Church of God News

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis

COGwriter

CG7-Denver has just published something in its Sep-Oct 2010 Bible Advocate magazine allowing people to work on the Sabbath:

Q Please reiterate our position on the Sabbath.  If, due to the economy, a member who is a deacon takes a job requiring him to work late on Friday, but he still attends Sabbath day services, does God’s mercy allow him to continue as deacon? How would you handle this?…

A We’re no longer under old covenant law but under the new covenant of God’s grace (Rom. 6:15; Heb. 8:13)…Every believer must strive, out of love, to dedicate the glorious Sabbath to the Lord. When forced to work, he does not violate the law of love. He continues to love his Lord and His day, regretting that he cannot keep it as he wished. That’s completely different from one who mocks the commandment by working on Sabbath, even though he could keep it, and smugly says we are under grace. One who cannot attend Sabbath services obviously cannot hold an important church office, since he’s not aware of what goes on there. The deacon who is required to work in the dark hours of Sabbath to provide for his household is not wrong. He may continue to serve because he attends worship during the day when church activities take place and he knows what’s happening.

This is an outrage.  No one is being forced to violate the Sabbath, simply pressured.  We are all pressured to sin in many ways, but that does not make sin right.  It is still sin.

To try to reduce dissent from this outrageous response, CG7 had the following weasel words attached to the article:

Editor’s note: Not official policy, here is a respected pastor’s answer to a not uncommon problem in CoG7.

This is still an outrage.

People either have the faith that God will provide or they do not.

Those who knowingly violate the Sabbath simply do not have the faith.

Perhaps I should convey a related personal story.  When I was doing poorly financially struggling to get our business profitable, an opportunity came up for me to have a booth at a seminar on the Sabbath which would have likely resulted in noticeable financial benefits to our struggling business.  At the same time (around November 1994), the late J. Tkach had some article come out that essentially said that if you need to support your family it was okay to work on the Sabbath.

Yet the Bible says:

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.  (Exodus 20:8-11)

21 “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.  (Exodus 34:21)

There was more economic pressure for farmers during plowing and harvest time in the ancient days than there is for modern Westerners.  So, instead of listening to Tkach-accepted logic, I decided that it was an act of faith to not work on the Sabbath, but of course to work the other days.    I agreed with the Apostle Peter and others in Acts who faced persecuting pressure:

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men…” (Acts 5:29)

Peter and the others were beaten then (Acts 5:40), but that and various threats did not stop them from obeying God (Acts 5:41).  They ignored being “forced” to disobey God.  And actual force was used against them.

Furthermore, the Book of Psalms clearly says:

25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. (Psalms 37:25)

My wife and I have faced various trials associated with keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days over the years (my wife was even fired for attending the Feast of Tabernacles from one company).  We have made it through, though it was not always easy.  We never had to beg for bread.  Jesus taught to pray to God for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).  He did not teach to rely on carnal reasoning.

We knew that Jesus warned:

33…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

So, the fact that it is not always easy to obey God does not justify disobedience.   Jesus taught that the way to life was difficult and few would find it (Matthew 7:14).

How does the Bible say that Christians are supposed to conduct their lives?  To compromise with the world?  Or to do something else?  Notice:

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:6-8)

3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience…9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NIV).

Giving in to societal pressures in order to fulfill the carnal requirements of the flesh is not biblically sanctioned (cf. Romans 13:14).  Some believe God is faithful, while others look to their own understandings.   The Bible says to trust in God and not your own understandings (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Real Christians accept that God is faithful and do not compromise:

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.  (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

There have been harder trials in the world than facing job loss in a Western society.  Almost no one actually starves in 21st century America/Europe, and if the “deacon” truly believed God, God would provide for him (and if not, likely the government) even if it does not seem so carnally (cf. Genesis 22:8).  Do he and others not realize that God is faithful?

Sadly, CG7 is encouraging people to look to their own carnal understandings and do what is right in their own eyes (cf. Proverbs 12:15; 21:2).

The Bible warns that the Sardis Church will lose what it has:

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

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.  2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.  3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.  4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. (Revelation 3:1-4)

CG7-Denver keeps losing more and more of the truths it once had.

This latest published response (despite the weasel words that it was “not official policy”, when CG7’s policy was asked for) is an outrage that again confirms that CG7-Denver is at best part of Sardis.  And at worse, has almost no true Christians left in it.  God will decide which best describe that group now.  We in the Living Church of God have not followed the path CG7-Denver is going down.

Those in CG7-Denver really need to examine what church they really should be part of.

For more information about CG7 and other subjects in this post, please prayerfully study the following:

Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Rendering of Armstrong Auditorium (Rees Associates)

COGwriter

Today, PCG’s Stephen Flurry (son of self-appointed prophet and the so-called Philadelphia Church of God leader Gerald Flurry) in an article titled A House for God! posted the following:

Armstrong Auditorium may not rise to the level of excellence of Solomon’s house, but judging by the initial wave of reviews, it will take your breath away.

I do not doubt that PCG spent enough money to have an attractive building.  It reportedly cost PCG $20,000,000 (see PCG: Armstrong Auditorium Mission) which is a lot for a church that probably brings in perhaps around one-half that amount in a year.  As PCG seems to have around 6,000 people or so in total that attend with it, this is a heavy financial burden per attendee.

Now by titling the article A House for God! it might seem that PCG is indicating that it has God’s criteria to actually be part of its church.

But that would be an improper conclusion.

While PCG will likely let nearly anyone who buys a concert ticket to go into its Armstrong Auditorium for performances, it has non-biblical restrictions to prevent people from attending its church services (some of which presumably will be at its Armstrong Auditorium) as well as for being baptized:

New prospective members of Flurry’s church are asked the question: ‘Do you believe Mr. Armstrong fulfilled the role of the end-time Elijah? If they don’t believe this then we don’t invite them [to services]‘ (The Philadelphia Trumpet. January, 1993, page 15) (Quoted in Nickels, Richard. Appendix C. In Early Writings of Herbert W. Armstrong. 1996. p.232).

“MOA {Mystery of the Ages} is required reading for those who seek baptism in the church, and church policy mandates reading the book before services because ‘it provides the key to understanding the Bible’ ” (Leap D. Continuing to Fight.  Philadelphia Trumpet, February 2002, p. 26).

I have also heard, but not seen documented, that prospective members of PCG must also declare that they believe that Gerald Flurry is a prophet of God before being allowed to be baptized.

Of course, the Bible teaches that there is only one name under heaven by which humans can be saved and that name is Jesus, not Gerald Flurry nor Herbert W. Armstrong:

10 Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ’stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’  12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

PCG simply does not understand that Jesus is the only “name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”.  PCG, in my view, has always had the wrong focus.

And, it seems, in the past several years, PCG has really been into physical relics and seems highly focused financially on looking the most physically like the old Worldwide Church of God.

I believe that PCG should spend more time investigating its non-biblical requirements and doctrines and return to “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), not its interpretation of human leaders and non-biblical pronouncements.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which claims to be faithful.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians?
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this past decade or so.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains who he was and how he should be viewed today.

COGwriter

US President Obama declared an end to the USA’s combat mission in Iraq at a news conference yesterday.

But all is not well in Iraq.  Actually, it still does not have a fully-formed government after its last election.  This lack of unity is a signal that it will have more unity problems in the future.

Iraq is likely to experience civil war.

Over five years ago (January 7, 2005), the late John Ogwyn (of LCG) stated in a commentary titled What Lies Ahead for Iraq?:

You see, Iraq has three roughly defined regions developing on their own paths. The south is under the sway of Shiite Muslim clerics, many of whom want to form an Islamic state. The Sunni Muslims in the center are increasingly influenced by members of the former regime—many of them Arab nationalists. And in the north there is the desire for Kurdish autonomy at the very least—and, most likely, Kurdish independence. In fact, the longer an effective central government is delayed, the longer the country’s three regions will continue on their diverging trajectories. Some have called this “the calm before the storm.”

Now, my friends, did you realize this is actually mentioned in Bible prophecy? It’s interesting when you look in the book of Revelation, chapter 9, as well as Revelation chapter 16, and you find that the Euphrates River plays a major part in future prophecies. Anciently, the Euphrates River was the boundary between the Parthian Empire to the east and the Roman Empire to the west. That was the state of things in the first century when John was writing. Today, if you look at a map, the Euphrates River isn’t a boundary between anything. It just sort of goes down through the middle of Iraq. Yet in Revelation 9:14, we are told that when the sixth trumpet blows, the angels that have been bound in the great River Euphrates are loosed. And in Revelation 16, we find that when the sixth vial is poured out, the River Euphrates is dried up and the kings of the east move across—indicating that the Euphrates is a boundary between east and west.

My friends, if you look at a map and you look these three ethnic groups, you realize that as Iraq moves toward disintegration into three major components, you will find that the Euphrates River is going to emerge as a boundary. That is the natural boundary there, and very likely we are going to see, in the time ahead, the disintegration of Iraq—and ultimately the emergence of the Euphrates River as a prominent boundary just as indicated in the book of Revelation.

What’s going on in today’s world news is setting the stage for the final fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

The US and its allies attempted to do the best that they humanly can, but overall, things will change in the Middle East and will NOT be as the US, etc. hopes.

Civil unrest is likely for Iraq, and it may break out with civil war.  Ultimately, I expect much of Iraq to align with the soon coming Islamic King of the South, and that may somewhat minimize Iraq’s disintegration–but such disintegration may happen prior to this leader being accepted.

Some articles of possibly-related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
The Bible and the Arab World In History and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?

COGwriter

LCG reported in its latest World Ahead Weekly Update that it is trying to reach China via television:

Mr. Gerald Weston reports on his and Mr. Stuart Wachowicz’s recent visit to China: The trip was most helpful as we were able to meet face to face with individuals who can put us on the air in a number of Asian markets. We were also able to view some television firsthand to see what techniques are being employed for news programs and what religious programming is currently on the air in Hong Kong and Guangdong province. We were encouraged by the assistance we would be given and by the opportunities currently available to us in several Asian countries…. both Mr. Wachowicz and I were very much encouraged by the potential we have to reach such a large portion of the human race. There are opportunities open to us that we could not have imagined six months ago. Your continued prayers for God to keep open these doors and His guidance and assistance in walking through them are appreciated

Currently, LCG reaches China proper mainly through the internet.  Its Tomorrow’s World telecast is also available on you-tube to the Chinese and others in Asia (and around the world).  Tomorrow’s World on YouTube is very popular and helps to greatly expand LCG’s internet reach beyond its other websites.

I have been praying for some time that LCG would be better able to reach the Asians and have spoken to LCG’s Presiding Evangelist, Dr. R.C. Meredith (and others in Charlotte), about this on more than one occasion. My own series of articles on China and Asia are intended to support LCG’s reach to Asia.

The Apostle Paul talked about doors being opened for him to get the gospel out:

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord (2 Corinthians 2:12).

8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:8-9).

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains (Colossians 4:2-3).

Perhaps the door into China and other parts of Asia will open a bit wider for a while.  Your prayers may make the difference.

LCG’s Dr. Winnail recently wrote:

The Apostle Paul urged Christians to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  The New Testament reveals that the prayers of the saints are like sweet incense to God (Revelation 5:8), and that the ears of the Lord are open to the prayers of the righteous (1 Peter 3:12).  Peter also admonishes believers, “the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7).  As we see the end of this age approaching, let’s follow these examples and heed God’s instructions about the importance of prayer.

Christians need to support the proclamation of the gospel through their prayers, tithes, and how they live their lives.

LCG strongly believes that it needs to work to better fulfill the following:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.  (Matthew 24:14)

Getting its telecast into Asia (other than through the internet, satellite, and/or cable which does reach some now in Asia) is one more step to try to fulfill Matthew 24:14.  Once that verse is completely fulfilled to God’s satisfaction, “then the end will come”.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
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? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
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?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Tithing Questions and Some Answers Addresses some non-biblical arguments against tithing. Should people tithe?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Scanning electron micrograph of HIV-1 (in green) budding from cultured lymphocyte. Multiple round bumps on cell surface represent sites of assembly and budding of virions. (Wikipedia)

COGwriter

LCG announced the following today as part of its weekly update:

Plunging Male Circumcision Rates. According to at least one researcher, male circumcision rates in the U.S. dropped from 56% in 2006 to less than 33% at the end of 2009—that is almost a 50% drop in just three years. In a recent interview, pediatric bioethicist Dr. Douglas Diekema cited several factors that may have impacted this steep decline: (1) the American Academy of Pediatrics’ rather neutral stance on the matter beginning about ten years ago, which resulted in insurance companies dropping coverage of the procedure, (2) anti-circumcision activists using emotional pleas—referring to male circumcision as genital mutilation, and (3) increasing Hispanic populations that do not traditionally practice male circumcision of infants. Dr. Diekema went on to highlight the benefits of male circumcision that will likely be lost with the declining trend, such as a significantly decreased risk of infant urinary tract infection—that can be a dangerous condition—and a significantly decreased risk of sexually transmitted disease transmission, including HIV. Dr. Diekema also pointed out that the risks inherent in infant circumcision are far less than those at older ages (NPR, August 22, 2010). As the U.S. moves away from its Judeo-Christian roots, practices that were once commonplace are now becoming taboo. Although God no longer requires circumcision for spiritual reasons (see Acts 15, Romans 2:25-29), the health benefits are still well known in the medical profession. But today, anything associated with biblical beliefs is being rejected—regardless of the benefits to children and adults alike.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Increase in Young British Women. “Almost half a million new cases of [sexually transmitted] infection were diagnosed in Britain last year. Among women, two-thirds were aged between 15 and 24.” These numbers increased by 12,000 over the previous year and indicate increasing promiscuity among adolescents and young adults. Sadly, 11% of young women and 12% of young men experience re-infection after being treated (Express.co.uk, August 25, 2010). Sadly, the types of STIs being contracted usually result in sterility if untreated and can greatly increase the chances of miscarriage among women. God warned that because of the sins of Ephraim (modern British-descended peoples), the nation would experience a time in the future with “… No birth, no pregnancy, and no conception.” This will occur in part through “miscarrying” and “dry breasts” (Hosea 9:10-17). Sexually transmitted diseases could certainly cause these curses. However, The Bible reveals that obedience to God and His ways brings blessings, “I will take sickness away from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren [sterile] in your land…” (Exodus 23:20-26). God speed the day when all will obey God and experience the rich blessings of obedience!

Male circumcision also seems to have other benefits. One study concluded:

• Male circumcision is associated with reduced risk of genital HPV infection in men whether or not their female partners have cervical HPV or cervical cancer.
• Circumcision is associated with reduced risk of cervical cancer in women with high-risk sexual partners.

There are also various hygiene issues. (Note: The same as the original New Testament church, LCG does not require males to be circumcised, but considers it has physical value since God implemented it in the Hebrew scriptures).

But circumcision is only one aspect of this.  Lust and sin are other aspects related to STDs/SDIs.

Immorality, or in the case many in the USA, UK, and many other places these days, amorality (many do not consider that sexual relations outside of marriage is wrong, hence they do consider the moral ramifications) leads to health problems.

Recall that the Apostle Paul wrote:

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

But sadly, many do not care (or follow) about what the Apostle Paul wrote.  But it was true then, and it is true now.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

One of the differences between the Living Church of God (LCG) and the United Church of God (UCG) is how they approach the matter of “church eras” in regards to the churches of Revelation 2 & 3.

In a shot directly against me (titled COGWriter Shows Inconsistency in Church Eras), UCG blogger John Carmack posted the following:

The main problem is how can an “era” come to an end and still have an entire group representing another era left behind?  When an empire falls, the empire is smashed.  It is gone.  Similarly, if the “Philadelphian era” of the church is over, then that church no longer exists.

You know what?  According to the usual identification given, Sardis still exists as well.  How can that be?  In fact, I believe Thyatira is still around.  There certainly is a group that seems to fit the description.  Again, if eras are true, how could that be?

Now, if John Carmack actually read what I have written about “church eras”, I specifically do state that Sardis, Laodicea, Thyatira, and Philadelphia all exist at the end.

There is no inconsistency that I am aware of in my writings on this as I and LCG (unlike UCG which hedges) teach:

The Living Church of God traces its history from the Apostolic Church in the Book of Acts (the Ephesian era) to the present. The message to the seven Churches in Revelation two and three successively shows the history of the true Church from that time forward. These seven Churches describe succeeding eras, or ages, of God’s Church. We believe that the Philadelphia era began in the 1930s, and that we are a continuation of that Philadelphia era. (Living Church of God, Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs–Church History)

The Laodicean Church is the last one mentioned in the book of Revelation (Revelation 3:14-22). As the last, it is the one that will be the most dominant at the time of the end. The word “Laodicea” can be rendered “the people rule”, “judgment of the people” or the “people decide.” Laodicea is characterized by a rejection of the governance accepted by the Philadelphians, and by a general lukewarm attitude. Laodicea places emphasis on self (as opposed to proclaiming the Gospel), thus it also waters down the Truth-and so is “rebuked and chastened” and counseled “to buy from Me gold refined in the fire” (Revelation 3:18-19).Because Laodicea is dominant at the end of the age, Philadelphia cannot be predominant then. However, a remnant of Philadelphia must still exist. We know this because Jesus told the Philadelphians: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly!” (Revelation 3:10-11). The Philadelphians are the only ones promised protection! The remnant of the Philadelphians are “given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent” (Revelation 12:14). (Thiel B.  What is a True Philadelphian?  Living Church News, July-August 2001)

In chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation, Christ reveals the characteristics of the seven ages or “eras” of God’s true Church. He finds some fault with most of the seven churches or “eras”—but not Philadelphia. These “eras” represent attitudes that are always present in God’s Church, and they also indicate the progression of “dominant” attitudes in the Church at large. Today, we are clearly in the Laodicean era, which Christ condemns for being “lukewarm” even though it has most of the Truth. The living Jesus Christ said: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16).The Living Church of God, which has produced this booklet you are now reading, strives to retain the Philadelphia emphasis even in our Laodicean age. (Meredith RC.  Where is God;s True Church Today?  LCG booklet, 2005)

LCG teaches that while a certain attitude predominates one era at a time, that some from other “eras” still exist during that time.  Essentially, LCG teaches a series of overlapping eras.  (John Carmack may wish to consider, for a carnal example, that industrialists existed after the industrial era, etc.  The problem is not inconsistency, but the fact that the idea of “eras” includes overlap, and does not preclude individuals who are outside the norm for their time/era.)

This was also the position of the late Herbert W. Armstrong who specifically taught that Sardis (mainly represented by CG7) was around during the time Philadelphia predominated.  This was also the position of all the top leaders of UCG prior to them becoming part of UCG (they compromised afterwards).

I am sorry that John Carmack and others in UCG do not understand “church eras”.  This is one of the many ways in which I believe they have allowed themselves to go astray and will lead to less correct understanding of end time prophecy as events unfold.  Here is some of what it has published on “church eras”:

“You asked if the messages to the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 can be applied to eras of church history. As Mr. Herbert Armstrong said in the past, there were seven churches in Asia minor during the life of the apostle John that had certain strengths and weaknesses. Those same strengths and weaknesses could be evident in any church congregation today. Some believe that they also described church eras that began with the apostolic age and until Jesus Christ returns. Since some have disputed this idea, it is a subject that needs more study to see what we can know for sure and what remains in the unknown.” (Internet Correspondence from info@ucg.com to Dr. Thiel. November 13, 1997)

“Since seven represents completeness, these seven lampstands seem to portray a composite picture of the Church of God, the light of the world. Paul explains that the Church is one body (I Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:4). However, it has multiple congregations and members scattered throughout the nations. Therefore, these seven specific assemblies of believers appear to effectively represent the totality of the Church. It appears likely that the prophecies of the Church in Revelation 2 and 3 have multiple meanings and applications” (Foster, Roger. God’s Church in Prophecy. Good News, expanded edition. Jul-Aug 2000; p. 8).

“Mr. Walker asked for the Council’s input on this question – how should the Church deal with honest differences in opinion on prophetic topics? Not every issue of prophecy will create this dilemma, he stated, but some will. How do we deal with alternate explanations? Richard Thompson: ‘It could be that the traditional teaching is that we allow three different explanations – for example, the seven churches of Revelation’ ” (Johnson, Doug. United Church of God, an International Association Council of Elders Meeting Report Monday, March 4, 2002 – Cincinnati, Ohio).

From January 2002 through August 2002, UCG ran a series of articles on the 7 Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 written by David Treybig. Unlike anything that WCG ever produced, these articles never say anything about Church eras, do not indicate that the Church was predominant at any particular time, do not mention who or when the Church may have been primarily extant, never mention that Herbert Armstrong was used to raise up the Philadelphia era (or that he left the Sardis era), or anything else suggesting that UCG officially believes in Church eras (which is because officially UCG does not).

Of course there is a reason that UCG does not wish to clearly teach church eras, and that is that they will not like which era that they would have to conclude they are part of.

As far as my writings, several of my articles essentially state, “Revelation 2 & 3 shows a series, in an apparent overlapping succession of Churches of God, each with somewhat different strengths and weaknesses” (The Apostle John and Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus and Smyrna).

My writings on church eras are not inconsistent and I do consider that John Carmack is unintentionally bearing false witness here.  The fact that he does not understand a doctrine that he should have held, but since changed, is sad but consistent with others who have lost the knowledge of proper church governance, priority of gospel proclamation, and other such non-Philadelphia positions.

Those who understand church eras better understand how God has worked through the Church throughout the ages and how He plans to work through it in the future.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Old Testament Church Eras Are there seven church eras in the Old Testament? Do they parallel those in Revelation 2 &3?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 from 31 A.D. to present: information on all of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3.
1. The Ephesus Church Era was predominant from 31 A.D. to circa 135 A.D. The Church of James, Peter, Paul, and John, etc.
2. The Smyrna Church Era was predominant circa 135 A.D. to circa 450 A.D. The Church led by Polycarp, Melito, Polycrates, etc.
3. The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church.
4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

The problems in the USA are severe and the politicians and citizens there basically do not get it.  Notice some of the quotes from the following news items:

Debt crisis just beginning, Morgan Stanley says

CNN Money – Aug 25, 2010…

That can’t go on forever, analyst Arnaud Mares writes in the firm’s first Sovereign Subjects report…While Morgan Stanley said it doesn’t expect the biggest governments to stop making payments outright – currency issuers such as the United States and United Kingdom can, after all, simply print money if the need arises – it does believe buyers at current prices leave themselves scant defense against other tools policymakers might use to chip away at the their burdens, such as inflation, tax increases and regulatory restrictions..

“Debt/GDP ratios are too backward-looking and considerably underestimate the fiscal challenge faced by advanced economies’ governments,” Mares writes..

The big question now, he continues, is what form this exciting new round of walking-away will take. For bondholders, he concludes, “History is not so reassuring after all.”

http://wallstreet.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2010/08/25/debt-crisis-just-beginning-morgan-stanley-says/

Can we pride ourselves on the resilience of our democracy? Isn’t it true that in our case, unlike those others, when the chips are down and our backs are to the wall, the necessary compromises will be made? Really?

Actuarially, existing entitlements have already bankrupted us. Mighty and exceptional as we think we are, demography and arithmetic are mightier still. Everyone knows it. They have known it for some time. Yet none of these programs has ever been cut back in a material way, so powerful and tenacious are the attending lobbies. http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424052970203651904575437540656904972.html?mod=googlenews_barrons

Intel CEO: U.S. faces looming tech decline

Cnet - Aug 24, 2010

ASPEN, Colo.–Intel Chief Executive Officer Paul Otellini offered a depressing set of observations about the economy and the Obama administration…unless government policies are altered, he predicted, “the next big thing will not be invented here. Jobs will not be created here.”

The U.S. legal environment has become so hostile to business, Otellini said…Not long ago…, “our research centers were without peer. No country was more attractive for start-up capital…We seemed a generation ahead of the rest of the world in information technology. That simply is no longer the case.”…Otellini singled out the political state of affairs in Democrat-dominated Washington, saying: “I think this group does not understand what it takes to create jobs. And I think they’re flummoxed by their experiment in Keynesian economics not working.”…if politicians make decisions “the wrong way, people will not invest in the United States. They’ll invest elsewhere.”

Take factories…Ninety percent of that additional cost of a $4 billion factory is not labor but the cost to comply with taxes and regulations that other nations don’t impose…

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-20014563-38.html?tag=mncol;1n

The debt crisis will worsen, the job creation mechanisms are no longer world leading, and the situation will worsen as calls for more regulations and taxes keep coming out of the mouths of the leading politicians and their supporters in the mainstream media.  Americans, as a rule, still do not get it.

LCG reported this recently in its weekly update:

Mistaken Assumptions About Democracy. Thomas Jefferson penned one of the great assumptions underlying modern democracies, “Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government”—yet this assumption appears to be highly suspect. The Boston Globe (July 11, 2010) reports a number of recent studies that found, “when misinformed people, particularly political partisans, were exposed to corrected facts in news stories, they rarely changed their minds. In fact, they often became even more strongly set in their ways.” This is because “we often base our opinions on our beliefs… [and] our beliefs can dictate the facts we chose to accept.” Another reason we reject some factual information is that it is often difficult and threatening to admit that we are wrong. Another study revealed, “the political ignorance of the American voter is one of the best documented data in political science” and that “misinformed people often have some of the strongest political opinions.” In fact, “the ones who were the most confident they were right were by and large the ones who knew the least about a topic.” Researchers conducting these studies see the assumption—that more information will ensure that people will change their minds—as “a potentially formidable problem” in a democratic system. In light of this research, it should come as no surprise that when Jesus Christ returns to set up the Kingdom of God, He will not come with more facts and pleasant words, but “with a strong hand” (Isaiah 40:10; Revelation 11:15-18).

So, having the facts does not change most Americans.  Most Americans don’t get it, and those that do often want to ignore what is obviously happening.

The USA is declining, its institutions are stifling, its debt is overpowering, its decline will be massive.

Do you have mistaken assumptions?  Will you change them?

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled by him?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

VS.

COGwriter

Last week I got an email that stated the following (shown in its entirety):

Hello,Just thought I’d let you know that it really amazes me that Mr. Tkach died exactly 1260 days before Pentecost 1998 from December 17th 1994, the day Mr. Tkach betrayed God and Mr Armstrong.  Pentecost 1998 was the beginning of the 7th and the last of Gods church era, the Laodicean Era which ended on September 29th 2008 at sun down at which on the same day the Dow fell of a record 777 points at sun down. The next day is the Jewish Holiday, Feast of Trumpets 2008 which is exactly 1335 days before Pentecost 2012. Between this these two times Seal Number 7 of Revelation will soon be opened and the 7 trupmets will sound along with the 7 last plagues of Revelation before the 1335 days are up. Awsome!!!!

I responded with:

Dear ?

The Laodicean era likely began prior to the date you have selected.  Church eras absolutely did not end on September 29, 2008.

The scriptures are clear that the Philadelphians are protected, and others not, during the Great Tribulation.  And obviously that has not happened yet.

Are you with CGPFK?

I waited until today for a response from the emailer, but none was ever received.  So, I thought I would post it.

The seventh seal will not be opened up in 2012, nor will the seven last plagues begin by then.

The email reminds me of the type of logic that Harold Camping’s supporters also point to.

When we these delusional people wake up?

If the 1335 days began of the Feast of Trumpets in 2008, then the 1260 days began on December 14, 2008.  We should have seen at least something related to the following occurrences take place then according to the Bible:

25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time (Daniel 7:25).

7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished (Daniel 12:7).

But none of the biblically required signs occurred (see also Matthew 24:3-20, which precede the Great Tribulation, which CGPFK followers say began in late 2008; and Harold Camping followers even earlier than that).

Instead these followers seem to wish to believe that a repeatedly false prophet is correct because a few dates supposedly line up with some other dates.  Those are not the signs that the Bible says to look for, yet the followers of the false prophets seem to comfort themselves with statements and beliefs that are not from the Bible, but the imaginations of their leaders.

Ronald Weinland is not God’s prophet or one of His two witnesses. Eventually, more of his followers will wake up and see this. Hopefully, they will not wait until after the Feast of Trumpets or the Feast of Tabernacles in 2010 to do this.  But some will apparently wait for him to reveal “additional truths” which likely are intended to keep the followers paying attention to him instead of the Bible.

This is not awesome, but sad.

(BTW, two readers correctly pointed out that the statement about Tkach and the dates was inaccurate.  One of them stated, “Mr. Tkach Sr. died on Sept 23, 1995…981 days before Pentecost 1998.“)

It is sad that the Weinland followers and others of similar ilk do not rely on the Bible for their doctrine.

Some articles of related interest may include the following:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
SDA/LCG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. Did Ellen White make clear prophetic errors?
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping teaches that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world will end on October 21, 2011. Like Ronald Weinland, he allegorizes too many scriptures. What does the Bible show?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events. Unlike the false statements in Ronald Weinland’s books, events aligning with this one are actually coming to pass.

COGwriter

In his latest Prophecy Flash, TPM’s William Dankenbring makes many statements indicating that Barack Obama should be considered to be a candidate for the role of the final Antichrist.  Here are a few:

In Luke 10:18, Jesus Christ may have identified the Antichrist – the coming “beast” of Revelation. He declared, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” In the original Hebrew language the word for lightning is barack. We read in Isaiah 14:12 -14—“how are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! You are cut down to the ground, you who did weaken the nations. You said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will sit also on the Mount of the Congregation on the farthest sides of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds and be like the Most High.”

The Hebrew word for heights/heavens is bama. The conjunction letter that joins the thoughts of lightning and heights is pronounced “u “ or “o” and is thus read as “barrack o’bama”.
Does that prove U.S. President Obama is the Antichrist? Not necessarily…

Who is this strange new President, who was raised as a Moslem, and upon coming to Chicago, joined a so-called “Christian” church that does not require a Moslem to renounce his faith to be a member, and which is led by Jeremiah Wright, a notorious firebrand anti-white, anti-American racist bigot of the extreme left wing?

Who is this President who has read every Harry Potter book?

Who is this strange one who was raised on dog meat and snake meat, and who used many drugs as a teenager, including marijuana and cocaine?

Why was he given the code name “Renegade” by the Secret Service?. The noun “renegade” means by definition “one who denies or gives up his faith,” “especially an apostate.” It means “one who denies or deserts from a cause, principle, party or the like – especially one who turns to a hostile one – a turncoat, deserter.” (Winston Dictionary). Says the Worldbook Dictionary, “a deserter, such as from a religious faith . . . traitor; one who abandons his principles or his people. Synonym: APOSTATE, recreant, backslider.” In other words, a REBEL – JUST LIKE ANCIENT NIMROD – JUST LIKE LUCIFER OR SATAN THE DEVIL!

Now, I have heard certain Protestants try to claim that Luke 10:18 is a prophecy of the current USA President, and felt that they also were in error.

And, again, to make my position perfectly clear, Barack Obama is not the final Antichrist, nor will he become that individual.  Nor is Barack Obama Lucifer.

That does not mean that the USA President has not done things to set the USA up for its end time destruction (not intentionally, BTW, in my opinion).  It is just that the scriptures in the Bible that use the terms “antichrist” and/or “antichrists” are referring to religious, not political leaders.  Prophecy Flash has a history of making speculative statements that have been in error.  Barack Obama is not the Antichrist.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist?Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?

Bushehr, Iran

COGwriter

Iran began loading nuclear fuel rods into its nuclear reactor in Bushehr today.

Iran Launches Controversial Bushehr Nuclear Plant (VOA 21 Aug 2010)

Former US Ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton had said that if Israel wanted to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions, it would have needed to strike it before this happened today.  But he did not think Israel would, and he was correct.  The basic logic for why John Bolton thought it could be an option is that when Israel eliminated an Iraqi nuclear power plant in the past, it did it before it had the nuclear fuel rods loaded.  Basically, by eliminating the plant before it became nuclear, environmental damage could be greatly minimized (as opposed to having the massive amounts of nuclear contamination–Israel will get a lot a flack from any attack, and minimizing damage is generally considered to be in its self-interest).

FWIW, I did a radio interview on Wednesday and was asked about this possible attack by Israel.  Essentially, I told the host that while I did believe that Israel could attack Iran, I did not believe it could be this week/prior to the loading of the nuclear fuel rods.

While it is not yet 100% clear when Israel will likely attack Iran, the idea that it could begin as early as next month remains a possibility.  Since Iran is NOT going to be the final King of the South, it will likely either be militarily somewhat leveled, have another revolution that will change its direction, and/or be impressed with a rising Islamic leader from North Africa and/or the Middle East and provide that leader support.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?