Church of God News

Young Grasshopper

COGwriter

A variety of weather and other non-human occurrences are affecting the planet, and are currently in the news.  The first two I would like to mention are locusts and caterpillars:

جامعة الدول العربية
Jāmaʻat ad-Duwwal al-ʻArabiyya Arab League Flag

COGwriter

There was an interesting item in the news later today:

There are a couple of different frameworks in place that could lead to the prophesied King of the South (see Islam Claims Judas, Not Jesus Was Crucified and Deal Leading to Psalm 83?).  But an EU-like organization which may also, for a while, be a subset of the Union for the Mediterranean States certainly could fit that role fairly nicely.

The nations specifically discussed are consistent with those in Psalm 83 (Deal Leading to Psalm 83?) as well as those that we in the Living Church of God have suspected would support the final King of the South.

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

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?
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.

COGwriter

Pork has another problem:

The Association of Pigmeat Processors did not return to slaughtering yesterday as they insist they need a massive financial package to help them cope with the recall of pigmeat. The processors say they may need up to €1 billion from the Government because all of the recalled product will come back to them.

They say that legally they cannot buy a pig at the moment because they cannot quantify their financial exposure. The association was meeting the Taoiseach and the Agriculture Minister last night but no outcome is yet known…

IEA chief executive John Whelan said severe damage to the export trade was inevitable. He called on the Government and Bord Bia to support the industry and respond with ‘positive marketing’ in the aftermath of this incident. http://www.internationalsupermarketnews.com/index.php/the-news/221-irish-pork-crisis-may-cost-p1-billion-and-thousands-of-jobs

Of course, we in the Living Church of God follow the example of those in the Bible and do not eat pork.  We will also not be persuaded to do so by the intended so-called “positive marketing” intended by those in Ireland who make their livings supplying unclean animals.

Contrary to the assertions of many, no one in the entire Old or New Testaments that was called of God ever is shown to have eaten any unclean animals (see also The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats).

According to Catholic sources, the consumption of pork became acceptable after Bishop Eleutherius declared it to be acceptable:

He dispensed with the obligations of Christians to follow dietary laws of Judaic origin (The Popes: The lives of the pontiffs through 2000 years of history. Futura Edizoni, Roma, 1997, p. 5).

The above book should have said the obligations of biblical origin as the dietary restrictions began with God and not Jews (the distinction between clean and unclean animals was known by at least Noah’s time, since God so declared in Genesis 7:2-3). Perhaps it needs to be stated that no one called of God in the Old Testament is ever shown to have consumed unclean meat. Hence the Catholics (and the Protestants that follow this edict) are relying on a possible pronouncement of a bishop of Rome for justification of eating unclean meats more than they may realize.

So how come consumption of unclean meat became common?

Well in addition to the Gnostic writings (such as the falsely titled Epistle of Barnabas), the answer might partially lie in a Catholic document titled Liber Pontificalis.  Here is what the Liber Pontificalis ascribes to Bishop Eleutherius:

He also decreed that no kind of food in common use should be rejected especially by the Christian faithful, inasmuch as God created it; provided it was a rational food and fit for human kind (Book of the Pontiffs (Liber Pontificalis) 2nd edition. Translation by Raymond Davis. Liverpool University Press – Translated Texts for Historians, Liverpool, 2001, p.17).

Now, I should add that the Liber Pontificalis was composed in the fifth/sixth centuries and has a reputation, even amongst Roman Catholic scholars, for arbitrarily assigning events with certain “popes” (some of this is documented in the article What Does Rome Actually Teach About Early Church History?).

If Bishop Eleutherius did make this declaration (and it may have come later than this as Irenaeus also seemed to understand that unclean animals were prohibited for those who professed Christ, and he may have outlived Bishop Eleutherius–see The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats), it would have been about 150 years or more after Jesus was resurrected.  If unclean meats were “nailed to the cross”, one would think that Christians would not have taken over a century to know this.

Some articles of related interest may include:

The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals.  It also contains scientific findings concerning a variety of problems associated with pork.
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?
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.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
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?

Gerald Flurry

COGwriter

PCG was defended by Ray Hibbard in a cover article for Edmond Life & Leisure:

TV Report offends local church

I can certainly plead guilty of poking some fun at our broadcast news colleagues in the past but there is nothing funny about the latest slam on one of our local churches. Recently, Oklahoma City’s FOX-25 aired a two part series on the Philadelphia Church of God which is located just north of Waterloo on Bryant. Never having seen a news broadcast on FOX-25, I had to go to their web site to view the two broadcasts that upset church leadership.

Without a doubt, it was one of the worst pieces of “journalism” I have ever seen. Reporter Nick Winkler made a real effort to paint a possible line between this local church and groups such as David Koresh and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. There was not an ounce of evidence to support any possible connection or similarity. FOX-25 said it stood by their story and frankly, it may have been technically correct in facts but how the story was put together and promoted gave the church leadership good reason to be upset. The Philadelphia Church of God strongly denies these “scurrilous allegations.”

It should be noted that the report aired during a sweeps period when ratings are determined. The sensational style of reporter Winkler could draw columns worth of comment. I think the Oklahoma Gazette once labeled him the “Winkavator” or perhaps it was the “Winkster” after an incident at a county courthouse and with a pistol. They even suggested a drinking game bearing his name. It was when he was with another station. http://www.edmondlifeandleisure.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=81&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=1759&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2528&hn=edmondlifeandleisure&he=.com

While I disagree with certain misleading comments made by a PCG representative during those interviews, I felt from the very beginning that FOX 25 was unfair in its portrayal of PCG (see PCG on the News and PCG Responds to FOX 25).

Even though Gerald Flurry is a self-appointed (and false) prophet, I did not feel that PCG deserved to be portrayed as FOX 25 portrayed them.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which claims to be faithful.
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.
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.

COGwriter

While I normally warn people about the falsely named magazine Christianity Today, in the past couple of days its website has been featuring the following previously published article:

What God Hath Not Joined

But many Protestants are becoming more accepting of the idea.

And in California (where I live), the homosexuals seem to be quite determined to overturn the will of the voters in the recent Proposition 8 (which banned same-sex marriage).  And I suspect that ultimately the courts in California will side with the homosexuals.

I should add that the Bible warns against all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery and fornication as well.  They are all “sins against the body” (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:18).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
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.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.

Senator (now also President Elect) Barack Obama

COGwriter

In an astounding development, the Governor of Illinois was arrested today for corruption charges, including trying to sell Barack Obama’s soon to be vacant seat in the U.S. Senate:

CHICAGO (Dec. 9) – Federal authorities arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday on charges that he brazenly conspired to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder.

The amount of corruption among American government official is becoming more and more staggering.

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

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?

Union for the Mediterranean States

Blue: Members of the European Union in the Union for the Mediterranean
Green: Other members (primarily from the African Union & Arab League)
Striped green: Libya is currently only an observer member in the Union for the Mediterranean

COGwriter

While some have been critical about the idea that the Europeans are forming a supernational goverment with military and economic power, the following news item shows that some are starting to accept this possibility:

And while what will happen in Europe will not quite be the government for the entire world, Europe is prophesied to rise up as the Beast power, which means that it will (for a while) highly dominate the world economically and militarily.

As far as being “antidemocratic” perhaps I should cite a private Catholic prophecy:

Rudolph Gekner (died 1675). “A great prince of the North with a most powerful army will traverse all Europe, uproot all republics, and exterminate all rebels. His sword moved by Divine power will most valiantly defend the Church of Jesus Christ. He will combat on behalf of the true orthodox faith, and shall subdue to his dominion the Mahometan Empire. A new pastor of the universal church will come from the shore (of Dalmatia) through a celestial prodigy, and in simplicity of heart adorned with the doctrines of Jesus Christ. Peace will come to the world.” (Cited in Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.36).

Republics are somewhat democratic and according to at least the above writing, the one called the Great Prince of the North (the King of the North in Bible prophecy) will essentially eliminate them in Europe and to a degree, elsewhere (like the USA and its Anglo-allies).

And while Europe led the formation of the Union for the Mediterranean States in July 2008 (see Deal Leading to Psalm 83?), both biblical and Catholic prophecy shows that it will invade many of the Southern members of that Union.

Conditions are setting Europe up for its prophesied end-time roles.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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.
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.
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?

COGwriter

Tonight, the latest letter from Legacy Institute’s Leon Sexton (who is based in northern Thailand) arrived.  Here is a lot of what he reported about his health:

I want to bring you up-to-date on my physical condition. I am back in Chiang Mai after having spent over 2 months in the Bangkok Heart Hospital. God has been very merciful to me and I am able to walk with the help of a cane and am back to work at Legacy’s office. I know that you have been praying for me because I have felt the power of God’s presence all the time I was in the hospital – and even now. The doctors told me that I almost died twice. During my darkest times, I felt Jesus’ presence right there with me…

My eyesight is still not clear and my right arm has nerve problems, so I cannot type well at the computer.

Leon Sexton used to accompany the late Herbert W. Armstrong to places like Thailand.

Senator (now President Elect) Barack Obama

COGwriter

The news today announced that the Untied States Supreme Court will not hear an emergency case brought to it related to whether or not Barack Obama is a “natural born” U.S. citizen:

This comes as no surprise to me as I believe that, presuming he survives, Barack Obama will become President of the United States on January 20, 2009 (even though the court might hear yet another challenge on this).

For more on the citizenship challenge, please see the item Barack Obama is Not A Shiite.

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

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?
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”?
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?

What Do Santa and Trees Have to Do With the Christ of the Bible?

COGwriter

There was an interesting item in the news yesterday concerning comfort, pagan practices, and Christmas:

Pagans have long attained comfort from their practices.  Yet, the Bible never endorses the celebration of birthdays (see Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays?), the December 25th concept of “Christ’s Mass” (see What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days?), using pagan practices to honor God (cf. Jeremiah 10:2), decorated trees (cf. Jeremiah 10:3-5, see also Christmas Trees: A Symbol of the Trinity?), Santa, nor any such things.  In the Bible, Jesus had nothing to do with any of them.

Yet, many who profess Christ derive “comfort” from such material things that we see all around us, especially at this time of year.

We are to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).  Notice what the Apostle John wrote:

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world (1 John 2:15-16).

3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 3-4).

Since Christmas is not based upon truth and is at least partially intended to appeal to the “lust of the eyes” those who are serious about living “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) should study and pray on whether they wish to obtain comfort from God, or paganized traditions of men.

Notice that our comfort is supposed to come from SCRIPTURES and God the Father:

4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:4-6).

Do you really think that the Father is pleased with those who prefer to honor pagan customs in the name of His Son than to gain comfort from following the teachings of the scriptures?

Some articles of 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?

Is January 1st a Date for Christians Celebrate? Historical and biblical answers to this question about the world’s New Year’s day.

Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?

What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians?