Church of God News

COGwriter

The following was in the news today:

So, Canada (like the USA and UK) intends to increase its debt.

And Canada (like the USA and UK) will eventually have a huge price to pay.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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 (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). 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?
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?
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?

COGwriter

COGaIC reported the following:

The article by Jerusalem Perspective that COGaIC mentioned states:

Examining the new Hebrew and Aramaic epigraphic material from the Second Temple period can be of great value for the heated debate on language use…

A slight preference for Hebrew can be seen in religious contexts, while a slight preference for Aramaic can be seen in economic and administrative contexts; however, neither to the exclusion of the other.

One also should note the inscriptions of Jewish coinage published by Ya’akov Meshorer:^[23] the inscriptions of all Jewish coins from the Second Temple period, with only one exception, are in Hebrew. The exception is one series of coins with Aramaic inscriptions (in Paleo-Hebrew script) minted by Alexander Jannai in 78 B.C. However, since Jannai at other times also minted coins with Hebrew inscriptions, this one exception can hardly be evidence for the replacement of one language by the other….

It is difficult to know what was the language primarily spoken based upon artifacts with written inscriptions.

From various quotes in the New Testament, it would seem that Jesus probably spoke both Hebrew and Aramaic.

Of course, the bigger issue is not what Jesus and the disciples spoke, but what they taught.

Several articles of possible interest may include:

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.
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 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.
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?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.

Antigua, Guatemala

COGwriter

A major meeting for the Western Hemisphere is planned without the United States:

While Russian and Chinese influence may well increase, I should add that I fully expect that Europe will be the one that significantly succeeds with Latin America, the Caribbean, and Brazil.

But the 12/16/08 meeting does send out a signal the United States is having declining influence in its own hemisphere.

For more information about Bible prophecy and differing parts of the world, please see the following articles:

Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they suffer in the future?  What about the Caribbean nations/territories?
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?
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?
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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
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.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? This is a draft of an in-process article about Japan. Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan. Will God save the Japanese?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Modern Nations and God’s Ancient Plan Many peoples are mentioned in the Bible. And other than the fact that the modern nation of Israel represents the ancient kingdom of Judah, do you know who any of these people are now?

The above photos of Hiroshima and Nagasaki reflect what nuclear attacks are like

COGwriter

A former member of the LDS church who calls himself the “Parowan Prophet” has made some bizarre (and soon to shown as false) claims according to the Los Angeles Times:

In Utah, the Parowan Prophet predicts disaster will prevent Obama from taking office

Reporting from Parowan, Utah — Our trip to the Parowan Prophet began with a letter to the St. George Spectrum. It was set among missives proposing that oil companies bail out Detroit automakers, that county inmates be forced to winter in tents, that lawyers be barred from public office. A rough crowd.

This particular letter to the editor in the St. George, Utah, newspaper carried the headline ” ‘Prophet’ shares grim forecast,” and it was signed by one Leland Freeborn of Parowan, who wrote that he was known to many as the Parowan Prophet…

While it is remotely possible that there could be riots in the USA this month and Barack Obama may not take office–sometimes even false prophets get lucky in their guesses (and the fact is that some have plotted to kill Barak Obama, see Plot to Kill Obama!), the truth is that there is NO POSSIBLE WAY THAT RUSSIA WILL LAUNCH A MASSIVE NUCLEAR ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE NEXT THREE WEEKS.

Senator (now also President Elect) Barack Obama

Presuming that Barack Obama takes office on January 20, 2009, Leland Freeborn’s followers probably will be disappointed then.  His followers will be apparently also be disappointed sooner as their Russian nuclear expectations will not take place.  Russia is simply NOT the nation that is prophesied to destroy the United States.

Those not grounded in a proper understanding of biblical prophecy will continue to be deceived unless they repent.

Those interested in learning more related to prophecy, may wish to study the following articles:

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.
Five Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Living Church of God The Living Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains five differences.
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Barack Obama Carries Hindu Monkey God Although there are some strange and false stories about Barack Obama, this one seems to be true.
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 the Hindu Indians (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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

VS.
Ronald Weinland Says His Books and His Interpretations of the Bible Are What He Wants Supporters to Study. The COGwriter Site Instead Urges Those Interested in End-Time Prophecies to Spend More Time Checking His Writings with the Bible.

COGwriter

CGPFK’s Ronald Weinland finally realized that his wife Laura had never been ordained to any office in his church.

And since he declared her the other of the two witnesses on April 17, 2008 (see Ronald Weinland Again Calls for Death), he decided that since the 1260 days did not begin then and that they supposedly began last night at sunset, in his sermon yesterday, he announced that he ordained his wife as a prophet.

Additionally, he declared that she is over all ministers in authority in CGPFK except himself.

Of course, the 1260 days did not begin last night.  The events that needed to happen at the start of the 1260 days simply have not happened (see yesterday’s post 1260 Days: Ronald and Laura Weinland Back in Jerusalem for scriptures).

In his sermon yesterday he actually said to the effect:

The most powerful evidence of clearly-defined physical signs of where we are will not be seen by all until second trumpet has sounded.  This has not changed…

The second trumpet, it is physical and it is spiritual…Much of what happens in the next 3 1/2 years is not about what happens on the earth…it is about Satan and his demons…It has been until today that some of these things have been revealed…And God will give more in time, but not today…

Revelation 8:1 “When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour”…that started November 14th…So we recognize that prophetic time silence…Now everything is going to change in warfare…much of it is spiritual brethren…We are now past all the {seven} eras of the church…The last 30 days brought us to the 1260 days…The first four seals were all about the church…It is about a process and not an event…so much of this is not about something that is physical…All that will happen with this first trumpet has not been yet revealed…even the fifth and the sixth seal had to do with the church…physical things happened then too…

So the final end time is beginning.

(Weinland R. 1260 Days, Sermon in Jerusalem, December 13, 2008)

Yet, the Bible teaches that at least two physical events had to begin at the start of the 1260 days (see 1260 Days: Ronald and Laura Weinland Back in Jerusalem for scriptures).

People around Ronald Weinland really need to read their Bibles and believe it above Ronald Weinland:

20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20).

Ronald Weinland is teaching contrary to the word of God–the testimony–there is no light in him.

Those interested in more of Ronald Weinland’s teachings may wish to read the often updated article:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008. Why is he a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.

COGwriter

In the latest LCG Weekly Update, Dibar Apartian included the following report:

Living University

Spring 2009 Semester Registration

Registration for Living University spring semester classes is underway. At LU you can experience learning the way it was meant to be: enjoyable, meaningful, productive, fast and convenient. Classes begin on Wednesday, January 14. Now is the time to sign up.

Seven basic courses are scheduled: Christian Camp Leadership, Introduction to Biblical Doctrines, Christian Leadership, Acts and the Writings of Paul, Old Testament Survey II, History of Christianity II, and Archaeology of the New Testament. For specific information or to sign up for classes, visit the Living University website at www.livinguniv.com. All courses are planned to fit your schedule and are designed to meet the needs of working adults, as well as of traditional-age college students. The courses are not difficult, but they do require you to study and to complete homework designed to help you learn and remember. Through our Open Learning Program you may enroll in courses to help you grow in understanding of the Scriptures and to enhance your ability to effectively communicate God’s way of life to others.

Online Orientation is now available on the university’s website. To learn more of LU’s distance education programs, we suggest that you participate in this online orientation program. It should take you about 15 minutes. If you are a student, a person thinking about enrolling at LU, or one simply interested in learning more about the university, do not miss this online presentation. Visit the university website at www.livinguniv.com and select “Online Orientation.”

Living University registration for the 2009 semester can be began at www.livinguniv.com.

Living University is essentially an online institution and is affiliated with the Living Church of God.

VS.
Ronald Weinland Says His Books and His Interpretations of the Bible Are What He Wants Potential Supporters to Study. The COGwriter Site Instead Urges Those Interested in Him and End-Time Prophecies to Spend More Time Checking His Writings with the Bible.

COGwriter

CGPFK’s Ronald Weinland finally posted something today at his ronaldweinland.com website for the first time in nearly four months titled “1260 DAYS”:

December 13, 2008

From time to time, some have asked why more is not being posted on this site. This has been explained in previous postings and the same remains true to this day. As conditions worsen, once the trumpets begin to sound, these postings will become more important. However, one of the best ways to keep informed in a timely fashion is to listen to services (live or posted) each Sabbath.

Having said all this, I am beginning this new post by writing some today (1265 days) and will add a little more when this will be posted on day 1261 (Dec. 13). That will be the Sabbath when Laura and I are once again in Jerusalem as we were last April when we believed we were at this point in time then…

As I am writing today on the Sabbath (day 1261), this evening at sunset will begin the long awaited time of the final 1260 days that Daniel wrote about and wanted to see its fulfillment. Prophets and other teachers of God have longed for this day that we are blessed to see come to pass. We know that in a very short time this world will be God’s world and ruled by His Government.

1260 days is based on a time 360 days, plus times 720 days, plus a half a time 180 days–Daniel 12 mentions two other days, but numbers them as the 1290 days and the 1335 days (which Ronald Weinland declared began in November 14 and on September 30, 2008 respectively (see Ronald Weinland’s 1290 Days Started, Again, Today).

Of course, the 1260 days do not begin on December 14th.  If they did, notice some of what would have to be fulfilled tomorrow from the only two verses in Daniel that the “1260 days” come from (the only two that specifically mention “time, times, and half a time”):

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

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

As nothing in those verses will be fulfilled in the next day or so, this will once again prove that Ronald Weinland is a false prophet.

Yet, if Ronald Weinland was correct (which he is not) either true Christians will go into the hand of the Beast power on the 14th (which they will not) or at least Ronald Weinland should be forced off the internet (if we indulge him and indicate that he has something to do with “the holy people” as the internet is the only type of “power” his group seems to have).

But neither of those will happen then (even though he could force the internet one, last week he indicated his intention to remain on the internet–he also made a lot of odd claims, see Ronald Weinland in the Netherlands).

Ronald Weinland, of course, will most likely advise his followers to listen to him instead of paying attention to what the Bible says needs to happen.

Those who really want to know what the Bible teaches will happen related to the the 1335 days, the 1290 days, and the 1260 days of Daniel, when the 6000 years should end, etc. should read the following articles:

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?
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?
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 (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). 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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Why Prophecy? Because the World Will Not End Next Week Some question or downplay the role of prophecy. This article gives some of the biblical reasons what it is important and explains why the world cannot end for at least 3 1/2 years from now.
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.

Those interested in more of Ronald Weinland’s teachings may wish to read the often updated article:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008. Why is he a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.

COGwriter

Last night, ICG’s Mark Armstrong reported:

Another shoe drops almost daily in the economic calamity that grips the United States and reverberates around the world.  Bailout fever reigns in our nation’s capitol as our leaders pursue one “emergency remedy” after another that undermine the very basis of America’s economic integrity.  The logic we’ve all heard time and again is that these initiatives that break every rule of our free capitalist society must be enacted on an emergency basis to keep the United States and the rest of the developed world from descending into a ruinous depression.  More distressing yet is the projection that the depression we hope to avoid will only be made worse by the unprecedented government economic interventions.  As bad as the situation facing U.S. finance and industry seems, it may be only the tip of the iceberg as cities, states, and other sectors as yet unidentified slide toward bankruptcy.

But what the USA is facing is worse than bankruptcy:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…
6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,6-8).

Notice the above is for the above time of the end.  Recall that the USA is the largest debtor nation now in the history of the world–it is plundering the world through borrowing that which it really never expects to pay back in full.  Thus the destruction of the USA is prophesied and is tied to its debt accumulation–which is something that is accelerating right now.

Of course, it is not just the USA that will suffer or that is accumulating debt.  Notice the German finance minister views the United Kingdom and its debt:

German ridicule for UK policies

BBC – Dec 10, 2008

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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  This is my longest article on biblical and non-biblical prophecies that may involve Barack Obama.
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 (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). 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?
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?
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?

TRANSFORMED FROM TRUTH

COGwriter

The Worldwide Church of God just sent out an email of a commentary by its leader J. Tkach asking “Is the  Christmas Tree Pagan?”.  Here is how it starts:

SpOL119   Is the Christmas Tree Pagan?

Some Christians have thought that Jeremiah 10:2-4 condemns the Christmas tree. As a result, they’ve avoided Christmas trees, believing that to have one in their home would be a sin.

In the King James Version, Jeremiah 10:2-4 reads like this: “Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen…. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.”

On the surface it might seem that Jeremiah is describing Christmas trees. But like so many mistaken impressions about the Bible, that conclusion ignores the context. Verses 2 through 4 of Jeremiah 10 are part of the larger context of verses 1 through 16, a condemnation not of the Christmas tree or trees of any kind, but of idols, which were typically carved from trees…

For Christians, the Christmas tree is not an object of veneration. It’s only a reminder of the good things of God.

While J. Tkach seems to indicate that Christmas Trees are not idols, that Catholics would say that about their statues.  Yet the New Testament is clear that Christians are to “not become idolaters as were some of them…Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry” (I Corinthians10:7,14). Trying to see how close one can come to accepting idols/icons does not seem consistent with that (or other) New Testament admonitions.

J. Tkach is correct that context is important.  But the context of Jeremiah 10 is not JUST idols, as he inplies, it is about avoiding pagan practices: “Learn not the way of the heathen“.  This is the context that Christians need to understand.

Yet, certainly having decorated trees as part of worship ceremonies is a heathen/pagan practice.  For Christians, Christmas Trees are a sign that many who professed Christ have compromised with paganism and prefer to accept traditions of men over the instructions in the Bible.  Decorated trees are not biblically a reminder “of the good things of God” as J. Tkach is now asserting.

Regarding some tree history, ReligiousTolerance.org reported:

Christmas trees…during the Roman celebration of the feast of Saturnalia, Pagans did decorate their houses with clippings of evergreen shrubs. They also decorated living trees with bits of metal and replicas of their God, Bacchus. Tertullian (circa 160 – 230), an early Christian leader and a prolific writer, complained that too many fellow-Christians had copied the Pagan practice of adorning their houses with lamps and with wreathes of laurel at Christmas time…Many Pagan cultures used to cut boughs of evergreen trees in December, move them into the home or temple, and decorate them.  Modern-day Pagans still do. This was to recognize the winter solstice — the time of the year that had the shortest daylight hours, and longest night of the year.

Last year, LCG reported the following about Christmas Trees:

Saturnalia—the festival Christmas absorbed—even carries echoes of ancient child sacrifice! It sounds horrific that dolls were given as gifts as symbols or proxies of children burnt to pagan gods. Yet this practice echoes the modern tradition of hanging cherubs or human figures on Christmas trees! The ancient Greeks placed small masks called oscilla on branches, where they could twirl freely in the wind. Encyclopaedia Britannica explains that oscilla were small figures, most commonly masks or faces, that were hung up “as offerings to various deities.… The custom of hanging these oscilla represents an older practice of expiating human sacrifice” (ibid.). (Tomorrow’s World, “Christmas: Harmful for Children?”)

The connections with pagan practices are clear.

Yet getting back to WCG, another question that J. Tkach should be asking is,  “Are Christmas Trees ever endorsed in the Bible?”

And the answer is no.

So with Christmas Trees we:

1. Clearly have a pagan symbol
2. See a condemnation in the Bible of decorating trees associated with the worship of the true God, and
3. Have a  human tradition that does not come from the Bible itself.

So, yes, Christmas Trees are pagan.  And true Christians should not utilize them in their worship of the true God.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
Is January 1st a Date for Christians Celebrate? Historical and biblical answers to this question about the world’s New Year’s day.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians?
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
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 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?

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis.

This is one of the most impressive buildings in the area of any of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3. However, it has been recently and massively rebuilt as its original condition was in ruin. And while it and its size are impressive, it no longer functions as it once did.

COGwriter

CG7-Denver continues to have major difficulties in the area of prophetic understanding.  Here is some of what is in an article in the current edition of its Bible Advocate magazine:

Israel in Bible Prophecy

W esley Walker of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, has served CoG7 as a pastor and in other capacities for more than forty years. He recently pub-lished his first book, Answers to Bible Questions. Elder Walker’s answers here reflect the Church’s historic views on Israel.

BA: What’s the big picture of land ownership in the Middle East, as you see it?

The present problems there began with Abraham. In Genesis 12 God speaks to Abraham and tells him to leave his father’s house and go into a land that He would show him. Abraham obeyed and left his homeland.  Then God gives Abraham the boundaries of his inheritance in Genesis 15:18. Check a Bible
map; you will notice the river of Egypt is to the south of Israel and the Euphrates River is to the north. The great sea would be the western border. We do not know exactly how far east it extended, but it may have been into modern Jordan and Syria, east of the river Jordan.

For more than sixty years now Israel has been in the news be-cause of land disputes between her and her Arab neighbors, especially the Palestinians. This conflict will continue until true ownership of the land is estab-lished…

BA: What prophecies were ful-filled for Israel in the past cen-tury?

The Zionist movement began in 1897, and a few Jews went home. In 1922, when the League of Nations approved a British mandate over Palestine, the British government appointed a Zionist board, and more went home. By the end of World War II and the Jewish Holocaust, six hundred thousand more Jews had returned to their homeland. Today, again, Israel is alive in her own land, with these prophecies fulfilled: Isaiah 11:11, 12; Jeremi-ah 31:7-12; 32:37-44; and Ezekiel 36:6, 7, 21-24; 37:21-28.

The most convincing proph-ecy of Israel’s ultimate return may be in Amos 9:14, 15. Through the prophet, God spoke a permanent presence of His people in the land of Israel. They would build, plant, eat, and no one would uproot them again! I believe this has happened in my lifetime...

Israel has not yet gotten all the land that was promised to Abra-ham, but she will. She did not get it all at once in the beginning, nor is she getting it all at once to-day. But little by little, Israel will, and there will be more violent events before she does.

CG7-Denver fails to understand that the prophecies to Israel in the Bible were NOT limited to the tribe of Judah.  Furthermore, I do not think that it is at all possible that the current nation of Israel will increase its size to end up with all the land that God promised the descendants of Abraham as this will not happen until after Christ returns.

If that additional land is one of the signs that CG7-Denver is looking for prior to the return of Jesus Christ, then it will sadly not know what is happening when the Great Tribulation begins.  Recall that the Bible teaches:

1 And to the angel of the church in Sardis write…3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you (Revelation 3:1,3).

Anyway, what about Wesley Walker’s point about Amos 9:14-15 as the most convincing proof of his position (which according to the Bible Advocate reflects CG7-Denver’s historical view)?  Let us look at what the Bible actually says here:

14 I will bring back the captives of My people Israel;
They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them;
They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them.
15 I will plant them in their land,
And no longer shall they be pulled up
From the land I have given them,”
Says the LORD your God (Amos 9:14-15)

Notice that the above indicates that Israel will not be pulled up from the land.  Well, there are two significant problems with the nation of Israel and that prophecy applying now:

1. The current nation of Israel still has not received all the promised land.  Hence, until it does so, the above truly is not being fulfilled.
2. The current nation of Israel returned some of the land it did receive to Egypt some years ago as part of a peace deal.  Hence, it allowed itself to be “pulled up” from the land.

CG7-Denver may wish to re-think its position here, because the modern nation of Israel has not received all the land and in fact has given some back.  (Those who truly wish to understand about Israel in prophecy should read the article Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel.)

Additionally, Wesley Walker cited Jeremiah 32:37-41 (I left out verses 42-44 for space) which states:

37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries where I have driven them in My anger, in My fury, and in great wrath; I will bring them back to this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely. 38 They shall be My people, and I will be their God; 39 then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. 41 Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul.’ (Jeremiah 32:37-41)

Does anyone really think that the modern nation of Israel has one mind to fear God today?  Israel is essentially a secular state that is divided politically.  It simply does not fulfill Jeremiah 32.

Perhaps I should add that while Wesley Walker also cited Jeremiah 31:7-12, this is referring to Ephraim and hence is not limited to Judah.  But since CG7-Denver refuses to acknowledge the true identity of Israel in prophecy, it overlooked that critically important point.

FWIW, I also looked up Ezekiel 36:6, 7, 21-24; 37:21-28 and disagree that the current nation of Israel has necessarily fulfilled any of these.  One of the reason why is that Ezekiel 36:21-24 specifically leads into verses 25-28:

24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God (Ezekiel 36:24-28)

Of course, this simply has not happened.  And notice that until it does, the prophesied dwelling in the land promised to fathers (like Abraham) will not happen.  Also, the prophecies in Ezekiel 37:21-28, do not happen until after other events in Ezekiel 37.

The fact is that CG7-Denver does not properly understand prophecy.  It is no place of safety.

Articles of related interest may include:

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?
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.
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Who really is left behind?
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. Non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
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.
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?