Church of God News

COGwriter

The latest TW News & Prophecy from the Living Church of God has the following:

Archaeology validates the Bible–again!

Archaeologists continue to discover more evidence that corroborates clear statements in the Bible. Israeli archaeologists, excavating near Jerusalem’s Western Wall, recently unearthed what they believe to be a 2,000-year-old clay seal. “The button-shaped object bears the Aramaic words ‘pure for God,’ suggesting it was used to certify food and animals used in sacrificial ceremonies.” The Israel Antiquities Authority said, “it believed it was the first time such a seal had been excavated, providing direct archaeological evidence of ritual activity in the temple described in ancient texts” (Reuters, December 25, 2011).Archaeological finds like this one are exciting, because they help validate the authenticity of the Holy Bible as an historical document. It also makes it more difficult for critics to continue to refer to the Bible as “just a book of fables.”

Jesus stated several times, “there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known” (Matthew 10:26, Mark 4:22, Luke 12:2). Even though archaeological and historical evidence continues to emerge that supports the authenticity of Scripture, critics continue to ignore this evidence.

For more information on the authenticity of the Holy Bible, review our free booklet, The Bible: Fact or Fiction?

Since the Bible is true, it makes sense that archeologists would continue to find more evidence of its accuracy.

Some articles of related interest would be:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times? The Bible teaches that the sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), but do Jewish sources or the Bible mandate a completed temple for those sacrifices? What did Ezra do when there was no temple?

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood made more strides in Egypt’s election than some thought it would:

 January 21, 2012

Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Party Wins Sweeping Victory in Parliamentary Election

The party of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood won a sweeping victory in the country’s parliamentary election, taking 47 percent of the seats in the new assembly.

Egypt’s election commission announced the final results on Saturday. Head of the commission Abdel Moez Ibrahim said the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) won 235 seats in the 498-seat People’s Assembly.

Two-thirds of the seats in the new lower house are secured on party lists and the rest by individual candidates. The FJP won 127 seats on the party lists and 108 in the first-past-the-post constituency votes.  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Egypts-Muslim-Brotherhood-Party-Wins-Sweeping-Victory-in-Parliamentary-Election-137817423.html

The Muslim Brotherhood has greatly increased its influence in Egypt and is starting to warn Egypt’s military:

Special Report: The Rise of Egypt’s Islamists

Stratfor – Jan 20, 2012

Representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the hard-line Salafist al-Nour party and the liberal Wafd Party convened Jan. 16 to select the future leaders of the incoming People’s Assembly, Egypt’s lower house of parliament. During the meeting, the parties agreed that the FJP, which has won the largest percentage of seats in the lower house thus far at about 46 percent, would nominate a parliamentary speaker. Al-Nour, which has surprised observers both in Egypt and internationally by winning 24 percent of seats so far, and Wafd, which has won 9 percent of seats, each would have the authority to nominate a deputy speaker.

With two of the three parties recording the largest parliamentary gains thus far explicitly Islamist in their political philosophy, the movement appears to have achieved a level of official representation long denied them by the military regime that has ruled Egypt since the 1950s.  http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/special-report-rise-egypts-islamists

CAIRO (Reuters) – The head of the Muslim Brotherhood, set to be the biggest party in Egypt’s new freely elected parliament, said Friday interim military rulers would be held accountable after handing power to civilians for any mistakes made during their time at the helm.

The military budget will also be subject to parliamentary oversight, the Brotherhood’s general guide, Mohamed Badie, said in an interview…http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-brotherhood-armytre80j1ow-20120120,0,4237990.story

The Muslim Brotherhood was actually founded with the intent of establishing a caliphate (Islamic government) that would extend from Spain to Indonesia:

“The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law. (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

And while that is probably too ambitious, Morocco to possibly Pakistan might happen, for a while (the Bible indicates that the peoples in the King of the South will not be completely unified (cf. Daniel 11:40-43).

Many are now concerned about what seems to be happening:

Fears of the Arab Spring Becoming an “Islamist Spring”

‎

Huffington Post (blog) – 20 January 2012.

Beirut – Mistaken are those who demand that power be handed over to the Islamists in the Arab region of change, even on the grounds that they have been brought to power by a democratic process that must be honored, and that there is no choice but to submit to the de facto situation until the Islamists are tested in power...

This becomes even worse when a country like the United States is actively rushing to enable the Muslim Brotherhood to ignore the youth, excluded today from power, and ignore women, who are now being blindsided. The bottom-line of this American stance is placing the fate of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel ahead of the rights of over half of the Egyptian people, i.e. women and young people. The Obama administration may believe that in this manner, it is buying the loyalty of Islamist movements instead of their hostility; that the policy of containment and attraction is in the interest of the United States; and that it is inevitable for the Islamists in power in Egypt, for example, to turn to Washington, because they are in dire need of economic aid to remain in power. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/raghida-dergham/fears-of-the-arab-spring-_b_1219834.html

We in the Living Church of God suspect that the Muslim Brotherhood may be part of making end time events happen:

The virtual “tsunami” of Middle East and North African nations overthrowing their secular rulers is coming along day by day even as I write. This—as we have explained—could clear the way for the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamic extremists to take over much of the Middle East. Such an event would “prepare the way” for the coming “Mahdi”—the Islamist religious/political leader who will no doubt become the biblically prophesied “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40). He will probably lead in the provocation of the “King of the North” described in that same inspired prophecy in Daniel 11. And this will set in motion the final chain of events leading up to “Armageddon,” and then Jesus Christ’s return as King of kings (Revelation 11:15)! (Meredith RC. Tomorrow’s World subscriber letter, May 9, 2011)

Ultimately, the “Arab Spring” will not produce widespread “Western-friendly” democracy throughout the Mideast! Consider that, after 57 years in exile, the fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood is now Egypt’s “best organized political movement” (The New York Times, June 19, 2011). Months after Egypt’s supposed move toward democracy, Egyptian “mobs” are attacking pro-democracy “liberal activists,” while “hundreds of thousands of Islamists” are working toward “transforming Egypt into an Islamic state” (Wall Street Journal, August 2, 2011)! Although many do desire peace, a terrible conflict is brewing, and Muslim fundamentalism is spreading…Scripture reveals that before Jesus Christ’s return, there will be a final war between a “king of the South” (a leader of the Middle Eastern regions now primarily under the sway of Islam) and a false form of “Christianity” dominated by the “king of the North” and a blasphemous “Holy Roman Empire.” (Cieselka W. Islam: At War with Christianity? Tomorrow’s World magazine, Sept-Oct 2011, p. 27)

Right now…various Islamist groups—often foolishly called “moderate” by the mainstream media—are coming to power in Egypt, Tunisia and other African and Middle Eastern nations after the uprisings of the “Arab Spring.” The prophesied “King of the South” will soon emerge as these nations seek a “Mahdi”—a powerful religio/poltical leader who will bring them together under Islam. This “King of the South” predicted in Daniel 11:40 will no doubt be headquartered in Egypt or Saudi Arabia, not in Iran as some confused people foolishly predict. (Meredith RC. TW Subscriber letter, November 10, 2011)

One of the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood may well become the King of the South that the Bible foretells (Daniel 11:40), including possibly one who is now getting one of the parliamentary seats that the Muslim Brotherhood has just won.

Jesus said to “watch” (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? 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?

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

Today’s German press, in English, reported the following:

Guttenberg asked to see Seehofer on Thursday and told him he was not going to come back yet, the Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on Friday.

“It would not be the right moment,” wrote Guttenberg in a letter to the CSU. “And I have also to learn from my mistakes.”

He said he did not intend on making any public appearances in Germany, although he seemed to hint he would be back in politics at some point. “Yesterday it was about timing,” the letter said.

Seehofer said he respected Guttenberg’s decision, despite having argued strongly in favour of a return.  http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20120120-40229.html

So, while the Baron has ruled out a 2013 return to the election process in Germany, he still seems interested in politics.  He could still possibly be involved in German and/or European politics without being a candidate in 2013–we will see.

As regular readers know, I have long had my eye on former German Defense Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg as one to watch as a possible candidate to be the final King of the North of Daniel 11 and Beast of Revelation.

I have warned for some time that he would return to politics if he is the one.

His actions show that he is one we all should watch (cf. Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
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?
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) 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? How will Europeans be involved in this?

Vatican City (photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

Today’s TW News & Prophecy from the Living Church of God has the following:

Vatican wants greater involvement in the Holy Land.

Several leading bishops from the Vatican recently visited a “Christian” village in the Gaza Strip. This event was done in coordination with the Palestinian Authority (PA). Also, in December a Vatican center in Jerusalem hosted a conference with Christian and Muslim leaders entitled, “How to live together in a future Palestinian state?” (IsraelNationalNews.com, January 11, 2012).The “high profile” group of bishops visiting the Gaza Strip later described the living conditions of the Gaza Christians as being like in a “prison”–due to the intensified sea and land blockades of Gaza by the Israeli military. However, this one-sided description by Catholic leaders overlooks Israel’s stated objective of defending its cities against rocket attacks launched from Gaza, and the ongoing Muslim persecution of Christians in the Palestinian territories.

The Vatican has long wanted greater involvement in the Holy Land and Jerusalem in particular. This recent visit and further cooperation with the PA against Israel appears to support this long-standing agenda.

Bible prophecies have long stated that just prior to the return of Jesus Christ to this earth, “gentiles” (non-Israelites) will occupy and control Jerusalem for a 3.5 year period (Revelation 11:1-2). The actions of the Vatican in the Holy Land today appear to fit with biblical end-time prophecies.

For more information on this topic, review our booklet The Middle East in Prophecy.

EWTN and other Catholic sources have been emphasizing this region of the world a lot in the past couple of years.  The Vatican most definitely wants more influence there.

Earlier this week, the Pope also made another plea for ecumenical unity (Pope: Christian Unity Will Take More Than Kindness, January 18, 2012.  http://www.zenit.org/article-34143?l=english).  Perhaps he hopes getting involved in the Middle East will also help that goal.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?

COGwriter

Today’s Wall Street Journal has the following:

The USA is having problems and the above is another sign.

Of course, it is not just the USA.  Notice a problem that they are discovering in Australia:

Concerns in Australia over foreign land ownership

A new report shows the amount of agricultural land now under foreign ownership in Australia has risen 60 per cent over the past 3 decades.

The figures, released by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, follows a series of high profile land acquisitions by foreign firms last years, raising concerns among local farming groups.

The issue of foreign ownership of agricultural land in Australia came to the forefront last year, when the Chinese state owned mining firm, Shenhua Watermark Coal purchased 43 farms in the state of New South Wales. In that same year, Qatari state firm, Hassad Foods acquired 8000 hectares of farmland in the state of Victoria.

That’s in addition to more than 130,000 hectares of farm land it own across Australia.

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/connectasia/stories/201201/s3411338.htm

.

11pc of farm land foreign-owned

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) says it is concerned by the rising level of foreign investment in agricultural land and says it welcomes more regular research into the issue.  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-18/11pc-of-farm-land-foreign-owned/3781324

Land has historically been considered a birthright and selling farmland, while temporarily helping the economy, poses a variety of risks.

I have been warning for a couple of years now that China may get a bit too interested in Australia and may actually end up with much or all of it.  The more of it that China and its citizens own, perhaps the more justified the Chinese will feel if they do, in fact, take Australia over.

Of course, China and the Middle Eastern nations are not only buying up farmland in Australia.  Africa is increasingly receiving this type of “foreign investment” which the purchasers hope will insure that they will be able obtain food from in the event of food shortages (which are biblically expected per Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:4-8).

The consequences will not be good.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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, English, 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?
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?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 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?

Patriarchate of Moscow

COGwriter

Russia keeps trying to make its diplomatic voice heard on the Middle East:

Russia warns West it risks war over Syria, Iran

Ellen Barry

January 20, 2012

MOSCOW: The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, has warned outside encouragement of anti-government uprisings in the Middle East and north Africa could lead to ”a very big war that will cause suffering not only to countries in the region but also to states far beyond its boundaries”.

Mr Lavrov’s annual news conference on Wednesday was largely a critique of Western policies in Iran and Syria, which he said could lead to a spiral of violence.

He said Russia would use its position on the United Nations Security Council to veto any UN authorisation of military strikes against forces loyal to the government of Syria’s President, Bashar al-Assad.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/russia-warns-west-it-risks-war-over-syria-iran-20120119-1q8ei.html#ixzz1jxHbqfTH

While the Russian Foreign Minister is correct that the West’s “encouragement of anti-government uprisings in the Middle East and north Africa could lead to ‘a very big war that will cause suffering not only to countries in the region but also to states far beyond its boundaries,”” the reality is that Russia does not want to get in an actual war with the West over this.

Russia has issues with Muslim populations in a variety of former Soviet states and while it will make statements that sometimes seem to appease the Muslims, the reality is that they do not want an Islamic confederation to rise up.  And support, from nations like the United States for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, is absolutely something that Russia does not want to encourage.  Yet, this is something that the USA has done and seems to continue to encourage, despite negative comments about the USA from the Muslim Brotherhood itself.

(The goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is to have an Islamic empire from Spain to Indonesia.  And though they will not get Spain, an empire from Morocco to perhaps Afghanistan or so may happen.)

However, irrespective of Russia’s pleas and warnings, Bible prophecy supports the view that an Islamic Empire, known as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40), will rise up.  And the Arab Spring and Western encouragement is helping set the stage for this to happen.  Even engaging Iran and/or Syria (Isaiah 17:1) militarily directly and/or through Israel may help this occur.

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

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?

“Sunday Church” (Naxos, Greece)

COGwriter

Many who attend church in America state that they are not changed because of it:

Church is widely regarded as a regular action that can assist one in cultivating his or her faith, while subsequently experiencing personal benefits. While this characterization may hold validity for some, there’s a new study out that shows that, for nearly half of attendees, church isn‘t doing anything to impact or change individuals’ lives.

According to the Barna Group, an evangelical company that studies faith in America, nearly half (46 percent) of churchgoing Americans report that their lives have not changed at all as a result of attending church.  http://www.theblaze.com/stories/nearly-half-of-churchgoing-americans-say-church-doesnt-have-an-effect-on-their-lives/

This approach to “Christianity” differs from those of the original Christians.

Notice the following from the Book of Acts:

6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king — Jesus.” (Acts 17:6-7)

10 Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “… But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets…” (Acts 24:10,14)

22 But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings…(Acts 24:22)

Two major points in the above is that Christianity was a different ” way” of life that differed from others and those that practiced it changed so much that some were afraid that they would change the whole world.

This differs from how many view compromised “Christianity.”

Also notice what the Apostle Peter was inspired to write:

…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)

One does not GROW in grace and knowledge if one is not changed or affected by church.

And yes, according to the New Testament, one is supposed to attend:

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.  (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Sadly, what passes for Christianity by most in the world bears little resemblance to original Christianity.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
True vs. False Conversion Are you really converted or willing to be? What is true conversion? What is false conversion? What are the dangers of false conversion? Evangelist Roderick Meredith provides information on those important questions.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
News Articles Related to Church History This link is to articles on Church history that were once published on the COG News Page.
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Do they matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (sometimes referred to as the continuation of Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years. It also discusses the concept of church eras.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

Iran made another threat:

(Reuters) – Iran’s foreign minister warned Arab neighbors on Thursday not to put themselves in a “dangerous position” by aligning themselves too closely with the United States in the escalating dispute over Tehran’s nuclear activity…

Saudi Arabia, the world’s No. 1 oil exporter, riled Iran earlier this week when it said it could swiftly raise oil output for key customers if needed, a scenario that could transpire if Iranian exports were embargoed.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/19/us-iran-idUSTRE80H15Z20120119

Iran wants to lead the Islamic world and is getting upset that Saudi Arabia and others do not want to follow it.

Iran’s leaders want an Islamic leader to rise up that all Muslims will follow and have repeatedly made statements showing that they want to make this happen soon. Some feel that this would be between now and late 2012.

It is possible that the government of Iran may more directly provoke something that it hopes will trigger the rise of a leader, which they call the Imam Mahdi who seems to be the person that the Bible calls the King of the South, very soon–but apparently it is not quite ready yet. There is a video, which I viewed that came out 10 or so months ago, which has clips of Iran’s President Ahmadinejad that essentially shows that Iran wishes to militarily take-over Jerusalem as a prelude to the Imam Mahdi rising up, and that it hopes that the rest of the Islamic world will follow Iran if it takes this step (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).  In it, Iran tries to imply that since it is such a massive military power, that the Arab states should want to support it in its quest for Middle East dominance.

Since the Arabs tend to be Sunni Muslims and the Iranians Shi’ites, the Arabs do not completely share Iran’s view of prophecy or world events.

Yet, events are moving forward in the Middle East, Iran, and other parts of the world for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Some of these events may happen in 2012. There could be regional war in the Middle East.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:37)

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
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 start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?

Roderick C. Meredith (Photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

In his latest co-worker letter, Presiding Evangelist R.C. Meredith of the Living Church of God reported the following:

Matthew 24:14 states: “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.” This Great Commission is being fulfilled as a result of our international telecasts and magazines, our worldwide presence on the Internet, our extensive mailings, radio in foreign countries, and last, but in no way least, by word of mouth. Through these media we are now virtually reaching all nations on earth!

This past year we added over 120,000 new Tomorrow’s World magazine subscribers in countries around the world. Our international telecasts were watched by 2.7 million brand new viewers in 2011, and our TomorrowsWorld.org Web site drew 1.4 million new visitors around the world.

Thanks to member and co-worker support, the Tomorrow’s World TV programs were carried on 232 TV stations or networks around the world. Eighteen of the TV stations or networks were added just last year. Our TV coverage brought in more than 286,000 responses through free phone calls, letters and the Internet. From all media sources combined, a total of more than 832,000 booklets, reprints, lessons, CDs, DVDs and other published items were sent upon request worldwide—making 2011 our biggest year ever and an increase of 19 percent over all the items sent in 2010. More literature was mailed last year than in our first five years combined! On top of all this, nearly 2 million Tomorrow’s World magazine copies were mailed in 2011.

TV coverage in the United States and Canada now reaches more than 105 million homes via over-the-air telecasts, cable and satellite TV—82 percent of all TV homes in North America can watch a Tomorrow’s World telecast on TV, plus even more millions could see our telecasts on any day or at any time on our website at www.TomorrowsWorld.org…

Dear brethren and co-workers, as we powerfully preach God’s warning message to this world—and tell people about their mounting sins—persecution will come! We need to realize this and exercise the faith and courage to preach God’s message anyway—knowing the awesome reward we will have. Our Father in heaven tells us in 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” Later, God inspired Peter to say, “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?&r squo; Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (vv. 17-19).

So each of us must learn to “give” of ourselves in doing God’s Work—and become true “Christian Soldiers” to carry His final message to this world. We must put our faith and trust in God who is now intervening in world events. We must make our lives truly “count for something big.” Even though trials, tests and persecutions will come, we must “go all out” to serve our Creator. Again, our reward will be truly awesome. The Eternal God tells us about our reward which will come after this terrible time of tribulation and persecution: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

Are you willing to join with us in “turning many” to genuine righteousness? Are you willing to go all out in this crusade to proclaim God’s full message to the world before it is too late? May God help you to have the faith and courage to do this.

FWIW, at COGwriter.com I had 2,999,751 “page views” in 2011.  Considering that some of my “pages” are up to 100 8 1/2 x 11 pages long, that represents a lot of viewing.

We in LCG are serious about trying to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and hope others will catch the vision and join us.  When one realizes our status as a “little flock” (Luke 12:32), we really do reach a lot of people.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
True vs. False Conversion Are you really converted or willing to be? What is true conversion? What is false conversion? What are the dangers of false conversion? Evangelist Roderick Meredith provides information on 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.
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.
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.

European Central Bank, Frankfurt (Eric Chan)

COGwriter

Some in Europe have concerns about Anglo-Saxon bias:

German Euro-Deputy: S&P Downgrade Part of American ‘War Against the Euro’

Weekly Standard – Jan 17, 2012

One of the European parliament’s most influential members, the German Christian Democrat Elmar Brok, has declared that Standard & Poor’s decision to downgrade the credit ratings of nine eurozone member states is part of a “currency war” being waged by the United States against the euro and Europe itself.

In an interview with the Germany daily Die Welt, Brok said that “the downgrade is a targeted attack on Europe by the American rating agency.” Insisting that there were no “plausible grounds” for the downgrades, Brok continued, “Consequently, the S&P downgrade is a matter of interests. They have declared a currency war on us.”

Asked whether he meant that the United States is “waging financial war“ on Europe, Brok specified, “Certain forces in the USA, in particular in the world of finance. It is evident that their one and only aim is in this way to promote Anglo-Saxon interests at Europe’s cost.”

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/german-euro-deputy-sp-downgrade-part-american-war-against-euro_617109.html

This is not the first time that German leaders have suggested an Anglo-banking plot–it happened also last month (see Euro Credit Crisis: American Plot or End of World as We Know It?).  The USA, of course, will be strongly affected if the Euro collapses.  So, I would be quite hesitant to say that this is part of an official American plot involving credit agencies for this to occur.

On the other hand, I would state that many of the European nations seem to have taken more concrete steps to reduce their national budgets than the USA itself has.  Thus, I feel that the credit rating of the USA should be lower than many of the European nations.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that some have suggested that the Euro crisis, etc., is becoming part of a plan/plot for those who want a) the EU to be more politically-integrated and/or b) those who want Germany to lead Europe (some details are in the article Euro Credit Crisis: American Plot or End of World as We Know It?).  Both of which will happen.

Of course, not all in Germany believe the downgrade, etc. is any type of an Anglo-plot:

‘Anglo-American Interests’ and the Currency War Myth

The Germans love a good conspiracy theory. The latest is about the evil American rating agencies that want to destroy the wonderful euro. It is a viewpoint shared even in the highest political circles. But that doesn’t make it any less absurd.  http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,809696,00.html

Irrespective of theories of Anglo-intention, the Bible shows that despite weakness (Daniel 11:41-43) there will be a reorganization in Europe (Revelation 17:12-13). The Bible shows that ultimately, a major dictator will rise up and rule end time Babylon (Revelation 17:1-13), the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40).

Getting back to the USA, and related to what it has not been doing right related to its budget, notice the following:

Treasury dips into pension funds to avoid debt

Jan 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Treasury on Tuesday started dipping into federal pension funds in order to give the Obama administration more credit to pay government bills.

“I will be unable to invest fully” the federal employees retirement system fund beginning Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said in a letter to Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress.  http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-debt-treasurytre80g20r-20120117,0,3458470.story

The USA continues to increase debt and has failed to take some of the most basic steps to actually reverse this problem.

So, although Europe is not yet ready to become the final King of the North, we in the Living Church of God continue to teach that it will be.   The fact that an Anglo-conspiracy keeps getting blame in parts of the German press will likely be used as part of the justification for eliminating the Anglo-powers like the USA.

The final European beast leader will be much worse for the USA and its Anglo-descended allies (Daniel 11:39) than what a relatively minor credit downgrade of certain European nations could directly bring.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, 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 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 Do 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?
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.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
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?
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 related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the role of Europe and how it is pivotal to end time biblical prophecy.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.