Archive for August, 2010

Middle East Peace Deal and War

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

COGwriter

Peace talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are about to resume:

JERUSALEM, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday morning left for Washington to attend an U.S.- proposed peace summit, which would be the first direct negotiation between Israel and the Palestinians since late 2008.  http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-08/31/c_13471930.htm

Yet, all is not good:

JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says a Palestinian gunman has killed four Israelis in an attack in the West Bank.

The shooting comes just a day ahead of a White House summit relaunching Mideast peace talks…

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday the success of talks aimed at forging a peace deal with Israel within a year will depend on how hard U.S. mediators push to break any deadlocks…

President Barack Obama is hosting Abbas and Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, followed a day later by a first negotiating session, to be headed by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Obama hopes to see a peace deal within a year. Expectations are low, given that Abbas and Netanyahu are far apart on key issues and face internal opposition.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iDqGHEOAOLoXtaPxa6q_YKsfdyxAD9HUJATO0

A near term peace deal seems slim.  2011, for many reasons, may better fit with end time prophecy than 2010.  And a deal simply between the Israelis and Palestinians may not be enough to fulfill Daniel 9:27–though a timed one (one with a term, like seven years) might.

There may be more violence and wars before there is the prophesied peace deal.

If the red horseman rises up (Revelation 6:3-4) and one or more wars break out on or shortly after the Day of Atonement this year, we may seem warfare in places like Iran, the Middle East and even South America.   Africa & Asia (many places there including Afghanistan, Korea, and elsewhere) have some potential; as does civil unrest in Europe and North America.

It may take one or more wars in the Middle East to end up with the peace deal that the Bible seems to be referring to in Daniel 9:27.  But that deal may happen as soon as 2011 or 2012.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation 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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
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.

Plain Truth About Gold (I)

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

COGwriter

Gold has been over USD$1200 per ounce for much of the past several months.  This is primarily because many feel that the US dollar has problems as well as the US economy.

Because the USA was starting to not have enough gold to back its dollar, way back in 1961, the Plain Truth reported:

Germany, Japan have the largest surpluses of GOLD and DOLLARS…Rich Uncle {Sam} has the greatest deficit in governmental history and a GREATER DEBT than all the REST OF THE WORLD COMBINED!…

Vast foreign aid programs drain the U.S. Treasury…American spending to supply services and to support our troops in foreign countries and military installations around the world amounts to…dollars flowing out of the frightened U.S. Treasury. All of these factors, combined with heavy taxes, gigantic public and private debt, and no gold backing for our own currency if foreign investors demanded gold for their dollars, adds up to the staggering revelation that the U.S., richest nation in the world, is bordering on bankruptcy! (Hill DJ. What the US Gold Crisis Means to You. Plain Truth. February 1961, p. 9).

France did finally cash in dollars for gold and this caused a crisis in the USA.

The US answer was to go off the gold standard completely in 1971. About the same time it made a deal with Saudi Arabia to price oil in dollars. So, while this prevented “foreigners” from being able to redeem US dollars for something from the USA treasury, instead it meant that dollars could be used to by oil. As other (mostly smaller) oil producers followed Saudi Arabia’s lead, this has served to support the US dollar for several decades.

Back in 1971, the Plain Truth mentioned gold and that a currency coming out of Europe would replace the USA dollar:

FOR 40 YEARS, (1931 to 1971) the American dollar reigned supreme in world trade and finance. From 1945 to 1958, the dollar was considered better than gold to most developing economies…

On August 15, 1971, President Nixon revealed his new economic plan. One part of the strategy was to cut loose the dollar from gold, in effect letting it “float” in foreign transactions until natural market pressure would decide its best value…

The European Common Currency appears to be the most likely successor to the dollar in this long line of monetary dynasties. Europe is the only continent with sufficient gold backing…

… and What About Gold?

The gold standard is not sacred. It is only about 100 years old in the history of man, a product of evolution as much as any social institution. But in a world of sovereign powers, there must be some standard to finance international trade and domestic currency. Gold has the confidence of more people than any other standard, especially in Europe. (Alexander G. America faces “The Dollar Crisis”. Plain Truth magazine, October 1971, pp. 3-4)

Other articles from the old WCG also predicted that the Europeans would end up with their own European currency and that it would be expected to replace the dollar.

All of this has been happening.  As the USA continues to increase its debt, the value of the dollar will ultimately drop even more.  This does not mean that gold will not drop in value (it goes up and down all the time).  But unless there is national repentance across the USA, the USA dollar will ultimately be worth less than the cotton it is printed on.  Gold, on the other hand, seems to be prophesied to retain value past that time (cf. Daniel 11:43; Revelation 18).

For additional information, check out the following article:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?

China Continues Rare Earth Export Ban

Monday, August 30th, 2010


Neodymium Magnet on a Hard Drive

COGwriter

The world is starting to become upset by the fact that China controls 95% or so of certain “rare earth elements”(like neodymium ) and has dramatically reduced their export:

Backlash over China curb on metal exports
China’s draconian export curbs on rare earth minerals needed by the rest of the world for frontier technologies is escalating into a serious diplomatic and trade clash with the United States and other leading powers. (Telegraph, August 29, 2010. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/mining/7970872/Backlash-over-China-curb-on-metal-exports.html)

The “official” reason for the ban is apparently for environmental protection.  However, since China does not have a stellar environmental record, most discount that reason.

The real reason seems to be that China may need all it produces, and that control over this resource gives China a lot of power and influence.

The USA recognizes a problem here and has taken several steps, including hopefully having a mine open in California in 2012 (see Rare Earth Elements, China, and 2012).

But despite the protests and steps by the Americans, the Chinese still have major control and expects to for the foreseeable future.  This does not bode well for the USA.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States
Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Large Hadron Collider may result in military applications
The Europeans have the largest physics project on the planet. Some scoff, but might it result in military applications? May the Large Hadron Collider help fulfill Revelation 13:4?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This page contains some concepts and prophecies related to 2012 and a book.  This also has YouTube videos related to 2012 and beyond.

CBS Taking Shots Against Embryonic Stem Cell Opponents

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Wat Abortion

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat depicting a demon performing an ancient abortion.

COGwriter

Bob Schieffer, a major voice at CBS, wrote the following which is a CBS’ website:

Stem Cell Injunction Dictated by Doctrine

Schieffer: Critics of Stem Cell Research Are Like Skeptics of Galileo’s Telescope…

I have the greatest respect for those who disagree, but to me putting restraints on stem cell research is not far from those who refused to look through Galileo’s telescope because they believed their doctrines and tradition had already told them what they would see.  http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/08/29/ftn/main6816315.shtml?tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.13

Give me a break!  Bob Schieffer is taking shots against others apparently because of a recent court decision telling the US government that it needs to obey its own laws in regards to stem cell research (see Stem Cell Research Abortion Outrage).  It has nothing to do with what happened to Galileo centuries ago.

Galileo used a physical device to look at the sky.  Because of his reported findings, he was opposed by the Church of Rome.  They essentially forced him to lie about what he discovered.  That was wrong, but it has nothing to do with critics of embryonic stem cell research.

While there may actually be “Critics of Stem Cell Research” like the CBS headline declares, I have never ran across any opposed to stem cell research per se.

There are critics of embryonic stem cell research as it destroys human life, as it is, in a sense, a type of abortion.  Yet, these same critics normally support stem cell research.  Stem cell research can be performed with stem cells from human umbilical cords without the controversy.

Furthermore, various animal tissues can also be used for much of the research.

The truth is, if people such as Bob Schieffer, would have not been so willing to destroy human embryos, that this stem cell matter probably would be further along through increased investigation of umbilical cord stem cells and animal tissues.

Blasting critics for being concerned for the rights of the unborn does not help and is highly misleading.  Abortion remains wrong and trying to justify parts of it the way CBS seems to be hinting at does not help.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? What do the Living Church of God and the Church of Rome teach?
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?

Tomorrow’s World Hoping to Reach the Chinese and others in Asia

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

COGwriter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LCG’s Dr. Winnail recently wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Tithing Questions and Some Answers Addresses some non-biblical arguments against tithing. Should people tithe?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

LCG: Male Circumcision Down, STI’s Up

Saturday, August 28th, 2010


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

COGwriter

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

 

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

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

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

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

There are also various hygiene issues. (Note: The same as the original New Testament church, LCG does not require males to be circumcised, but considers it has physical value since God implemented it in the Hebrew scriptures; cf. Nehemiah 9:13).

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

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

Recall that the Apostle Paul wrote:

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

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

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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

Obama’s Middle East Peace Plan

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

COGwriter

US President Obama apparently has a peace plan for the Middle East:

Barack Obama ‘to visit Jerusalem and Ramallah to press for peace’
President Barack Obama will visit Jerusalem in coming months to press for a Middle East peace deal to be signed this year and implemented within a decade, according to a leaked White House report.

The Bible tells of a time when some type of apparent peace deal will be implemented in the Middle East.

While there could be a peace deal soon, it may be that the deal that fulfills the prophecy in Daniel 9:27 will NOT take place until after their has been another round of war in the Middle East.  One issue for the current situation is that the Europeans expect to be part of any comprehensive peace deal in the Middle East:

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said Friday the EU should be at the table when the Israeli and Palestinian leaders resume direct peace talks in Washington on Thursday…

The EU will “still have plenty more opportunities to contribute to the process and will be called upon to help support the talks.”The EU is part of the so-called Middle East Quartet, working along with Russia, the United Nations and the United States to try to bring peace to the region.

AFP, August 28, 2010  http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gVij5PjtdbWbjtGmLoJpLLiUCngg

And this European expectation is consistent with the prophecies in Daniel 9:26-27.

While it is possible that the USA will broker the deal and it will simply be confirmed by a rising “prince” within the European Union, it may be that Europe will play a much greater role.  Because of the prospect that war may happen before peace and the EU’s limited current involvement, these are some of the reasons that I do not believe that the peace deal of Daniel 9:27 is likely to be attained next month–it is remotely possible still, but remote.

Barack Obama essentially expects to ask to bring in European leaders after there is insufficient progress in the current talks, perhaps as early as October according to one report (see Obama’s Back-Up Peace Plan for the Fall of 2010).  And then his plan seems to include putting troops in the Middle East (Will Obama’s Plan Have Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies?) which brings to mind Jesus’ words in Luke 21:20–though I do not believe that the actual surrounding of Jerusalem will happen for a few years (however, some “peace-keeping” troops could be assigned there prior to what will happen to fulfill Luke 21:20).

Obviously, the USA President would like to have a peace deal.  But since the Palestinians and Israelis seem fairly far apart at this stage, this is likely to take time.  But that too, seems consistent with Barack Obama’s plans for the region and could tie into biblical prophecies.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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? What about the peace deal in Daniel 9?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?

Chinese Renminbi Yuan Starting to Replace Dollar

Friday, August 27th, 2010


Chinese Renminbi Yuan

COGwriter

The following was somewhat expected:

Banks back switch to renminbi for trade
Financial Times, London – Aug 26, 2010

A number of the world’s biggest banks have launched international roadshows promoting the use of the renminbi to corporate customers instead of the dollar for trade deals with China…“We’re now capable of doing renminbi settlement in many parts of the world,” said Chris Lewis, HSBC’s head of trade for greater China. “All the other major international banks are frantically trying to do the same thing.” http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/182a2b70-b130-11df-b899-00144feabdc0.html

The US dollar has been the international reserve currency.

Why would many in the world be frantic of steering clear of the US dollar?  The USA keeps increasing its debt–debt that it will not repay in a currency worth what it was when it borrowed much of it.

Furthermore, the announcement today by Fed Chairman Bernanke is signaling to all that will see it, that the USA intends to inflate its currency.

US central bank boss Ben Bernanke today vowed to step in to prop up a fragile US economic recovery if needed as he conceded growth had been weaker than the Federal Reserve had expected…

“The Federal Reserve is already supporting the economic recovery by maintaining an extraordinarily accommodative monetary policy, using multiple tools,” he said in his speech, entitled The Economic Outlook and Monetary Policy. “Should further action prove necessary, policy options are available to provide additional stimulus.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/aug/27/ben-bernanke-us-economy

That “additional stimulus” will make the US dollar worth much less.  The Fed Chairman also said that he will essentially do what it takes to prevent deflation from taking over the US economy.  He seems to feel that inflating the money supply will prevent that–and maybe it will.  This supposedly helped the USA stock market today.

The US government (including the Fed which supposedly is in a different category) now seems to believe that economic growth is more likely to come from currency inflation than anything else (a dangerous and erroneous belief).  Since those in China do not share that view, many are trying to go towards China’s currency, as opposed to that of the USA’s.

And while China will not end up as number one in the world, according to biblical prophecy, it will do much better for a while than the USA and its Anglo-allies.  And China may even end up with parts of one or more of the Anglo-nations (cf. Habakkuk 2:3-8).

I am not the only one to see the risk that the debt poses to the USA.  Even its military leaders have proclaimed it:

DETROIT, Aug. 27, 2010 – The single biggest threat to national security is the national debt, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday…http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60621

While parts of Wall Street may cheer the additional “stimulus” additional debt may provide, others realize that this is a dangerous game the USA is engaged in.  And it’s a game the USA will not win.

There are reasons that people are looking to conduct international trade in currencies, other than the US dollar.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?

UCG Does Not Understand Church Era Teaching

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Laodicea
Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

Dow Drops, USA Falters, Germany Surges

Thursday, August 26th, 2010


Ben Bernanke

COGwriter

The economic news did not seem to favor the USA today:

Bernanke Diverges From Trichet in Wyoming as US Falters, Germany Surges

…Germany powered the 16-nation bloc to its fastest economic growth since 2006 in the second quarter, and inflation accelerated to the fastest pace in 20 months in July on rising energy prices.

Dow drops below 10000

The USA will have ups and downs.

And there likely will be certain crises (including civil unrest) in Europe.  But overall, the USA is on the decline and the Europeans will be on the incline.

Yet, as I reported earlier (see Americans Don’t Get It) most Americans still do not seem to get it yet.

Some prophetic 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?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
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?  Where is the nation of Israel in all of this?
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? 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”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?