Church of God News

COGwriter

The inappropriately named “Christianity Today” has several articles that endorse the Catholic holiday of Lent.  But one started off fairly interestingly that I would like to quote here:

Three authors weigh the merits of observing Lent.

Michael Horton

Steven R. Harmon, author of Ecumenism Means You, Too, Frederica Mathewes-Green, the author of The Jesus Prayer, and Michael Horton, author of The Gospel-Driven Life, suggest why Christians should care about Lent.

While Israel’s neighbors celebrated the cycle of seasons as shadows of the realm of the gods, Israel celebrated the interventions of God in historical events of judgment and deliverance. The major feasts include Passover, Firstfruits (Pentecost), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and Tabernacles (Sukkot). In commanding these feasts, God was incorporating them into his unfolding drama, anchored in his promises and their future fulfillment in Christ.

Unlike the Old Testament, however, the New Testament does not prescribe a church calendar. Furthermore, Lent became associated in the medieval church with all sorts of rules and superstitions. For the most part, the Protestant Reformers continued to celebrate Lent, but in a more evangelical way. They inveighed against the connection between fasting and penance “as a work of merit or a form of divine worship,” as Calvin put it. Lent is still celebrated today in Lutheran, Anglican, and many Reformed churches…

I believe an evangelical celebration of Lent affords an opportunity to reinforce rather than undermine the significance of Christ’s person and work.

Lent is a 40-day preparation for the observance of Christ’s passion and Easter. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/february/15.55.html

Notice that Christianity Today acknowledges that the “church calendar” is clear in the Old Testament.  And while it misunderstands the New Testament, if it would have paid enough attention to it, it would have realized that Jesus and the apostles (including Paul) observed the same “church calendar” in the New Testament.

Furthermore, since Christianity Today acknowledges that “superstitions” are attached the observance of Lent, perhaps it should have reported that even the Church of Rome did not formally adopt the 40 day Lenten observance until centuries AFTER Jesus and His original disciples died.

No forty day lenten period followed by a Sunday Easter was observed by the early Church.  The biblical holy days, however, like Passover were.

Those who want more details on this may wish to check out the following documented articles:

Is Lent a Christian Holiday? When did it originate? What about Ash Wednesday? If you observe them, do you know why?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter? If not, when did this happen? What do scholars and the Bible reveal?
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.
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
The Night to Be Observed What is the night to be much observed? When is it? Why do Jews keep Passover twice and emphasize the wrong date?
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
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

In less than two weeks, according to Zenit, the Vatican intends to meet about expanding its dogmas about Jesus’ mother Mary:

Is the Time Ripe for a 5th Marian Dogma?

Vatican Forum to Host Discussion on Feast of Annunciation
By Robert Moynihan…

The great Marian apparitions, especially at Lourdes in 1858 and at Fatima in 1917, suggest to thoughtful observers of the mystical life that Mary continues to “draw near” to the “little ones,” to children, to encourage them and to share with them a message of maternal comfort and exhortation.

Over the centuries, the theological reflection of the Church has come to grant special and particular titles to Mary, to make clearer who she is, and why she is worthy of our filial devotion.

Presently, the Church has proclaimed four dogmas regarding the Mother of Jesus: (1) her maternal role in the birth of Christ, the Son of God, making her truly Mother of God (”Theotokos,” Council of Ephesus, 431); (2) her Perpetual Virginity (First Lateran Council, 649); (3) her Immaculate Conception (Pius IX, “ex cathedra” proclamation, 1854); and (4) her Assumption into heaven (Pius XII, “ex cathedra” proclamation, 1950).

For almost a century now, there has been a small but growing movement in the Church in favor of the proclamation of a fifth Marian dogma regarding the role of the Blessed Virgin as the Spiritual Mother of All Humanity.

On March 25, the Vatican Forum of Inside the Vatican magazine and St. Thomas More College, in a meeting room close to St. Peter’s Square, will invite an international group of bishops and theologians to discuss whether now is the appropriate time for a fifth solemn definition or “dogma” to be pronounced regarding the Virgin Mary…

The movement within the Church for a fifth Marian dogma concerning the Virgin Mary’s role in our salvation is well over 90 years old. The Belgian Catholic ecumenical leader, Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier, initiated it in the 1920s, with the support of the then Father Maximilian Kolbe.

Since that time to the present, more than 800 cardinals and bishops have petitioned various Popes for an infallible definition of Mary’s special maternal role in the salvation of humanity. In addition, more than seven million petitions from faithful throughout the world have been gathered by the promoters of this devotion…

During 2009, cardinals and bishops from every continent have petitioned Benedict XVI to consider promulgating the dogma of Mary’s spiritual Maternity under its three essential aspects as co-redemptrix, mediatrix of all graces, and advocate. This came after five cardinals wrote to the world’s bishops in request of petitions to the Holy Father for the fifth Marian Dogma…

John Paul II used the co-redemptrix title on at least six occasions during his papacy.

Benedict XVI, without using the title, has repeatedly emphasized the doctrine of Mary’s co-redemption or “co-suffering” with Jesus, particularly in his World Day of the Sick addresses and his 2008 prayer for the suffering peoples in China addressed to Our Lady of Sheshan.

While there is no doubt that Mary was the mother of Jesus, the other “dogmas” that have already been adopted do not have biblical support.

Also, the idea of anyone being a co-redeemer is opposed to scripture.

While the virgin Mary was the mother of Jesus (for details see Virgin Birth: Does the Bible Teach It?), Jesus is God (for details see Jesus is God, But Was Made Man), and Mary can biblically be called blessed (Luke 1:27,48), going beyond this should not be dogma.

I, and even some Eastern Orthodox, believe that it is likely that apparitions claiming to be Mary will deceive people into accepting a changed and more ecumenical religion that will likely call itself “Catholic”.  This is not a good thing, nor should more non-biblical dogmas concerning Mary be adopted.

For more information, please check out the following:

Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.

COGwriter

The following is of interest for many reasons:

March 10, 2010

Chief exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth says Devil is in the Vatican

Richard Owen in Rome

Sex abuse scandals in the Roman Catholic Church are proof that that “the Devil is at work inside the Vatican”, according to the Holy See’s chief exorcist.

Father Gabriele Amorth, 85, who has been the Vatican’s chief exorcist for 25 years and says he has dealt with 70,000 cases of demonic possession, said that the consequences of satanic infiltration included power struggles at the Vatican as well as “cardinals who do not believe in Jesus, and bishops who are linked to the Demon“.

He added: “When one speaks of ‘the smoke of Satan’ [a phrase coined by Pope Paul VI in 1972] in the holy rooms, it is all true – including these latest stories of violence and paedophilia.”  http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article7056689.ece

I had heard this priest’s claims before.  The reason I decided to post about it today was the line above that I bolded.

The next pope will likely be a cardinal and/or a bishop.  Since an “antipope” is expected, having a pope who does not even believe in Jesus would fit with the descriptions of the final Antichrist of the Bible.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
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.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). What is ahead for 2012-2020.  What do biblical, Catholic, and other prophecies warn about the antipope/anitchrist?  This link has YouTube videos related to 2012.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta Nuevo libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”

COGwriter

A Canadian Cardinal explains a little about ecumenicism:

Cardinal Levada Explains Ecumenism

Says the World Is Longing for Symphonic Unity

KINGSTON, Ontario, MARCH 9, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The goal of ecumenism is union with the Catholic Church, a union that transforms the Church by enriching it, the leader of the Vatican’s faith congregation says.

Cardinal William Levada explained this when he gave a speech Saturday at Queen’s University on “Anglicanorum Coetibus,” the document which paves the way for Anglicans to join the Catholic Church in groups…

The second part of Cardinal Levada’s talk focused on what ecumenism is really about.

“Union with the Catholic Church is the goal of ecumenism,” he said…

Hence, the prelate explained “what is new is that perennial truths and elements of holiness already found in the Catholic Church are given new focus, or a different stress by the way they are lived by various groups of the faithful who are called by Christ to come together in perfect communion with one another, enjoying the bonds of creed, code, cult and charity, in diverse ways that blend harmoniously.”

The leader of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith went on to say that it can be fully expected that “while we may accurately know what can be truthfully said, the full knowledge of what that means is enhanced by the contemplation of many groups of people on the same mystery.”…

Regarding “Anglicanorum Coetibus,” he said it is the “first time that the Catholic Church has reached out in response to men and women of Western Christianity who desire full communion and accorded them not just a place among many, but a distinctive place.”

The Cardinal (who also holds a position, leader of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, that Cardinal Ratzinger held) made clear something that I have been saying for years.

And that is, it is the Vatican’s ecumenical objective to get others to come into union with it.  This will give the Church of Rome the dominance that many in it, strongly long for.  While certain Eastern Orthodox leaders seem to ignore that (see Bartholomew I Patriarch of Constantinople Opposes Those Who Warn Against Catholic Unity), the reality is that the Vatican has tended to make that goal clear.

I personally am watching people such as Cardinal William Levada and Cardinal Walter Kasper to see how much the Church of Rome will compromise to get others to flock to it.  Both biblical and Catholic prophecy suggests that a pope will come who will compromise greatly–Catholic prophecy suggests he will possibly be a properly-elected antipope.

Such a pontiff will likely be one who is believed to be ecumenical for the sake of Catholicism, but will more likely actually be ecumenical for the sake of political power.

Prophecy watchers need to take such warnings seriously.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.  And some will come to pass (though not quite as many believe).

COGwriter

Last year I reported about an old prediction that the “third temple” was to be re-built starting March 16, 2010 (Will a Third Temple Be Built in 2010?).  Now as we get closer to that date, there are two recent news items that tie into this:

From ruin to reconstruction, the Hurva Synagogue is completed – again

The Jewish Journal of Greater L.A. – March 9, 2010

“After four years of construction, the Jewish Quarter’s landmark Hurva Synagogue – built by Polish Jews in 1701, destroyed by Arab creditors two decades later, rebuilt in 1864 by followers of the Vilna Gaon, and dynamited in 1948 by Jordan’s Arab Legion – is being re-dedicated this Sunday and Monday (March 15-16, 2010).  http://www.jewishjournal.com/nation_world/article/from_ruin_to_reconstruction_the_hurva_synagogue_is_completed_-_again_201003/

Regarding the Rumor about the Building of the Holy Temple on March 16, 2010

and the Story that Lies Behind It

The Temple Institute – Jerusalem

A STORY HAS BEEN CIRCULATING RECENTLY concerning the prophesied commencement of construction on the Holy Temple on March 16th, 2010.  It would appear that the current interest began when a certain Israeli daily newspaper published a story claiming that the celebrated Rabbi of Vilna, Eliyahu ben Shlomo, known to this day as the Vilna Gaon, (The genius of Vilna), or by his acronym, the Gra, who lived over 200 years ago, (1720-1797), purportedly declared that the beginning of the redemptive process would commence upon the completion of the rebuilding of the Churva synagogue in Israel.

The current excitement has to do with the fact that the Churva synagogue is being rebuilt at this moment and March 15th is scheduled to be the day of its rededication. The essence of this story is very beautiful, and most beautiful is the tremendous anticipation it has been generating.

BY MORPHING TWO DIFFERENT historical happenings into one, the story making the rounds today is one of prophecy, vision, calculating the precise dates of the redemption, and a strong dose of Divine determinism.

After all, if March 16th is the projected date, then where is our input? Suppose we want to build the Holy Temple today? And we should so desire, of course, for G-d said, “Build Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8) Build Me – today, not necessarily on March 16th, 2010…

The construction of the Churva synagogue was originally begun in 1700 under the auspices of Yehuda heHassid, who had relocated with his follower from Poland to Jerusalem. The construction ceased upon his death. An ensuing lack of funds prevented the completion of the synagogue, until the effort was taken up by the follower of the Gra, in 1836. The “official” title of the synagogue remains to this day, the Yehuda heHassid Synagogue. The appelation, Churva, which means “a ruin,” was given to it in commemoration of the Holy Temple.

THE SYNAGOGUE WAS COMPLETED IN 1856, and was one of Jerusalem’s largest structures at the time. Less than one hundred years later, in 1948, during Israel’s war of independence, the Jordanian Arab Legion, which occupied Jerusalem’s walled city, razed the synagogue to the ground. When Israel liberated the eastern sector of Jerusalem in 1967, which included the old walled city and the Temple Mount, the Churva synagogue was a pile of rubble.

Over forty years passed before the rebuilding of the synagogue commenced in 2003. Now, as completion of the synagogue nears, and a rededication ceremony has been set for March 15th, the original enthusiasm of the followers of the Gra from 1936 has been rekindled. Today, however, the enthusiasm has spread from beyond the wall of Jerusalem, and can be felt around the world.

HAVING EXAMINED THE HISTORY of the Churva synagogue, and the source of today’s current excitement, it can be stated that heart of the matter is not a prophetic prediction of a precise building-of-the-Temple date, but something, in fact, much more compelling: The taking upon itself by the nation of Israel the performance of prophetic action. The return to Israel and the rebuilding of Jerusalem are precursors to the great event of the rebuilding of the Holy Temple.

Israel today, unlike two hundred years ago, has the means and the authority to do so. The realization of the necessity for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple and the renewal of the Divine service for the spiritual revival and redemption of all humanity, is growing day by day. Both inside Israel and abroad, the longing for the Holy Temple is becoming a powerful voice for change. May it be G-d’s will that we soon begin the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, if not before the 16th of March, then not a day later! http://www.templeinstitute.org/gra-churva-holy-temple.htm

The Hurva Synagogue, of course, is not the temple.

The reality is that it appears that the Temple Institute would love to be able to begin construction next week.  And it is right that Israel could authorize it.  However, as it does not appear that any one has gotten official government approval for this project, to actually formally start temple construction seems remote.

It is fairly clear that a third temple will not be completed in the Temple Mount area in Jerusalem in 2010.  Additionally, the political situation simply does not seem to be able to allow it at this time.

Now that does not mean that some Jews may not build implements for a third temple (this has already occurred under the auspices of the Temple Institute) or that some may not try to start some construction somewhere in that area.

But a complete third temple will not be finished in 2010.

However, as the Europeans and Americans are now working on a peace plan for the Middle East  it may be possible that a peace plan could allow for some type of temple activities.  But even that would seem to be questionable at this stage until at least the Fall of 2010 (and probably later than that).

Either way, it should be pointed out that a temple in Jerusalem is NOT required for Jews perform sacrifices according to the Bible (Ezra 3:6) and certain Jewish sources (like the current Sanhedrin).  Bible prophecies related to sacrifices can be fulfilled even if no third temple is built during this age.  But it may be that this 19th century prophecy will motivate some to try to do something this month to push the idea of a temple and/or sacrifices forward.

An article of related interest would be:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament?  What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?  The Bible teaches that the sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), but do Jewish sources or the Bible mandate a completed temple for those sacrifices?  What did Ezra do when there was no temple?

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis

COGwriter

In the March-April edition of CG7-Denver’s Bible Advocate was the following:

The eighteenth chapter of Revelation describes the judgment of the beast-riding prostitute first introduced as a little horn (Daniel 7) and later described as a two-horned beast (Revelation 13:11-17). God purposed that the kingdoms she reigned over would ultimately rise up against her, hate and destroy her. An angel of great authority appeared, illuminated the whole earth, and shouted, “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird” (18:1, 2).

This cry of judgment was upon the harlot church that God had permitted to make war against the saints and exalt herself against Him for an extended time (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:6, 14; 13:5). That time had ended; now God held her accountable for her wickedness.

The 1,260 years reign and judgment of the prostitute did not occur in John’s day. He was privileged to anticipate it, while we are blessed to look back on it in history…

Thank God! His judgment on the prostitute has occurred in history. It is not the judgment that will occur when the Lord Jesus returns to claim His kingdom, but it prevents the Roman church from enforcing her will upon God’s universal church in our time. (Coulter R.  God’s Judgment.  Bible Advocate, March-April 2010, pp. 19-20)

This is becoming a trend from CG7.  CG7-Denver keeps teaching that end-time prophecies have already been fulfilled, hence it is teaching that no one needs to be concerned about the rising power in Europe and that there will be a compromised Church of Rome that will increase power.

Those in CG7 need to read their Bibles and not rely on such inaccurate positions.

Jesus warned one COG (Sardis):

…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 (Revelation 3:3).

CG7 seems more and more determined to minimize end time prophecy.  Officially they seem to be teaching against following Jesus’ admonitions to “watch” (Matthew 24:42, 25:13; Mark 13:9, 33-37; Luke 21:36; Revelation 3:3).

Those in CG7-Denver seem to be being told not to watch as it is claiming that certain future events have been fulfilled.  They have not been.

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 Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast?
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.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
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.

Geert Wilders

COGwriter

Geert Wilders’ anti-Islamic PVV (a Dutch political party) had some political gains yesterday:

Profile of Geert Wilders

Geert Wilders, Dutch anti-Islam leader, celebrates a symbolic breakthrough as his party wins control of its first municipality in a show of strength before June’s general election.

By Alix Rijckaert, in The Hague for AFP
Published: 12:18PM GMT 04 Mar 2010…

Wilders’ campaign against “Islamisation” has drawn criticism across Europe. Reviled and revered for his anti-immigrant rhetoric, the head of the Party for Freedom (PVV), which has won control of a Dutch town for the first time…

Wilders, 46, makes no apology however for the deep cracks he has cut in a long tradition of Dutch consensus politics.

“We dare to talk about sensitive subjects like Islamisation and we use plain and simple words that the voter can understand,” is how Wilders explains his popularity.

The PVV came first in elections Wednesday in the city of Almere and second in The Hague – the only two municipalities it contested in its first local election.

Wilders created the anti-Islam film Fitna, a 17-minute commentary featuring shock imagery of attacks on New York in 2001 and Madrid in 2004 combined with quotes from the Koran, Islam’s holy book, which he says is “fascist”.

It outraged Muslim countries after its release in March 2008 despite opposition from the Dutch government who feared it might provoke a militant response similar to that which followed the publication in Denmark of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed.

Wilders describes his far-Right label as “nonsense”.

“My supporters say: ‘At last there is someone who dares to say what millions of people think’. That is what I do,” Wilders said before the European elections last year, in which the PVV took four of the 25 Dutch seats.

“People are fed up with the government; the leftist elite that has failed them,” said Wilders.

He has been living under 24-hour protection for the past five years due to death threats…

Arguing that “Islam is the Netherlands’ biggest problem,” Wilders has urged parliament to ban the Koran, comparing it with Hitler’s “Mein Kampf.”

He also wants a total ban on the burqa as well as a halt to immigration from Muslim countries and the construction of mosques in the Netherlands…

“It is truly a mission and I personally pay a high price. For years, it has been all but comfortable.”

“Certainly, I have the ambition to become prime minister,” Wilders said. “We don’t want to remain in opposition forever.”  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/7367576/Profile-of-Geert-Wilders.html

I have reported about Geert Wilders before (see Muslims: European Wake-Up Call), and his positions seem the same.

If more leaders like Geert Wilders rise up, Europe may see a net outward migration of Muslims.  However, those that stay might cause problems that will cause the Europeans to take even more dramatic actions.

The reality is that the Muslims will fbe a major factor to get Europe to wake-up and re-establish itself.  Historically, when Europe has been strongly opposed to Islam it has had greater ties to the Vatican.

This is what will occur.  The Bible shows that a European military leader will line up with a religious leader from the city of seven hills (Rome) and ultimately defeat the forces of Islam.  Small steps, like the PVV’s successes, align with that.

For more on what is expected to happen, please see the following:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
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 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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
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?

Vatican-Based Cardinal Walter Kasper

COGwriter

Zenit reported the following last night:

Cardinal Sends Birthday Message to Bartholomew I

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 24, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity sent a message to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

The Orthodox patriarch was born Feb. 29, 1940, the “leap day” that occurs every four years. Thus, he will celebrate his birthday this year on Monday, March 1.

Cardinal Walter Kasper wrote the message to affirm his “grateful recollection of the many fraternal meetings we have had over the last ten years.”

He noted that the “friendship, mutual trust and sincerity that have always characterised our conversations” are “a great gift and a sign of progress in relations between our Churches.”

The cardinal expressed the hope that the patriarch “may continue to show tireless commitment in contributing to ever deeper knowledge and more fruitful collaboration between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.”

There are several points about the article to consider:

1. Early professors of Christ, including Catholics, did not celebrate birthdays (see Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays?).  So perhaps this was not the “Christian” thing to do (hence ecumenical politics would seem to be the most likely reason for this “birthday message”).
2. Cardinal Kasper is often going out of his way in order to try to get unity with the Orthodox–and this will be dangerous for Catholics (see Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox?).
3. Patriarch Bartholomew favors greater unity with Rome,  and speaks against those who are opposed to it (see Patriarch of Constantinople on ecumenical unity and those that oppose it).  Yet, this unity will be dangerous for the Orthodox (see Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics).
4. Cardinal Kasper does not believe that the Church of Rome has the type of “Apostolic Succession” that most of its members believe that it has (see Cardinal Admits Lack of Early Primacy).  He has sometimes given “traditionalist Catholics” reasons to question his beliefs and positions.
5. If the Malachy prophecies about the remaining popes is correct, there is only one pope left (see Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?).  Since Pope Benedict XVI is to turn 83 in April, he may not remain in office for a very long time.  Time would seem to be short.  This is also consistent with biblical dates and calculations (see
   Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).
6. If other Catholic prophecies are correct, an ecumenical antipope would be the next one (this is discussed in the most detail in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect).
7. There is a high probability that someone supported by the ecumenical Cardinal Walter Kasper will be that pope.  Various Catholics have taught that an antipope would arise (see Archbishop Fulton Sheen and his end time insights remembered).

Jesus told His followers to “watch” (Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:36) world events as they head towards the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.  And there are many events to watch in these end times.

“Martyrdom of Polycarp” from Ceiling of the Church of St. Polycarp, Smyrna (now called Izmir, Turkey)

COGwriter

February 23rd is considered the “Feast of Polycarp” by the Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholics.  Some believe that he was martyred on that date.

Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John.  In the late 1st century (or the early second century) he was put in charge of the Church of God in Smyrna. Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox revere him as a saint (as do some Protestants). We in the Living Church of God primarily trace our early history from Peter, Paul, and John through Polycarp (we also trace our history through other areas that had faithful Christians for a while, such as Jerusalem).

Almost everyone associated with Christendom considers that Polycarp was a true and faithful Christian leader.

In the late second century, the Catholic and Orthodox saint Irenaeus wrote:

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

So if Polycarp was a faithful saint who was appointed by the apostles, then perhaps real Christians would follow his practices as he followed the Bible.

In the famous account of his martyrdom, he made some statements that even under the face of death suggested that he had a sense of humor:

9:1 But as Polycarp entered into the stadium, a voice came to him from heaven; ‘Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.’ And no one saw the speaker, but those of our people who were present heard the voice. And at length, when he was brought up, there was a great tumult, for they heard that Polycarp had been apprehended.

9:2 When then he was brought before him, the proconsul enquired whether he were the man. And on his confessing that he was, he tried to persuade him to a denial saying, ‘Have respect to thine age,’ and other things in accordance therewith, as it is their wont to say; ‘Swear by the genius of Caesar; repent and say, Away with the atheists.’

Then Polycarp with solemn countenance looked upon the whole multitude of lawless heathen that were in the stadium, and waved his hand to them; and groaning and looking up to heaven he said, ‘Away with the atheists.’

9:3 But when the magistrate pressed him hard and said, ‘Swear the oath, and I will release You; revile the Christ,’ Polycarp said, ‘Fourscore and six years have I been His servant, and He hath done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?’

And even though many Greco-Romans observe the presumed date of his martyrdom as a feast, it is not likely that many of those who do so realize that he held many (though not all) views that sometimes conflict with those now held by the Greco-Roman churches.  Actually, he was a heretic fighter and even tried to get Anicetus, Bishop of Rome to change.

Here is a summary of some of Polycarp’s beliefs and practices:

A Binitarian view, that acknowledged the Holy Spirit, was held by the apostolic and post-apostolic true Christian leaders, like Polycarp.
Hierarchical church governance was advocated by Polycarp.
The canon of the New Testament was known by Polycarp as he seemed to refer to all the books it in the famous Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians.
Christmas was not observed by Polycarp nor any professing Christ prior to the third century, or ever by those holding to early teachings.
Deification of Christians was taught by the early leaders of the Church, including Polycarp.
Easter per se was not observed by the apostolic church, and Polycarp fought against it.
The Fall Holy Days were observed by true early Christians, including Polycarp.
The Father was considered to be God by all early professing Christians, including Polycarp.
Polycarp taught against idols (and that would include icons).
Polycarp taught against the immortality of the soul.
Jesus was considered to be God by the true Christians, including Polycarp.
The Kingdom of God was taught by Polycarp.
Leavened Bread was removed from the homes of early Christians like Polycarp.
Lent was not observed by Polycarp.
Limbo was not taught by Polycarp.
Military Service was not allowed for true early Christians like Polycarp.
Millenarianism (a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth, often called the millennium) was taught by the early Christians who succeeded Polycarp.
Passover was kept on the 14th of Nisan Polycarp.
Purgatory was not taught by Polycarp.
The Resurrection of the dead was taught Polycarp.
The Sabbath was observed on Saturday by Polycarp.
The Ten Commandments were observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians, including Polycarp–and in the order that the Living Church of God claims they are in.

The Living Church of God seems to be the largest group in the world to have all of the same beliefs and practices as Polycarp (although we observe no particular day in his honor).

If Polycarp really was a saint that was placed in charge by Christ’s apostles, shouldn’t you have the same beliefs and practices?

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians Did Polycarp refer to all the books in the New Testament? This is Roberts and Donaldson’s translation, corrected by me in one place, where they made a small error in translating Latin by omitting one word.  It is also annotated with scriptures to demonstrate that Polycarp did have the New Testament canon.
Polycarp of Smyrna: The Heretic Fighter Polycarp was the successor of the Apostle John and a major leader in Asia Minor. Do you know much about what he taught? Does the Living Church of God or the Church of Rome more faithfully follow his teachings and practices?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
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. Armstrong This 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?
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. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Patriarch of Constantinople’s new encyclical defends Catholic-Orthodox dialogue

Istanbul, Turkey, Feb 20, 2010 / 06:14 pm (CNA).- Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople’s newest encyclical encourages dialogue between the Orthodox Church and other Christian churches and laments those who are “unacceptably fanatical” in challenging such dialogue. He specifically condemned the false rumors spread about Catholic-Orthodox dialogue.

Patriarch Bartholomew’s patriarchal and synodal encyclical was dated Feb. 21…

He noted that although these dialogues are conducted “with the mutual agreement and participation of all local Orthodox Churches,” they are challenged in “an unacceptably fanatical way” by some who claim to be defenders of Orthodoxy…

He also accused some critics of distorting reality to “deceive and arouse the faithful” and of depicting theological dialogue not as a pan-Orthodox effort, but an effort of the Ecumenical Patriarchate alone.

“They disseminate false rumors that union between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches is imminent, while they know well that the differences discussed in these theological dialogues remain numerous and require lengthy debate; moreover, union is not decided by theological commissions but by Church Synods,” Bartholomew wrote. “They assert that the Pope will supposedly subjugate the Orthodox, because the latter submit to dialogue with the Roman Catholics!”

According to the Patriarch, such critics also engage in condescension towards efforts aimed at achieving Christian unity and wrongly condemn them as representing “the pan-heresy of ecumenism.”  http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/patriarch_of_constantinoples_new_encyclical_defends_catholic-orthodox_dialogue/

COGwriter has been one of the few non-Roman, non-Orthodox sites to warn against the coming unity for years.

Now I actually agree with the Orthodox Patriarch that the Orthodox will likely need to have a church synod for unity.  But what he did not mention is that Orthodox prophets have expected such a meeting to take place and result it unity.  Notice one from centuries ago:

Saint Nelios the Myrrh-Gusher (died 1592): During that time the Eighth and last Ecumenical Synod will take place, which will satisfy the contentions of the heretics…(Thiel, Bob. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 173).

By satisfying “heretics”, clearly this council compromises and changes the religion, which will be called “Catholic”.

Yet, some Orthodox look forward to this, but also expect an antipope near then:

Helen Tzima Otto (20^th century): We have been told time and time again through the prophets that the Great Monarch and Papa Angelorum…will convene the 8^th Ecumenical Council, which will reunify all Christians…The Emperor will spend three years waging wars against the non-Christian nations…{later will be} the end time schism of the Roman Catholic Church of the End Times and the rise of an antipope (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, p. 173).

Such unity will be dangerous for both the Church of Rome and the Eastern Orthodox.  Signs and lying wonders may be a deceptive factor in this occurrence (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9).

Notice that one Orthodox writer worries that it may come about because of apparitions claiming to be Mary:

Peter Jackson (20^th century): To which Mary are Muslims and Protestants being drawn?… Rome began to see her more and more as a “goddess,” a fourth Hypostasis of the Trinity…Today, as heterodox Christians become more and more ecumenist and work toward creating a “One World Church,” the search has begun for a Mary of universal recognition, one who will appeal not only to those who bear the name Christian, but apparently to Muslims and others as well, just as attempts are likewise being made to identify the “new Christ” with the Muslim concept of their coming Mahdi and with the Messiah still awaited by the Jews. This, of course, will be no Christ at all but the antichrist (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, pp. 115-116).

Since the Bishop of Rome already has stated that the Vatican will compromise doctrinally in order to get the Orthodox to join (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, p. 181), the Eastern Orthodox are justifiably concerned that such unity will take place.  Furthermore, Roman Catholics are right to be concerned that since the Vatican has already stated that it will compromise for the sake of unity with the Eastern Orthodox, that compromise will occur in Rome for such unity.

Notice what two Roman Catholic priests wrote:

Priest O’Connor (20^th century?): This final false prophet will be a bishop of the church and will lead all religions into becoming one…

Priest Paul Kramer (21^st century): The errors of Orthodoxy and of Protestantism will be embraced by that false church, it will be an ecumenical church because the Anti-Pope will be recognized by the world—not by the faithful, but by the world—by the secular world and the secular governments…

The Anti-Pope will be recognized as the legitimate Pope of the “church,” and the legitimate head of the Vatican State. That “church” will be united with all the false religions. They will be united together under the universality of the Masonic umbrella. In that motley ecumenical union will be the established religion of the so-called civilized world. This is how we will get into the time of great persecution such as the world has never seen (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, pp. 171, 173).

Notice that both Roman and Eastern Orthodox sources are concerned that such unity will result in the rise of the final Antichrist.  There is also a Mayan prophecy that seems to warn against this (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, p. 172).

Oddly, certain Orthodox and Catholic prophets seem to look forward to the time that Babylon will be re-established:

Monk Leontios (died 543): Rejoice, oh most unhappy one, oh New Babylon!…You, who are the New Babylon rejoice now on behalf of Zion! New Babylon, dance, bounce and leap greatly, make known even those in Haydes what a Grace you have received. Because that peace which was yours to enjoy in times past, and which God has deprived you of in course of battles, receive it once more from the hand of an Angel…oh, the City of Seven Hills the dominion will be yours…

Abbott Joachim (died 1202)…A remarkable Pope will be seated on the pontifical throne, under special protection of the angels. Holy and full of gentleness, he shall undo all wrong, he shall recover the states of the Church, and reunite the exiled temporal powers. As the only Pastor, he shall reunite the Eastern to the Western Church…This holy Pope shall be both pastor and reformer. Through him the East and West shall be in ever lasting concord. The city of Babylon shall then be the head and guide of the world. Rome, weakened in temporal power, shall forever preserve her spiritual dominion, and shall enjoy great peace…At the beginning, in order to bring these happy results, having need of a powerful assistance, this holy Pontiff will ask the cooperation of the generous monarch of France (Great Monarch) (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, pp. 229-230).

Yet, according to the Bible, the Babylonian power will fall during the Day of the Lord (Revelation 18:2).  Since the Babylon in the Book of Revelation is a city on seven hills (Revelation 17:5-9), this is referring to a city such as Rome.  And this is known by Catholic scholars.

Since so many biblical and non-biblical writings seem to warn against a coming unity that seems to be being discussed by Rome and Constantinople, it is not correct to state that it is only “fanatics” that should be concerned.

Such unity appears to be coming within a relatively few years and would seem to be prophesied to affect the whole world–and not in a positive way.

No wonder this matter is so serious among those who understand that the Bible warns that such will rise up.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
European empire formed today, might it become Babylon? On December 1, 2009, a new empire formed.  Most are unaware of what the Lisbon Treaty will bring about.