Church of God News

COGwriter in Philadelphia in Asia Minor

COGwriter

In the July-August edition of its Living Church News,  the Living Church of God published its audited financial statements for 2010.  LCG reported that its income was up over 5% which seems very good considering the state of the USA economy.

LCG is apparently the second largest of the COG groups that once had their origins in the old WCG. UCG is the largest.  And COGWA seems to be the third largest.

As many have asked me about how LCG differs from UCG, a comparison of how they spend their income, in my view, helps answer a lot of questions.

The groups have differing objectives and priorities (as well as prophetic and other doctrinal differences).

Brief Financial Comparison of US Income (Both Based on Audited Statements)

Now, UCG’s fiscal year is not a calendar year, so there is only partial overlap of the periods.  For its last published financial statement, for its fiscal year ending 6/30/10, UCG reported a gross income of $23,870,107. It spent 5,368,289 (down from 5,649,925 the prior year) for ‘public proclamation’ (22.49%); it spent 4,992,351 (up from 4,223,249 the prior year) for managing its meetings and ‘home office’ (20.92%); and 13,420,477 (down from 14,072,730 the prior year) for the field ministry/local churches/FOT/International support (56.22%), and increased reserves by 88,990 (down from 789,795 the prior year) (0.37%).  For its fiscal year ending 12/31/10, LCG grossed 14,341,826 and spent 5,989,084 on public proclamation, 907,340 on HQ administration, 6,907,314 to ‘feed the flock’ (including Living University) and increased reserves by 538,087.

If you gave $100.00 to the United Church of God or the Living Church of God for those most recent periods to compare, here is where your money went:

.......................................United Church of God....Living Church of God

1st Commission to Proclaim the Gospel to the World....$22.94........$41.76
2nd Commission to Feed the Flock (and Field Ministry)..56.22.........48.16
Headquarters/Home Office...............................20.92..........6.33
Change in Reserves......................................0.37..........3.75
Total................................................$100.00.......$100.00

Jesus taught:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Mattew 6:21).

I went with LCG because of Gospel proclamation emphasis and biblical church governance. It is interesting that UCG spent almost 3 times as high a percentage on governance than LCG does (and over 5 times as much in actual cash, UCG spent $4,992,351 vs. LCG’s 907,340).

Which form of governance is more cost-effective? Which form places the higher priority on proclaiming the Gospel?

With about half the income and membership (for the periods reported on), LCG spends more in actual cash as UCG does to proclaim the Gospel. LCG also still reaches many times as many people over television than UCG does.  LCG also produces more magazines (Tomorrow’s World vs. Good News) on a per member basis than UCG does.

Because of the COGWA split, UCG has had a tough year, and in a few months we should see more of what happened to its finances.

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Some articles of related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
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.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This is a large breakaway group from the United Church of God. It officially formed in December 2010. Former UCG President Clyde Kilough is part of it.
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? 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?
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?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. Non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

COGwriter

Tomorrow, the Europeans are meeting to discuss fish:

Fish stocks in crisis…

A meeting organised by Rochdale Euro-MP Chris Davies on Wednesday (22 June) will hear new evidence from the EU Fisheries Commissioner about the crisis facing Europe’s fisheries.

Maria Damanaki will tell members of the ‘Fish for the Future’ group in the European Parliament that tonnes of fish landed at EU ports fell by 30% per cent between 1998 and 2008.  http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/57710/fish-stocks-in-crisis

The fish depletion is not just a European problem.  Much of the world is starting to notice that fishing stocks in the ocean are being depleted.

Greed and lack of international cooperation are currently the biggest causes of this crisis.

When more food shortages and food inflation take place, this too will increase pressure on fish stocks.

The Bible warns of famines of course (Matthew 24:7-8; cf. Revelation 6:5-6) as part of the beginning of sorrows.  But it also warns that the time will come when fishing stocks will be even more dramatically affected (Revelation 8:8-11)  and ultimately they apparently will be gone (Revelation 16:3).

Presuming that the European meeting will NOT be successful, it appears that humans (not all, but enough of those who will not fully cooperate with each other that extract fish) seem intent on trying to fish the oceans well beyond the natural ability of fish to replenish.  In times of real food shortages, even Westerners will see that this has truly been a mistake.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

There have been protests in Europe:

Anti-austerity protests spread across Europe

Euronews – June 20, 2011

Anti-austerity rallies have been held across Europe – in Spain thousands marched to protest against high unemployment and their government’s handling of the economic crisis. http://www.euronews.net/2011/06/20/anti-austerity-protests-spread-across-europe/

Athens protests: Syntagma Square on frontline of European austerity protests…

“Don’t be surprised if Athens goes up in flames,” the 50-year old says. “And don’t be sad, either.” His words initially sound melodramatic, but the anger keeps coming up. “Politicians now walk around with bodyguards,” says Aris Chatzistefanou, the co-director of Debtocracy, a film about the Greek crisis that has become a sensation. He quotes a newspaper report of how restaurateurs are taking down those cheesy framed photos of dining politicians, of how one government spokesman went to dinner a few weeks ago only for the rest of the restaurant to start shouting “You are eating the blood of the people”. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/19/athens-protests-syntagma-austerity-protests

I essentially warned about this last year (see 5 September 2010 post titled Civil War in Greece?) as I wrote, “Austerity measures in Europe will likely cause civil unrest”. As well later in December 2010 when I wrote:

Civil unrest in Europe is expected. Places such as France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Eastern Europe have potential for this occurrence.

Expanded civil unrest will have major impacts on the euro and on Europe itself. It is highly likely to propel a European leader to rise up. The final leader will be the one known as the Beast (Revelation 13:3-4) and final King of the North (Daniel 11:22-44) of Bible prophecy.

Additionally, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I discussed the possibility of civil unrest and/or civil war breaking out in Europe. Here are a couple of captions from the 2009 book about that:

Some believe that God will punish the nominal Catholics with civil unrest and war in Europe. As there already has been civil unrest in Europe (and according to secular sources, more is expected), it is possible that the following (to some degree) also may come to pass:..

Monk Hilarion (15^th century): “The people of the peninsula of Europe will suffer by needless wars…”

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): “All over Europe there will rage terrible civil wars…A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe.”

Some believe this civil unrest will result in the rise of a militaristic leader who will quell that particular violence, establish a new religious order, and reign with a pope who will perform miracles…

One interesting 15^th century Catholic prophecy foretells a time when a “great prince” will rise up. “All Germany” will apparently convert to the ecumenical religion, and then massive conversions in “all countries” “will happen quickly…

The descriptions of the Great Monarch/Prince in many ways parallel the description of one the Bible refers to as the “prince” in Daniel 9:26–27, final “King of the North” in Daniel 11:27–45…

World events are aligning with prophecy.  The protests may turn quite violent and this may be a major trigger for the rise of the prophesied final King of the North.

The IMF is advocating greater EU unity to solve the economic problems there, while the UK is expecting that the Euro may collapse:

IMF tells EU: Stop ‘unproductive debate’ and integrate ‘now’

EUobserver – June 20, 2011

The International Monetary Fund has bluntly warned the European Union it must put an end to its “unproductive debate” over debt restructuring and, in an unprecedented outside intervention in the construction of the European Union, told the bloc it must integrate faster and more deeply in order to stop a global disaster.  http://euobserver.com/9/32518

UK treasury pondering death of the euro

EUobserver – June 21, 2011

The UK’s treasury minister has – during a cut-and-thrust debate in parliament – admitted that London is preparing for a potential break-up of the eurozone…On Greece itself, Conservative and Labour MPs were united in their belief that the new bail-out under discussion in Brussels will fail. http://euobserver.com/9/32522

There will be ups and downs in Europe until the final European beast power rises up. As we in the Living Church of God have long taught, the UK as it now exists will not be part of the rising European beast power–it will be taken over by it.  The recent steps that the UK has taken are sending a signal to the Europeans that the UK is not ever really going to be an equal part of Europe.

The Bible is clear that although there will be problems with the unnatural combination that we now call Europe (Daniel 2), that it still will rise up.  And it is likely that because of protests and other forms of civil unrest, that the Europeans will be more willing to accept the type of militaristic leader that the Bible teaches will lead the final beast empire (Revelation 13:1-4).  Watch.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
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? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in 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 and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? 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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? 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 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

Tzipi Livni

COGwriter

Despite American pressure this month (see Obama Gives Israel Ultimatum on Peace Deal), Tzipi Livni does not believe that Israel’s Prime Minister is serious about peace talks with the Palestinians.

Livni: Netanyahu not serious about talks with Palestinians

By GIL SHEFLER
06/21/2011 13:59

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is not willing to seriously negotiate peace with the Palestinians, said opposition leader MK Tzipi Livni at the closing session of the World Jewish Congress’s annual Board of Governors gathering on Tuesday.  http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=225935

The reality is that despite the position of the Obama Administration, Binyamin Netanyahu came to the USA and explained to Congress why he felt his position was valid to much applause.

As I have been writing for a long while, I believe that peace deals most often happen after wars or other extreme pressure.  IF IRAN ATTACKS Jerusalem as it indicated it would (Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?), the after affects of this may lead to a peace deal.  It is also possible that because of massive international pressure, Israel may agree to a peace deal that involves international troops being stationed to “keep the peace” or that Israel may agree to a minor peace deal (it has sometimes agreed to incremental deals).

Now the Bible indicates that there will be some type of temporary (seven year) peace deal (Daniel 9:27; 8:25) that will be “confirmed” by a “prince” (Daniel 9:26).  But after about 3 1/2 years, the rising prince, who will then be the final King of the North will violate the deal (Daniel 9:27; 11:31) and shortly thereafter the Great Tribulation will begin (Matthew 24:15-21).

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?
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? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”?  Why do some believe a peace deal must happen first?  What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch 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?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?

The island called Patmos is where the last book of the Bible was written in the late first century (see Revelation 1:9). What did the early church teach and practice in the second century?

COGwriter

How Was Early Christianity Practiced?

While scholars have a variety of opinions, this page itself will simply mention the following beliefs held by true Christians in the second century, with links to highly documented articles on each subject (which are primarily based on the Bible and early historical writings).

Amazingly, a leading Protestant scholar (H. Brown) has admitted:

It is impossible to document what we now call orthodoxy in the first two centuries of Christianity (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, p. 5).

In other words, much of what now passes for “orthodox Christianity” did not exist in the first two centuries after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This is basically because while there was only one original church, another major group emerged in the second century who changed certain original Christian practices and became what most now seem to feel represent “orthodoxy” (for details, please see Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries?).

A while back, the s0-called publication Christianity Today was promoting an article from its Fall 2007 edition that stated:

We are now in a period when it is not enough to know only about the Bible. The apologetics of the past is no longer adequate. Today’s questions involve not only how the Bible came to be, but even if there was originally such a thing as orthodoxy. It is a crucial question. Christians need to know a lot more about the second century. Roots matter, especially in the founding of a movement (Bock. D. Roots Matter: The Gnostic Hunger For Secret Knowledge. Christianity Today. Issue 96, Fall 2007, Vol. XXVII, No. 4, Page 42).

And while that is true, sadly Protestant scholars realize that the doctrines and practices of what now passes for mainstream “Christianity” simply have no historical evidence of existing in the second century.

Simply put, many of the doctrines that now are considered to be heresy were held by the early church and many doctrines now considered to be mainstream were condemned as heresy by those associated with the early church.

Here is a listing of many such doctrines:

Baptism was by immersion and did not include infants.
A Binitarian view was held by the apostolic and post-apostolic true Christian leaders.
Birthdays were not celebrated by early Christians.
Born-Again meant being born at the resurrection, not at the time of conversion.
Celibacy for Bishops/Presbyters/Elders was not a requirement.
Christmas was not observed by any professing Christ prior to the third century, or ever by those holding to early teachings.
Duties of Elders/Pastors were pastoral and theological, not predominantly sacramental.
Easter was not observed by the apostolic church.
The Fall Holy Days were observed by true early Christians.
Holy Spirit was not referred to as God or as a person by any early true Christians.
Hymns were mainly psalms, not praises to Christ.
Idols were taught against, including the use of the cross.
Immortality of the soul or humans was not taught.
The Kingdom of God was preached.
Lent was not observed by the primitive church.
Military Service was not allowed for true early Christians.
Millenarianism (a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth, often called the millennium) was taught by the early Christians.
Monasticism was unheard of in the early Christian church.
Passover was kept on the 14th of Nisan by apostolic and second century Christians in Asia Minor.
The Resurrection of the dead was taught by all early Christians
The Sabbath was observed on Saturday by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church.
Salvation was believed to be offered to the chosen now by the early Church, with others being called later, though not all that taught that (or other doctrines) practiced “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
Sunday was not observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians.
The Ten Commandments were observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians–and in the order that the Living Church of God claims they are in.
Tradition had some impact on the second century Christians, but was never supposed to supercede the Bible.
The Trinity was not a word used to describe the Godhead by the apostolic or second century Christians.
Unclean Meats were eaten by the early allegorists, but not by true Christians.

The early true Church simply had many doctrines and practices that do not resemble today’s “mainstream Christianity”.

Those interested in more information should consider visiting the History of Early Christianity page.

Lest anyone feel that the Roman or Orthodox Catholics can tie their beliefs and continuity to the original church better than the Church of God can, if they are truly interested in learning the truth, they should read the following articles:

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.
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
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?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the 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.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Churches of God Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

While many in Britain think that they are truly part of the EU, some of the banks apparently have a different view:

UK banks abandon eurozone over Greek default fears

UK banks have pulled billions of pounds of funding from the eurozone as fears grow about the impact of a “Lehman-style” event connected to a Greek default.

Telegraph – June 18, 2011  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/8584442/UK-banks-abandon-eurozone-over-Greek-default-fears.html

If I recall correctly, about a year or so ago, a high level EU representative indicated that because of the UK’s attitude towards the Euro that the UK should not expect any help from the EU if its pound had problems.  The recent move by some UK banks suggests that others in the EU may ultimately share that view.

We in the Living Church of God simply do not believe that Bible prophecy allows for the UK to be a full part of a rising European power as it now exists.  Steps, like those that UK banks have recently done, simply support the position that the UK is not dedicated to the goal of much stronger European unity.

Some 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?
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 MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?

Sony 2012 Movie Poster

COGwriter

The French government is concerned that some are so worked up over December 21, 2012 that many will kill themselves if the world does not end in a flood then:

French government warns of potential mass suicides over predictions world will end on December 21, 2012

Rush of converts to remote hilltop village said to be only place to survive

• Concerns over increased activity of Apocalyptic groups across France

Daily Mail, UK – June 16, 2011 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2004377/French-government-warns-potential-mass-suicides-predictions-world-end-December-21-2012.html

Sony’s 2009 movie on 2012, which showed a worldwide flood, was very popular in Russia (see 2012 a Hit in Russia).

There is a Mayan prophecy in the Chilam Balam that points to such a flood:

But when the law of the katun has run its course, the God will bring about a great deluge again which will be the end of the world. When this is over, then our Lord Jesus Christ will descend over the valley of Jehoshaphat beside the town of Jerusalem where he redeemed us with his holy blood (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, p. 62).

Yet, the above is biblically, a false claim. 2012 is not the end of the world. That Mayan 2012 prediction is wrong. The Bible allow for a worldwide destruction of all flesh through a flood:

8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9 “And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. 11 Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Genesis 9:8-11).

The Mayan 2012 flood prophecy will be proven false.  But 2012 will affect the world in ways that most who have discussed it publicly have not mentioned.

While I have many concerns about the ramifications of the December 21, 2012 prediction (including an increase in prophetic scoffers, see 2 Peter 3:3-9, when the world does not end then), a relatively new one (for me) is that if there are massive suicides or other disturbances, this may result in governments calling for restrictions on making “end of the world” predictions.  This is especially feasible as in Malawi someone was arrested this year for pushing Harold Camping’s May 21, 2011 rapture date (see Arrest in Malawi and Stroke for Harold Camping).

This type of government action may restrict the ability of the Living Church of God to get its warning message out just prior to the start of the Great Tribulation.  Yet, for a short while it appears that we will get a lot of notice, and do the “short work”.  The late LCG evangelist John Ogwyn wrote:

God states clearly: “He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness” (Romans 9:28). Who will He use to do it? According to Daniel 11:32 it is “the people who know their God [that] shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

… Today, the Living Church of God continues to do the Work of God, proclaiming the true Gospel to a world spiraling toward destruction.  (Ogwyn J. God’s Church Through the Ages.  LCG booklet, p. 58)

And of course, the Bible clearly teaches (I put THEN in caps):

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)

We in the Church of God have tended to believe that something would stop our organized ability to proclaim biblical truths including prophetic ones:

But since no one can know the day or hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. That will be a time when the UNITED Europe shall appear–the revival of the medieval “Holy Roman Empire.” We shall then be warned, and readied to be taken to a place of refuge and safety from the Great Tribulation. Forty-five days later “the beast’s armies” will surround Jerusalem. Thirty days later the Great Tribulation will probably start with a nuclear attack on London and Britain–and possibly the same day or immediately after, on the United States and Canadian cities. The GREAT TRIBULATION, we shall fully then realize, is the time of “Jacob’s Trouble,” spoken of in Jeremiah 30:7. And Jacob’s name was named on Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48:16). At that time a third of the people in our nations will die, or shall have died, by famine and disease epidemics; another third will dies of the war–our cities being destroyed (Ezek. 6:6), and the remaining third will be carried to the land of our enemies as slaves (Ezek. 5:12). Armstrong, Herbert W. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).

I have personally believed that when people like I explain who the final King of the North is and that he (who many will believe is an ally of the USA and UK) will actually invade and destroy the USA and UK, that I and others in the Living Church of God may be accused of treason, hate speech, or some technical violation of some rule in order to prevent our right to proclaim the truth.

Why?  The Bible shows that the King of the North is the one who will destroy the land of the “strongest fortresses” (Daniel 11:39).  And he gets upset with some one prior to that.

The Book of Daniel specifically shows that the King of the South (a Muslim confederation) will make a deal with the King of the North, but that neither side is trustworthy:

27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time (Daniel 11:27, NKJV for remaining verses unless otherwise specified).

However, something upsets the King of the North even though he feels that he made a very good deal:

28 While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land (Daniel 11:28).

This verse about his heart being “moved against the holy covenant” may be referring to the fact that some of God’s people are warning against what the deal in verse 27 means. Notice verse 28 from a different translation:

Then the king of the north will return to his country with great treasures. But on the way, he will attack the religion of God’s people and do whatever else he pleases (Daniel 11:28, CEV–Contemporary English Version).

Since it is the Church of God religion that historically is the “religion of God’s people” and its members are the ones who fulfill the new covenant by having the law written into their hearts, it seems likely that the literal expression “holy covenant” refers to the most faithful of the true Christians (cf. Luke 1:72-75; Hebrews 8:8-12). It appears that God’s people are teaching something publicly that the King of the North does not want taught–otherwise he would have little reason to bother to attack such a “little flock” (Luke 12:32). This is about the time that the “one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days” days (1335 days) mentioned in Daniel 12:12 begin–although it may not be until the next verse or two.

While I believe that the “religion of God’s people” in Daniel 11:28 specifically includes the remnant of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God (currently the Living Church of God), it may or may not include others like the Sardis remnant as it has a name that it is alive while it is dead, or the Laodiceans as their work will most liklely be too lukewarm to wish to truly and powerfully warn against these events by the King of the North (or if the Laodiceans begin to do that, I believe that they will pull back).

Now at “the appointed time”, something will trigger the King of the North going towards the south:

29 At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage. So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant (Daniel 11:29-30).

Note: the Hebrew term translated as “Cyprus” in the NKJV is a mistranslation. The KJV uses the term Chittim which means “Western lands”. Hence the King of the North will apparently be temporarily stopped by a Western naval power.

Notice that a battle is not shown to have occurred in verse 30. Thus, that verse may possibly indicate that this is when the European Beast power may temporarily make a deceptive deal with a major Western power (probably the United States).

Especially notice that the King of the North will be even further enraged by the people of the “holy covenant” and most likely try to stop the supporters of it from proclaiming the truth about his intentions and the gospel of the kingdom (c.f. Matthew 24:14). The King of the North will probably attempt to learn more about how to eliminate them by being nice to apostate members (those who “forsake the holy covenant”)–apparently he attempts to get them to betray true Christians (Matthew 24:10). It strikes me as important that although a naval power stops the King of the North momentarily, the King of the North becomes apparently more enraged with the people of the holy covenant than the naval power.

Why would this be?

Most likely this occurs because the people of the holy covenant are proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14, as that immediately precedes “the end”) and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling prophecies in Daniel 11.  It is my belief that after the peace deal in Daniel 9:27/11:23 has been made and/or confirmed by “the prince to come,” that the group that best represents the “sect of the Nazarenes” (the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the church per Revelation 3:7–11) in the 21st century (currently best represented by the Living Church of God) will begin to publicly identify the person who confirmed the deal (“the prince”) as the one who fulfilled Daniel 9:27/11:23-24.  This apparently enrages the King of the North so much that he initially tries to eliminate these people through political pressure and selected persecution.

Jesus clearly taught that persecution would affect His people just prior to the Great Tribulation beginning:

7 And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another (Matthew 24:7-10).

21 For then there will be great tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

So notice that after “the beginning of sorrows” has started, the true Christians will be delivered up and many killed and many will be betrayed by those pretending to be Christians. And then the Great Tribulation will come shortly thereafter. This clearly ties in with the events of Daniel 11.

The Bible warns:

12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.  (Amos 8:12, KJV)

With US FCC “net neutrality” rules (which they were approved to start to use in late 2010), Malawi’s arrest, and the French government’s public concerns, we are getting close to that time when governments will be too offended by the truth and some will take steps to stop it from being proclaimed.

The organized work may be stopped by government officials (like on the internet, television, etc.) and persecutions began because people of the holy covenant are warning the world of the results of their sins (which they will not want pointed out) and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling these prophecies in Daniel 11. The faithful may be saying things that are not “politically correct” to the point that one or more governments will take action.

And if there are problems caused by the failed 2012 prophecies, governments (including the USA one) will feel more justified to taking steps to prevent small groups (like the Living Church of God) preaching the truth about the gospel of the kingdom and the end of the world as we know it.  The French statements may be a step that will lead to that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies–including those from the Bible, Mayan sources, Nostradamus, and more. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 14-15 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass. If you want to know the truth about 2012 and what will happen, this is the book to get.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch 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? 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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?

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

COGwriter

In yesterday’s Wall Street Journal, Jonathan V. Last did an in-depth review of a book titled Unnatural Selection: Choosing Boys Over Girls and the Consequences of a World Full of Men by Mara Hvistendahl.

Mara Hvistendahl puts forth a figure that 163 million female babies were aborted since the late 1970s because of family preferences, mainly in India and China, for having sons.  Of course, it is not just family preference.  Part of why China is experiencing this phenomena is because its current “one child policy” (which it adopted in the early 1980s) forces most couples to only have one child.  In China, male children tend to be the ones expected to provide for parents in their old age (and do not require huge expensive dowries as often do female children in India), this policy is a factor resulting in an excessively high male to female birth ratios–if parents feel that they need at son to support them and they can only have one child, often females get aborted away.

Although Mara Hvistendahl advocates laws not allowing parents to know the gender of their unborn children, such laws already exist in China and India and hence seem to be ignored.  Many studies have suggested that when the ratio of males is much higher than females, there tends to be an increase in violence.

Female infanticide is not new, of course.  Mara Hvistendahl noted that its practice in 4th century B.C. Greece and 19th century China coincided with bloody than usual periods in those lands.  And while many associate poverty with higher level of violence, Jonathan Lust wrote:

In Chinese provinces where the sex ratio has spiked, a crime wave has followed.  Today in India, the predictor of violence and crime for any given area is not income but sex ratio.

Furthermore, when there is a major imbalance, wealthier men tend to still get married, either locally or by securing brides from other lands (such as Vietnam for many Chinese).  This tends to leave more poorer males unable to secure brides.  Males who have less income and no wives tend to be more reckless and violent in their behavior.

So, other than the moral issues of abortion, what is the ramification of this trend in prophecy?

Because of gender-driven abortions, more males than normal will be more willing to fight in the military of countries with insufficient females.   Easy access to abortion, economic factors, and China’s “one child” policy appear to be setting the stage for a potential large army in the 21st century.

Interestingly, the Bible tells of a time that there will be a massive 200 million man army:

13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed–by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths(Revelation 9:13-18).

Only China, and possibly India and others in Asia (which may align themselves Russia), are capable of fielding a two hundred million man army.  Additionally, the sequence involving the 200 million many army has to do with something related to the river Euphrates, which the Bible indicates will be people who represent the “Kings of the East”:

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).

While there are many peoples who live east of the river Euphrates, the Greek expression translated as “kings of the east”, literally means “kings of the sunrise”.  This indicates that these are people in the far east, or at least relatively far east from the river Euphrates.  China, India, and other lands are far east of that river.  Thus, Revelation appears to be discussing an Asian role in the end-time prophecies.  When the Book of Revelation was written there were not even 200 million men on the earth, hence the prophecy was intended for a later time (like the 21st century) when there would be enough willing males to support such an army.

While creating female infanticide, increased societal violence, and the fulfillment of end-time biblical prophecies related to a 200 million man army were likely never the intent of abortion-rights advocates, the reality is that the first two have happened and the stage is being set for the third to take place.  These are terrible consequences of the right to choose death for female babies–and they are more than aborting 163 million female babies.

Some 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?
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?

Tobago Island (Trinidad & Tobago)

COGwriter

In its latest TW News & Prophecy, LCG had the following:

EU influence and the Caribbean.

EU, like other major world powers (the U.S., China, Britain, France), has interests in the Caribbean. Three years ago, the EU signed the Economic Partnership Agreement with the Caribbean Community and the Dominican Republic.Last week, the Trade and Development Committee from this joint group met in Barbados to discuss the future of trade in the region. The Caribbean Community nations have been working to create their own “Single Market and Economy,” however, concern about the EU’s strong involvement is working against this effort. One Caribbean economist commented that the EU is “not seriously interested in seeing the Caribbean Community Single Market and Economy completed,” but is more interested in creating a strong area of trade (www.TrinidadExpress.com, June 7, 2011).

Bible prophecy indicates that an end-time Beast power will dominate world trade and that the nations of the earth will be made rich “by her” (Revelation 18:11-15). The Beast will ultimately “control” buying and selling (Revelation 13:17). Just how the EU’s influence will impact the Caribbean remains to be seen.

I have long felt that the situation in the Caribbean will be a bit complicated, but that it will have to end up supporting the European Beast power.

Certain Caribbean nations/territories, specifically Aruba, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, the Netherlands Antilles, and Saint Barthélemy are likely to try to get involved with the European power–especially since some of them are already still ruled by European powers, while others have close cultural ties to some of them.

Some, or perhaps all, of the English-speaking Caribbean nations may also become involved eventually.  Why?  Well in addition to what Bible prophecy indicates, I do not see how their economies can do that well without tourists from the USA, Canada, and UK.  Hence, no matter what they may initially feel about the Beast power, they will likely decide that they have to somewhat support it.

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?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch 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?
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? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in 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 and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? 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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?

Hong Kong Skyline

COGwriter

In its latest announcements read at services earlier today, the Living Church of God reported:

Tomorrow’s World Telecast Airs in Hong Kong and China

June 4 marked an exciting step forward for preaching the Gospel throughout the world. At 8:55 that morning, HKTVB Pearl broadcast the first Tomorrow’s World program in Hong Kong, reaching a portion of China. Due to restrictive censorship laws, an entirely new program has been produced with Evangelist Gerald Weston serving as presenter. Some programs from the regular telecast featuring Mr. Richard Ames are being re-edited to fit the requirements for broadcasting in that region of the world.

“In Search of Success” brought 78 unique visitors to a Tomorrow’s World site created specifically for Hong Kong and China. The second program, “Rethinking Darwin?” saw an increase to 91 unique visitors and has produced our first GOTO! One challenge facing the program is that we are only permitted to advertise the featured literature at the very end of the program which has a negative effect on the number of responses. However, we can know that those who have responded watched the program through to the end.

Several members have inquired about watching the Hong Kong version of the telecast. A page has been added to the Canadian website for this specific purpose—visit www.lcgCanada.org/hk.php. Please pray that God will continue to provide an increase in response, that He will provide good fruit through this program and that He will supply the means to serve any individuals He may call in that region of the world.—Michael Heykoop

For years, Dr. Meredith and I have discussed trying to reach China.  Finally, a telecast door is being opened, to a degree, to accomplish this.

Currently, many in China read COGwriter articles, go to LCG’s websites, and go and see its Tomorrow’s World program on YouTube. Going on other forms of electronic media, such as local television is great, and as the above shows, LCG has long been working towards that and finally has started to accomplish it.

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)

Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled and those in China will receive that witness prior to the great tribulation (vs. 21).

And ultimately, the two witnesses who will reach the entire world (Revelation 11:3-12), will also get the warning message as well as the good news of the kingdom of God into China.

Although more will be done, it appears that throughout history, there has been some biblical witness in China, and we in the Living Church of God are trying to do our part in the 21st century.

Some articles involving the Asian peoples that may be of interest may include the following:

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 Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
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.