Church of God News -

MS: A Boy Named Cason Having A Supernatural Encounter With Jesus?

July 17th, 2025

Jesus said:

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

And that is true.

But what about near death experiences related to seeing Jesus? Well, Michael Snyder believes some of them.

Notice something he posted:

July 14, 2025 …

A boy named Cason was recently taken to the hospital following a very serious skateboarding accident. When he regained consciousness, he did not seem to be aware of the people around him. Instead, he seemed to think that he was seeing heaven. The video … has already been seen more than a million times on Tik Tok, and this particular copy that was posted on YouTube has already been seen more than 70,000 times…

Some people that have commented on the video believe that Cason was having a legitimate supernatural experience, while others that have commented on the video are convinced that he did not have a supernatural experience at all.

And that is okay.

Sometimes we can see the exact same thing and disagree about what it means.

Cason’s eyes were open throughout this experience. But even though his eyes were open, he truly believed that he was seeing his father that had died about a year earlier.

But instead of looking like he normally did on Earth, his father looked so much better, and that is exactly what we would expect if Cason was actually looking into heaven.

During his experience, Cason also said that “heaven is so pretty”, and that is also consistent with what others that have seen heaven have experienced.

But to me, the thing that really sticks out about this video is Cason’s use of the phrase “fire eyes” to describe Jesus.

When I heard that, I immediately thought of a couple of passages in the Book of Revelation. …

Cason would have to be quite theologically savvy to make this up on the spot just as he was waking up from a very serious accident in the hospital. …

There are literally thousands upon thousands of people that have had supernatural encounters with the other side.

Are all of them fake?

If even a single one of them is true, the atheists lose the argument. https://endoftheamericandream.com/watch-the-viral-video-of-a-boy-named-cason-having-a-supernatural-encounter-with-jesus-while-in-the-hospital-that-has-been-seen-more-than-a-million-times/

If the encounter was not just made up or dreamed, it may have been demonically supernatural. But it was not from God.

Notice what the Book of Ecclesiastes records:

5 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, (Ecclesiastes 9:5)

Cason’s father is dead and is not in heaven (cf. Revelation 20:4-4). Cason did not see him.

Last year, Michael Snyder posted:

Life After Death Is Real! Here Are 5 Examples Of People That Met Jesus During Near Death Experiences

August 1, 2024

We aren’t supposed to talk about what happens after we die. In fact, our society trains us not to even think about it. But the clock is ticking. Your body is wearing out and your time is limited. Of course the truth is that your number could be up at any time. If you died tonight, where would you go? The good news is that “the other side” is not a mystery. Countless numbers of people have been to “the other side” and have come back to tell us about it. According to a study that was conducted in 2019, approximately 10 percent of the entire population has had a near death experience. In this article, I am going to share 5 examples of people that actually met Jesus during their near death experiences. …

#1 A 6-year-old girl named Zola Tomic was in the hospital to have her tonsils removed, but after the surgery she “began to bleed and hemorrhage for nearly ten days” due to a very rare genetic disorder. She lost a tremendous amount of blood and it was during this time that she met Jesus. After she recovered, she asked a question that absolutely floored her mother…

Zola asked her mom, “When can I go see God again?”

“It’s something even to this day that I still can’t even comprehend,” Brittani said. “I was getting her ready and, it wasn’t even like we were talking about anything God-related beforehand, we were just getting ready to go to gymnastics. And she just asked, ‘When can I see God again?’”

Her mom was confused and taken back by her question, so she asked Zola, “When did you see God?” Zola replied with the most stunning statement, “The night I died.”

During the time she was out of her body, Zola experienced many things. At one point, Jesus actually “thanked her for loving him and being his friend”…

#2 A Georgia man named Mike McKinsey says that his appendix ruptured just before his son’s wedding. He went to the hospital for surgery, and during that surgery he died and found himself standing directly in front of Jesus…

With dark skin and blueish-green eyes, Jesus did not look like the man often depicted in the U.S., McKinsey said. Still, McKinsey said he knew exactly who he was looking at.

#3 When author Randy Kay died, he also had an encounter with Jesus, and he says that he was absolutely overwhelmed by the love that he felt…

#4 Meeting Jesus is most certainly not just a western phenomenon. For example, the son of a Muslim sheik in Rwanda had a truly remarkable encounter with Jesus when he died…

Swidiq, the son of a Muslim sheik, grew up in Rwanda during the genocide. When he died and had an NDE, he found himself in a hellish place. Into this darkness came a man of light, bright like the sun.

“He lifted his hands slightly, with palms up, revealing holes in each hand…He spoke, clear and firm, ‘I died for mankind. And you are among those I died for. Do not deny it again. You must tell others,’” Swidiq said.

#5 All over the world, people are coming face to face with the Son of God. All her life, a 16-year-old Jewish girl named Heidi was told that there is no God and that Jesus is a hoax, but then she personally met Jesus during her near death experience… https://endoftheamericandream.com/life-after-death-is-real-here-are-5-examples-of-people-that-met-jesus-during-near-death-experiences/

When I read the additional details in the article, I saw no proof that Jesus actually appeared to them.

There are others who have also stated that when they had ‘near death experiences’ they went to Heaven, but then came back.

A couple of movies have been made related to that. Here is some information from the past:

Curiosity about the afterlife seems stronger than ever in books, television, and the movies. Hollywood has taken notice after films like “Heaven is for Real” brought in more than $100 million at the box office.

Now a similar film, “90 Minutes in Heaven,” … tells the story of how Don Piper was miraculously brought back to life after a car accident in 1989.

Piper’s experience first came to the public’s attention in 2004 via his New York Times best-selling book of the same name. To date, it’s sold over 7 million copies and has been translated in 46 different languages. …

The film shows how the head-on collision changed Piper’s life forever. His body mangled, emergency workers declared him dead shortly after getting to the accident scene.

As Dick Onerecker, a pastor, passed the wreckage, he felt led by God to stop and pray for Piper. As Onerecker called out to God inside the car, Piper suddenly started singing and came back to life.

A total of 90 minutes had elapsed. During that time, Piper says he visited Heaven.

“I saw colors I have never seen before,” Piper told CBN News’ Angela Zatopek. “The gate stands very large, much like the inside of a pearl, but the entrance is clearly for one.”

“I heard music with many different songs playing at once and it was beautiful,” he recalled. “The song that stood out the most was holy, holy, holy… because he is.”

The film will be released nationwide Sept 11. http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2015/September/90-Minutes-in-Heaven-Has-Power-to-Change-Lives/

Don Piper may believe he went to heaven, but biblically that makes no sense. While there is more to reality than just the physical world, the Bible does not teach that heaven is the reward of the saved, nor did early Christians teach ‘heaven’ the way that the Greco-Roman-Protestant churches currently teach it.

There was a book that came out many years ago about another one who claimed to have gone to heaven. Fortunately:

‘Boy Who Came Back From Heaven’ going back to publisher

Washington Post –

Tyndale House, a major Christian publisher, has announced that it will stop selling “The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven,” by Alex Malarkey and his father, Kevin Malarkey.

The best-selling book, first published in 2010, describes what Alex experienced while he lay in a coma after a car accident when he was 6 years old. The coma lasted two months, and his injuries left him paralyzed, but the subsequent spiritual memoir — with its assuring description of “Miracles, Angels, and Life beyond This World” — became part of a popular genre of “heavenly tourism,” which has been controversial among orthodox Christians.

Earlier this week, Alex recanted his testimony about the afterlife. In an open letter to Christian bookstores posted on the Pulpit and Pen Web site, Alex states flatly: “I did not die. I did not go to Heaven.”

Referring to the injuries that continue to make it difficult for him to express himself, Alex writes, “Please forgive the brevity, but because of my limitations I have to keep this short…. I said I went to heaven because I thought it would get me attention. When I made the claims that I did, I had never read the Bible. People have profited from lies, and continue to. They should read the Bible, which is enough. The Bible is the only source of truth. Anything written by man cannot be infallible.”

This evening, Todd Starowitz, public relations director of Tyndale House, told The Washington Post: “Tyndale has decided to take the book and related ancillary products out of print.”…

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2015/01/15/boy-who-came-back-from-heaven-going-back-to-publisher/

So Alex Malarkey’s ‘best selling’ ‘true story’ was admitted to be false. I would also add that a similar story to Malarkey’s, Heaven is for Real, which is about Colton Burpo allegedly going to heaven, is also false (see Heaven is for real, but the movie’ s premise is not), but Colton Burpo has not publicly admitted it (maybe Colton Burpo did have a dream or something, but he did not go to heaven).

Though Protestants and others have been misled by Malarkey, Piper, Burpo, and others, they should not have been as they should have paid closer attention to what the Bible shows.

Notice what Jesus taught:

12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. (John 3:12-13)

Notice what the Apostle Peter taught:

29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at My right hand,
35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” (Acts 2:29-35)

Humans do not go to heaven upon death. They await the resurrection.

Notice also what the Old Testament teaches:

5 For the living know that they will die;
But the dead know nothing, (Ecclesiastes 9:5)

14 If a man dies, shall he live again?
All the days of my hard service I will wait,
Till my change comes. (Job 14:14)

Early Christians absolutely did not believe that when they died they immediately went to heaven (see Did Early Christians Teach Going to Heaven?). Early Christians taught that they were in the grave awaiting the resurrection.

As far as ‘near death experiences’ go (and Cason may have had one of those), they were covered in a sermon titled Questions and Continuing Church of God Answers that is available to watch online.

As far as heaven goes, the Continuing Church of God put out the following sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:15:19

The Plain Truth About Heaven

Is heaven the reward of the saved? What does the Bible teach that saints will inherit? What was Abram (Abraham) promised? What did Jesus teach the meek would inherit on the ‘Sermon on the Mount’? What did early Christians teach and believe about this? What did the Greco-Roman Catholic saint Justin teach about those who said that when you die you go to heaven? Do ‘near death experiences’ prove heaven? Were people like Clement of Alexandria affected by Greek and Egyptian pagan philosophy? Should Christians rely on the testimony of Irenaues or Perpetua over scripture? Did Mithraism teach heaven? What did Herbert W. Armstrong, Dr. N.T. Wright, and Dr. Herman Hoeh point out that the Bible teaches on the rewards of the saved? What did the old ‘Plain Truth’ magazine teach? What about the Apostles Peter and Paul? Did the Apostle John record that the Holy City was to come down to the earth from heaven? If there are three heavens, which one is which? Is the ‘beatific vision’ God’s plan? What is the plain truth about heaven? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to our sermon: The Plain Truth About Heaven.

The Bible warns about signs and lying wonders “according to the working of Satan” (2 Thessalonians 2:9), and warns that only those who have the “love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10) will ultimately not fall for them.

Believe the truth from the Bible over stories, imaginations, and demonic encounters.

Some items of related interest may include the following:

What Happens After Death? Is death like sleep, or is that a cultic idea? Can you speak to the dead? Here is a link to a related sermon: What really happens after death?
Close Encounters of a ‘Spirit’ Kind discusses some experiences I believe were (demon) ‘spirit’ related. Two videos are also available titled: Poltergeists and Lying Wonders and CCOG, the gospel, baptizing, and demons.
The Second Death The New Testament speaks of something called the “second death.” Who will be subject to it? How does it end? Here is a link to a related sermon: First death, Second death.
Study the Bible Course Lesson 15: What is “Hell”? What are the different words translated as “hell” in English? Does Gehenna mean something different than Hades. What happens? What about worms dying not?
Did Early Christians Teach They Were Going to Heaven? What do the Bible and scholars teach? What about ‘near-death experiences’? Here are links to related sermons: The Plain Truth About Heaven, Heaven and Christianity and It’s not heaven.
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian.Two related sermons are also available: Living as a Christian and Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Here is a video in Spanish: ¿Qué es un verdadero cristiano?
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 …
Is God’s Existence Logical? Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. Here is a link to a related sermon: Evolution is NOT the Origin of Life. Two animated videos of related interest are also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator? and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?
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.
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.
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, Mystery of Race, and The Mystery of YOU. Here is a link to a video in Spanish: El Misterio del Plan de Dios.
Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived–the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come. Here is a link to a related sermon series: Universal Offer of Salvation 1: Apocatastasis, Universal Offer of Salvation 2: Jesus Desires All to be Saved, Mysteries of the Great White Throne Judgment (Universal Offer of Salvation part 3), Is God Fair, Will God Pardon the Ignorant?, Can God Save Your Relatives?, Babies, Limbo, Purgatory and God’s Plan, and ‘By the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets’.

Posted in Doctrine | Comments Off on MS: A Boy Named Cason Having A Supernatural Encounter With Jesus?

Israel bombed Damascus–a prelude to Isaiah 17?

July 17th, 2025

Damascus, the capital of Syria (Bernard Gagnon)

COGwriter

Israel has bombed Damascus, Syria:

Israel bombs Damascus as response to Syrian government treatment of Druze people

July 17, 2025

Israel launched massive airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, as a response to apparent attacks against the Druze minorities in Sweida. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/israel-bombs-damascus-as-response-to-syrian-government-treatment-of-druze-people/

DAMASCUS, July 17 (Reuters) – Western diplomats were passing near Syria’s defence ministry in Damascus in an armoured convoy when Israel struck the building with several missiles on Wednesday, according to two people familiar with the matter, including a Syrian eyewitness. …

Israel launched powerful airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, blowing up part of the defence ministry and hitting near the presidential palace, while also striking government security forces operating against militants from the country’s Druze minority in the southern province of Sweida. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/western-diplomats-were-within-metres-israeli-strikes-damascus-sources-say-2025-07-17/

July 17, 2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Israel will continue to use military means to enforce its two red lines in Syria.

“We have set a clear policy,” he says in a video statement, “demilitarizing the area south of Damascus, from the Golan Heights to the Druze mountains, is one [red] line. The second line [is] protecting the brothers of our brothers, the Druze in the Druze mountains.”

“We will not allow military forces to descend south of Damascus, we will not allow the Druze to be harmed in Jebel Druze,” says Netanyahu.

He says that the Ahmed al-Sharaa regime in Syria violated both those red lines: “It sent an army south of Damascus, into the area that should be demilitarized, and it began to massacre the Druze. We could not accept this in any way.” https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-no-syrian-forces-are-to-head-south-of-damascus-which-is-an-area-that-must-be-demilitarized/

Syria is angry about this. This may further motivate the new regime there to cooperate with Iran against Israel consistent with Isaiah 22:6-10.

Related to the attack and connections to the end times, last evening Michael Snyder posted the following:

Is This The Beginning Of The End For Damascus? And Is Iran Threatening To Make A Move That Will Ensure That It Gets Bombed Again?

July 16, 2025

When I heard that the IDF had just bombed the Ministry of Defense and the Presidential Palace in Damascus, I could hardly believe it. I thought that we would have at least a short period of relative stability in the Middle East, but perhaps I was wrong. In my opinion, Israel and the new government in Syria are now essentially in a state of war. …The airstrikes that hit the Ministry of Defense and the Presidential Palace in Damascus were extremely dramatic, and it is being reported that they sparked “panic in the streets”…

“The heavy blows have started” Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz has posted to X above a video (below) showing a Syrian news presenter abruptly taking shelter after a massive explosion in central Damascus.

The rare daytime aerial attack by Israel in the heart of Damascus created panic in the streets, and quickly after huge columns of smoke lingered over the downtown area. There are casualties, with state news agency SANA quoting the Health Ministry as saying that at least three were killed and nine people wounded in the Israeli attacks. …

There are reports that prominent mosques in Syria are already calling for jihad against Israel.

If all-out war erupts, the IDF will not hold back.

Could this be the beginning of the end for Damascus? …

Meanwhile, Newsweek is reporting that the Iranians are “threatening to raise uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels and exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty”…

Iran is threatening to raise uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels and exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if Western powers move forward with reimposing United Nations sanctions, according to Iranian state media. The warning follows mounting pressure from the United States and its European allies.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom agreed in a phone call Monday to set an August deadline for a nuclear agreement, Axios reported.

If no deal is reached by then, the three European powers plan to trigger the UN “snapback” mechanism, which would automatically reinstate global sanctions on Iran’s arms trade, banking sector, and nuclear program.

If the Iranians really do enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels, I guarantee you they will get bombed again.

In anticipation of that, the Iranians have been feverishly rebuilding their air defenses, and they still have lots of ballistic missiles that they can throw at Israel…

Israel has estimated that even after its strikes, Iran likely still possesses some 1,500 medium-range ballistic missiles and 50% of its launching capabilities, reported Bill Roggio, senior fellow and editor of Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ (FDD) “Long War Journal.”

Similarly, Iranian expert Behnam Ben Taleblu told Fox News Digital that “Post strikes, the program still exists and, despite being handicapped, poses a significant regional threat.”

It appears that the war in the Middle East is far from over. https://endoftheamericandream.com/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-damascus-and-is-iran-threatening-to-make-a-move-that-will-ensure-that-it-gets-bombed-again/

Yes, we may be at the verge of a major regional war, such as is prophesied in the 22nd chapter of the Book of Isaiah.

What may be happening now could be a prelude to Isaiah 17:1.

The Bible shows massive destruction is going to happen to Damascus.

Syria’s capital, Damascus, will one day be destroyed:

7 thus says the Lord God: “It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus (Isaiah 7:7-8).

3 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron. (Amos 1:3)

1 The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. 2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken; They will be for flocks Which lie down, and no one will make them afraid. 3 The fortress also will cease from Ephraim, The kingdom from Damascus, And the remnant of Syria; They will be as the glory of the children of Israel,” Says the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 17:1-3)

23 Against Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are shamed, For they have heard bad news. They are fainthearted; There is trouble on the sea; It cannot be quiet. 24 Damascus has grown feeble; She turns to flee, And fear has seized her. Anguish and sorrows have taken her like a woman in labor. 25 Why is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy? 26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, And all the men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord of hosts. 27 “I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, And it shall consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad.” (Jeremiah 49:23-27)

Damascus has been claimed to be the “oldest, continuously-inhabited city” in the world. And while some have questioned that claim, the reality is that Damascus has not been destroyed to the point of becoming the “ruinous heap” since God inspired Isaiah, thousands of years ago, to record that would one day happen. The destruction would be expected to come from some type of warfare.

I have long felt that there were two biblically-related possibilities.

One is when the King of the South and the King of the North turn against each other as prophesied in Daniel 11:40-43.

And the other is related to an attack by Iran and Syria against Jewish Israel and Jerusalem as prophesied in Isaiah 22:6-10.

Why the ambiguity?

Well, mainly because Isaiah 17:1 is not totally clear about the time period, though the verses past it may be pointing to timing related to Isaiah 22:6-10.

If that is the case, then we could see Damascus destroyed as soon as within several months from now. If its destruction is related to Daniel 11:40-43, that will not happen for at least four years from now.

Over a decade ago, we out out the following video on our BibleNewsProphecy channel:

11:54

Damascus and Syria in Prophecy

Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria?

That video goes through various scriptures and certain Islamic prophecies to explain what may and what will happen to Syria and its capital Damascus. Here is a link: Damascus and Syria in Prophecy.

We are getting closer to the time of Damascus’ destruction.

If Israel, Syria, and Iran begin to fulfill Isaiah 22:6-10, this could end up triggering the countdown to the start of the Great Tribulation!

We are getting closer to the time of Damascus’ destruction.

Peace deals normally do not come until after military conflict. There looks to be so much destruction in Isaiah 22 that a “peace deal” would come out of it–but the deal is only temporary:

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. In a sense, this numbered deal could be considered an end time countdown–which about seven years later would have the scriptures in Revelation about Armageddon being fulfilled as well as Jesus returning to establish the millennial kingdom of God.

One day, relatively soon, Iran might inflict major damage to Israel before or after Israel may turn Damascus into a ruinous heap.

These latest attacks from Israel may help embolden Iran (and Syria) to take strong military action.

Expect to see a major regional war in the Middle East.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar al-Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here are links to two related videos Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation. A short video is also available titled Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27? Here is a link to something related in the Spanish language: Estados Árabes emiratos unidos y el tratado de paz en el medio este.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? Two videos of related interest are: The Future King of the South is Rising and The Rise and Fall of the King of the South. Here is a version the Spanish language: ¿Esta Surgiendo el Rey Del Sur?
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
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 inover 1,000 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.

Posted in Prophecy | Comments Off on Israel bombed Damascus–a prelude to Isaiah 17?

The Church of Rome claims the Bible is its book, but overlooks Church of God knowledge and custody

July 17th, 2025

COGwriter

While looking over news items, I saw something related to the book shown above.

Here is some of what the book has written on the inside flap:

In The Bible Is a Catholic Book, Jimmy shows how the Bible cannot exist apart from the Church. In its origins and its formulation, in the truths it contains, in its careful preservation over the centuries and in the prayerful study and elucidation of its mysteries, Scripture is inseparable from Catholicism. This is fitting, since both come from God for our salvation.

If you’re a Catholic who sometimes gets intimidated by the Bible (especially scriptural challenges from Protestants), The Bible Is a Catholic Book will help you better understand and take pride in this gift that God gave the world through the Church. We are the original “Bible Christians”!

Many Roman Catholics claim that their church gave the world the Bible.

Well, we in the Continuing Church of God have a book titled Who Gave the World the Bible?

Here are some statements from the current draft of that book:

Catholic Bible 101 put forth the following question and answer:

Does the Bible come from the Church, or does the Church come from the Bible?

The answer is that the Church gave the world the Bible. The Bible does not exist apart from the church, nor does the Church exist apart from the Bible. The Church was established by Jesus Christ around 33 AD, and the New Testament was not finalized in its present form until 382 AD, about 350 years later. Pope St. Damasus I, at the Council of Rome, in 382, proposed the current canon of scripture with 73 books (46 OT + 27 NT). Subsequent councils at Hippo in 393 AD, and at Carthage in 397 AD, ratified this canon as being inspired and complete. Pope Innocent I sent a letter out in the year 405 AD that listed all 73 books as being the total and complete canon of the Christian Bible. The Catholic Bibles of today still have all of these 73 books. …

Jesus Himself created the Church, about 350 years before the Bible in its present form was canonized by the Church at the Councils of Rome, Hippo, and Carthage. (The Role of The Church According to the Bible. Catholic Bible 101 www.catholicbible101.com/theroleofthechurch.htm accessed 04/13/17).

So, the above claims that after Christians lived for over three centuries, the Bible was determined by Greco-Roman Catholic Church councils. (It, perhaps, should be pointed out that the Bishop of Rome did not take the title Pope until the time of Damasus’s successor Siricius and that 31 A.D. is a closer year as to when Jesus’ established the church than 33 A.D.).

Here is something, unedited, from the Roman Catholic EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network):

Question from Bill Pick on 01-04-2005:

This is a question that was asked of me by a member of the church of christ can you please [sic} help with a {sic} answer? If the Roman Catholic church gave the world the Bible, being infallible, then why did Rome reject or question the inspiration of James and Hebrews, then later accept it? Conversely, Rome accepted as scripture books that were later rejected. If the Catholic church really is illuminated by the Holy Spirit so that men can trust her as ‘God’s organization’, why was she so wrong about something so simple? Should not the ‘Holy See’ have known?

Answer by Fr. John Echert on 01-06-2005:

The recognition of the canon of Sacred Scripture was not accomplished in an instant and by an audible voice of declaration from Heaven, but over time and in light of what the Church universally recognized as the works of the Bible. Over time and under the authority of the Church the canon became solidified, and knowing the promise of Christ to Saint Peter and the Church to bind and loose, once the canon was formally declared, we had assurance thereafter that it comprised the whole of the inerrant Word of God.

Thanks, Bill

Father Echert

P.S. Never was the Church ‘wrong’ on such a matter, as She never infallibly declared a ‘wrong’ canon. It is one thing to discern over time prior to making an infallible declaration, it is another to declare that which is wrong, which the Church has never done. (Bible and the Church. Question from Bill Pick on 01-04-2005. EWTN Catholic Q&A. www.ewtn.com/v/experts/showmessage_print.asp?number=424051&language=en — accessed 04/14/17).

This author would not agree with Priest Echert’s position that his church was never wrong on the canon matter. The FACT is that the Church of Rome admits that it taught that some non-inspired books were scripture, plus, for a time, it taught at least seven inspired books were possibly not scripture: “the Epistle to the Hebrews, that of James, the Second of St. Peter, the Second and Third of John, Jude, and Apocalypse” (Reid G. Canon of the New Testament. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York). Thus, Priest Echert’s assertions suggesting otherwise are misleading.

Furthermore, the length of time for the Church of Rome to make an ‘infallible declaration’ on the canon was excessive by all reasonable theological standards.

The New Catholic Encyclopedia specifically states that the dogmatic canon list was not finalized for the Church of Rome until the Council of Trent in the 16^th century:

According to Catholic doctrine, the proximate criterion of the Biblical canon is the infallible decision of the Church. This decision was not given until rather late in the history of the Church (at the Council of Trent). Before that time there was some doubt about the canonicity of certain Biblical books, i.e., about their belonging to the canon. (The New Catholic Encyclopedia, McGraw Hill, Copyright 1967, Volume 3, ‘Canon, Biblical’, p. 29)

Although most Protestants do not accept the canon approved by the Council of Trent, their scholars essentially tend to agree that it took centuries to determine the canon (e.g. Bruce FF. The Canon of Scripture. InterVarsityPress, 1988).

Yet, consider something God promised:

⁵I will never leave you nor forsake you. ⁶ So we may boldly say:

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Would God have forsaken His church by not letting it know what His word was for centuries?

If so, God was not then acting as a “helper” that way.

The true canon was known much earlier than the Greco-Roman-Protestant-Secular scholars often tend to believe.

Even some non-Church of God scholars have realized the truly canonical books were always the word of God:

Although it is out of vogue in some critical circles today, Christians have traditionally believed that the canon is a collection of books that are given by God to his corporate church. And if the canonical books are what they are by virtue of the divine purpose for which they were given, and not by virtue of their use or acceptance by the community of faith, then, in principle, they can exist as such apart from that community. After all, aren’t God’s books still God’s books—and therefore still authoritative—prior to anyone using them or recognizing them? (Kruger MJ. Question of Canon, InterVarsity Press, 2013, p. 39)

One thing must be emphatically stated. The New Testament books did not become authoritative for the Church because they were formally included in a canonical list; on the contrary, the Church included them in her canon because she already regarded them as divinely inspired, recognizing their innate worth and generally apostolic authority, direct or indirect. (Bruce FF. The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2003, p. 27)

Yes, it is correct to conclude that councils of men did not change books to be inspired by God. Those that God inspired were always inspired, despite the fact that various Greco-Romans were confused about them. …

The Church of God Had the Full Canon from the Beginning

While some believe that because the Church of Rome, along with the Eastern Orthodox, held meetings to determine the canon for itself (and that to a major degree the Protestants followed many of the decisions), that they came up with the canon. Yet, the reality is that the Church of God had the books, and thus the canon, from the beginning (meaning once the Book of Revelation was finished). Early Christians would not have considered the canon to be fluid (Kruger, p. 31).

This is confirmed in many sources (some of which have already been cited).

Notice also the following related to the New Testament:

To whom then was the New Testament given for preservation and transmission?

Greeks Preserve New Testament

Romans 1:16 reveals the answer. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ . . . to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.’’

God raised up the Apostle Paul to go to the Greeks. They received the New Testament oracles — and became responsible for their preservation and transmission.

We saw the principle in Romans 1:16 that God was going to use the Greek-speaking world to preserve and copy the New Testament Canon. The leading Apostles and officials of His New Testament Church WROTE and under divine inspiration were led to COMPILE THE CANON. The Greeks had nothing to do with these two great functions. The apostolic era of the Church of God completed these two great acts.

But the Greeks were given the responsibility to copy and transmit the New Testament Canon.

The truth of Romans 1:16 dovetails with many interesting historical developments that took place in the first century A.D.

Where was the Apostle John when he wrote the book of Revelation? He was on the island of Patmos (Rev. 1 :9). Where was this island? In the Greek-speaking world!

Where were the churches to which the Apostle Paul wrote most of his epistles? In Asia Minor-the Greek-speaking world! (I Pet. 1:1). …

The point is that the original copies of the manuscripts were in the Greek-speaking world to begin with. They were NOT in Latin-speaking Italy! They were originally written in Greek. … around 150 A.D. Polycarp of Greek Asia Minor was still preserving the Truth! He was a disciple of the Apostle John. (Kroll, p. 18)

We in the Continuing Church of God assert that the Apostle John, believed to have died in Asia Minor and to have lived past the deaths of the other original twelve apostles, had the entire canon from the time Jesus had him pen the last book of the Bible.

Another reason it is logical to conclude that the Church in Asia Minor would have the entire New Testament is because most of the New Testament was written to or from church leaders in Asia Minor (none were written to or from Alexandria, Egypt).

There are a total of 27 books in the New Testament. At least 9 books of the New Testament were directly written to the church leaders in Asia Minor. The ones clearly written to those in Asia Minor include Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Timothy (Timothy was in Ephesus), Philemon, 1 Peter, 3 John, and Revelation. According to The Ryrie Study Bible John’s Gospel, 1 Corinthians, 1 & 2 John, and possibly Philippians, were written from Ephesus. In addition to these 14, there seem to be more as 1 & 2 John and 2 Peter, and possibly Jude may have also been mainly directed to one or more of the churches in Asia Minor.

The Book of James was written to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1). Some of them were in Asia Minor. Others according to the historian Josephus were “beyond Euphrates.” It is also likely that some others, were written at least partially from Asia Minor. Acts, for example, specifically has a portion written to Christians in Ephesus.

So probably 14 to 20 New Testament books were written to or from Asia Minor (plus it has been claimed that all four gospel accounts were as well, though this is less certain, though one or more other than John may have been).

There is only one book written to those in Rome (it never mentions any of the so-called Roman bishops), with 2 to Corinth, 2 to Thessalonica, and 1 to Crete (Titus), a total of 7 letters not sent from nor addressed to those in Asia Minor.

What this clearly shows, is that although there were Christians in various areas, the focus for the New Testament writers were the churches in Asia Minor. And interestingly, the last book of the Bible is specifically addressed to the churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 1:4,11). It was in Asia Minor that the NT canon was originally formed. …

Polycarp received the texts from the apostles, like John. Consider the following from Irenaeus:

But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna … always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time. (Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 3, Verse 4)

Polycarp was appointed by the apostles and taught what was received (“handed down”). He respected and highly quoted scripture.

Furthermore, it also should be mentioned that there is an ancient historical document known as the Harris Fragments (ca. 2^nd or 3^rd century) that also discusses Polycarp. The University of Notre Dame Press states that is “an important, if little known, text on Polycarp of Smyrna, Bishop and martyr, and his association with the apostle John.”

Basically, the Harris Fragments stress that Polycarp’s connection with the Apostle John, teach he was appointed bishop of Smyrna by John, and that he died a martyr’s death at age 104. Here are some translated quotes from the Harris Fragments ([ ] in source):

There remained [—]ter him a disciple[e —] name was Polycar[p and] he made him bishop over Smyrna … He was … old man, being one hundred and f[our] of age. He continued to walk [i]n the canons which he had learned from his youth from John the a[p]ostle. (Weidman, Frederick W. Polycarp and John: The Harris Fragments and Their Challenge to Literary Traditions. University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame (IL), 1999, pp. 43-44)

By mentioning the term “canons” the Harris Fragments could possibly be suggesting that John passed the knowledge of the proper books of the Bible to Polycarp — and that would seem to be the case. (It seems to be in the singular form in the actual Greek — Weidman, oddly displays what appears to be a combination of upper- and lower-case Greek characters ‘ΚαΝΝωΝ’ as the original source for the translation on p. 25.) But even if canon(s) meant only the measure of the right way to be a Christian that early, that strongly supports the view that the Apostle John would have passed on his knowledge of the books of the Bible to Polycarp. The canon was known by the Church of God in Asia Minor in the 2^nd century. All should realize that to be faithful to apostolic Christianity that they should imitate Polycarp and John as they did Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1).

There was a chain of custody of the New Testament scriptures from the apostles to Polycarp and others in the 2^nd century. …

Papias was a Church of God leader in Hieropolis in Asia Minor. He was born in the 1^st century, died in the 2^nd century, and knew the Apostle John as well as Polycarp of Smyrna. Here is what Papias wrote that John, called the ‘presbyter,’ told him:

This also the presbyter said: Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, whatsoever he remembered of the things said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, he followed Peter, who adapted his teaching to the needs of his hearers, but with no intention of giving a connected account of the Lord’s discourses, so that Mark committed no error while he thus wrote some things as he remembered them. For he was careful of one thing, not to omit any of the things which he had heard, and not to state any of them falsely. (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book 3, Chapter XXXIX; Digireads, pp. 68-69)

So, Papias said that it was John who told him that Mark wrote a gospel account, based upon information Mark got from Peter — and that the information Mark wrote was accurate. This further demonstrates that John and the faithful in Asia Minor knew the New Testament and believed it.

A later leader in Asia Minor, Polycrates of Ephesus, claimed that he had the complete Bible (circa 193 A.D.):

For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep … Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, … John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord … Polycarp in Smyrna, … Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis …

I … have gone through every Holy Scripture. (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book V, Chapter XXIV, Verses 2-7. Translated by A. Cushman McGiffert. Digireads.com Publishing, Stilwell (KS), 2005, p. 114)

And Polycrates would have agreed with the earlier list that Melito of Sardis put together as he also referred to Melito as being faithful. Polycrates could not have declared he went “through every Holy Scripture” if he did not know what the scriptures were. …

Some of the evidence from Papias, Polycarp, and Polycrates may have been part of why some scholars, such as the late James Moffatt, have understood that Asia Minor had the complete canon:

Was not the Apostolic Canon of scripture first formed … in Asia Minor? (Excerpt of James Moffatt’s review, p.292. In: Bauer W. Orthodoxy and Heresy in Earliest Christianity, 2nd ed. Sigler Press Edition, Mifflinown (PA), 1996)

The true Church of God was predominant in Asia Minor until the early third century and it had the original and true canon. The fact is that the Church of Rome states it did not have the canon until centuries later.

Anyway, there is more proof that the true Church of God had the canon and had originally preserved the books. But most Roman Catholics have not had that pointed out to them.

Here is a ‘Chain of Custody’ chart that is in our free online book: Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete?

Timeline of Custody

Church of God Date Greco-Roman-Protestants

God inspired various ones to write the gospels and other letters, and other parts of the New Testament. c. 40-92 God inspired various ones to write the gospels and other parts of the New Testament.

Paul writes Timothy to bring Mark and the parchments (2 Timothy 4:11-13). c. 66 Paul writes Timothy to bring Mark and the parchments (2 Timothy 4:11-13).

Peter has Paul’s writings (2 Peter 3:15-16). c. 66 Peter has at least some of Paul’s writings (2 Peter 3:15-16).

John gets writings from Peter. c. 66 John gets some writings from Peter.

Peter and Paul are killed. c. 67 Peter and Paul are killed.

In Patmos, John pens the last book of the Bible (Revelation 1:9-11). He is the last disciple to bind and seal the testimony (cf. Isaiah 8:16). c. 92 In Patmos, John pens the last book of the Bible (Revelation 1:9-11).

John moves back to Ephesus. c. 96 John moves back to Ephesus.

John passes the finalized canons on to Polycarp of Smyrna and others. c. 98 John passes knowledge to Polycarp of Smyrna.

Papias of Hierapolis shows he accepted Revelation as scripture. c. 120

Polycarp quotes or alludes to every one of the 27 books of the New Testament (including Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter, and James) and notes that those of Philipi are “well versed in the Sacred Scriptures.” c. 135 Polycarp refers to various NT books and notes that those of Philipi are “well versed in the Sacred Scriptures.”

c. 160 Shepherd of Hermas and Gospel of Peter are considered to be scripture.

c. 175 Muratorian Canon includes Apocalypse of Peter and Wisdom of Solomon, but excludes Book of Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and one of John’s epistles.

Melito of Sardis lists the books of the Old Testament, but does not include any of the Apocrypha. Melito’s use of the term ‘Old Testament’ presupposes that he also knew the New Testament. c. 175 Melito of Sardis lists the books of the Old Testament, but does not include any of the Apocrypha. Melito’s use of the term ‘Old Testament’ presupposes that he also knew the New Testament. Apocrypha used by some Greco-Romans.

Polycrates of Ephesus said he and others in Asia Minor had “gone through every Holy scripture.” c. 192

Serapion of Antioch condemns Gospel of Peter as pseudepigrapha (ψευδεπιγραφα) after seeing it for the first time. c. 209 Gospel of Peter still being used.

Serapion says the books were “handed down” to those in Antioch/Asia Minor, as opposed to those he encountered in Egypt. c. 209

c. 180-250 School in Alexandria, with Origen in the 3^rd century, classifies Hebrews, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, James, and Jude as “contested writings.”

c. 230 Origen sees major problems with the Septuagint texts, but it is still used.

c. 250 Cyprian of Carthage’s “first Latin Bible” fails to include Hebrews, 2 Peter, James, and Jude.

School in Antioch, with Lucian predecessors, then Lucian himself, improves Greek Septuagint by using Hebrew Masoretic documents and also edits the ‘Traditional Text’ of the Greek New Testament. c. 250-312

c. 320 Eusebius writes that Hebrews, James, Jude, 2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation are disputed.

367 Athanasius lists the 27 books of the New Testament.

c. 380 Canon 85 of the Apostolic Constitutions includes the “two Epistles of Clement” among its “sacred books.”

382 Damasan catalogue has a canon for the Roman Church with the Book of Hebrews.

Nazarene Christians use the Old and New Testaments without the Apocrypha. c. 382 -395 Jerome works on Latin Vulgate Bible, but does not want to include the Apocrypha. He notices that he is often using corrupted texts.

Nazarenes continued with the original canon. c. 382-404 Jerome consults with one or more Nazarene Christians on the canon.

393 Augustine said Hebrews was still disputed.

c. 405 Pope Innocent I left Hebrews out of his list of the New Testament canon he sent to Exsuperius.

c.405 Jerome completes his Bible, and, after succumbing to pressure, includes the Apocrypha.

419 Council of Carthage adopts catalogue of canon.

Nazarenes and Proto-Waldenses preserve the books. Their canon included the whole of the New Testament. 5^th-7^th centur-ies

Constantine of Mananali (Armenia) receives much of the New Testament in Greek from an Syrian/Antiochian and translates it. c. 650

Proto-Waldenses preserve and translate the books. 7^th-11^th centur-ies

Team led by Peter Waldo translates the entire New Testament and parts of the Old Testament. 12^th century

Waldenses preserve and translate the books. 12^th-15^th centuries

Waldensian books taken by supporters of Rome. 12^th-15^th centur-ies Edicts against the Waldeneses issued by Roman Catholics in 1184 (Synod of Verona), 1215 (Fourth Lateran Council), and 1487 (Bull by Innocent VII).

1522 Martin Luther included Apocrypha in his translation of the Bible.

16^th
centu-ry Huldrych Zwingli did not accept Revelation as scripture.

1546 Martin Luther still doubted the inclusion of Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation.

1546 Rome’s Council of Trent declares fixed canon is a dogma that cannot be changed.

1611 King James Version published with the Apocrypha as part of the appendix.

1672 Eastern Orthodox finalize their canon, at the Synod of Jerusalem, which includes the Apocrypha.

19^th centu-ry Protestants drop the Apocrypha from the appendix of the edited KJV.

Church of God leaders continued to cite the same canon of scripture from prior to the Protestant Reformation to present. They basically continue to point to the Masoretic Hebrew and a version of the Textus Receptus as the best available scriptural texts. 16^th– 21^st centur-ies

There are basically two views of the canon.

The last column reflects, to a significant degree, the major scholastic view today. It shows a lack of chain of custody of the books of the Bible as the Greco-Roman churches were confused. It is because of Greco-Roman confusion that most scholars do not believe that the true church had the canon from the beginning.

But that scholastic view is not only historically wrong, it essentially goes against scripture (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 16:17-18, Hebrews 13:5).

That being said, the first column hopefully provides enough scriptural and historical information to show the honest inquirer that, yes, there is evidence that the Church of God had the canon from the beginning. This is also consistent with scriptures such as Isaiah 8:16, Matthew 16:18, and Ephesians 2:19-22.

The true chain of custody for the Church of God has continued to hold the same books of the canon of scripture to this day.

Because the Greco-Roman churches often included certain books they dropped and did not include others which they added, that would not be considered an unbroken chain of custody.

Although Jesus taught that His church would be a “little flock” (Luke 12:32), most scholars ignore that and accept that the Greco-Romans (and later the Protestants) represent Christianity as a whole. So, they have tended to teach the Greco-Roman view as fact.

God gave the world the Bible, and while He has allowed the Greco-Roman-Protestants to publish versions of it, He had a plan all along which involved His church.

Hopefully, this post will assist in all having a better understanding of who gave the world the Bible.

As far as which church actually represents the “original Bible Christians” goes, the article Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? helps demonstrate (often from Roman Catholic approved sources) why it is not the Church of Rome.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Posted in Church History | Comments Off on The Church of Rome claims the Bible is its book, but overlooks Church of God knowledge and custody

Trump Administration pushes ‘stable’ crypto reserve, but crypto is not stable like gold

July 16th, 2025

(Grok AI generated image)

COGwriter

Under the direction of the Trump Administration, the government of the USA has been working on developing a crypto currency reserve. Notice the following about related legislation:

July 16, 2025

This “Crypto Week” may bring transformational changes to the digital- assets sector as three pieces of legislation move through Congress.

“If passed, the bills could open the floodgates for new crypto use cases, corporate adoption, and institutional investment,” Benchmark analyst Mark Palmer told Barron’s Tuesday. …

The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act is widely seen as likely to have the biggest effects. It lays out a framework to categorize digital assets as either commodities, to be overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or securities, under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission. …

The Genius Act, which passed the Senate in June, would regulate stablecoins. These coins are pegged to a fiat currency, typically the U.S. dollar, and can be used to execute transactions faster and more efficiently. The bill would require that the coins be backed by safe, liquid assets like cash or Treasury debt, and create a path for banks to issue their own stablecoins.

The third piece of legislation, the Anti Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Surveillance State Act, is meant to address concern that if cryptos become an integral part of the financial system, it could create a scenario where authorities are able to control or monitor the activities of citizens and institutions. Access to how people use digital currencies could potentially provide a lot of data about them. https://www.barrons.com/articles/genius-act-clarity-act-crypto-week-a4239c9c

Regarding the flimsy backing of this, James Hickman sent out an email with the following:

July 16, 2025

It’s “Crypto Week” on Capitol Hill with all sorts of crypto legislation on the docket— including the so-called GENIUS Act that aims to regulate stablecoins.

I’m not sure the GENIUS Act is in fact genius, but it might be a pretty clever given its potential benefit to the Treasury Department and government bond market.

On its surface, the bill aims to provide a formal regulatory framework for anyone who wants to issue stablecoins, i.e. digital assets that are typically pegged to the US dollar to maintain a “stable” value.

But beneath the surface, the GENIUS Act is a way to funnel more money into US government bonds. …

Uncle Sam is feverishly trying to drum up more lenders.

Enter the GENIUS Act— which requires stablecoins to be backed by “safe” assets, like… US government bonds!

The Treasury Department is probably hoping that some of the crypto wealth tied up in Bitcoin’s latest all time highs will flow into stablecoins… and thus into the US Treasurys backing them.

But if they think this is the silver bullet to fix America’s fiscal mess, they should think again.

Unlike traditional long-term bond buyers who help lock in funding for decades, stablecoin issuers (according to the GENIUS Act) will only be able to buy the shortest term US government debt, like 90-day T-bills.

This means that the Treasury Department will face constant pressure to refinance a major chunk of its debt every few months. … if the government wants to restrict, freeze, or confiscate your digital dollars, they won’t even need to break a sweat. It just takes a phone call and a compliance letter.

More importantly, even if the coin maintains its 1:1 dollar peg, it’s still tied to the dollar. And if the dollar loses value due to inflation—which it is and will almost certainly continue to do—then your stablecoin will depreciate right alongside it.

Bottom line— holding a stablecoin doesn’t matter if the underlying currency is unstable. You’re not really diversifying any sovereign or currency risk.

If you’re looking for real diversification—something that actually hedges against the US dollar and protects your purchasing power—stablecoins aren’t the answer.

Gold, productive assets, other crypto, foreign stocks and financial accounts… those are the tools for genuine financial diversification.

Here is something from by book, Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?:

Donald Trump has also vowed to create a “bitcoin and crypto presidential advisory council.” [i]

Donald Trump, also, essentially has called for the United States to have a ‘Bitcoin reserve’ by having the government holding on to all Bitcoin it amasses from criminals and others.[ii]

He has suggested it is a great investment.

Historically, the United States and many other nations have used gold as a reserve. Unlike Bitcoin, which is basically an electronic concept, gold is an element, which basically could not be destroyed short of nuclear level heat.

An unintended consequence of his Bitcoin focus is that since it can be destroyed and has no intrinsic physical value, more stable items like gold could be overlooked by the USA government.

[i]^{Sigalos M. Here’s what Trump promised the crypto industry ahead of the election. CNBC, November 6, 2024}

[ii]^Ibid

Gold is an element. It is, to a major degree, chemically stable. It does not rely on electricity nor software to exist or be accessed. The reality is that compared to gold cryptocurrencies are not stable. While gold is prophesied to have value (Daniel 11:40-43), after the USA is gone (cf. Daniel 11:39), the same cannot be said about Bitcoin or similar cryptocurrencies.

Related to that, the Continuing Church of God put together the following sermonette:

15:07

Bitcoin … as good as gold?

“Bringing you news and analysis of world events in light of Bible prophecy.” This is the mandate of the Continuing Church of God. The world events Dr. Thiel will focus on today will be the recent record rise in the value of Bitcoin to over $100,000.00 The are several questions that will be addressed. Among them are: Will Bitcoin replace gold? Is Bitcoin as valuable as gold? Will nations just accumulate Bitcoin, will they just accumulate gold, or will they accumulate both? Will governments embrace Bitcoin? What about the US dollar? Will it be replaced by Bitcoin? Is it possible that the US Dollar will still be the world’s reserve currency well into the Great Tribulation? How about Bitcoin? Is something similar to Bitcoin prophesied in the Bible? Dr. Thiel addresses these world news items in light of Bible prophecy. He uses scriptures that address the status of the US Dollar’s value during the Great Tribulation as well as the use of a Bitcoin, like crypto currency, by the Beast of Revelation 13. Is it possible that both gold and Bitcoin will be useless as a hope for salvation? Dr. Thiel gives the prophetic answer to that question at the end of this video.

Here is a link to our video: Bitcoin … as good as gold?

Do NOT place your confidence in crypto, the US dollar, silver, or gold, but “seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

That said, while Donald Trump wants a crypto reserve, and has publicly opposed the USA dollar to be digital (see Donald Trump bans CBDC and promotes Crypto, while ECB pitches digital euro as response to Trump’s crypto push), digital currencies have long been the plan of the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.

Notice something from 2018:

Did The IMF Reveal That Cryptocurrency Is The New World Order End-Game?

November 22, 2018

There are two kinds of globalist schemes:

First, there are the schemes they spring on the public out of nowhere haphazardly in the hopes that the speed of the event along with some shock and awe will confuse the masses and make them psychologically pliable. This strategy loses effectiveness quickly, though; the longer the plan takes to implement, the more time the people have to reconsider what is actually happening and why.

Second, there are schemes they slowly implant in the collective psyche of the citizenry over many years, much like subliminal messaging or hypnosis. This strategy is designed to make the public embrace certain destructive ideologies or ideas as if these ideas were their own.

The cryptocurrency scam is of the second variety.

I have been suspicious of the cryptocurrency narrative of a “decentralized and anonymous monetary revolution” since 2009, when I was first approached by people claiming to be “representatives” of bitcoin and asked to become a promoter of the technology. After posing a few very simple questions and receiving no satisfactory answers, I declined to join the bandwagon or act as a frontman.

The “currency” was backed by nothing tangible (and no, math is not a tangible resource). …

Some investors in crypto made a considerable profit on bitcoin and other digital assets for a time, but today many of them are losing their shirts as bitcoin and most coins tumble in value. …

It was odd that bitcoin was built around the SHA-256 hash function created by the National Security Agency, and that the entire concept was remarkably similar to what was described in an NSA paper published in 1996 titled ‘How To Make A Mint: The Cryptography Of Anonymous Electronic Cash.’

Then, there were globalist institutions like Goldman Sachs coming out publicly in praise of crypto and blockchain tech. And, finally, central banks began entertaining the notion of moving into crypto, but they made it sound like they were approaching the idea half-heartedly, like it was a potential hobby.

So what ties the entire crytpo-scheme together? The International Monetary Fund has now openly revealed their affinity with crypto technology, and thus revealed the new world order end game.

In a paper published last week by IMF head Christine Lagarde titled “Winds Of Change: The Case For New Digital Currency”, the IMF builds its argument for why central banks including the IMF should embrace crypto as the future of monetary policy. …

I suggest that the IMF already has a cryptocurrency mechanism ready to replace the dollar as world reserve, and that it will be infused into the SDR basket at the height of the coming crash. The fact that the IMF has been introducing central bank crypto talking points over the past year indicates to me that the crash is imminent. https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-11-22/did-imf-reveal-cryptocurrency-new-world-order-end-game

Anyway, yes, things like Bitcoin are backed by nothing. Yes, they have high scam potential. And yes, groups like the IMF are interested in various types of digital currencies they can monitor/control.

The late evangelical Protestant writer Hal Lindsey, probably best known for writing a book titled The Late Great Planet Earth decades ago, wrote:

Over the last few decades, some Bible scholars have postulated that the “mark of the beast” might be a computer chip inserted under a person’s skin. The chip would serve as an identifier and repository of vast amounts of information about the individual.

From critical medical information to credit and banking information, the chip would guarantee security and convenience. It would also make possible an amazing Bible prophecy concerning the Antichrist’s partner, the False Prophet.

Revelation 13:16-17 foretells, “He causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead, and he provides that no one should be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark.”

In July of 2017, a company in Wisconsin implanted tiny computer chips into the hands of about 50 employee volunteers. These chips only allow them to open doors and buy snacks from vending machines without money. In other words, they’re to make things more convenient for the busy employees. It sounds harmless enough, but it portends more ominous possibilities in the future.

Last year, the New York Times called certain toys “the cybersecurity nightmares of 2017.” The paper was referring to the fact that more and more toys contain cameras and microphones that connect to the internet – and constantly gather data.

Today, toys spy on us. Cell phones spy on us. Televisions, cars and even refrigerators spy on us.

In 2017, TSA began using facial scans at some airports. In October, the liberal Slate magazine reported on legislation pending before Congress. It said, “… an alarming section of the bill would give… a green light to begin using biometrics to identify people in airports nationwide… right now there’s only one technology fit for a biometric surveillance system: automated, real-time face scans.”

On another front, digital currencies – cryptocurrencies – came into their own in 2017. Bitcoin’s value rose to unbelievable levels. But from a prophetic point of view, I’m more interested in government-issued digital currency.

These cryptocurrencies foreshadow a future world currency that can be completely controlled by the Antichrist.

Another development that hints at a “mark of the beast” economic system is happening in China. They are actively building the largest DNA database in the world. For the “mark of the beast” to work, it will need to be made secure using DNA and other biometric identifiers. The Chinese government has also found a way to control the internet within its borders. In 2017, it achieved the ability to erase data and images mid-transmission! In the future, these techniques could go global. That would be a tremendous aid to the Antichrist by allowing his government to absolutely control all communications between people.

The year 2017 also saw a marked rise in another hallmark of the last days. 2 Timothy 3 says, “In the last days … men will be … brutal.” 01/21/18 http://www.wnd.com/2018/01/prophetic-update-is-the-great-deception-here/#0Ojv1QlMWfrOZddO.99

Are cryptocurrencies consistent with the Beast of Revelation?

Yes.

Notice some scriptures:

1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. (Revelation 13:1-2, ESV)

16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave,^e to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. (Revelation 13:16-18, ESV)

A cashless society is one where buying and selling can be controlled. This is not something that was possible when Jesus had the Apostle John pen the above. But it is possible now with technology–but that does not necessarily mean a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, but simply digital money. More and more in the world, in general, and Europe in particular, are moving that way.

Also, as Hal Lindsey pointed out, much surveillance is already in place–and more is to come!

Over a decade ago, Jim Rickards wrote:

Interest in Bitcoin is red hot at the moment. It’s impossible to open a website, listen to a podcast, or watch a video in the financial space without hearing about the meteoric rise in the price of Bitcoin. …

Yet the crypto-hysteria is distracting you from a scary truth no one is talking about. There is every indication that governments, regulators, tax authorities, and the global elite are moving in for the crypto-kill. The future of Bitcoin may be a dystopia in which Big Brother controls what’s called “the blockchain” and decides when and how you can buy or sell anything and everything.

Furthermore, cryptocurrency technology could be the very mechanism used by global elites to replace the dollar based financial system. …

Governments have been patiently watching blockchain technology develop and grow outside their control for the past eight years.

Libertarian supporters of blockchain celebrate this lack of government control. Yet, their celebration is premature, and their belief in the sustainability of powerful systems outside government control is naïve.

Governments don’t like competition especially when it comes to money. Governments know they cannot stop blockchain, in fact they don’t want to. What they want is to control it using powers of regulation, taxation, and investigation and ultimately more coercive powers including arrest and imprisonment of individuals who refuse to obey government mandates with regard to blockchain.

Blockchain does not exist in the ether (despite the name of one cryptocurrency) and it does not reside on Mars. Blockchain depends on critical infrastructure including servers, telecommunications networks, the banking system, and the power grid, all of which are subject to government control. 09/05/17 https://dailyreckoning.com/global-elites-secret-cryptocurrencies/

Jim Rickards’ comment about “Big Brother” controlling buying and selling is consistent with biblical prophecies. Before going further, let me mention that I tried to explain the points that are in his last paragraph above to someone many years ago as I asserted that governments can control cryptocurrencies. Notice that I also asserted that on this page long ago:

There is no way governments will intentionally allow a system that gets around all of their financial espionage. China is starting to publicly state that, and the government of USA has also began to try to figure out how to handle Bitcoin (Congress has held one or more hearings). (Thiel B. Bitcoin, China, NSA, & the Beast. COGwriter, December 5, 2013)

Yet, governments do want control–and will get more of it according to prophecy. Hal Lindsey and I agreed on that.

And yes, the IMF, which has a lot of European influence, is interested in financial monitoring and control.

Notice something related to the European Central Bank:

ECB pitches digital euro as response to Trump’s crypto push

FRANKFURT, Jan 24 (Reuters) – Euro zone banks need a digital euro to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to promote stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency typically pegged to the U.S. dollar, European Central Bank board member Piero Cipollone said on Friday. …

Cipollone said this would help lure even more customers away from banks and strengthen the case for the ECB to launch its own digital currency in response. https://www.reuters.com/technology/ecb-pitches-digital-euro-response-trumps-crypto-push-2025-01-24/

While Europe was moving in that direction already, Donald Trump has further motivated Europe to make that action.

The technology for the Beast of Revelation to control buying and selling is being put in place and is getting more acceptance.

The time is also coming when the USA dollar will be worthless. Bitcoin will also be worthless at some point. And yes, the Bible tells that for a time gold will be worthless, but that does not happen to gold until years after the demise of the US dollar. But placing too much confidence in gold, currencies, or alternatives like cryptocurrencies will not truly save anyone (cf. 1 Peter 1:7). Yet, true repentance and turning to the Jesus of the Bible can.

Although the USA is not likely to repent to prevent this nationally, nor can cryptocurrencies prevent it, personally you can repent as well as physically take steps before the dollar-based economic system collapses.

The world order is shifting away from USA dominance. Some type of digital currency will replace the USA dollar in the future.

If it is a cryptocurrency in Europe, I expect it will have some type of declared tangible backing, like gold.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What About Silver? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold and silver? Two videos of related interest may be: Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar and Silver, Science, and Scripture.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White. Here is a link to a prophetic video Six Financial Steps Leading to 666?
The Mark of Antichrist What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?
Mark of the Beast What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill? Is a Donald Trump presidency proving to be apocalyptic? Three related videos are available: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic? and Donald Trump’s Prophetic Presidency and Donald Trump and Unintended Consequences.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Is Donald Trump going to save the USA or are there going to be many disastrous unintended consequences of his statements and policies? What will happen. The link takes you to a book available at Amazon.com.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Kindle edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?

Posted in Prophecy | Comments Off on Trump Administration pushes ‘stable’ crypto reserve, but crypto is not stable like gold

Woe! Pacific military balance shifting towards China, Russia, and North Korea–kings of the east?

July 16th, 2025

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping (Kremlin.ru)

COGwriter

CNN reported the following:

China, North Korea and Russia represent biggest security challenge since World War II, Japan says

July 16, 2025

Seoul, South Korea CNN —

Japan is facing its most severe security environment since World War II as three potential adversaries in East Asia – China, Russia and North Korea – ramp up military activities in the region, the country’s defense minister said Tuesday.

“The existing order of world peace is being seriously challenged, and Japan finds itself in the most severe and complex security environment of the post-war era,” Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said in an introduction to the ministry’s annual defense white paper.

China’s military activities present “an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge” to Japan, the report said.

Beijing is “rapidly enhancing its military capability in a qualitative and quantitative manner” while “intensifying” activities around the region, Nakatani said, specifically mentioning the Senkaku Islands, a chain in the East China Sea that Tokyo controls but which is also claimed by Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyus. …

“The global balance of power is shifting dramatically and competition among states continues. In particular, the inter-state competition between the United States and China is likely to intensify even further in future,” the white paper says.

The paper says escalating Chinese military activity around the democratically controlled island of Taiwan poses a threat.

“China seeks to create a fait accompli where the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is operating, and improve its actual combat capabilities,” it says. …

Moscow has added troops, missiles and warplanes to islands north of Japan, which the Soviet Union took toward the end of World War II, but which Japan says are sovereign Japanese territory illegally occupied now by Russia.

North Korea, meanwhile, is further developing nuclear weapons and the ballistic missiles to deliver them, the report says.

Pyongyang’s ballistic missiles, believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads, can cover the entirety of the Japanese archipelago, it says. https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/16/asia/japan-defense-white-paper-china-russia-north-korea-intl-hnk-ml

Pacific Military Balance Tilting in China’s Favor, Says New Defense of Japan Report

Officials in Tokyo released their Defense of Japan 2025 white paper this week with findings the international community is facing its greatest risk of conflict since World War II. The paper pointed to Russia, China and North Korea as primary regional security threats. The report also found U.S. U.S.-China strategic competition has been escalating and that the military balance between China and Taiwan has been rapidly tilting in China’s favor. …

Russia and China’s joint military cooperation, which includes joint bomber flights and naval navigations with Russia in the vicinity of Japan, is a growing concern, according to the report.

“These repeated joint activities are clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan and are a grave concern from the perspective of the national security of Japan,” reads the report. …

“Russia’s military activities in the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, coupled with its strategic partnership with China, are posing a strong security concern,” reads the report.

North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments were highlighted as a grave threat to Japan and “seriously undermine the peace and security of the region and the international community,” reads the report. North Korea is focusing on qualitatively improving its nuclear and missile capabilities, such as diversifying its systems and acquiring intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to aid its nuclear missile program. https://news.usni.org/2025/07/15/pacific-military-balance-tilting-in-chinas-favor-says-new-defense-of-japan-report

Yes, Japan is seeing reduced USA hegemony in the Pacific region. Japan, and others, are seeing some aspects of USA military decline.

Russia and China have been cooperating militarily for some time. And both have considered North Korea as an ally.

The Bible does not ignore Asia.

It refers to peoples, nations, and parts of Asia with different terms and names.

The Bible points to military cooperation between Russia, China, and others in Asia–and ultimately including Japan!

The Bible shows that Russia will lead a future massive Eurasian alliance militarily. An alliance pointing to the gathering in Armageddon.

China, itself, is also taking steps that are also aligning with Armageddon–and not just military ones.

Consider the Chinese Belt & Road Initiative (BRI, also known as the ‘Silk Road Project’). It has long been intended to give China more trade and influence throughout Asia (including Russia), as well as with Europe and Africa. The initiative was unveiled by Xi Jinping in September and October 2013 during visits to Kazakhstan and Indonesia.

It has long been my view that this BRI project will result in putting infrastructure in place that some will use related to the prophesied gathering at Armageddon.

Notice that the Bible tells of a time when the ‘kings of the sunrise/east’ will travel on land and will end up in Armageddon:

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

15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16)

The ‘kings of the east’ are to come across the Euphrates river, which will at least partially dry up according to prophecy. The modern “Silk Road” is expected to head near the river Euphrates. And while I have not seen anything that shows that the Belt and Road Initiative is specifically planned to go all the way to Tel Megiddo (Armageddon), there are a couple of highways in the area of Armageddon already that I have personally seen. So, it would seem that the proposed Silk Road project will help build a major road from the far east through central Asia and into the Middle East that can be used to at least get close to Armageddon, and then there are other roads that connect to it.

Russia, North Korea, Japan, and China are clearly among the “kings of the east.” You really cannot get “east” of Russia and its ‘east-ness’ extends all the way into ‘the west.’

The “kings of the east” will have to somehow cooperate militarily for this to happen. And we are seeing two of the biggest “kings of the east”–Russia with the most land and China with the most people–increase their cooperation.

Changes in the world order are taking place. The Japanese are seeing this.

Now, let’s look at the Literal Standard Version translation of Revelation 16:12:

12 And the sixth messenger poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates, and its water was dried up, that the way of the kings who are from the rising of the sun may be made ready;

Some other translations render part of this as “kings that come from the sunrise.” (HNEB, WEB) or “kings from the east” (NKJV). Jesus, Himself, looks to have referred to Asians as people “from the east” (Luke 13:29).

The Greek word normally translated as “east” in the New Testament (Strong’s word 395) transliterated into English anatole (an-at-ol-ay’) actually means “a rising of light … by implication, the east.” That would seem, then, to include going as far east as the Pacific Ocean, hence basically covering all of Asia. Japan, itself, is known as the land of the rising sun.

In addition to the Book of Revelation, the Books of Daniel and Jeremiah have prophecies that are discussing Asia and the coming European Beast power.

Notice from the Book of Daniel notice what happens to the European Beast power, referred to as the King of the North below:

40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. … 44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him (Daniel 11:40,44-45).

Notice that the end time King of the North (the European Empire) will overwhelm the King of the South (a Moslem empire), but that those from the east and the north shall later trouble the King of the North. This appears to be referring to China and Russia, and other Asian nations. Russia is the only major power that could be considered north of Europe. And, of course, nearly all of Asia is east of Europe.

And notice that Daniel shows they will help cause the King of the North to come to his end.

Now, contrary to the claims of Protestants such as the late Hal Lindsey, Russia is NOT the King of the North. There is NO major power that is north or east of Russia, so geography (as well as other prophetic specifics) rule it out as the King of the North.

There are also prophecies in Jeremiah such as the following which show Europe being defeated by a power led by Russia:

50:41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands grow feeble;
Anguish has taken hold of him,
Pangs as of a woman in childbirth…”(Jeremiah 50:41-43).

Russia is the leading power of the north. And we see that the coming European empire is the “daughter of Babylon” and is to be destroyed by a northern (Russian led) force that cooperates with nations in the East.

A northern confederation (that appears to be led by Russia and probably includes the far north and far east/Pacific coast portion of Asia) will destroy the European Babylon.

The following other passages in Jeremiah seem also to apply:

8 “Move from the midst of Babylon,
Go out of the land of the Chaldeans;
And be like the rams before the flocks.

9 For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon
An assembly of great nations from the north country,
And they shall array themselves against her;
From there she shall be captured.
Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior;
None shall return in vain. (Jeremiah 50:8-9)

Notice also that the Bible shows Babylon tied together with birth pains/pangs to a group from a far country:

1 The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.

2 “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, Raise your voice to them; Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. 3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger–Those who rejoice in My exaltation.” 4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, Like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts musters The army for battle. 5 They come from a far country, From the end of heaven–The LORD and His weapons of indignation, To destroy the whole land. 6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames (Isaiah 13:1-8).

Thus, both the accounts in Jeremiah and Isaiah seem related to the same invaders. This is referring to an end time confederation that has a distance to travel–apparently a type of union of powers from the east including Russia, who is also the major power of the far north.

Furthermore, a “far country” also seems to be tied to the powers of the east elsewhere in Isaiah:

11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. (Isaiah 46:11)

Now notice some excerpts of a few sections in our free online book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

Back in 2009, I came across some interesting Chinese prophecies from the Tang Dynasty (7-10^th century). Notice one Chinese prophecy might hint that it involves dividing Australia and New Zealand with Europe. It states:

Population mouth takes territories south of the Yangtze river. The capital is moved again. The two divide up the territories, of which each maintains and defends.[i]

This could be related to a deal that perhaps the Chinese will make in the future with Europe (there are some ancient Chinese prophecies that discuss arrangements with some from the West), as opposed to military conquest.

The Chinese, in reaction to a deal made by then Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Barack Obama, indicated that this and the expanded military cooperation between Australia and the U.S.A. is putting Australia at risk of attack by China.[ii]

China is now heavily invested in Australia and may argue that it has rights to the land. Furthermore, in recent years, the Chinese have been buying a lot of real estate in Australia, beyond purchases of mineral assets. China and Japan also have interests in New Zealand.

China may be granted lands like Australia in partial repayment for the debts that the U.S.A. owes it, as well as in full or partial payment for any debts Europe itself may incur with China (it is likely that China will loan money and/or increase investments in Europe).

It is also possible that a country like Japan may get some Anglo-Saxon-Celtic dominated land (New Zealand comes to mind) in partial repayment for the debts that the U.S.A. owes it (and also possibly Europe) since the King of the North will divide land for gain.

Perhaps it should also be mentioned that the dividing of the conquered lands also seems to be foretold in the Bible in Lamentations 4:16 and Joel 3:2.

The following Bible prophecies from Ezekiel and Isaiah seem to suggest that the Asians will also end up with peoples, which would probably include Anglo-Saxon-Celtic descended ones–like Australia and New Zealand:

¹³ Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They bartered human lives and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. (Ezekiel 27:13)

⁹ That You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,’ … ¹² Surely these shall come from afar; Look! Those from the north and the west, And these from the land of Sinim. (Isaiah 49:9,12)

Tubal and Meshech are related to Russia (Meshech with Moscow and Tubal possibly with Siberia). Javan was the son of Japheth, from whom the Mongoloid/Asian race developed. Some believe that Sinim means China, and/or others in Asia.[iii] However, Yair Davidiy has written that Sinim is an ancient Phoenician and Hebrew word for Australia referring to an unknown “land of the south” as the sage Rashi interpreted the word (which in this context could also include New Zealand).[iv]

Having prisoners from the north and west, is consistent with them coming from the USA, Canada, and United Kingdom, whereas the Sinim reference looks to be referring to those of Australia and New Zealand.

The dividing of the Anglo-American lands for gain will prosper the European Babylonian power, which in turn, will increase prosperity to the Asians, Africans, Latin Americans, and others consistent with the following prophecy:

² … Babylon the great … ³ … all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury. (Revelation 18:3)

Yes, much of the world will prosper through trade for a time after the U.S.A. and its British-descended allies are conquered.

[i] Pui-Hua R. Ancient Chinese Prophecies Till the End of the World. AuthorHouse, Bloomington (IN), 2008, p. 164

[ii] Obama addresses troops at final stop in Australia. New York Times, November 17, 2011; Wen P. Chinese Official: it’s us or America. National Times, May 16, 2012

[iii] Ellicott CJ. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers. CASSELL AND COMPANY, LIMITED, 1905

[iv] Davidiy Y. Ephraim. The Gentile Children of Israel. Lulu.com, 2015, p. 103

An ancient Chinese prophecy states:

Beautiful people come from the West. Korea, China and Japan are gradually at peace.[i]

This prophecy seems to indicate that many Asians will accept a type of peace that will be related to a Western (European) power. The “Beautiful people … from the West” align with the Beast and Antichrist/False Prophet that the Bible condemns.

In the 19^th century, someone claimed, “if you tell a lie often enough, the people will ultimately believe it.”[ii] Many will believe that it is a time of peace around then, but some will correctly doubt it.

Furthermore, notice another ancient Chinese prophecy:

All negative forces are subservient … China now has a saint. Even if he is not that great a hero.[iii]

The conquering of the U.S.A., U.K., and Australia in WWIII will make them subservient. As far as China having a saint that is not that great of a hero, this looks to be talking about the Beast.

[i] Pui-Hua, p. 85

[ii] Cumming J. Sabbath evening readings on the New Testament. 1861. Original from Oxford University Digitized Aug 15, 2006, p. 234

[iii] Pui-Hua, p. 89

In the last verse of Revelation 8 (verse 13) the word woe is repeated three times and is later connected to three angels and three trumpet blasts which correspond to the blowing of the 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th trumpets.

The first woe (5^th trumpet) is described in Revelation 9:1-11. It involves a demonically-led force which causes torment (perhaps involving a plague of germ or chemical warfare) for those not having the seal of God (Revelation 9:4)—thus those of the 144,000 who were sealed in Revelation 7:4 are not tormented by this.

This woe looks to involve at least some of the European King of the North’s military and is consistent with something from Daniel:

⁴⁴But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. (Daniel 11:44)

Looking at this verse, what could be north and east of the European Beast power?

Russia, for one, which is both in Europe and Asia. Daniel suggests that it, and some of its allies, will face some of the fury of the King of the North as part of the first woe.

Despite some erroneous claims, Russia, itself, is NOT the prophesied “King of the North,” but it is prophetically pointed to as the power of “the far north” (cf. Ezekiel 38:6, 39:1-2).

Going on from the first woe comes the second woe:

¹² One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.

¹³ Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, ¹⁴ saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” ¹⁵ So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. ¹⁶ Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. ¹⁷ And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. ¹⁸ By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed — by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. ¹⁹ For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.

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, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. ²¹ And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:12-21)

Such a massively large army was not possible to be put together when Jesus had John pen the Book of Revelation in the 1^st century. In the 21^st century, however, it is possible, and that army would be expected to include Chinese, Indian, Russian, and other Asian peoples.

The European Beast empire will not last, but will fear what is coming.

Notice also the following from the Hebrew scriptures:

² … A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations.

³ A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them. ⁴ Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run. ⁵ With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array.

⁶ Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. (Joel 2:2-6)

During the second woe, the 200,000,000 man army looks to tie in with Joel 2:2 which discusses some of that army’s expected actions.

Before going further, understand that current projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Europe’s Global Gateway are looking to connect Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in ways that look to be building infrastructure that a 200 million man army would use in order to get to Europe and the Middle East.

Peoples prophetically called Medes are also shown to destroy the final Babylon according to both Isaiah and Jeremiah:

¹ The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw…

¹⁷ “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them,
Who will not regard silver; And as for gold, they will not delight in it. ¹⁸Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces, And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb; Their eye will not spare children. ¹⁹ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:1, 17-19)

¹¹ Make the arrows bright! Gather the shields! The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes. For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it,
Because it is the vengeance of the Lord, The vengeance for His temple. (Jeremiah 51:11)

The fact that there are multiple kings of the Medes indicates that powers involved in this end time confederation represent multiple governments. This would seem to include Russia, Belarus, and likely Crimea, Donbas, and some others in Ukraine, some in Moldova, perhaps some from the nation of Georgia, and some in Iran, etc.

Anciently, “Darius the Mede” (Daniel 5:31) conquered old Babylon—modern “Medes” will help do the same to the end-time daughter of Babylon.

The following passages seem also to apply:

⁸ “Move from the midst of Babylon, Go out of the land of the Chaldeans; And be like the rams before the flocks. ⁹ For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon An assembly of great nations from the north country, And they shall array themselves against her; From there she shall be captured. Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior; None shall return in vain. (Jeremiah 50:8-9)

Those who believe the Bible should leave the midst of end-time Babylon by then. Certainly, the above “north country” includes Russia, but other passages clearly point to others from Asia being involved (Jeremiah 51:27-29).

Notice some of what will happen to the coming European Babylonian Beast power led by a power from the farthest parts of the earth (Russia is the nation that is the farthest east and close to being the farthest north nation):

22 Thus says the Lord: “Behold, a people comes from the north country, And a great nation will be raised from the farthest parts of the earth.

23 They will lay hold on bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea; And they ride on horses, As men of war set in array against you, O daughter of Zion.”

24 We have heard the report of it; Our hands grow feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, Pain as of a woman in labor. 25 Do not go out into the field, Nor walk by the way. Because of the sword of the enemy, Fear is on every side. 26 O daughter of my people, Dress in sackcloth And roll about in ashes! Make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; For the plunderer will suddenly come upon us. (Jeremiah 6:22-26)

41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north, And a great nation and many kings Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth. 42 They shall hold the bow and the lance; They are cruel and shall not show mercy. Their voice shall roar like the sea; They shall ride on horses, Set in array, like a man for the battle, Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them, And his hands grow feeble; Anguish has taken hold of him, Pangs as of a woman in childbirth. (Jeremiah 50:41-43)

The “great nation” from the “farthest parts of the earth” includes Russia. There are also nations that will be confederate with it. Those would also include China and other nations in Asia, and particularly in the Far East. The “Daughter of Babylon” Jeremiah referred to is not ancient Babylon, but the end-time European power. The “kings … from the ends of the earth” seem to include South Africa and India, which are BRICS nations which have also conducted military drills with Russia and China.[i] Some nations in South America may also be involved as they seem to be part of the “ends of the earth.” Consider that Brazil and Russia already have a variety of military agreements.[ii] When the “daughter of Babylon” is in the process of falling, many will abandon supporting it. Jeremiah 50 is part of the second woe.[iii]

The second woe, according to scripture, ends 3 ½ days after the two witnesses are killed per Revelation 11:7-14. That is quickly followed by the third woe and the blowing of the 7^th trumpet (Revelation 11:14-15).

Jesus returns with this trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16) which is also the last trumpet when Christians rise up (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). While that is comforting for Christians (1 Thessalonians 4:18), this angers the nations (Revelation 11:15-18).

So, the nations that gathered in Armageddon to fight the forces of the Beast, despite issues between them, will unite to fight Jesus, Himself! This is also described in Zechariah 14 and Joel 3.

The third woe releases the seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1), with victorious Christians then pictured on the sea of glass (Revelation 15:2).

During the third woe, when God sends corrective punishments, because the non-Christians refused to repent:

⁹ And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. (Revelation 16:9)

Notice something else that happens during this third woe:

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

¹⁵ “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

¹⁶ And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16)

Forces from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean would be expected to gather related to ‘Armageddon’ as “the whole world” (Revelation 16:13-16) will be involved.

[i] Maromo J. SA-China-Russia military exercise … IOL, January 22, 2023; Pasricha A. India and China to Take Part in Joint Military Drills with Russia. Voice of America News, August 31, 2022

[ii] Shoigu lauds Brazil as ‘important strategic partner’ for Russia in Latin America. Tass, February 16, 2022

[iii] Lesson 36 – Feast of Trumpets – Why Christ Must Come Again! 58 Lesson Ambassador College Correspondence Course, 1969 revision

Russia and China are part of the BRICS+ alliance. And while North Korea is not a member, it has participated in some BRICS-affiliated events.

Regarding the woes, we put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

15:09

BRICS and the Woes of Revelation

The BRICS nations consist of Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa. In February of 2023, Russia, China, and South Africa held joint naval drills. In the Fall of 2022, India, Russia, and China held joint military exercises. Brazil also has a military cooperation agreement with Russia. The Book of Revelation uses the term woe three times in chapter 8 verse 13–those woes are then discussed in later chapters. Could the BRICS nations, along with the coming Babylonian European Beast power be involved in all three of the woes? Do the BRICS nations want to push aside the USA dollar? Is one of the woes tied to the rise of a 200,000,000 man army? Is there any connection to the second woe and the two witnesses? Do the woes correspond with the last of the seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation? Is one of the woes tied to Armageddon? Does Jesus return with the seventh trumpet? Will nations not be pleased when Jesus returns? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie go over these matters.

Here is a link to our video: BRICS and the Woes of Revelation.

Despite current distrust, based upon biblical prophecies, I believe that ultimately most of the nations in Asia will unite with Russia and China.

Some items of possibly related interest would include the following:

Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Four related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code), and Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? Japeth, Javan, Magog? Is there evidence that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel? What do Chinese writings and characters help show? What about the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Flood, and the Tower of Babel? Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia? A related sermon is also available: China’s biblical past and prophetic actions.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? What about the Apostle Thomas? Did Confucius say anything to get the Chinese to possibly consider Christianity? Is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath? What about the Ten Commandments? What type of Church of God witness has there been to China? What has been happening with China that ties it together with prophecies in Revelation? What about the 200 million man army and Armageddon? What about the Belt and Road Initiative and end time Babylon the Great? A related sermon is also available: China’s biblical past and prophetic actions. Watch also China’s Silk Road and Babylon the Great.
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? Here is a link to a related sermon: Asia in Prophecy. Two YouTube video are Is China THE Threat to the United States of America? and China: A King of the East.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon; When Will the End of the Age Come?; Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Posted in Prophecy | Comments Off on Woe! Pacific military balance shifting towards China, Russia, and North Korea–kings of the east?

No, Jesus did not look like most envision Him

July 16th, 2025

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Church History | Comments Off on No, Jesus did not look like most envision Him

After Trump’s latest moves, is Russia about to nuke the USA to start WWIII? Are Germans looking to get nuclear bombs?

July 15th, 2025

COGwriter

CNN reported the following:

Russia sees Trump’s 50-day window as a green light to keep up brutal offensive in Ukraine

July 15, 2025

President Trump has effectively handed Vladimir Putin an extraordinary green light: 50 days to finish off his brutal summer offensive in Ukraine before facing any consequences.

Only if there is no deal to end the war by the end of that period, in early September, would the threatened 100 percent tariffs on Russia and secondary sanctions on Russian trading partners kick in.

That must seem like an eternity for millions of sleepless Ukrainians now enduring an escalating Russian onslaught of deadly missile and mass drone strikes on their towns and cities.

Yet publicly, the Kremlin has called Trump’s decision to threaten sanctions and pledge arms to Ukraine “very serious” – while adding it would now digest and assess the White House announcement.

“We certainly need time to analyze what was said in Washington,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in a call with journalists on Tuesday.

But in Moscow, officials are already quietly breathing a sigh of relief. After all, it could have been much worse for them. …

Still, Russia is genuinely alarmed at the prospect of US weapons, even defensive Patriot missile defense systems, flowing back into Ukraine. https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/15/europe/putin-window-ukraine-war-trump-analysis-intl-hnk

Let me add that it is likely that Russia will end up with more territory within the next 50 days. Maybe around then, a deal will be at least proposed.

Russia has no intention of losing with its Special Military Operation into Ukraine, and if Russia sees a real threat and/or real damage from Ukraine launching long-range missiles into its territories, it could decide to obliterate Kiev and decide it should take over more, if not all, of the Ukrainian territory. Ukraine is taking a major risk if it does hit Russia hard with long-range missiles.

That said, Protestant writer Michael Snyder wrote:

Threatening The Russians With An Ultimatum Will Backfire Severely And Will Set The Stage For Nuclear War

July 14, 2025

So is this how it all ends? I don’t even know how to describe the emotions that I am feeling right now. …

Now a conflict in Ukraine could lead to a nuclear war for real. I feel like I am watching a slow-motion train wreck happen without any way to stop it. It really is quite a sickening feeling. …

We have a very limited window of opportunity to make peace with the Russians, and we are totally blowing it.

In February, I specifically warned that President Trump must not resort to threatening the Russians over the war in Ukraine because it would backfire severely.

When I woke up today, I learned that is exactly what Trump has decided to do.

Trump has issued a very ominous ultimatum. If Russia does not end the war in Ukraine within 50 days, the U.S. will impose “very severe tariffs” on all nations that do business with Russia. In addition, Trump has approved a massive new weapons package for Ukraine…

This isn’t going to end the war.

It is just going to make it even worse. … In my new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next”, I specifically warn about war with Russia https://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/threatening-the-russians-with-an-ultimatum-will-backfire-severely-and-will-set-the-stage-for-nuclear-war/

No, the United States is not on the verge of a nuclear war with Russia.

Last year, Michael Snyder seemed to think Joe Biden was trying to start a world war before leaving office as he posted the following:

Is Joe Biden Trying To Start World War 3 Before He Leaves Office? The Decision To Use Long-Range Missiles To Strike Targets Deep Inside Russia Is Insane

November 17, 2024

As if everything that Joe Biden has done so far was not enough, now he has decided to push us to the brink of nuclear war. On Sunday, Joe Biden decided to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles provided by the United States to hit targets deep inside of Russia. This is a bombshell. I don’t know how else to put it. The Russians have already warned us how they will respond if long-range missiles provided by the United States and other NATO countries start raining down on their cities. Sadly, most Americans have no idea what a direct conflict with Russia would mean. …

One of the reasons why I am so upset is because this wasn’t his decision to make.

We just had an election and his side lost.

The American people elected a leader that wants to bring the war in Ukraine to an end, but now Joe Biden is trying to make sure that nobody is going to be able to end this war. …

When Vladimir Putin was asked about the possibility that long-range missiles provided by the U.S. could soon be used to hit targets deep inside Russia, he responded by warning that such a move would mean that “U.S. and European countries are at war with Russia”…

“We are not talking about allowing or not allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons,” Putin said Thursday in comments to propagandist Pavel Zarubin. “We are talking about deciding whether NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict or not.”

“This will mean that NATO countries, the U.S. and European countries are at war with Russia,” Putin said. “And if this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us.”

Joe Biden just called Putin’s bluff.

We just crossed that red line, and there is no going back.

Now we will see if Putin was bluffing or not.

Later in September, Vladimir Putin explained that a “joint attack on the Russian Federation” could trigger the use of nuclear weapons…

The Russians have told us that allowing Ukraine to fire long-range missiles deep into their territory could cause a nuclear war.

But Joe Biden did it anyway. …

Now Joe Biden has brought us to the brink of nuclear war with Russia even though he has very little time remaining in the White House.

It was not his decision to make, but he made it anyway, and it could end up having very serious implications for every man, woman and child on the entire planet. https://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/is-joe-biden-trying-to-start-world-war-3-before-he-leaves-office-the-decision-to-use-long-range-missiles-to-strike-targets-deep-inside-russia-is-insane/

While Michael Snyder is often an interesting writer and likes to touch on prophetic matters, his long-term insistence over the years that a massive nuclear war against the USA by Russia is wrong.

Jesus warned of “wars and rumors of war” (Matthew 24:6). That is consistent with what we have been seeing between Russia and Ukraine. And that conflict is not WWIII–even if Russia were to drop one or more nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Jesus’ warning is consistent with a video we put up prior to Russia’s ‘special military operation” into Ukraine:

21:20

Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy

The situation between Russia and Ukraine has again heated up, although it has been tense since the Euromaiden protests and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. There was later a separation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the Russian Orthodox Church. Is war prophesied for Russia and Ukraine? Are prophecies in the Bible associated with the ‘kings of the Medes’ and a power from the “north country” related to any in Russia and Ukraine? Is a confederation of powers from the north, east, and central Asia prophesied to destroy the coming end time European Babylon? Will the destruction be reminiscent of what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? How is the King of the North and who will destroy him? Do those in Russia and Ukraine have a hope of salvation? Will Russia and powers of the east be involved in the gathering in Armageddon as prophesied in Revelation 16? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy.

Since 2013, I have been posting that the situation in Ukraine would change and that at least part of that territory would end up supporting Russia. That happened with Crimea in 2014 and has happened with the parts of what had been eastern Ukraine.

Various ones in the USA and elsewhere fear the possibility of World War III with Russia.

Yet, Russia and the USA are not about to get into a war to try to militarily destroy each other because of Ukraine. There could be more skirmishes, but no, not a battle over Ukraine with each nation aggressively trying to destroy the other. The USA and Russia possess enough weapons of mass destruction that they could, in theory, destroy the whole world if they got in a large enough battle.

Despite the view of various Protestant prophecy watchers (many of which misunderstand the timing of the prophecies in the 38th chapter of Ezekiel), the USA is not prophesied to be destroyed by Russia.

However, I do feel that Russia will one day assist the coming European Beast power, who will destroy the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Below is something that the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, wrote decades ago, during the time of the old Soviet Union, in an article titled Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States:

For decades now, the prospect of war between Russia and the United States has continually heightened and lessened.

Many who claim to be authorities on prophecy assure people a war involving Russia and the United States, Canada and England is prophesied in Ezekiel 38.

The United States, Britain and other democracies of north-western Europe, they recognize, are nations descended from the lost Ten Tribes. Therefore, they conclude, the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 foretells a military invasion of the North American continent from the Soviet Union. But this is not what prophecy says…

But this very fact – that this invasion will not come until after the Second Coming of Christ – will seem preposterous to many, at first thought.

That is because we have been accustomed merely to assume things that are not true. We have blindly assumed that when Christ comes, there will be no opposition. Every person and power on earth, we have thought, will simply submit meekly and instantly to him and his power. But that is not true!

Some gentile nations understandably shall not submit until forced to. The final restoration of the Roman Empire shall be subdued and conquered at a battle commonly called “Armageddon.” But the populous nations of Eurasia that the Almighty God up to this point has not dealt with shall still have to be brought to submission.

“Gog” Identified“Gog in the land of “Magog” is the vast regions of the U.S.S.R. in northern Eurasia extending from the Baltic to the Pacific. “Meshech” is Moscow, “Tubal” is Tobol’sk.

Notice the allies who come with them in this future battle. You will find “Gomer” “Togarmah,” “Magog,” “Meshech” “Tubal” identified in Genesis 10 as the sons of Japheth, father of the Eurasians. Ethiopia and Phut (mistranslated Libya) are descended from Ham.

Therefore, this prophecy of Ezekiel 38 shows who shall finally succeed in marshaling peoples of each major race into a gigantic invasion upon our people.

When God begins to rule the world, through Christ – with His chosen people restored to prosperity in the land of Israel, the very center of the land surface of the earth (verse 12, Moffatt translation) – this, great Eurasian union of nations shall finally be tempted to use their mighty air force. (Armstrong HW. Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States, article).

Some Bible scholars assert falsely that these prophecies of Ezekiel were fulfilled anciently. They never were. Others believe they are about to occur but some years before Armageddon. Both views are erroneous. The events of Ezekiel 38 and 39 are without question still future – for the “latter days” (38: 16) and “latter years” (38:8). Moreover, Ezekiel 38:14 describes the time setting as being “in that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely.” This is certainly not the situation in the State of Israel to- day! The Israel described by Ezekiel is a nation that dwells in security, in unwalled villages, totally unprepared for war (38:8, 11, 14). Read it for yourself! (Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States. WCG booklet)

Ezekiel 38 is for the distant future–after the millennium (cf. Revelation 20:7-9; see also Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day?; a related video is also available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?).

Yet, none of this means that there cannot be military conflict between the USA and Russia now (and there may be some).

Furthermore, what Russia is doing is leading to WWIII, but just in a way many have not realized.

Over 45 years ago, the Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, the late Herbert W. Armstrong, wrote:

What Russia is doing will be the spark to bring the heads of nations in Europe together with the Vatican to form a “United Nations of Europe.” The politicians cannot do this by themselves. Only with the collaboration of the Pope can they do it.

Russia will move slowly—but will keep moving! Other nations and events will move FASTER! (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, January 23, 1980)

What has been happening in Ukraine, as well as with the USA and Donald Trump, has been a wake-up call for the Europeans.

What will happen?

Europe will spend more on its military. Its leaders keep saying so and are taking steps.

Europe will become a militarily successful power (cf. Revelation 13:3-4), with a great army (Daniel 11:25), and many ships (Daniel 11:40).

The Europeans are arming and uniting more because of Russia’s conflict as well as because of concerns about Donald Trump and the United States.

There has been more unity in Europe–less want to leave the EU–and more are supporting increased military spending. Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine and the devastation Ukraine has faced has persuaded more in Europe that they are better off united and not separate–Ukraine was not, and is not, a member of the European Union.

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.

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

As far as the use of nuclear weapons, here was Herbert W. Armstrong’s position:

What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15…That will be a time when the UNITED Europe shall appear–the revival of the medieval “Holy Roman Empire.” 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 beasts 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 HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).

The Bible states:

33 I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste (Leviticus 26:33).

Nuclear and other high-tech weapons (as well as EMP, electromagnetic pulse, bombs), as well as devastating solar flares, are ways to make land desolate and modern cities waste (for more on EMP-weapons and solar flares see Nuclear EMP Attack on UK Called ‘Quite Likely’).

Even Germany is looking at possibly having nuclear weapons–a reader sent me a link to the following:

10 July 2025

The road to the bomb

Where is the debate over German or European nuclear armament heading? A German atom bomb cannot be ruled out, but experts in Berlin advise initial caution.

BERLIN/PARIS (own report) – Foreign policy experts in Berlin are advising caution when it comes to pursuing independent nuclear armament for Germany or Europe. Simply placing oneself under the French nuclear umbrella is problematic, …

Moves by Berlin or Brussels to openly seek immediate procurement of a German or European bomb would trigger fierce resistance. And a number of other states would be encouraged to arm themselves with nuclear weapons. This is why Berlin’s think-tanks are arguing that the best approach is to secure the US nuclear umbrella for a while and, in the meantime, quietly develop Germany’s own nuclear capabilities without causing too much of a stir. …

A German bomb

The option of Berlin going it alone and building a German nuclear bomb is still under discussion. This path is considered costly and time-consuming. Nevertheless, according to Der Spiegel, “Berlin diplomats” do not rule out this scenario behind closed doors. …

Jens Spahn, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader in the Bundestag … declared that Europe must become “deterrence capable”. … When asked whether Germany should arm itself with nuclear weapons, Spahn replied, “I know what kind of knee-jerk rejection is triggered as I speak, but: yes, we should be discussing an independent European nuclear umbrella.” This important project, Spahn insists, would only work under German leadership: https://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en/news/detail/10055

So, there is more and more discussion of the Europeans, and specifically the Germans, getting nuclear weapons.

Events that resemble nuclear or similar devastation are part of the prophesied curses mentioned in the Bible:

23 ‘The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning (Deuteronomy 29:23).

19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts
The land is burned up,
And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother.
20 And he shall snatch on the right hand
And be hungry;
He shall devour on the left hand
And not be satisfied; Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm. 21 Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; Together they shall be against Judah (Isaiah 9:19-21).

6 In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste (Ezekiel 6:6).

Yes, devastation from some type of weapons of mass destruction (which do not have to be nuclear) will come–and Europe will lead this.

Though Europe will triumph for a time (Revelation 13:3-4; Daniel 11:39-43), prophecies also show matters will not end well for Europe itself (cf. Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 17:14)–and Russia will be involved (watch also Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy).

Europe will one day be destroyed by a Russian-led force.

The old Worldwide Church of God published the following about the fate of a coming European power:

This European power will eventually establish its capital and religious headquarters at Jerusalem (Dan. 11 :45) Daniel says that this European conqueror will become troubled by “tidings out of the east and out of the north” (11 :44) . There can be little doubt about the source of the beast‘s trouble. East and north of Palestine are Russia, China and other nations of the vast Asian con-continent. (Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States. WCG booklet)

Although there is not about to be a massive nuclear war between Russia on the USA, Europe one day, is prophesied to be destroyed by a Russian-led force:

8 “Move from the midst of Babylon,
Go out of the land of the Chaldeans;
And be like the rams before the flocks.

9 For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon
An assembly of great nations from the north country,
And they shall array themselves against her;
From there she shall be captured.
Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior;
None shall return in vain. (Jeremiah 50:8-9)

Lasting safety is not to found in military alliances, but in God:

3 Do not put your trust in princes,
Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth;
In that very day his plans perish.

5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. (Psalms 146:3-7)

In this time of wars and rumors of war, put your total trust in God.

Jesus said:

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36)

He also said to pray for God’s Kingdom to come.

Remember to regularly do so.

We also have 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?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17 Could the European Union be the sixth king that now is, but is not? Here is a link to the related sermon video: European Union & 7 Kings of Revelation 17:10.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: ¿Deben los Diez Reyes gobernar sobre diez naciones? A related sermon in the English language is titled: Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
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, and Christian Persecution from the Beast; and WWIII and the Coming New World Order.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2025, 2026, or 2027? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? A short video is available titled: Great Tribulation Trends 2025.

Posted in Prophecy | Comments Off on After Trump’s latest moves, is Russia about to nuke the USA to start WWIII? Are Germans looking to get nuclear bombs?

Ultra-Orthodox party departure reducing Netanyahu’s government coalition, while the Temple Institute says the time for a ‘third temple’ is now–could there be a connection?

July 15th, 2025

Model of the ancient tabernacle with a tent in Timna Valley Park, Israel
(Photo by Ruk7, Wikipedia)

COGwriter

The coalition supporting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be falling apart. Notice the following:

Netanyahu’s coalition is rattled as ultra-Orthodox party announces exit over military draft law

July 15, 2025

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli ultra-Orthodox party that has been a key governing partner of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Tuesday it was leaving the coalition government, threatening to destabilize the Israeli leader’s rule at a pivotal time in the war in Gaza.

United Torah Judaism’s two factions said they were bolting the government over disagreements surrounding a bill that would codify broad military draft exemptions for their constituents, many of whom study Jewish texts instead of enlisting to the military. …

The departure of a party that has long served as a kingmaker in Israeli politics doesn’t immediately threaten Netanyahu’s rule. But, once it comes into effect within 48 hours, it will leave the Israeli leader with a slim majority in a government that could now more heavily rely on the whims of two far-right parties. …

United Torah Judaism’s departure has a window of 48 hours before becoming official, meaning Netanyahu can still find ways to satisfy the party and bring it back into the coalition. But Shuki Friedman, vice president of the Jewish People Policy Institute, said the gaps between the draft law currently on the table and the demands of the party are still wide, making a compromise unlikely during that time. https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-government-gaza-war-elections-e207f3519314012df4c489fe1eaafa33

One member of one of the “far-right parties” that Benjamin Netanyahu looks to need now is Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir–he is someone that the Biden-Harris Administration denounced (see Ben Gvir is criticized for going to ‘Temple Mount’ and is being pressured to push for Jewish Passover sacrifice). Another is Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich–and he has called for the construction of a third temple (see Israel’s Finance Minister calls for building ‘3rd Temple,’ but all that is needed is permission for sacrifices).

That said, what triggered this post was that a reader in Italy sent me at link to an article in Italian (https://www.maurizioblondet.it/israele-tutto-pronto-per-il-terzo-tempio-anche-il-nuovo-piano-regolatore-per-il-traffico-verso-il-sito/), which I machine-translated into English. Here are some translated quotes from it:

July 15, 2025

“The Third Temple is ready: it just awaits the REMOVED of the remaining buildings on the Temple Mount.

Our team of architects is responsible for preparing the plans for the Third Temple.

These plans take into account the latest techniques, especially in terms of environmental protection and the latest standards.
These plans will be submitted by the Jerusalem Municipality once the Temple Mount has been cleared of existing buildings.
Subsequently, the Ministry of the Interior Committee will approve the Municipality’s plans and give the green light for construction (District Committee). Our lawyers are defending the project before the Municipality, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Supreme Court.

The Temple Institute wants all the Muslim buildings removed (see https://templeinstitute.org/frequently-asked-questions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). That would likely spark a major war, so that is not expected to be granted (though an attack from Iran could possibly clear the area).

The Temple Institute has made some attempts to offer sacrifices on the area called the Temple Mount in the past, but has often ran into political/judicial opposition. Israeli courts have generally agreed that Jews have the right to perform animal sacrifices, but have repeatedly denied this right as the timing would have excessively negative consequences. And to rebuild a temple in the area that the Muslims consider sacred would be even more problematic politically–especially at this instant. Yet, because the Muslims have a strong presence at the site of the old Temple Mount (Har HaBayit) with their al-Aqsa Mosque, some consider the actual construction of a Jewish temple there to be impossible.

Furthermore, in a case heard in 2010 by the Supreme Court in Israel concerning the sacrifices, there was the following report:

The organizers also demanded to be allowed to celebrate this coming Passover holiday on the site of the Holy Temple by offering the Paschal sacrifice. They noted that according to Jewish Law, the Holy Temple does not need to be built in order to resume the sacrificial offerings. They emphasized accordingly that the Temple Mount organizations are not trying to change or make modifications to any existing structures on the Mount, but rather aim to receive permission to build a temporary altar, which would be dismantled immediately following the Passover Offering. (Fendel H. Supreme Court: No Passover Sacrifice Again This Year. IsraelNN.com, March 24, 2010. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/136699)

Although the court ruled against allowing this THEN on current political grounds, the point is that there are many Jews are willing to resume the sacrifices without a temple being built or the Temple Mount at all modified.

Now, one question is would the Temple Institute be willing to sacrifice on the area called the Temple Mount even if it were not “cleared of existing buildings“?

Yes, and I was told that when I asked an employee of the Temple Institute when I visited Jerusalem some years ago.

The fact that Israel’s Finance Minister has called for a temple suggests that, to a degree, political sentiment is moving more towards allowing the sacrifices.

Also, consider the following from last August:

A far-right Israeli minister has sparked outrage by saying he would build a Jewish synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem if he could, …

The Al-Aqsa compound is Islam’s third holiest site and a symbol of Palestinian identity. It is also considered by Jews to be the site of the First and Second Temples – the latter destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

“If I could do anything I wanted, I would put an Israeli flag on the site,” Ben-Gvir said in the interview.

Asked several times by a journalist if he would build a synagogue at the site if it were up to him, Ben-Gvir finally replied: “Yes.” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/26/israeli-minister-ben-gvir-says-he-would-build-synagogue-on-al-aqsa-compound?utm_source=chatgpt.com

While many do wish to build another temple, it should be pointed out that:

Biblical prophecies do not require that a Jewish temple be built in Jerusalem before Jesus returns (for details, see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?).
There is no biblical requirement for a temple to be built for sacrifices to resume (cf. Ezra 3:6).
Jewish leaders have long recognized the second point (see also Nascent Sanhedrin structure and high priest: The plan is to start animal sacrifices–this would fulfill prophecy!)–which is part of why there have been animal sacrifices this century.
The Bible also tells of daily sacrifices being stopped (Daniel 9:27, 11:31)–and since they have not started, their start is a prophetic event to look out for.

The sacrifices could be resumed with a synagogue or even a tent.

Furthermore without a temple, on December 10, 2018, the Sanhedrin had a major sacrificial ceremony. The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel related to it:

6:57

Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!

The Reconstituted Sanhedrin performed a ceremony on December 10, 2018 to dedicate a new altar for the use of daily sacrifices. High Priest Rabbi Baruch Kahane officiated. How does this align with Bible prophecy? Daniel wrote three times that the daily sacrifices must stop, hence they first must resume. The Great Tribulation will begin shortly after these sacrifices stop. In this video Dr. Thiel, who has also been to Israel and spoken with The Temple Institute quotes several scriptures and explains why the actions by the Sanhedrin align with prophecy and the end times.

Here is a link to our video: Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!

As far as animal sacrifices go, notice that the Bible shows that during the time of Ezra animal sacrifices in the Temple were made before the second Jewish Temple was built:

2 Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. 3 Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening burnt offerings. 4 They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings in the number required by ordinance for each day. 5 Afterwards they offered the regular burnt offering, and those for New Moons and for all the appointed feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and those of everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering to the Lord. 6 From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, although the foundation of the temple of the Lord had not been laid. (Ezra 3:2-6)

An actual rebuilt temple on the Temple Mount is not biblically required for the resumption of animal sacrifices, and many Jewish religious authorities realize this.

The Temple Institute had the following in its newsletter last year:

“In accordance with all that HaShem had commanded”

(Exodus 39:42)

Adar Sheni 5, 5784/March 15, 2024 …

“In accordance with all that HaShem had commanded Moshe, so did the children of Israel do all the work. Moshe saw the entire work, and lo! they had done it – as HaShem had commanded, so had they done. So Moshe blessed them.” (Exodus 39:42-43)

… The grand finale of the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) …

A modest tent made of wooden beams and animal skins, of dyed fabrics and, yes, of vessels fashioned from silver and gold, …

So concludes the book of Exodus, with the completion of the Tabernacle, its assembly by Moshe, and the filling up of the Tabernacle with the cloud of “the glory of HaShem.” (ibid 40:35)

One point from the Temple Institute’s newsletter was that the original tabernacle used for animal sacrifices was a tent.

While the Temple Institute actually wants the area known as the Temple Mount to be cleared of Muslim mosques, etc. in order to build a massive ‘third temple’ (see I365: Hamas ‘striving to ignite the region during Ramadan’ says Mossad; COGwriter: Could Jesus return in 2031?), the reality is that they only need an altar and perhaps a tent. This is also consistent with scripture.

It should be understood that the Bible itself nowhere teaches that animal sacrifices require a temple in Jerusalem. Also, the position of certain other Jewish scholars is that a physical temple, while helpful, is NOT required.

Until Solomon built the first temple (1 Kings 6:14), the Bible shows that the Jews sacrificed on altars. David, Solomon’s father, for example sacrificed on an altar (2 Samuel 24:25), as did Aaron and his descendants (Exodus 20:24; Leviticus 1:10-11). And prior to all of that, Abel (Genesis 4:4), Noah (Genesis 8:20), Abraham (Genesis 22:9-13), and others sacrificed animals to God.

So for over 3,000 years, animal sacrifices were offered without a Jewish temple.

Since the sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11) they must first start. And that is something that the Temple Institute and Sanhedrin are working towards.

As Jesus said:

35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming — in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning — 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:35-37)

The animal sacrifice situation is one of the events we in the Continuing Church of God are watching for.

Related to what is needed for the sacrifices, we have the following related video:

14:58

Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent

In March 2024, the Temple Institute recently pointed out that how God blessed the Sabbath, He also blessed the construction of a tent tabernacle. They pointed out progress from the ancient Israelites. Should Christians be making spiritual progress each year before Passover? The Temple institute has stated that the area called ‘the Temple Mount’ needs to be cleared of Muslim mosques, etc. so that a ‘third temple’ can be built. It also claims that it has four thriving red heifers, one of which it want to sacrifice before the implementation of regular animal sacrifices. Has Hamas claimed that the existence and possible use of a red heifer was a factor in its attack in Israel on October 7, 2023? Does the Temple Institute believe it must have a massive temple in order for sacrifices to resume? Or is having a priesthood, an altar, and a tent enough? What does the Sanhedrin say about that? Did Ezra write that animal sacrifices were made after the first temple was destroyed, but before the second temple was started? Is that believed by numerous modern Jewish rabbis and scholars? Does the Bible teach that regular animal sacrifices will be resumed? Could there be any relationship to the stopping of them and the return of Jesus? Is the day of Jesus coming getting much closer? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent.

Last week, the Temple Institute had a red heifer sacrifice done, supposedly as practice. We then put out the following related video:

15:02

Red Heifer Sacrificed!

On July 8, 2025 a red heifer was sacrificed by kohanim (Levitical priests) under the order from the Temple Institute in Israel.

What difference does that make? Why should the sacrifice of a red heifer even be worthy of repeating? What if every hair on the red heifer wasn’t red? What if only two hairs were another color? Would that make a difference? Could certain Jews accept the ashes of the one just sacrificed for any “purification” purposes? What does the Book of Numbers actually teach about a red heifer?

Because of the following scriptures: “For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 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? (Hebrews 9:13-14), why would a Christian even care if the Jews sacrificed a red heifer in Israel or not?

The reason Christians, and everyone else for that matter, should want to pay any attention to this is that this “practice” sacrifice looks to be setting the stage for the fulfillment of prophecies regarding animal sacrifices in the Book of Daniel (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11). The stopping of animal sacrifices will lead to the countdown to the greatest trial and tribulation the world will ever know (Matthew 24:21-22). Does the Bible show any relationship between resumed animal sacrifices, the 1260, 1290, and 1335 days prophecies, the Great Tribulation, and the return of Jesus?

Watch this video as Dr. Thiel uses the word of God to shed the light of Bible prophecy on the tremendous prophetic importance of the sacrifice of the red heifer and its time stamp in relation to the beginning of the Great Tribulation and the return of Jesus.

Here is a link to our video: Red Heifer Sacrificed!

The latest practice sacrifice and burning of a reddish heifer by the Temple Institute are intended by it to further set the stage for the sacrifices to start–which they will.

Now getting back to politics, Benjamin Netanyahu looks like he even more needs “the far right.” Two in his cabinet have already called for a Jewish religious building, or other presence, on the area called the Temple Mount. Political pressures will one day be a factor in the resumption of animal sacrifices. We seem to be getting closer to that time.

We all need to watch and pray as Jesus said in Luke 21:36 and grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18) and as the Apostle Paul wrote:

25 … exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)

That day is approaching more and more.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Will Philadelphian Christians instruct many in the end times? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work. Here is a link to another: Preparing to Instruct Many.

Posted in Religious News | Comments Off on Ultra-Orthodox party departure reducing Netanyahu’s government coalition, while the Temple Institute says the time for a ‘third temple’ is now–could there be a connection?

Should you ‘completely trust’ the King James Version of the Bible?

July 15th, 2025

Front cover of 1611 edition of the King James Version Bible
(Wikipedia)

COGwriter

Is the original King James Version (KJV) of the Bible the one you can completely trust?

Chick Publications had the following at their website:

The King James Bible is a true and direct translation from the original languages. … What if you found out it’s the one English Bible that deserves your complete trust? … the King James … should be the only Bible that you need —and can completely trust. … trusting the KJV. Build your faith in God’s Word by learning why you can trust the KJV alone and why it is the most accurate translation in English. https://www.chick.com/products/item?stk=1425 accessed 03/15/20

Is that accurate?

No.

While the KJV is superior in many ways to many translations, it was translated by men.

Men are fallible. It is not wise to completely trust the fallible.

Other writings from Chick Publications indicate that because of God’s inspiration and because so many men checked and rechecked it, the KJV had no bias and is completely accurate.

But that simply is not true.

That argument reminds me of the argument that the Eastern Orthodox have about the Septuagint. The Eastern Orthodox basically claim that God inspired the translators to correct and improve the Old Testament when they translated the original text from Hebrew to Greek. That is blasphemous. God did not need His word corrected.

Nor is it correct to state that you can completely trust the KJV translation.

The King James Version was produced over 400 years ago. In the time since, the English language has undergone many changes. Sometimes those texts which are vague and unclear in the King James can be cleared up very easily by just reading a more modern translation.

Since some have attempted to challenge me about translation errors in the KJV, I thought I would share something the late Richard Nickels put together about it:

Genesis 1:2 should read “And the earth became without form . . . .” The word translated “was” is hayah, and denotes a condition different than a former condition, as in Genesis 19:26.

Genesis 10:9 should read ” . . . Nimrod the mighty hunter in place of [in opposition to] the LORD.” The word “before” is incorrect and gives the connotation that Nimrod was a good guy, which is false.

Leviticus 16:8, 10, 26 in the KJV is “scapegoat” which today has the connotation of someone who is unjustly blamed for other’s sins. The Hebrew is Azazel, which means “one removed or separated.” The Azazel goal represents Satan, who is no scapegoat. He is guilty of his part in our sins.

Deuteronomy 24:1, “then let him” should be “and he.” As the Savior explained in Matthew 19, Moses did not command divorcement. This statute is regulating the permission of divorce because of the hardness of their hearts.

II Kings 2:23, should be “young men”, not “little children.”

Isaiah 65:17 should be “I am creating [am about to create] new heavens and new earth . . . .”

Ezekiel 20:25 should read “Wherefore I permitted them, or gave them over to, [false] statutes that are not good, and judgments whereby they should not live.” God’s laws are good, perfect and right. This verse shows that since Israel rejected God’s laws, He allowed them to hurt themselves by following false man made customs and laws.

Daniel 8:14 is correct in the margin, which substitutes “evening morning” for “days.” Too bad William Miller didn’t realize this.

Malachi 4:6 should read ” . . . lest I come and smite the earth with utter destruction.” “Curse” doesn’t give the proper sense here. Same word used in Zechariah 14:11.

Matthew 5:48 should be “Become ye therefore perfect” rather than “be ye therefore perfect.” “Perfect” here means “spiritually mature.” Sanctification is a process of overcoming with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 24:22 needs an additional word to clarify the meaning. It should say “there should no flesh be saved alive.”

Matthew 27:49 omits text which was in the original. Moffatt correctly adds it, while the RSV puts it in a footnote: “And another took a spear and pierced His side, and out came water and blood.” The Savior’s death came when a soldier pierced His side, Revelation 1:7.

Matthew 28:1, “In the end of the sabbath as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week . . .” should be translated literally, “Now late on Sabbath, as it was getting dusk toward the first day of the week . . . .” The Sabbath does not end at dawn but at dusk.

Luke 2:14 should say, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of God’s good pleasure or choosing.” That is, there will be peace on earth among men who have God’s good will in their hearts.

Luke 14:26 has the unfortunate translation of the Greek word miseo, Strong’s #3404, as “hate”, when it should be rendered “love less by comparison.” We are not to hate our parents and family!

John 1:31, 33 should say “baptize” or “baptizing IN water” not with water. Pouring or sprinkling with water is not the scriptural method of baptism, but only thorough immersion in water.

John 1:17 is another instance of a poor preposition. “By” should be “through”: “For the law was given by [through] Moses . . . .” Moses did not proclaim his law, but God’s Law.

John 13:2 should be “And during supper” (RSV) rather than “And supper being ended” (KJV).

Acts 12:4 has the inaccurate word “Easter” which should be rendered “Passover.” The Greek word is pascha which is translated correctly as Passover in Matthew 26:2, etc.

I Corinthians 1:18 should be: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that are perishing foolishness; but unto us which are being saved it is the power of God”, rather than “perish” and “are saved.” Likewise, II Thessalonians 2:10 should be “are perishing” rather than “perish.”

I Corinthians 15:29 should be: “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the hope of the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the hope of the dead?”

II Corinthians 6:2 should be “a day of salvation”, instead of “the day of salvation.” This is a quote from Isaiah 49:8, which is correct. The day of salvation is not the same for each individual. The firstfruits have their day of salvation during this life. The rest in the second resurrection.

I Timothy 4:8 should say, “For bodily exercise profiteth for a little time: but godliness in profitable unto all things . . . .”

I Timothy 6:10 should be, “For the love of money is a [not the] root of all evil . . . .”

Hebrews 4:8 should be “Joshua” rather than “Jesus”, although these two words are Hebrew and Greek equivalents.

Hebrews 4:9 should read, “There remaineth therefore a keeping of a sabbath to the people of God.”

Hebrews 9:28 is out of proper order in the King James. It should be: “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them without sin that look for him shall he appear the second time unto salvation.”

I John 5:7-8 contains additional text which was added to the original. “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” The italicized text was added to the original manuscripts. Most modern translations agree that this was an uninspired addition to the Latin Vulgate to support the unscriptural trinity doctrine.

Revelation 14:4 should be “a firstfruits”, because the 144,000 are not all the firstfruits.

Revelation 20:4-5 in the KJV is a little confusing until you realize that the sentence “This is the first resurrection.” in verse five refers back to “they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years” in verse four.

Revelation 20:10, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are [correction: should be ‘were cast’ because the beast and false prophet were mortal human beings who were burned up in the lake of fire 1,000 years previous to this time, Revelation 19:20], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” The point is that Satan will be cast into the same lake of fire into which the beast and false prophet were cast a thousand years previously. (Errors and Mistranslations in the KJV Written by: Richard Nickels. http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/graphic1designer/errors.html accessed 07/16/17)

It is not that the KJV is always a terrible translation, or that others are perfect, it is just people should not insist that God inspired the translators to do a perfect job. Because, obviously He did not. THE KJV CANNOT BE COMPLETELY TRUSTED AS IT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL INSPIRED TEXT.

The mistranslation of Genesis 1:2 has resulted in many not understanding about the age of the world and various aspects of prehistory (see How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? Gap Theory?). This has resulted in many Protestants making scientifically unsound statements that have turned many against the reliability of scripture.

The KJV translators intentionally mistranslated the Greek term sabbatismos (ςαββατισμóς) which is actually found in Hebrews 4:9 (Green JP. The Interlinear Bible, 2nd edition. Hendrickson Publishers, 1986, p. 930). This mistranslation by the KJV translators has resulted in many people not realizing that the New Testament enjoins the seventh-day Sabbath. Hence, the KJV translators have misled many to violate the fourth commandment (see also The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad). They also intentionally mistranslated passages related to the biblical Holy Days (for details, see the free online book Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?)–this has resulted in many NOT understanding God’s true plan of salvation (see also the free online book Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation).

Notice also that the Latin Vulgate was mentioned related to 1 John 5:7-8. The original Latin Vulgate as translated by the Roman Catholic saint and doctor of that church, Jerome, did NOT have this error–it was added later (see also 1 John 5:7-8 and the Trinity).

And as far as the word “Easter” does any thinking person really believe that God wanted the word for Passover changed to the name of a pagan goddess in His word? That is absurd (more on Easter can be found in the article Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter?). EVERY TRANSLATOR IN THE KJV WHO ‘CHECKED’ THAT PART OF THE ‘TRANSLATION’ HAD TO HAVE KNOWN THAT WAS IN ERROR–PARTICULARLY SINCE THAT SAME WORD IS TRANSLATED FROM THE GREEK IN THE KJV 28 TIMES AS ‘PASSOVER’!

Now, one of the things that Chick Publications likes about the KJV is that it often uses the word ‘hell.’ Chick Publications indicates that using the actual Greek words of the New Testament transliterated into English results in people not understanding about God’s punishment. Notice some of what it says about that:

Question: Gehenna is not hell, is it? It was a valley where outcasts, thieves and infected people where thrown when they died. The Bible refers to “Gehenna” as the place of death and pain. The word “hell”, as you so often use, where eternal pain and fire awaits is actually “Gehenna”. If you have read a bible written before 1400, you will notice a very important thing: “HELL” is missing. Instead it says “Gehenna”. There is no fire breathing eternal pain demon hell!! In fact YOU are committing a sin here. Telling people, or lying to people about hell, when you should know about “Gehenna”. There is no hell. Only the valley of “Gehenna”. A graveyard!!

Answer: The word “Gehenna” is properly translated “hell” in the King James Bible. …

Even though the word “Gehenna” comes from the Valley of Hinnom, simply rendering it as “garbage dump” or “valley of waste disposal” or “burning garbage” could not be an accurate translations, because that’s not what Jesus and the apostles meant when they used the word. It meant “the place where people go when they die.” That’s what we mean when we say “hell”. …

Not until Young’s Literal Translation in the late 1800s, followed by the Catholic New American Bible of 1970 was the untranslated “Gehenna” put in. … And “hell” accurately translates the meaning of the word “Gehenna.” “Gehenna” is not a translation; it is just a transliteration (translating letters, but not meaning). https://www.chick.com/information/article?id=does-gehenna-mean-hell accessed 03/15/20

In other words, Chick Publications is saying that IT KNOWS BETTER WHAT THE WORD IS SUPPOSED TO MEAN THAN THE WORD JESUS HIMSELF USED.

Now, we in the Continuing Church of God rarely use the word “hell.” The word “hell” originally meant to cover or to hide. Another old meaning of the word was “a tailor’s receptacle” according to Merriam-Webster. In time, it tended to mean being underground.

Furthermore, consider that the KJV IMPROPERLY TRANSLATES THREE DIFFERENT WORDS TO MEAN THE SAME THING!

There are three different words in the New Testament–Hades, Gehenna, or Tartaroosas–which the King James Version of the Bible translated as “hell.” And not one of them means what most people think the word hell means.

The fact of the three different Greek words, as well as various understandings and traditions, has resulted in confusion concerning what hell means.

Now, since the term has become highly used in cursing and in various vulgarities it is often not appropriate to use.

Furthermore, because of influence from Dante’s book The Divine Comedy, the area he called the Inferno/Infernus many people got the wrong impression that God has a place of torturing that would last forever. And later the term hell got attached to it, and that is how most Protestants (including Chick Publications as its tract Some Like It Hot shows) and Roman Catholics now view it.

Yet, Chick Publications and others should know better. Even in its post against Gehenna, it had the following:

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). No power on earth can destroy a soul. The soul is a part of a person that exists beyond physical death (Revelation 20:4). “Gehenna” has to be a place to destroy both the body and the soul. https://www.chick.com/information/article?id=does-gehenna-mean-hell accessed 03/15/20

Note Chick Publications admits that the body and soul are destroyed in Gehenna. In Jesus’ time what was tossed into Gehenna burnt up and was no more. In the Gehenna to come, the same thing will happen.

Chick Publications also has the following:

“Hades” has a big pagan meaning that is completely divorced from the Bible. “Sheol” is a Hebrew word without any meaning at all to an ordinary reader. Have you ever heard people say they don’t want to “go to gehenna?” … We need a Bible with a lot of hell in it. We need to know where we are not going. The whole purpose of evangelism is to save people from hell. … That forceful warning word, “hell,” is found in the King James Bible. https://www.chick.com/information/article?id=Who-Needs-Hell accessed 03/15/20

No, the whole purpose of proclaiming the good news of the Bible is not to save people from the type of hell that Chick Publications wants to believe in. One of the main purposes of evangelism, according to Jesus is to have “gospel of the kingdom … preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations” (Matthew 24:14) and to “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This way, those converted will build godly character so that they will be able to give love in a unique way to make eternity better for them and all who ultimately will accept Jesus (see also our free online book: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?).

What about Gehenna? This Greek word represents “the Valley of HINNOM which lay just outside of Jerusalem and was the place refuse was constantly being burned up.” It is first referred to in scripture in Joshua 15:8. It was also associated with pagan fire practices in 2 Kings 23:10; 2 Chronicles 28:3, 33:6; Jeremiah 7:31-32, 19:2-6, & 32:35.

Trash, filth, and the dead bodies of animals and DESPISED CRIMINALS were thrown into Gehenna. Ordinarily, everything thrown into this valley was DESTROYED by fire. Christ used it to picture the terrible fate of UNREPENTANT SINNERS! Please understand that JESUS USED THE WORD GEHENNA 11 TIMES IN THE TEXTUS RECEPTUS (the text that the KJV was translated from). Jesus knew what it meant! But instead, Chick Publications (and others) want you to not comprehend what Jesus was really teaching!

Now, consider that Chick Publications says that Hades has a pagan meaning, but apparently overlooks the true meaning of the word Easter (the name of one or more pagan goddesses – Ishtar and Eostre). That being said, JESUS USED THE WORD HADES 5 TIMES IN THE TEXTUS RECEPTUS (the text that the KJV was translated from). Jesus was NOT trying to teach a pagan concept. Hades means the ‘grave.’ It does NOT mean an ever burning hell fire of torture.

On the use of the word “hell” in the New and Old Testament, let’s read what an old Bible dictionary, edited by James Hastings, a leading authority on such technical matters, says:

In our Authorized Version the word ‘hell’ is unfortunately used as the rendering of three distinct words, WITH DIFFERENT. It represents, 1. the ‘sheol’ of the Hebrew Old Testament, and the ‘hades’ in the New Testament … It is now an entirely misleading rendering, especially in the New Testament passages. The English revisers, therefore, have substituted ‘Hades’ [going back to the original Greek word] for ‘hell’ in the New Testament …. In the American revision the word ‘hell’ is entirely discarded in this connexion ….

The word ‘hell’ is used 2. as equivalent to [the Greek word] ‘tartaros’ (II Peter 2:4), … and, 3. more properly as the equivalent of [the Greek word] ‘gehenna’ (Hastings J., ed. Dictionary of the Bible, Vol. 2. 1900, pp. 343-344)

So, we see that the real MEANINGS of three different Greek words – “hades” (“sheol” in Old Testament), “tartaros,” and “gehenna” – have been confused with each other because translators, like those of the KJV, have attempted to make the ONE English word “hell” cover all THREE meanings! But now let us amplify the foregoing facts.

The original Old Testament HEBREW word “sheol” and the New Testament Greek word “hades” mean basically the same thing. These original words have been translated “grave” in many places in the Bible.

THE WORD “SHEOL,”… It is never used by Moses or the Prophets in the sense of a place of torment after death; and in no way conflicts with the statement already proved, that the Law of Moses deals wholly in temporal rewards and punishments.

This position, also, I wish to fortify by the testimony of Orthodox critics, men of learning and candor. They know, and therefore they speak.

CHAPMAN. “Sheol, in itself considered, has no connection with future punishment.” Cited by Balfour, First Inquiry.
DR. ALLEN, quoted above, says: “The term sheol does not seem to mean, with certainty, anything more than the state of the dead in their deep abode.”
DR. CAMPBELL. “Sheol signifies the state of the dead without regard to their happiness or misery.”
DR. WHITBY. “Sheol throughout the Old Testament signifies not the place of punishment, or of the souls of bad men only, but the grave only, or the place of death.” (Thayer TB. THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE Doctrine of Endless Punishment. 1855; Universal Publishing House 1871)

Sheol is a reference to the grave, as is the word hades.

Note that the Greek word TARTAROS, which has also been translated into the English word “hell” in the KJV, occurs only once in the New Testament (2 Peter 2:4) and does not refer to humans, but to the RESTRAINED condition of fallen angels. Its meaning, translated into English, is “darkness of the material universe,” or “dark abyss,” or “prison.”

More on ‘Hell’ can be found in the following: Study the Bible Course Lesson 15: What is “Hell”?

Furthermore, the KJV erred by assigning the male gender to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. The Hebrew term for spirit in the Old Testament is grammatically female, and the Greek term in the New Testament is grammatically neuter–this is noted by even trinitarian scholars, such as Dr. Daniel Wallace of Dallas Theological Seminary (see also Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? ). This MISTRANSLATION by the KJV translators has resulted in a major misunderstanding of the Godhead and has resulted in many believing differently about the Godhead than early Christians did (see also Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning).

Now, getting back to the KJV Bible, many do not realize that it originally also included, basically as an appendix, what the Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholics called the deuterocanonical books (otherwise known as the Apocrypha)–these books were NOT inspired by God and should not have been in the Bible. Yet, for about two centuries they were part of some of the printings of the KJV.

But since they have not been in it for about two hundred years, many people do not realize that flaw with the KJV.

Do not be deceived by men who do not want to hold to what the original biblical text teaches. The KJV has real errors and most certainly CANNOT BE COMPLETELY TRUSTED as an accurate portrayal of the words of God.

ALL TRANSLATIONS by men are subject to error. And while the KJV and the more modern NKJV are fine in many areas, both have translation flaws, many of which are intentional.

Believe the originally inspired word of God. That is what God had recorded in the original languages in the Old and New Testaments. It was NOT English. It was NOT the KJV translation.

There are even more Protestant errors than this post points out. To learn more about them, check out the free online book: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differs from Protestantism.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete? Are there lost gospels? What about the Apocrypha? Is the Septuagint better than the Masoretic text? What about the Textus Receptus vs. Nestle Alland? Was the New Testament written in Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew? Which translations are based upon the best ancient text? Did the true Church of God have the canon from the beginning? Here are links to related sermons: Let’s Talk About the Bible, The Books of the Old Testament, The Septuagint and its Apocrypha, Masoretic Text of the Old Testament, and Lost Books of the Bible, and Let’s Talk About the New Testament, The New Testament Canon From the Beginning, English Versions of the Bible and How Did We Get Them?, What was the Original Language of the New Testament?, Original Order of the Books of the Bible, and Who Gave the World the Bible? Who Had the Chain of Custody?
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.
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.
Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived–the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come. Here is a link to a related sermon series: Universal Offer of Salvation 1: Apocatastasis, Universal Offer of Salvation 2: Jesus Desires All to be Saved, Mysteries of the Great White Throne Judgment (Universal Offer of Salvation part 3), Is God Fair, Will God Pardon the Ignorant?, Can God Save Your Relatives?, Babies, Limbo, Purgatory and God’s Plan, and ‘By the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets’.
The Old Testament Canon This article shows from Catholic accepted writings, that the Old Testament used by non-Roman Catholics and non-Orthodox churches is the correct version.
The New Testament Canon – From the Bible and History This article, shows from the Bible and supporting historical sources, why the early Church knew which books were part of the Bible and which ones were not.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
The Apostle John He wrote a lot that people should study. John was an original apostle, early Christian leader, and the last of the original apostles to die. Here is a link to a related sermon titled Apostle John: The Disciple that Jesus Loved. John is the final original apostle that we in the Continuing Church of God trace our ecclesiastical succession through.
Laying on of Hands This is an elementary principle of Hebrews 6. Have you properly had hands laid upon you? Here is a link to a related sermon: Laying on of Hands and Succession.
Lost Books of the Bible? Is the Bible missing books? What about the Book of Jasher and the Book of Enoch? What are the pseudepigrapha?
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading. Here is a link in Mandarin Chinese: 读圣经
 Bible: Superstition or Authority? Should you rely on the Bible? Is it reliable? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Is Matthew 28:19 in the Bible? Some have claimed that Matthew 28:19 has added words as part of a trinitarian plot. Is that true?
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
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.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui? Here is a link to a short animation: Which Church would Jesus Choose?
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church. Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, and What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, and Early Heresies and Heretics, and Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, and Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, and Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List.
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.

Posted in Doctrine | Comments Off on Should you ‘completely trust’ the King James Version of the Bible?

EU says US trade ‘almost impossible’ if 30% tariffs are implemented

July 14th, 2025

(Above from Pixabay)

COGwriter

The head of trade for the European Union expressed a major concern after the latest tariff threats from the Trump Administration:

US trade ‘almost impossible’ in case of Trump tariffs — EU

14 July 2025

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said on Monday that he believed the US was ready to continue ongoing trade negotiations despite an announcement by President Donald Trump that he would impose 30% trade tariffs on imports from the EU and Mexico from August 1 if no deal was reached.

His remarks come amid divisions within the bloc on how to confront the threat, with notably France calling for a hardball approach, while others call for caution with a mind to Europe’s continued reliance on the US for defense. …

In remarks made on arrival for talks in Brussels with bloc ministers, he said the 30% tariff threatened by Trump would make it “almost impossible to continue” trade with the US, which is currently worth €4.4 billion ($5.15 billion) a day.

How might the EU react to Trump’s tariffs?

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday delayed — as a sign of good will — a package of retaliatory measures over previous US tariffs on steel and aluminium that was due to kick in on Monday.

But diplomats said another set of reprisal measures that could be launched if the 30% tariffs go ahead will be presented to trade ministers on Monday.

France’s trade minister. Laurent Saint-Martin, said there should be “no taboos” in any retaliatory plans, adding that Trump’s announcement meant that the bloc had to reconsider its tactis.

“If you hold anything back, you are not strengthening your hand in negotiations,” he said at the Brussels talks. “Obviously, the situation since Saturday requires us to change our strategy.”

Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, also called for a firmer approach.

“We want a deal but there’s an old saying: ‘if you want peace, you have to prepare for war’,” he said ahead of the talks. …

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz …

gave an urgent warning about the consequences for the German economy if no deal was reached.

“If that happened, then we could forget about much of our effort with regard to economic policy, because it would overshadow everything and hit Germany’s export economy in its core.” https://www.dw.com/en/us-trade-almost-impossible-in-case-of-trump-tariffs-eu/a-73269677

The European Union has warned that its trade with the United States could be effectively wiped out if Washington makes good on its threat to slap a 30% tariff on goods imported from the bloc.

A tariff of “30%, or anything above 30%… has more or less the same effect. So, practically it prohibits the trade,” Maroš Šefčovič, the EU’s trade commissioner, said as he arrived ahead of an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels on Monday.

Šefčovič said it will “be almost impossible” for the bloc to continue its current level of trade with America if that new tariff rate is implemented on August 1 – the date stipulated by US President Donald Trump in his letter to the EU on Saturday. https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/14/business/europe-us-trade-tariff-wipe-out-intl

Tariffs, sanctions, economic threats, and policies from the Trump Administration are pushing nations away from trading with the USA.

And some in Europe want to hit back, despite European dependence on the military of the USA. Notice the following:

Italy Foreign Minister: EU Ready to Hit US With 21B Euro Tariff List

July 14, 2025

The European Union has already prepared a list of tariffs worth 21 billion euros ($24.52 billion) on U.S. goods if the two countries fail to reach a trade deal, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a newspaper interview on Monday.

President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the EU starting on Aug. 1, after weeks of negotiations with major U.S. trading partners failed to reach a comprehensive deal.

Tajani also told daily Il Messaggero that to help the euro zone economy the European Central Bank should consider a new “quantitative easing” bond-buying-program, and more interest rate cuts. …

Tajani said the 21-billion-euro package of tariffs the EU has already prepared could be followed by a second set if a deal with the U.S proves impossible. He added, however, that he was confident that progress could be made in negotiations.

“Tariffs hurt every one, starting with the United States,” he said. “If stock markets fall that puts at risk the pensions and the savings of the Americans.” https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/italy-eu-trump/2025/07/14/id/1218641/

Now, in general, many of the the tariffs proposed by Donald Trump will, at least for a time, be more harmful to nations other than the United States.

Notice that Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani mentioned things like “quantitative easing.” That and other financial moves may end up triggering a banking crisis in Europe.

The Europeans blame the USA for putting them in a position to have to change interest rates and take other actions.

As far as Europe facing a banking crisis, notice something the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, said in a sermon on July 7, 1984:

And I can see now, the event that is going to trigger the formation of the reunification in Europe; the resurrection of the medieval Holy Roman Empire that we’ve been looking forward to that is prophesied to come…

But I believe that some event is going to happen suddenly just like out a blue sky that is going to shock the whole world and is going to cause the nations in Europe to realize they must unite! … Well now I think I can see what may be the very event that is going to trigger…that is the economic situation in the world…

The whole banking structure in the United States is a network all jointed together. But not only that, one nation has to deal with other nations and imports and exports. And so they have to have a means of transforming money from one nation to another. And so the banking structure is international and interwoven…

Now when the financial structure breaks down, all civilization is going to break down…

So, an economic or banking crisis is what Herbert W. Armstrong concluded would drive Europe to unite.

And, I agree that it will take some type of crisis for Europe to reorganize.

The Bible shows that a major reorganization is prophesied to happen and push Europe under totalitarian control:

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)

Economic issues will be one of the factors that will get Europe to decide to reorganize and support a dictator that the Bible calls the Beast.

There is an expression that “the enemy of your enemy is your friend.” The USA is turning friends into enemies, and that is consistent with biblical prophecies (e.g. Lamentations 1:1-2). Expect the European Union to trade more with other nations.

Notice some items in my book available at Amazon Kindle: Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? as well as Amazon print Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?:

Unintended Consequences

While Donald Trump seems to believe that his policies are best for the United States, notice some unintended consequences of them: …

Pushing tariffs and sanctions on other countries is contributing to the rise of the final time of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24; Ezekiel 7:24).

Pushing tariffs and other policies that foreign nations do not like is contributing to other nations looking to bypass the USA dollar, as well as trade more with each other and less with the USA. This will further push various globalist’s moves forward without the USA. This is also helping set the stage for the coming European Babylonian Beast to dominate international trade.

Since the above was published, more countries are looking seriously about bypassing the US dollar because of tariffs, sanctions, and other economic issues.

Statements and policies by the Trump Administration have strained relations between the USA and Europe.

Yet, the Bible shows that Europe will emerge from its crises to become the dominant end time trading power, the end time Babylon, but that it will not last.

Here are some scriptures that prophecy this:

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 17:5)

9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. … 18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:9, 18)
NKJV

2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” (Revelation 18:2-3)

11 “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: 12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. 14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’ (Revelation 18:11-18)

The above is referring to a European power–one that, even according to Roman Catholic scholars, has a religious tie to Rome.

Regarding how the international trade situation will end up, earlier this year the The Continuing Church of God put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel discussing various views and scriptures about that:

14:49

Trade Wars – and the Winner will be …

US President Trump imposed tariffs on a global scale. Those tariffs were imposed on friend and foe alike. It seems as if President Trump is no respecter of nations. But how will this work out for the United States? Will these tariffs result in other nations drawing closer together that have had rather cold, and even not so cold, relations in the past? Will global tariffs result in trade wars? Were the events which are happening predicted by any in the Continuing Church of God? Is Europe drawing closer to China? Is Europe drawing closer to Latin and South America? With the exception of a few of America’s allies, is the net result of these tariffs a worldwide scramble to create new alliances and new trading partners to the exclusion of the United States? What will be the future result of these new alliances? Many of the nations that are now seeking new alliances were just recently America’s allies. They were her friends. Dr. Thiel brings to light the fate of America and her allies at the hands of her former friends, as revealed in the book of Lamentations. As we rapidly approach the end times listen in as Dr. Thiel brings to light world events. Then listen as he shines the light of Bible prophecy directly on the questions raised from these world events.

Here is a link to our video: Trade Wars – and the Winner will be …

But as scripture points out, Europe will not WIN for very long.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Spiritual Samaritans: Old and New Who were the Samaritans? Do the represent true Christianity or something else? Here is a link to a related sermon: USA in Prophecy: Samaria.
25 items to prophetically watch in 2025 Much is happening. Dr. Thiel points to 25 items to watch (cf. Mark 13:37) in this article. Here is a link to a related sermon video: 25 Items to Watch in 2025.
WTO and the Babylonian Beast Is world trade changing? Has Donald Trump affected it? Is Europe now taking steps that are pushing it towards being the end-time Babylonian Beast trading power that the Bible warns about? This article addresses those issues.Two other videos of related interest may be Trade Wars: Are COG warnings coming to pass? and Trade Disputes: CCOG Warnings Are Coming to Pass.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Is Donald Trump going to save the USA or are there going to be many disastrous unintended consequences of his statements and policies? What will happen. The link takes you to a book available at Amazon.com.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Kindle edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other

Posted in Prophecy | Comments Off on EU says US trade ‘almost impossible’ if 30% tariffs are implemented

*Church of God*	Date	*Greco-Roman-Protestants*
God inspired various ones to write the gospels and other letters, and other parts of the New Testament.	c. 40-92	God inspired various ones to write the gospels and other parts of the New Testament.
Paul writes Timothy to bring Mark and the parchments (2 Timothy 4:11-13).	c. 66	Paul writes Timothy to bring Mark and the parchments (2 Timothy 4:11-13).
Peter has Paul’s writings (2 Peter 3:15-16).	c. 66	Peter has at least some of Paul’s writings (2 Peter 3:15-16).
John gets writings from Peter.	c. 66	John gets some writings from Peter.
Peter and Paul are killed.	c. 67	Peter and Paul are killed.
In Patmos, John pens the last book of the Bible (Revelation 1:9-11). He is the last disciple to bind and seal the testimony (cf. Isaiah 8:16).	c. 92	In Patmos, John pens the last book of the Bible (Revelation 1:9-11).
John moves back to Ephesus.	c. 96	John moves back to Ephesus.
John passes the finalized canons on to Polycarp of Smyrna and others.	c. 98	John passes knowledge to Polycarp of Smyrna.
Papias of Hierapolis shows he accepted Revelation as scripture.	c. 120
Polycarp quotes or alludes to every one of the 27 books of the New Testament (including Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter, and James) and notes that those of Philipi are “well versed in the Sacred Scriptures.”	c. 135	Polycarp refers to various NT books and notes that those of Philipi are “well versed in the Sacred Scriptures.”
	c. 160	Shepherd of Hermas and Gospel of Peter are considered to be scripture.
	c. 175	Muratorian Canon includes Apocalypse of Peter and Wisdom of Solomon, but excludes Book of Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and one of John’s epistles.
Melito of Sardis lists the books of the Old Testament, but does not include any of the Apocrypha. Melito’s use of the term ‘Old Testament’ presupposes that he also knew the New Testament.	c. 175	Melito of Sardis lists the books of the Old Testament, but does not include any of the Apocrypha. Melito’s use of the term ‘Old Testament’ presupposes that he also knew the New Testament. Apocrypha used by some Greco-Romans.
Polycrates of Ephesus said he and others in Asia Minor had “gone through every Holy scripture.”	c. 192
Serapion of Antioch condemns Gospel of Peter as pseudepigrapha (ψευδεπιγραφα) after seeing it for the first time.	c. 209	Gospel of Peter still being used.
Serapion says the books were “handed down” to those in Antioch/Asia Minor, as opposed to those he encountered in Egypt.	c. 209
	c. 180-250	School in Alexandria, with Origen in the 3^rd century, classifies Hebrews, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, James, and Jude as “contested writings.”
	c. 230	Origen sees major problems with the Septuagint texts, but it is still used.
	c. 250	Cyprian of Carthage’s “first Latin Bible” fails to include Hebrews, 2 Peter, James, and Jude.
School in Antioch, with Lucian predecessors, then Lucian himself, improves Greek Septuagint by using Hebrew Masoretic documents and also edits the ‘Traditional Text’ of the Greek New Testament.	c. 250-312
	c. 320	Eusebius writes that Hebrews, James, Jude, 2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation are disputed.
	367	Athanasius lists the 27 books of the New Testament.
	c. 380	Canon 85 of the Apostolic Constitutions includes the “two Epistles of Clement” among its “sacred books.”
	382	Damasan catalogue has a canon for the Roman Church with the Book of Hebrews.
Nazarene Christians use the Old and New Testaments without the Apocrypha.	c. 382 -395	Jerome works on Latin Vulgate Bible, but does not want to include the Apocrypha. He notices that he is often using corrupted texts.
Nazarenes continued with the original canon.	c. 382-404	Jerome consults with one or more Nazarene Christians on the canon.
	393	Augustine said Hebrews was still disputed.
	c. 405	Pope Innocent I left Hebrews out of his list of the New Testament canon he sent to Exsuperius.
	c.405	Jerome completes his Bible, and, after succumbing to pressure, includes the Apocrypha.
	419	Council of Carthage adopts catalogue of canon.
Nazarenes and Proto-Waldenses preserve the books. Their canon included the whole of the New Testament.	5^th-7^th centur-ies
Constantine of Mananali (Armenia) receives much of the New Testament in Greek from an Syrian/Antiochian and translates it.	c. 650
Proto-Waldenses preserve and translate the books.	7^th-11^th centur-ies
Team led by Peter Waldo translates the entire New Testament and parts of the Old Testament.	12^th century
Waldenses preserve and translate the books.	12^th-15^th centuries
Waldensian books taken by supporters of Rome.	12^th-15^th centur-ies	Edicts against the Waldeneses issued by Roman Catholics in 1184 (Synod of Verona), 1215 (Fourth Lateran Council), and 1487 (Bull by Innocent VII).
	1522	Martin Luther included Apocrypha in his translation of the Bible.
	16^th centu-ry	Huldrych Zwingli did not accept Revelation as scripture.
	1546	Martin Luther still doubted the inclusion of Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation.
	1546	Rome’s Council of Trent declares fixed canon is a dogma that cannot be changed.
	1611	King James Version published with the Apocrypha as part of the appendix.
	1672	Eastern Orthodox finalize their canon, at the Synod of Jerusalem, which includes the Apocrypha.
	19^th centu-ry	Protestants drop the Apocrypha from the appendix of the edited KJV.
Church of God leaders continued to cite the same canon of scripture from prior to the Protestant Reformation to present. They basically continue to point to the Masoretic Hebrew and a version of the Textus Receptus as the best available scriptural texts.	16^th– 21^st centur-ies

Life After Death Is Real! Here Are 5 Examples Of People That Met Jesus During Near Death Experiences

‘Boy Who Came Back From Heaven’ going back to publisher

Israel bombs Damascus as response to Syrian government treatment of Druze people

Is This The Beginning Of The End For Damascus? And Is Iran Threatening To Make A Move That Will Ensure That It Gets Bombed Again?

Did The IMF Reveal That Cryptocurrency Is The New World Order End-Game?

ECB pitches digital euro as response to Trump’s crypto push

China, North Korea and Russia represent biggest security challenge since World War II, Japan says

Pacific Military Balance Tilting in China’s Favor, Says New Defense of Japan Report

Russia sees Trump’s 50-day window as a green light to keep up brutal offensive in Ukraine

Threatening The Russians With An Ultimatum Will Backfire Severely And Will Set The Stage For Nuclear War

Is Joe Biden Trying To Start World War 3 Before He Leaves Office? The Decision To Use Long-Range Missiles To Strike Targets Deep Inside Russia Is Insane

The road to the bomb

Where is the debate over German or European nuclear armament heading? A German atom bomb cannot be ruled out, but experts in Berlin advise initial caution.

A German bomb

Netanyahu’s coalition is rattled as ultra-Orthodox party announces exit over military draft law

“In accordance with all that HaShem had commanded”

US trade ‘almost impossible’ in case of Trump tariffs — EU

How might the EU react to Trump’s tariffs?

Italy Foreign Minister: EU Ready to Hit US With 21B Euro Tariff List

Get these news items sent to you on a daily basis

Recent Posts

Free Online Books and Booklets

International Languages

Pages

Categories

Archives

Abbreviations

Links