Church of God News

A Chinese Depiction of a Dragon
(The Bible in Revelation 20:2 Calls Satan Both a Serpent and Dragon)

COGwriter

The Day of Atonement, most commonly called Yom Kippur by the Jews (or the Fast in the New Testament), starts Wednesday, October 8th at sunset this year.

Do you know its Christian significance? Do you know that early Christians observed it?

Oddly, because most people associate the Day of Atonement exclusively with the Jews, they are much more likely to celebrate/participate in the pagan Druid holiday in October now called Halloween (see Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? ) than observe a biblical Holy Day.

Do you know that the Bible indicates that one of the things that it pictures is the binding of Satan the dragon for 1000 years?

How can this be determined?

This can be determined essentially by looking at ceremonies associated with the Day of Atonement in the Hebrew Scriptures and noticing a prophetic parallel in the New Testament.

Although many Protestant commentators seem to misunderstand these passages in Leviticus concerning the Day of Atonement, they are correct that the SLAIN goat represents Jesus Christ.

Yet, notice what happens immediately after the atoning from the death of that first goat:

And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness…And he who released the goat as the scapegoat shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp (Leviticus 16:20-22,26).

The atonement is over after the first goat is sacrificed. The atonement is not part of the symbolism of the second goat. While many Protestant commentators either do not know what the Azazel goat represents or think it represents the physical life of Christ, the latter explanation would not seem to be consistent with the statements in Leviticus 16:26 (bolded above).

Why?

Because notice that it is a fit man that takes the goat into the wilderness and he has to wash himself after he has released the aza’zel goat. If the second goat represented Christ, the fit man would have to wash BEFORE touching the goat and not AFTER releasing it.

What Happened to the Live Goat is Symbolic of Satan

We in the Living Church of God believe that what happened to the live goat in Leviticus 16 is symbolic of Satan for two basic reasons:

1) The term scapegoat is an inappropriate translation into English, as it implies that blame is being placed where blame is not due. The Hebrew term is actually aza’zel. This is a term that some Jewish people have historically ascribed to a Satanic adversary.

2) What happens with the Azazel goat and what happens to Satan is quite similar, if one compares Leviticus 16:20-22,26 to Revelation 20:1-3.

Specifically, we cite the following passage from Revelation 20:1-3:

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished.

Notice that it is a fit man that places the Azazel goat which bares blame for sins into the wilderness, and an angel that places Satan, who brought sin into the world, into the wilderness of the bottomless pit. Contrary to the claims of those who do not take this portion of Revelation literally, this 1000 year binding of Satan has certainly not taken place since John was inspired to pen Revelation.

Satan the Dragon is bound for the entire 1000 years of the millennial reign of Christ.  And that is just part of the significance of the Day of Atonement for Christians.  A day that early Christians, like the Apostle Paul (cf. Acts 27:9), kept (the Fast was so widely observed in the 4th century that it was condemned by John Chrysostom (see Fall Holy Days Approach).

The Day of Atonement, unlike the world’s false pagan holidays, does have much significance for Christians today.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by 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.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Did Paul? Should you?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?
LCG 2008 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.
Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat, dated circa 1150, depicting a demon performing an abortion by pounding a mallet into a woman’s belly.

COGwriter

The Vatican, in the past couple of US presidential elections, has become more vocal about who it does not support.  Basically, in the last election and the present election, Vatican officials have been less than pleased that, when the Democratic candidates for either president (John Kerry last election) or vice president (Joseph Biden this election) speak, the Democrats favor abortion.

Here is a fairly bold statement from a US Vatican official:

Vatican official attacks U.S. Democrats as “party of death”

Of course, this is not the only time this year that Joseph Biden (at least indirectly, see Catholic Bishops Seem to Endorse McCain) and Nancy Pelosi (see CT Wrong, Nancy Pelosi Correct) have been condemned by any Catholic bishops.

But this has not seemed to change Joseph Biden.

In the vice-presidential debate last night, I specifically heard Joseph Biden speak in favor on the Roe v. Wade US Supreme Court decision that decided that US States could not prohibit abortion.  Sarah Palin took the opposing view last night (although I only heard her state that it was bad decision as it violate States’ rights).

Sarah Palin, Vice Presidential Nominee

And while the Vatican does not quite come out and support the anti-abortion vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, they certainly do not come out against her like they do Joseph Biden.

But since it is pretty much a sure thing that if the Democrats do not win the White House that the Republicans will, it appears that the direct slam against the Democratic leaders is a least a tacit endorsement of the Republican ticket of Sarah Palin and John McCain.

Perhaps I should add that although we in the Living Church of God are against abortion, the Church of Rome has allowed it throughout its history, beginning in the early portion of the third century.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living 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.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this?
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 easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

COGwriter

Today is the biblical Feast of Trumpets. A day that features the good news that the resurrection of the Christians and the book of life will be opened after the destruction to hit this planet (please see the article Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? for details).

Those who are not observing the biblical Feast of Trumpets today, seem more inclined to at least partially support (it is the third biggest financially important holiday in the USA) a pagan holiday that promotes death.

On its web page last year, WCG mentioned and promoted its current article, with the related picture, on Halloween which states:

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

May Christians and their children participate in Halloween activities? To answer this question, we should first distinguish the secular observance of Halloween from such important Christian festival days as Christmas and Easter. Christmas celebrates the birth of our Savior and Easter commemorates his resurrection. Both these Christian holidays memorialize profound aspects of the life of Jesus…

The day does have religious significance for some people, particularly wiccans and druids. For some people and in some regions, Halloween or some of its elements may have a non-Christian religious meaning. Some Halloween activities could be considered anti-Christian, and would, therefore, be avoided. Christians would want to avoid demonic associations, for example. With these things in mind, it would be appropriate for Christians to consider carefully their activities on this holiday.

…It’s true that such things as jack-o’-lanterns, bonfires and black cats, which are part of the Halloween tradition, may have roots in pre-Christian activities…

Most Christians believe they can celebrate Halloween (in some respects) as a purely secular day of fun…

It is the responsibility of each Christian to decide, based on biblical and Christian principles, whether to participate in Halloween activities, and to avoid judging other Christians who have different circumstances and make different decisions.

WCG seems to want it both ways: it knows that Halloween is pagan, but thinks that Christians can celebrate it.

Christianity Today also seems to try to have it both ways: they seem to accept the compromise to observe it but try to suggest that not celebrating is okay while they also promote its observance.  Here are a few quotes from its website:

Responding to Halloween…

Announcing a new line of costumes…

Over the years, we have come up with some great activities to strengthen our family ties in late October that you can use whether you participate in Halloween or not.

Hallowing Halloween
Why Christians should embrace the “devilish” holiday with gusto—and laughter.

Why I Let My Kids Go Trick-or-Treating…

Other Links to Halloween Resources

Holiday Tips
Tips for a safe and successful Halloween night from the American Tract Society…

Halloween: Trick or Treat?
Visit the American Tract Society’s website to learn about the history of Halloween and All Saints’ Day and find fun games for the kids to play.

I suspect that the other reason for CT’s acceptance of paganism is financial.  There are various ads promoting books and other items related to Halloween.  Interestingly, in its list of “Holidays and Events” (a listing of 25 mainly pagan holidays), no biblical Holy Day is listed.

Christianity Today fails again to promote Christianity, but instead sinks to the level of promoting compromises that were accepted and/or endorsed by the Catholics of Rome.

Halloween came from pagan sources, promotes pagan concepts, and is not in any way endorsed by the Bible.

Jesus and Paul did not observe Halloween.  They observed the biblical holy days such as the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement (which begins at sunset on October 8th in 2008).

Which should a Christian truly support?

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by 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.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Did Paul? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?
LCG 2008 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.

A Shofar made from the horn of a Greater kudu.
The type of trumpet used for the Feast of Trumpets historically has been some type of animal horn.

COGwriter

Tonight at sunset begins the Feast of Trumpets (see The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets?), normally referred to by the Jews as Rosh Hoshanah.  It begins at the 29th of September 2008 and continues until sunset on the 30th of September.

Although many Jews outside of Israel celebrate it for two days, in the Bible it is only shown to be a one day festival:

23 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:23-25).

Those of us in the Living Church of God consider ourselves to be true Israel as the Apostle Paul taught (cf. Romans 9:6-9;24-26), hence we imitate his and Jesus’ example (as Paul advised 1 Corinthians 11:1) and continue to observe this Holy Day in the 21st century.

Trumpets are used throughout the Bible and are prominent in Bible prophecy.

There will be trumpets blown during the Day of the Lord and Jesus will return with the sound of a great trumpet:

6 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

The first resurrection occurs at that time.  Notice that Paul also mentions that in association with the “last trumpet”:

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed– 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Many who profess Christ simply do not fully understand biblical prophecy nor truly understand God’s real plan of salvation because they fail to observe the same days that Jesus, the apostles, the early church, and the true church have kept.

Oddly, a greater amount actually keep demonically-inspired days (like Halloween) that the Bible never endorses.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

What Did Early Christians Understand About the Resurrection? Is there more than one future resurrection? Did early Christians teach a physical resurrection? Did early Christians teach three resurrections?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. ArmstrongThis article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by 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.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur

The Strength of Dollars Have Long Been Part of the “Pride of the Power” of the USA (which will be broken per Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

It will come as little surprise to readers of this page to realize that the number one export from the USA over the past several years has not been automobiles or pharmaceuticals, but instead it has been debt:

We in the old WCG and in the current LCG have been warning about this debt accumulation for decades.  And the late Herbert W. Armstrong, unlike the main current USA presidential hopefuls, as far back as the 1980s warned the Anglo-American peoples to prepare to lower their standard of living.

How did he know?

Because it was prophesied in the Bible.

Why have others not known this?

Because many who profess Christ have little interest in biblical prophecies in the Hebrew scriptures (AKA the Old Testament), they simply have ignored the warnings that God inspired Moses and others to record.

The Bible warned the descendants of Jacob:

15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: 16 Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country…

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you (Deuteronomy 28:15-16,43-45).

The “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7) is getting close.  And eventually those that lent the money will rise up against the Anglo-Americans, plunder the land, and make many their slaves (Habakkuk 2:6-8).

The stock market did not react too well today when the US House of Representatives voted against guaranteeing certain debts:

It was the biggest closing point drop in market history, but far from the largest on a percentage basis. http://www.kwtx.com/money/headlines/29903229.html

We live in perilous times.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans and others (who were not even on the same continent). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies 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?
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.

The Above Church in Greece is Called the Sunday Church, But Christians are to Observe the Seventh Day

COGwriter

In his latest update, LCG’s Dr. Winnail wrote:

Together on the Sabbath—for a Reason! We understand from the Bible that the Sabbath is a special, sanctified day of rest (Genesis 2:1-3). When properly kept, it is a delight (Isaiah 58:13-14).  We are also admonished in the Scriptures to encourage one another, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some” (Hebrews 10:24-25).  In the early New Testament Church, members gathered together on the Sabbath to worship and fellowship with other believers (see Acts 2:1; 13:14, 44; 17:2, etc.).  In doing so, they were following the commandment to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).  Today, with many small independent groups, it is easy to assume that observing the Sabbath is all we have to do to please God and be part of His Church.  However, we need to remember that God’s Church is commissioned to “go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15).  We need to make sure that the group we gather together with on the Sabbath is part of a Church that is actively fulfilling this God-given mission.

Notice what the Bible teaches in the Book of Hebrews:

4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work”…

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 4:4, 9-1,1NIV).

25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God (Hebrews 10:25-27, NIV).

With the Day fast approaching, and certainly closer than when Hebrews was written, getting together on the Sabbath is one thing that those who truly wish to support getting the full gospel to the world as a witness will do.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Is Revelation 1:10 talking about Sunday or the Day of the Lord? Most Protestant scholars say Sunday is the Lord’s Day, but is that what the Bible teaches?
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 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.
Sunday and Christianity Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? How clearly endorsed Sunday?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
How Much Did You Cost? Some have complained that the total costs spent to proclaim the gospel as a witness is too high since it does not (in their opinion) result in enough conversions. Is that how God sees it?
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?

COGwriter

Earlier this month, Charles Darwin made the news.  Notice some of what was reported about him:

God, Evolution and Charles Darwin

Ten surprising things Darwin said about religious faith

The reality is that although his evolutionary model was flawed and he admitted to some of its weaknesses (see Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical?), those that wanted freedom from religion (or at least many of the moral associated with it) grabbed onto his writings anyway.

Interestingly, however (as partially documented in the Ben Stein movie earlier this year called Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, for more information see the article Ben Stein’s Expelled) there are a lot of people in academia that are not interested in the scientific flaws of evolution being publicly taught.  Hence, many foolishly assume that somehow evolution is is accepted by scientists who have actually not violated scientific principles.

Of course, there is a God and God created life.  And that is the only explanation of the origin of life that does not violate all known laws of science.

For more detailed information on why that is so, please read the following articles:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.

A Shofar made from the horn of a Greater kudu.
The type of trumpet used for the Feast of Trumpets historically has been some type of animal horn.

COGwriter

In its update today, UCG reported:

Many Old and New Testament prophecies describe the coming Day of the Lord, including those of the seven trumpets in Revelation 8-11. They create a composite picture of a time of blowing of trumpets, a time of catastrophic war, and a time when all nations will be brought together to be judged by God.

The Feast of Trumpets contains an important message for Christians. In fact, it is the most important news on the globe today. It heralds the gospel’s emphasis on repentance and judgment, the warning blasts of the shofar, the Day of the Lord and the proclamation that the Messiah is returning to establish God’s Kingdom on the earth.

Jesus Himself makes a key statement in His Mount Olivet prophecy recorded in Matthew 24: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (verses 29-31).

Notice that the return of Jesus Christ is accompanied by the sound of a trumpet.

The apostle Paul encourages Christians to keep the coming Day of the Lord in mind. He writes to the church in Thessalonica: “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.

“But let us who are of the day be sober . . . For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-10).

Indeed, the resurrection of the saints to reign with Christ in glory will come at the sounding of the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

The prophesied Day of the Lord is coming. The trumpet will sound, the saints will be raised from the grave and Jesus Christ will return to establish His Father’s Kingdom on the earth.

The Feast of Trumpets begins at sundown next Monday and runs until sundown on Tuesday, September 30, 2008.

Contrary to certain Protestant claims, perhaps it should be mentioned that the Bible shows that the Day of the Lord last one year. 

Isaiah shows the length and it is described as punishment for those who punished the church (called Zion):

For it is the day of the LORD’s vengeance, The year of recompense for the cause of Zion (Isaiah 34:8).

1 To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion (Isaiah 61:1-3).

Within the Living Church of God it is understood that the seven trumpets plagues of Revelation 8, 9, and 11, and the seven plagues of Revelation 16 essentially constitute much of what will happen in the “Day of the Lord” (though certain events in Matthew 24, Zechariah 14, and other portions of the Bible are also fulfilled then).

Regarding the “Day of the Lord” the late John Ogwyn of LCG wrote:

Here we should note that Scripture identifies the true saints as those who actually obey God and keep His commandments. Revelation 14:12 emphasizes this point by describing the saints in comparison to those who will receive God’s punishment…

John records a vision of seven angels, with seven golden bowls that pour out seven final plagues, one after another. This pouring occurs rather quickly, as we see when we examine the nature of the plagues. If the second and third plagues, for instance, lasted more than a few days, all life would perish from the planet.

When the first bowl is poured out, a grievous sore comes upon those who had disregarded the third angel’s message and were still loyal to the Beast system. Then, when the second angel pours out his bowl, all the oceans become like “the blood of a dead man” (16:3). All sea life dies. With the pouring out of the third bowl, all the fresh water turns to blood, and sources of drinking water are destroyed. Then, the fourth angel pours his bowl, and scorching heat from the sun punishes rebellious mankind. Next, great darkness comes upon Europe (”the seat of the Beast”) and its people are in agonizing pain and heat, engulfed in total darkness and lacking usable water all at the same time. The darkness results from the bowl poured out by the fifth angel.

After this, John sees the sixth angel pour his bowl upon the Euphrates. Demon spirits go forth to bring all the armies together north of Jerusalem. The huge Asiatic army that had previously been massed on the east bank of the Euphrates pours into the land of Israel, and converges in the area of Armageddon (Hebrew for “mount of Megiddo“). Megiddo is a hill that stands overlooking the Valley of Jezreel, about 55 miles north of Jerusalem. When the final seventh bowl is poured out, there will be a tremendous earthquake so massive that the very topography of the earth itself will be altered (vv. 18–20). Very likely this earthquake is the same one that is described in Zechariah 14:4, when the feet of Jesus Christ finally stand once more upon the Mount of Olives, located just east of Jerusalem…

It is important that we realize now, and in the crucial years ahead, that God’s victory is certain. This history has already been written in advance! Therefore, it is imperative that we come out of this world’s Babylonish system (18:4), and give our total and true allegiance to Jesus Christ and the message that He taught!

There are many details, but basically this “Day of the Lord” is God’s vengeance on the world for persecuting His people and not listening to His servants like the two witnesses.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Did the Apostle Paul? Should you?
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?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by 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.
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?
LCG 2008 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur

COGwriter

Mistranslations of the Bible have long caused concerns.

Now there was been an unusual one in India:

The book in Kuduk language, one of the main tribal languages in Jharkhand, has been brought out by the Bible Society of India (BSI).

The translated version reportedly says: “Destroy the trees and Sarna (tribals’ worship places).”

“BSI has done a criminal act by publishing such derogatory remarks in the translated Bible. This is a conspiracy against the tribal society.

“We seek a probe and action against the society for publishing the book which hurt the sentiments of the tribal,” said Oraon.

The BJP tribal legislators came in the well of the house and shouted slogans like “Stop hurting tribal sentiments”.

Inder Singh Namdhari, former assembly speaker and independent legislator, said: “No one has the right to hurt the sentiment of any religion. Government should take suitable action on the issue.”

Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi said: “We admit the fault. Wrong translation of Bible has been done by BSI.

“The state government will recall the translated version of the book and take suitable action against the publisher,” he added.

Marandi, however, did not clarify what action would be taken against the publishers.

The BJP legislators were not satisfied with the reply and they shouted slogans. They demanded action against the publisher.

The Congress legislators alleged that the BJP was politicising the issue.

A deep resentment is prevailing among the tribal scholars on the issue.

Tribal scholars demanded suitable action against the publishers. “The Christian missionaries have no right to hurt the sentiment of the tribal people. The issue could take a volatile shape if such things take place,” said Karma Oraon, a tribal scholar.

On Monday, 11 tribals were arrested in Ranchi for trying to burn the copies of the Bible.

Less than a year back, another book published by the society had insulted a local freedom fighter. The issue was also raised in the state assembly. http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/translated-bible-rocks-jharkhand-assembly_10098897.html

The above seems to be an extremely odd translation.  Apparently the translator was trying to make his/her own discriminatory “point”.

The only verse that the KJV uses the expression “destroy the trees” says not to do it:

When thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees (Deuteronomy 20:19; KJV).

Mistranslations of the Bible and other early writings have affected how many view Christianity.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Another Look at the Didache, Ignatius, and the Sabbath Did Ignatius write against the Sabbath and for Sunday? What about the Didache? What does the actual Greek reveal?
Is Revelation 1:10 talking about Sunday or the Day of the Lord? Most Protestant scholars say Sunday is the Lord’s Day, but is that what the Bible teaches?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them.

COGwriter

Yesterday was the first day of Fall, which means that the biblical Fall Holy Days will be here soon.

Of course, not everyone cares for them. In his latest letter (which I received last night), Legacy’s Leon Sexton wrote about a problem he is having in Burma:

Some are now teaching that the Annual Holy Days are “Jewish” and people who observe them are “Judaizers”…Their goal is NOT to preach the TRUTH of the Bible.

And over 1600 years ago, God’s Holy Days were condemned by a racist, John Chrysostom, who is now considered to be a Catholic and Orthodox saint and “doctor of the church”.  Earlier this year, the Protestant Christianity Today also named John Chrysostom the person of the week and Benedict XVI praised him last fall (see Christianity Todays’ “Person of the Week”).

Here is what their John Chrysostom publicly preached in 387 A.D.:

The festivals of the pitiful and miserable Jews are soon to march upon us one after the other and in quick succession: the feast of Trumpets, the feast of Tabernacles, the fasts. There are many in our ranks who say they think as we do. Yet some of these are going to watch the festivals and others will join the Jews in keeping their feasts and observing their fasts. I wish to drive this perverse custom from the Church right now…If the Jewish ceremonies are venerable and great, our are lies…Does God hate their festivals and do you share in them? He did not say this or that festival, but all of them together. (John Chrysostom. Homily I Against the Jews I:5;VI:5;VII:2. Preached at Antioch, Syria in the Fall of 387 AD. Medieval Sourcebook: Saint John Chrysostom (c.347-407) : Eight Homilies Against the Jews. Fordham University. http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/chrysostom-jews6.html 12/10/05).

The wicked and unclean fast of the Jews is now at our doors. Thought it is a fast, do not wonder that I have called it unclean…But now that the devil summons your wives to the feast of the Trumpets and they turn a ready ear to this call, you do not restrain them. You let them entangle themselves in accusations of ungodliness, you let them be dragged off into licentious ways. (John Chrysostom. Homily II Against the Jews I:1; III:4. Preached at Antioch, Syria on Sunday, September 5, 387 A.D.).

So also the Law fixed the feast of Tabernacles (John Chrysostom. Homily IV Against the Jews IV:3. Catholic Christians of Antioch Turning to Sabbath and The New Moon Day and Other Holy Days. 387 A.D.).

John Chrysostom preached against the Fall holy days, because some who professed Christ were observing them. It is interesting to note that he must have realized that the second century church kept Passover the same time as the Jews did (this was even true in the early second century in Rome). And that the Catholic Church still kept Pentecost. Thus by preaching what he did, John Chrysostom is preaching against his own church as the Roman and Orthodox Catholics claim to keep both Passover (though on a different date, and with a different name) and Pentecost–as both of those festivals would be part of “all of them together”.

It should be noted that the basic reason that John Chrysostom preached against the holy days was due to antisemitism. In demonstrates this in his Homily Against the Jews (of which there are at least eight of) as he calls the Jews by a variety of names. Here are a few of his statements:

But do not be surprised that I called the Jews pitiable. They really are pitiable and miserable (I:II:1).

So the godlessness of the Jews and the pagans is on a par. But the Jews practice a deceit which is more dangerous (I:VI:4).

Do you see that demons dwell in their souls and that these demons are more dangerous than the ones of old? (I:VI:7).

Since it is against the Jews that I wish to draw up my battle line, let me extend my instruction further. Let me show that, by fasting now, the Jews dishonor the law and trample underfoot God’s commands because they are always doing everything contrary to his decrees. When God wished them to fast, they got fat and flabby (VI:IV:2).

Indeed, the fasting of the Jews, which is more disgraceful than any drunkenness, is over and gone (VIII:I:5).

But the facts are that the Holy Days were kept by Jesus, the New Testament Church, and those faithful to their teachings. And the other fact is that no where in the Bible do we see hatred against the Jews. Jesus taught we were to love our neighbor (and most the of “neighbors” He was then talking to were Jewish).

Furthermore, the New Testament calls one of the so-called “Jewish” holy days “great”. Notice the following from both a Protestant and a Catholic translation:

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out (John 7:37, NKJV)

And in the last, the great day of the festivity JESUS stood, and cried (John 7:37, Rheims New Testament).

So who is right?

Those who follow Jesus’ practices or those who condemn them?

Recall that John Chrysostum, in this case, somewhat correctly stated,

“If the Jewish ceremonies are venerable and great, ours are lies“.

So which days should be observed? Which have a “great day” according to the Bible? Which days are lies? (John Chrysostom supported days with pagan ties such as Christmas and Easter.)

Perhaps it might be helpful to realize that Catholics do admit that early Christians did observe the Feast of Tabernacles:

St. Jerome (PL 25, 1529 & 1536-7) speaking of how the Judaeo-Christians celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles…tells us that they gave the feast a millenarian significance (Bagatti, Bellarmino.  Translated by Eugene Hoade.  The Church from the Circumcision.  Nihil obstat: Marcus Adinolfi. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 26 Junii 1970.  Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, p.202).

We in the Living Church of God also keep the Feast of Tabernacles and believe that it foreshadows the coming millennium.

The first Holy Day this Fall season is the Feast of Trumpets (called Rosh Hashanah by the Jews) which begin September 29th, 2008 at sunset until sunset September 30th.

The second Holy Day this Fall season is the Day of Atonement (called Yom Kippur by the Jews) which begin October 8th, 2008 at sunset until sunset October 9th.

The seven day Feast of Tabernacles begins at sunset October 13th and is followed by the Last Great Day, which ends October 21st, 2008 at sunset. (Most people travel to attend the Feast of Tabernacles, you can click here to see LCG 2008 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information).

Then, other than the weekly Sabbaths, there are no Holy Days until Passover in the Spring.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Did the Apostle Paul? Should you?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by 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.
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?
LCG 2008 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur