

Where is it all going to end? That was the question the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ posed in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew. Christ’s answer, known as the Olivet Prophecy, is quite revealing. “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars,” Christ said, referring to one of the prophetic signals that would herald the end of an age (verse 6).

Certainly there have always been wars. And certainly Christ’s words had particular meaning for that day and age. Within a few short decades Roman legions under the command of Titus sacked, burned and pillaged the city of Jerusalem.

But Jesus’ warning about war was also applicable to another period in history. In the book of Revelation, Christ, speaking through the apostle John, amplified some of His previous prophetic statements. In the sixth chapter, John writes: “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword” (Rev. 6:4).

John was not speaking about the fall of Jerusalem. That war was already some twenty years behind him. John was referring to future events that would bring 6000 years of human history crashing to a cataclysmic close. … John is referring to a time yet ahead of us when “peaceful coexistence” will be a thing of the past. …

It’s no wonder that Jeremiah, in referring to these tumultuous times, stated: “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble …” (Jer. 30:7). (Ritter G. 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse – The Red Horse – War, pp. 48, 52; see also Ritter R. The War that could end it all. Good News, December 1975)

There may also be wars in parts of the world that have rarely had them (perhaps, for example, even between some South American nations), as well as wars in areas that have long been especially tense (like Korea, possibly involving other Asian nations). Damascus ultimately will be destroyed and could be a signal for destruction to come for Jacob (Isaiah 17:1-4). There will likely be civil unrest and perhaps rioting in scales not seen before, including within some Western nations (such as in Europe and North America). This will lead to military leaders rising up in various parts of the world. And one European (the final King of the North) will, after making one or more false peace deals/pronouncements (e.g. Daniel 9:26-27; 11:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:3), become the final Beast leader (Revelation 13:4) and he will take over many nations (Daniel 11:39-43).

Europe is now arming in a big way (e.g. watch Is the European Beast Growing Horns?).

The arming and semi-unity by the Europeans will lead to WWIII!

This will be the end of the USA and its British-descended allies consistent with Daniel 11:39.

That destruction is from a European power, called the King of the North, which borders the Great Sea (Daniel 7), not Russia that does not.

Some may wish to see what the old Worldwide Church of God taught would begin the Great Tribulation and World War III, as taught by the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

The Next World War

Now, all the pieces that have divided them over there, are beginning to fall into place, and it’s very shocking news. You’ll find it prophesied in the seventeenth chapter of Revelation and many other prophecies in the Bible. And it is going to trigger World War III, the feared, the unthinkable nuclear World War III. I want to read you what the Bible says about this World War III coming on; it’s in Matthew 24 and I’m going to show you how the time is now. And it begins, I’ll just begin in verse 21, it’s a prophecy of Jesus Christ Himself when He was here on earth and speaking of this time that we are in now He says:

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be [that’s the time of trouble in the world, that’ll be far greater than World War I and World War II, much greater]. And except those days should be shortened [unless God Almighty Himself intervenes supernaturally to cut it short], …no flesh [should] be saved [alive]…”: (Matthew 24:21-22)

It’s talking not of spiritual salvation but saving humanity alive. In other words; every man woman, child on earth would be snuffed out. You, your children, myself, all of us. Humanity would be erased.

Matthew 24:     “…except those days should be shortened, no flesh should be be saved [alive]…That great tribulation that is the nuclear World War III, (Armstrong HW.  Tribulation. Radio Broadcast, 20th century. https://www.hwalibrary.com/cgi-bin/get/hwa.cgi?action=getbroadcast&InfoID=1567869049)

Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15 … From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ’s coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, “Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days.” … We shall then be warned, and readied to be taken to a place of refuge and safety from the Great Tribulation. Forty-five days later “the beast’s armies” will surround Jerusalem. Thirty days later the Great Tribulation will probably start with a nuclear attack on London and Britain–and possibly the same day or immediately after, on the United States and Canadian cities. The GREAT TRIBULATION, we shall fully then realize, is the time of “Jacob’s Trouble,” spoken of in Jeremiah 30:7. And Jacob’s name was named on Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48:16). At that time a third of the people in our nations will die, or shall have died, by famine and disease epidemics; another third will dies of the war–our cities being destroyed (Ezek. 6:6), and the remaining third will be carried to the land of our enemies as slaves (Ezek. 5:12). Armstrong, Herbert W. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).

Herbert W. Armstrong referred to “the seventeenth chapter of Revelation.” In it, Mystery Babylon is mentioned along with two reorganizations in Europe–one which turns power over to the beast. The armies of the beast are prophesied to destroy the strongest military in Daniel 11:39. So, for WWIII to happen in the next decade or less, that would point to the USA itself getting destroyed–and that is consistent with what Herbert W. Armstrong was warning would happen.

The late Herbert W. Armstrong also taught:

World War 3 brings with it THE GREAT TRIBULATION. That is now next in order. But Jesus, in foretelling this chain of world events, said the GREAT TRIBULATION would be preceded by the world-wide proclaiming of HIS Gospel. “The GOSPEL must first be published among all nations,” said Jesus (Mark 13:10), or, as recorded by Matthew (24:14): “This Gospel OF THE KINGDOM shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto ALL NATIONS; and THEN shall the END (of the world) come.” (Armstrong HW. Brethren and Co-Worker Letter, May 22, 1953)

Yes, Matthew 24:14 must first be fulfilled. And while we in the Continuing Church of God are working on that (and even have had our English-language booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, translated into over 300 languages). This is prophecy of Jesus is not yet fulfilled, but that is something that all true Philadelphian Christians realize that they need to support.

That said, the third world war will not  happen in 2023.

World events are not quite far enough for that to happen then.

But we are getting closer.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 at 4:00 pm and is filed under Prophecy.

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