Church of God News

“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”

COGwriter

James Malm, an “independent” who has a speculative and often partially inaccurate blog, posted an item titled Bob Thiel [LCG] on the events leading into the Tribulation #7.

Some of what he posted from emails from me and about me perhaps should be dealt with.  The quotes preceded with names came from his post, whereas my comments on them today will be shown below them.

Bob Thiel: I believe that there may be a regional war that could precede a peace deal (though even if this regional war may not absolutely be biblically-required, Isaiah 17:1 seems to provide support for this belief) consistent with Daniel 9:27.

James Malm: I have been warning of this regional war for over four years and warning that it will reset the conditions towards a genuine dialogue for peace.  In doing so I have stood alone and I have not seen any other COG Groups doing this warning work and preparing God’s people and the world for these events.

There will be a war and then a peace deal, however Is 17:1 does not speak of Damascus being destroyed before the tribulation; it speaks of Damascus being destroyed by the hordes of the east who come down after being attacked by Europe.  If you read Is 17 you will see that this happens at a time when Israel is also suffering and that God will deliver both Israel and Damascus…

Let me also say that Dan 11:27 was fulfilled eons ago and has nothing to do with the end times.  Herbert Armstrong accurately stated that this referred to a point just before the Antiochus Epiphanes desecration and the days of the Maccabees verses 29-32.

There are three main points to address here.

The first is that I would suggest that overall LCG and I have done a substantially better job of doing a warning work the past four years if internet statistics, church attendance, personal lectures (TWSPs), printed literature, or television responses count.  As far as the particular aspect that James Malm claims he has “stood alone,” that there might be a regional war in the Middle East, LCG and I have included that in some of our statements going back for quite some time (notice, for one example, a world news item related to Damascus in the update from Dr. Winnail dated 06/05/2008).

For the second point, as far as Damascus and Isaiah 17, notice what it actually states:

17 The burden against Damascus.

“Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,
And it will be a ruinous heap.
2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken;
They will be for flocks
Which lie down, and no one will make them afraid.
3 The fortress also will cease from Ephraim,
The kingdom from Damascus,
And the remnant of Syria;
They will be as the glory of the children of Israel,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

4 “In that day it shall come to pass
That the glory of Jacob will wane,
And the fatness of his flesh grow lean.  (Isaiah 17:1-4)

The above supports the idea that Damascus is destroyed just before Ephraim (mainly the United Kingdom and some related primarily Anglo-descended nations) loses military power.  While this may not absolutely have to happen prior to the start of the Great Tribulation, since that is the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7) and Ephraim had Jacob’s name placed upon him (Genesis 48:14-16), happening prior seems plausible.  And yes, it is true that God will ultimately deliver Israel, but not until after the tribulation.

The third point by James Malm shows a willingness to overlook what the Hebrew states.  Daniel 11:27 has a future fulfillment.  While it is possible, and even likely, that verses 21-26 of Daniel 11 (and verse 20 may start the final fulfillment and verse 24 shows that this leader will after first seem to be promoting peace; see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014?) may show and/or parallel later portions of that chapter, it is clear that the future and final King of the North is the king mentioned who will come to his end at the “appointed time.”  This “appointed time” (Strong’s word #4150) is first mentioned in Daniel 11:27 which suggest it is in the future and as well in vss. 29 and 35 which appear to be referring to the specific time related to the end.

In addition to this being my position, the idea that Daniel 11 had future fulfillment from verse 27 or earlier was the position of certain ones that professed Christ in the second, third, and fourth centuries.  Additionally, even though he felt that there was a type of fulfillment with Antiochus Epiphanes, the late Herbert W. Armstrong believed that much of Daniel 11 had future fulfillment.  Notice:

In Daniel 11:21, referring in original, typical fulfillment to Antiochus Epiphanes, there shall stand up a vile person…So once again before the second coming of Christ, a vile leader will stop the daily sacrifices being offered…This same prophecy spoken by Jesus is also reported by Luke…21:20-24 (Armstrong HW. Personal, Plain Truth magazine, June 1967).

The indication is the armies of the “beast” of Revelation 17, entering Jerusalem (Dan 11:41, Zech. 14:2), will stop this “daily sacrifice”…And the abomination that maketh desolate set up.” What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15.  (Armstrong, Herbert W. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).

Thus, James Malm’s reference to HWA was incomplete and in my view, inaccurate because it not accurately reflect HW’s view.

James Malm also posted:

Bob Thiel: 3 1/2 years after this deal is confirmed, certain sacrifices will be stopped (precisely when they start is not completely biblically-certain).

James Malm: Bob tells me that a peace deal will be made and confirmed and then 3 1/2 years will follow, within which, at an unknown time, a physical daily sacrifice will begin.  Then at the 3 1/2 year point after the confirmation of the peace deal, the abomination will be set up on the Holy place to stop the sacrifices and trigger the tribulation.

1)  Of course this is contrary to scripture because Paul tells us that,

1 Thess 5:3  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

While James quoted me correctly, he misapplies Paul’s statement here.

Does Paul’s statement mean that there will not be a peace deal in place for 3 1/2 years prior to the start of the Great Tribulation?

Not necessarily.

Why?

There are at least two reasons.

The first is that there are multiple times in the Bible where it shows that people will declare times of peace.  And not all of them have the sudden destruction element to them.  For example, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect I mention at least three of them.  And I wrote (see page 246 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect) that it appears that the declaration of peace related to the visions of certain false prophets as well as the peace deal in Daniel 9:26b-27 is the following:

10 “Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace — and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar —  11 say to those who plaster it with untempered mortar, that it will fall. There will be flooding rain, and you, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall tear it down. 12 Surely, when the wall has fallen, will it not be said to you, ‘Where is the mortar with which you plastered it?'”

13 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “I will cause a stormy wind to break forth in My fury; and there shall be a flooding rain in My anger, and great hailstones in fury to consume it.  14 So I will break down the wall you have plastered with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation will be uncovered; it will fall, and you shall be consumed in the midst of it. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.  (Ezekiel 13:10-14, NKJV)

The second reason is that the sudden destruction that the Apostle Paul warned about in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 seems to be tied to the events of Daniel 11:31 and Daniel 9:27. Notice that Jesus tied a suddenness to the events that Daniel was referring to:

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.  17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.  18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.  19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!  20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.  21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.  (Matthew 24:15-21)

Consider that Daniel was inspired to write that a seven year deal was made, that in the middle of the deal it would be broken, and that this break happens when the abomination is set up.  The elements of something happening in the middle of the seven year deal (which is 3 1/2 years after the deal), combined with Jesus’ warnings in Matthew 24, suggest it is then that the suddenness is a factor. And when you consider that the King of the North destroys after a “league” (probable peace deal) is made, this supports the idea that there would be a gap between the peace deal of Daniel 9:27/11:23 and the destruction that comes later (Daniel 11:31-39; Matthew 24:15-22).

Thus, if we look at all the scriptures, we see that there will be a peace deal that will precede the establishment of the abomination of desolation being set up and that once that abomination is set up there will be a new urgency as that is when the Great Tribulation will be ready to commence.  As I have written in both my 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book as well as my article about the King of the North, the King of the North will pretend to be promoting peace even though he will be a military leader according to Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:24; 29-43; Revelation 13:3-4).

The prophesied peace is to proceed sudden destruction for about 3 1/2 years. And when the faithful proclaim this is what is happening, many will not like to hear that (see Who is the King of the North?).

So, the sequence is that sometime after the peace deal is confirmed (Daniel 9:27), sacrifices begin (cf. Daniel 9:27), the gospel will have been preached enough to the world as a witness for the end to come (Matthew 24:14), Jewish sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27), the abomination of desolation will then be set up because of the King of the North (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), a decree is issued (Zechariah 2:1), then the most faithful Philadelphians will flee per Jesus’ statements in Matthew 24:15-19 (see There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra), and the Great Tribulation will begin (Matthew 24:21; Daniel 12:1b). This should be about 3 1/2 years after the peace deal is confirmed, and right after the King of the North tries to proclaim peace and safety (1 Thessalonians 5:3) to throw people off (cf. Daniel 11:24) for his invasion plans.

James Malm also posted:

Bob Thiel: A daily sacrifice will be started at some point in time and stopped with the fulfillment of Daniel 11:31. The fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 was also told by Jesus (Matthew 24:15).  Jesus indicated that this would signal a time to flee (Matthew 24:16-20) prior to the start of the Great Tribulation.

James Malm: Dan 11:31 refers to Antiochus Epiphanes and  not to the end time.  That was a physical daily before Christ; After Christ the daily has become a spiritual application of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

As I wrote before, because Daniel 11 specifically refers to the appointed time of the end, there is a future fulfillment of Daniel 11:31.  Furthermore, since “Christ was offered once” (Hebrews 9:28) and not daily as James Malm states or more often as Roman Catholics indicate, the passage about the daily sacrifice is not referring to Jesus.

While some modern Catholic and Protestant scholars do not accept that there is a future fulfillment of Daniel 11:31, historically those who professed Christ had a different view (for some details see the article Who is the King of the North?).

James Malm also posted:

Bob Thiel: The fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 was also told by Jesus (Matthew 24:15)

James Malm: That is a complete misunderstanding and misstatement.

My position on Daniel 11:31 is consistent with the scriptures, early writers, and Herbert Armstrong.  James also posted:

Bob Thiel:  Basically, Daniel 11:27  shows that the KON and KOS make a deceptive deal with each other.

James Malm:  This is an  utterly false assumption, as Dan 11:27 has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on the end times; it took place before Antiochus Epiphanes and was so understood even by HWA.

KON=King of the North; KOS= King of the South.

Perhaps the best way to deal with this is to again state that HWA felt that there was a future fulfillment of Daniel 11, and he went as early as verse 21, as well as to quote Daniel 11:27 which refers to a deal involving these kings:

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)

There clearly is a deceptive deal between the kings of the North and South and notice that it is related to the appointed time of the end, something that has not yet happened.

James also posted:

Bob Thiel: This may possibly be related to the Psalm 83 deal.

After the USA is defeated (Daniel 11:39), the KOS will decide to push at the KON.

James Malm:  Dan 11:39 has absolutely nothing to do with the US being defeated; this is an attempt to force an opinion on the scriptures… the tribulation is coming and Christ is coming at the appointed times; whether YOU are finished or not!

Notice what Daniel 11:39 says:

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:39)

The “he” above is the King of the North as even James Malm would admit.  The strongest fortresses on the planet currently are held by the USA and to a much lessor extent, its Anglo-allies.  I have “forced” nothing here, only simply interpreted scripture in the light of current world events.  The “appointed time” is mentioned in verses 29 and 35 of Daniel 11, as well as the verses past those–and Daniel 11 makes it clear that many events occur just before and during the appointed time, hence many verses in Daniel 11 have future fulfillment.

James also posted:

Bob Thiel: Setting up the abomination in Judea is the fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 when the sacrifices are stopped…

The apparent peace deal will come 3 1/2 years before that (Daniel 9:27).

James Malm: Again nonsense, the first half of the week of Dan 9:27 has already been fulfilled.  It is the New Covenant of espousal to the saints that was confirmed by the flight and caring for the espoused bride by Christ; which will continue to be confirmed for the second half of the week in the latter days.  Rev 12.

What I wrote is consistent with what the Bible says–it is not nonsense.

James also posted:

Bob Thiel: And yes, Daniel 11:31 is a signal that the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) is about to begin per Jesus’ words Matthew 24:15.

James Malm: Again Dan 11:31 was fulfilled by Antiochus;  Jesus said that an abomination spoken of by Daniel [Dan 12]would stand on the Holy place.  That will start the tribulation.

Bob Thiel: The fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 comes just prior to this, though I believe it helps trigger this.

James Malm: Mat 24:14 will NOT be fulfilled until the third angel completes his mission immediately before the coming of Christ with all the saints.

The sequence in Matthew 24 has verse 14 coming before verse 21:

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)

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21)

Thus, James Malm apparently does not agree with the order that Jesus gave.

James somewhat paraphrased me and commented as follows:

Bob LCG says  3)   The kings of the North and South shall be allied for a time in the end times.  God says NO SUCH THING.  The scripture says the KON will destroy the KOS and says NOTHING about any end time alliance.

But both Daniel 11:27 (which I quoted earlier) and Psalm 83 (which was alluded to earlier) do tell of such an alliance.

James also somewhat paraphrased me and commented as follows:

Bob LCG says  5)   That the King of the South shall be an Islamic alliance. God says that the King of the South is the Ptolemaic Empire which was Egypt allied with Judah, Israel and Ethiopia, also controlling Cyrenaica  [Eastern Libya].

We in LCG, as well as HWA’s old WCG, believe that a pan-Islamic state will be led by the King of the South:

But who is the “king of the south”?…in verse 40 we skip to “the time of the end”…The verse undoubtedly found partial fulfillment in the offensive of 1896…But Mussolini did not finish the prophecy…Just as there is yet to be a final “king of the north”…there may very well emerge in the same manner a final “king of the south”–an overall leader of an Arab-Moslem confederation, possibly bearing the very title Mahdi…a prophetic psalm (Psalm 83) provides additional insight into the Mideast picture. Germany (Assyria in Bible prophecy) and perhaps the rest of Europe will be in league in the future with a union of Arab nations…But in the end, this European-Arab alliance will prove short-lived…And the king of the north shall come against him [the king of the south]…Daniel 11:40-41…The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the fact of invasion. (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, pp. 11-12).

The yearnings across much of the Middle East for a new Saladin—one who will restore Arab glory by conquering the Jews and expelling Western influence—were foreseen by Bible prophecy. In Daniel 11:40, we read of a future “King of the South” who will ultimately “push at” a coming European superpower at the time of the end. This individual, called in Bible prophecy the King of the South because his center of power is south of Jerusalem, will undoubtedly be a charismatic person who will whip up much of the Muslim Middle East into a frenzy against Israel and Europe. (Ogwyn J. Conflict Over the “City of Peace”. Tomorrow’s World magazine, March-April 2002).

James also indicated that paraphrased me and commented as follows:

Bob LCG says  6] That the entire seventieth week of the Seventy Week Prophecy still remains to be fulfilled.

That is not precisely my (or LCG’s) position, nor do I recall writing anything specific about what does or does not fulfill the “Seventy Week Prophecy.”  I have some opinions on this matter, but have not intentionally posted them–but may in the future.

Those interested in the truth about what I and LCG teach should compare what we teach with the Bible and rely on what we actually have written.

James Malm has adopted certain positions discounting the future fulfillment of Daniel 11 that I believe will confuse and mislead his followers.  They really should search the scriptures, because if they truly understand them, they will realize that James Malm misunderstands much about Daniel 11 and end time prophecy.

Some articles of related interest may include the following:

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?
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 is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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?

World Currencies

COGwriter

The UK seems to be quickly falling out of favor as a financial center:

London Shrinks Faster Than Any Financial Center as Banks Come Under Attack

London, the world’s biggest center for foreign-exchange trading, cross-border bank lending and interest-rate derivatives, is being squeezed by both the impact of the European sovereign-debt crisis on demand for its services and politicians who blame financiers for bringing the world economy to the brink of collapse. Banks are responding to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s latest rules by exiting capital-intensive activities such as proprietary trading, putting at risk the U.K.’s biggest exporting industry and 12 percent of its tax receipts.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-17/-bloated-london-banks-shrink-in-the-city-as-europe-takes-aim.html

This is another indication of the decline of the Anglo-powers.

Notice one odd one related to the USA:

In a major step towards global centralization of election processes, the world’s dominant Internet voting company has purchased the USA’s dominant election results reporting company. http://www.blackboxvoting.org/

The USA selling control over its election and the UK losing its financial status in the world seems to be consistent with declining powers.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, 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?
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?
Prophecy Obama: 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.
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?

COGwriter

Today, I did another radio interview with Mary Jane Popp of KAHI radio, Sacramento.

If anyone wants to listen to it, it should be available until about 10:00 am PST, January 18, 2012.

The following link takes a couple of minutes to load, and after a couple of  minutes, I am the first guest:

Poppoff with Mary Jane Popp

The above link should have my interview until about 10:00 am PST, January 18, 2012–afterwards other shows will be there instead.

I have done over 50 radio interviews related to 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  It has been a while since I posted about any, so thought that some readers might find one of interest.

Some links of essentially related interest could include:

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?
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. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 20 predictions in the book and many more will 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 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
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 20 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel.  Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 20 já começaram a acontecer.

Obese Male

COGwriter

USA Today reported the following:

By Nanci Hellmich

January 17, 2012…

The percentage of obese men increased to 35.5% in 2010, up from 27.5% in 2000. About 35.7% of women were obese in 2010, not a significant change from 2000. Adults are considered obese if they are roughly 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight.

About 16.9% of children and adolescents, ages 2 to 19, were obese in 2010, up 13.9% from 2000.  http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/diet-nutrition/story/2012-01-17/Obesity-epidemic-in-USA-shows-signs-of-leveling-off/52613442/1

The Bible warns about obesity, getting fat, and excessive eating.

Notice some of what Moses and Jeremiah wrote:

15 You grew fat, you grew thick,
You are obese!
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
16 They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods;
With abominations they provoked Him to anger. (Deuteronomy 32:15-16)

11 “Because you were glad, because you rejoiced,
You destroyers of My heritage,
Because you have grown fat like a heifer threshing grain,
And you bellow like bulls,
12 Your mother shall be deeply ashamed;
She who bore you shall be ashamed.
Behold, the least of the nations shall be a wilderness,
A dry land and a desert. (Jeremiah 50:11-12)

God inspired the prophet Isaiah to write:

2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good (Isaiah 55:2).

But Americans do not often eat what is good. And they eat a lot of white bread, which is really not real bread as it has had the wheat germ and other natural components removed. This makes an inferior product which then is sprayed with synthetic B vitamins and other “nutrients” to “fortify” it. If you notice “B vitamins” added to “fortify” refined grain products or in so-called “natural” vitamin supplements (like thiamin mononitrate, thiamin HCL, folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin), realize that these are basically petroleum derivatives and are not the same form of vitamins that are actually found in real, natural, food.

But most Americans consume the synthetics and refined grains.

The other problem is that Americans eat too much. The Bible warns against this:

18 “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, when they have chastened him, will not heed them, 19 then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, to the gate of his city. 20 And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ 21 Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)

20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty (Proverbs 23:20-21)

Yet most Americans, including those I speak with in Southern California, simply do not believe they eat too much. And this includes many overweight ones.

But notice that the Bible warns against eating bad foods and eating too much. And also notice that at least two curses are associated with this. Curses of destruction and poverty.

Poverty and destruction will come to the peoples of the United States. And, likely, famine as well (Matthew 24:7-8) before the start of the Great Tribulation–a time of trouble for the USA and its Anglo-allies.

Notice something else Isaiah and Jeremiah were inspired to write:

6 Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts,
Will send leanness among his fat ones;
And under his glory
He will kindle a burning
Like the burning of a fire. (Isaiah 10:16)

28 They have grown fat, they are sleek;
Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked;
They do not plead the cause,
The cause of the fatherless;
Yet they prosper,
And the right of the needy they do not defend.
29 Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the Lord.
‘Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?’ (Jeremiah 5:28-29)

And despite reports of high production of US corn crops, famine and food shortages are coming (and may start in certain northern countries, though not necessarily the USA, see Zechariah 6:6, cf. Revelation 6:5-6).

The end of the USA and its Anglo-descended allies is coming. There is no prophecy in scripture that I believe even hints that a country like the current USA will exist after the King of the North succeeds (cf. Daniel 11:39, which seems to be the only reference to the USA in that chapter, and shows its conquering and division). National repentance, which does not seem likely at this stage, is the only hope. But individuals themselves can turn to God. And although obesity is a multi-factorial problem, all who are overweight, even the irreligious, can eat less and make better food choices.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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? 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?
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.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? Where is the nation of Israel in all of this?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (Source: Agência Brasil, Wikipedia)
بشار الأسد

COGwriter

Today’s news has the following:

(CNN) — Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will fight at all costs to crush the revolt seeking his ouster, a member of parliament who defected to Egypt said Tuesday.

“There is an open budget allocated to the crackdown on the popular uprising and revolution,” said Imad Ghalioun, who was a member of the Syrian parliament from the embattled city of Homs before he escaped to Egypt…Ghalioun, the highest-ranking Syrian official to defect, said the reports of bloodshed by pro-government forces are true. http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/world/meast/syria-unrest/?hpt=wo_c2

Another headline states “Syria: ‘heading for civil war.'”  While another headline states, “UN, Arab League observers and Syria “violence”.”  Also notice:

Bashar al-Assad to be driven from power within three months, says Syrian MP

Telegraph.co.uk – ‎17 January 2012

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad will be driven from power within three months, an MP for the embattled city of Homs told The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday.

Thus, Syria’s President must be feeling a lot of pressure.

Also notice another news item today:

Iran wants Syrian regime to stay, yet won’t be able to protect it …

‎

Al-Arabiya – 17 January 2012

Iran will not spare an effort to save its ally, Bashar al-Assad, owing to all the services he offers to the Iranian regime, said Walid al-Bunni, head of the Central Bureau for Foreign Relations in the Syrian National Council.

“There was not one regime in the region that offered this amount of free services to a foreign country like Assad did with Iran,” he said.

Bunni added that Iran’s efforts would be in vain since the Syrian people know what they want and are not going to give up on that.

What many seem to overlook is that there is another, not desirable, option for Iran and Syria: a war involving Israel.

I have been writing for some time, I suspect that the current Syrian government may decide to attack Israel. If so, I have also warned that it is likely that Iran will cooperate with Syria (so may parts of Lebanon and other lands in the area). Israel in the past has indicated that it is ready should Syria attack (Israel Ready to Strike Syria). Yet, this may not turn out well for either country if this ends up in a regional war involving Israel.

Back in biblical times (cf. Isaiah 7:8) and current times, the capital of Syria has been Damascus. Notice what the Bible shows will happen to it:

1 An oracle concerning Damascus:
“See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down,with no one to make them afraid. 3 The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,and royal power from Damascus;the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites,” declares the LORD Almighty. (Isaiah 17:1-3)

3 Thus says the Lord:
“For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment…5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus,
And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven,
And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden.
The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,”
Says the Lord. (Amos 1:3, 5)

Syria’s Presdient might decide his personal best option is to more closely support Iran and perhaps be involved in an invasion of Jerusalem and Israel. If so, this might be how Isaiah 17:1 is fulfilled.

And FWIW, perhaps I should mention that technically, Syria is still at war with Israel as it never did sign a peace deal with Israel. So an actual war involving Syria and Israel is quite feasible. If so, Israel may hit back so hard that it might eliminate Damascus as Isaiah 17:1 says will happen.

Much is going on in the Middle East.

As Jesus said in Mark 13:37, we all should watch.

Some articles 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?

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

Austerity concerns are blamed for riots in Romania:

 Budget cuts spark riots in Romania‎

Washington Post – 16 January 2012

Riots have rocked Romania’s capital, Bucharest, for four days. Demonstrators are protesting austerity measures and widespread government corruption.

Protests continue in Romania for 4th day

‎

Atlanta Journal Constitution – 16 January 2012

Protesters evacuate an injured person during clashes with Romanian riot police in University Square…

ING Bank: Romanian currency untouched by riots but further unrest …

‎

Romania-Insider.com – 16 January 2012

The Romanian currency could depreciate if the street protests continue in the country, even though so far the Romanian Leu was not affected by the riots…

Violent austerity protests rage in Romania

‎

USA TODAY – 16 January 2012

Boc urged Romanians to understand that tough austerity measures were needed to avoid a default.

Many in Romania and other parts of Europe are not happy about austerity programs designed to deal with their national budget issues.

But this is not unexpected.  Back on September 5, 2010, I warned:

Austerity measures in Europe will likely cause civil unrest. And places other than Greece are likely to be affected.

Also, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I discuss the possibility of civil unrest and/or civil war breaking out in Europe. Here are a couple of captions from the 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…

Furthermore, it may partially because of civil war/unrest/riots that a de-Islamization of Europe will take place. The situation in Europe will change and the leader known biblically as the ten-horned Beast or the final King of the North will rise up. Specifically, I suspect that protests and civil unrest in Europe will be factors in the actual rise the Beast, as he will be a militaristic leader cf. Revelation 13:4.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Troubling riots are a sign to 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.
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. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 20 predictions in the book and many more will 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 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
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 20 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel.  Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 20 já começaram a acontecer.

VS.

COGwriter

CGPFK/CGPKG’s Ronald Weinland was somewhat in the news:

Former Worldwide Church of God preacher says Jesus Christ is returning on May 27, 2012 and that today marks the end of time and beginning of “half time”

Jan 8, 2012 excerpt…

Ronald Weinland, who considers himself a prophet of God, continues to warn that Jesus Christ is returning on May 27, 2012.For those who do not believe him and mock his message, Weinland claims that they will die from cancer.

His website, Church of God – PKG, claims that various end times events were triggered by the scattering of the Worldwide Church of God after the death of its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong. With Armstrong no longer at the helm, Weinland claims he “is the pastor of God’s Church on earth, has also been appointed by the God of Abraham to be His end-time prophet and one of the two end-time witnesses (and spokesman of both), preceding the return of Jesus Christ on May 27, 2012.”…

Weinland is also predicting that “the United States will collapse” and that there will be a nuclear war before May 27 this year. “The truth is ridiculed, ignored, slandered and mocked,” he warns.

http://www.goddiscussion.com/88544/former-worldwide-church-of-god-preacher-says-jesus-christ-is-returning-on-may-27-2012-and-that-today-marks-the-end-of-time-and-beginning-of-half-time/

(I was traveling when this came out just saw it today.)

After leaving the old Worldwide Church of God, Ronald Weinland was a minister in the United Church of God for a while.  Since then, he has been on his own.

Ron Weinland wrote in his 2008 God’s Final Witness book that various leaders in the Living Church of God, United Church of God, and Philadelphia Church of God would die towards the beginning of his Great Tribulation. None have, and since according to his own statements, the Great Tribulation is mostly over, his published declarations were false.

Ron Weinland falsely claimed that a little after April 2008, the US dollar would be worthless–yet it still has significant value (though eventually it will be worthless, but not because of Ronald Weinland’s predictions). Ronald Weinland also specifically falsely claimed that if the USA was not nuked by June 2008, he would resign, admit he was false, and never preach again. The USA was not nuked, he did not resign, he continues to preach, and has not publicly admitted that he was false.

He falsely claimed that the USA would not get a new president to take office in January 2009. Yet, on January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became USA’s 44th president.

On December 19, 2009 he falsely declared himself to be the final Elijah. Yet that 1) contracts his own writing {Weinland R. The Prophesied END-TIME. 2004, pp. 73, 75, 85, 89, 106, 108} and 2) that simply is not true.

Ronald Weinland still, in 2012, continues to preach and teach false information about the Great Tribulation and the return of Jesus Christ–which he now claims will be May 27, 2012. This is not possible as certain biblically-required events have not occurred (see, for example, Matthew 24).

The Bible teaches:

20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’– 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:19-22).

Ronald Weinland will also, no later that May 28, 2012 be proven wrong that Jesus, according to him, is supposed to return on May, 27, 2012.

Jesus will NOT return in 2012. But for Ronald Weinland, it looks like he may again be in the news for being wrong.

A few articles of possible interest related to prophecy may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012. Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? Why do Ronald Weinland’s own statements prove that he is a false prophet? Additionally, he has other views which show he is not truly part of the Church of God.?
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?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
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?

COGwriter

Hebert W. Armstrong died on January 16, 1986, at age 93 1/2. Many never heard of him, but millions did.  His death seemed to mark the end of the predominance of the Philadelphia era of the Church of God and the predominance of the Laodicean era instead.

Herbert Armstrong’s successor in the old Worldwide Church of God did not remain faithful to the teachings that many of us believe God inspired him to restore to the church.   Here are Some Quotes from Herbert W. Armstrong on Laodicea and Holding Fast to Doctrine.

Many people have misunderstandings about Herbert W. Armstrong and the gospel.

Let’s look at the following from Herbert Armstrong’s What is the True Gospel? booklet:

Which Gospel Did Jesus Preach?…

Notice, Jesus said, “Believe THE GOSPEL!”

WHAT Gospel? the one He was proclaiming—”the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.”

But, one may ask, don’t we need to believe on Jesus? Of course. Other scriptures teach that. but at this particular time Jesus said we must believe Him –believe what He said—believe the Gospel of the Kingdom of God!

Some believed on Jesus, but did not believe Jesus –did not believe what He SAID (John 7:31; 8:30, 31, 46).

What About the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

But if the one and only TRUE Gospel is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, what about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is that a false gospel?

Not at all. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel He brought as God’s Messenger—the Gospel He proclaimed is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ IS NOT man’s gospel ABOUT THE PERSON of Christ. It is CHRIST’S Gospel—the Gospel Jesus PREACHED—the Gospel GOD SENT by Him, and therefore it is also called, in Scripture, the Gospel of God. The Gospel of God is God’s GOSPEL—His Message—His Good News which He sent by Jesus.

Also the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Christ’s Gospel—the Gospel Christ brought from God—the Gospel He proclaimed.

We hear a great deal today of the gospel of MEN about the PERSON of Jesus Christ—confining the message solely to the things ABOUT Jesus. As a result, millions believe on Christ, who do not BELIEVE CHRIST! But Jesus’ Gospel IS HIS MESSAGE!…

Conditions of Entering

Now, HOW do we enter into that glorious KINGDOM? Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, “REPENT,” and “BELIEVE THE GOSPEL.”

Just TWO things we do—REPENT, and BELIEVE. We must BELIEVE the Gospel, and that means also believing on JESUS CHRIST, the KING of the Kingdom of God, and coming KING of kings over all the families of the earth. It means believing in Him as personal SAVIOUR, as High Priest now, and as coming KING.

But to repent is to completely CHANGE THE MIND in respect to SIN, and “sin is the transgression of the LAW” (I John 3:4)—the law of God by which God RULES the Kingdom.

It means a total, complete CHANGE OF MIND AND OF LIFE. It means we REPENT of transgressing the rule, the will, the laws, of GOD. What did Jesus say to the young man who asked Him HOW to inherit eternal life? He said, “IF thou wilt enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS” (Matthew 19:17) (Armstrong HW. What is the True Gospel? WCG booklet, 1972, p.6).

The kingdom of God is what Herbert Armstrong also taught as the wonderful world tomorrow (and actually he wrote a book on it titled The Wonderful World Tomorrow: What Will it be Like?).

Here is some of what he learned about the gospel as written in The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong:

My shocking, disappointing, eye-opening discovery, upon looking into the Bible for myself, had revealed in stark plainness that the teachings of traditional Christianity were, in most basic points, the very opposite of the teachings of Christ, of Paul, and of the original true Church!

Could the original and only true Church have disintegrated and disappeared? Could it have ceased to exist? No, for I read where Jesus said the gates of the grave would never prevail against it. Also He had said to His disciples who formed His Church, “Lo, I am with you always.”

Then I saw that the very PURPOSE of the Church was to preach Christ’s GOSPEL! It is HIS BODY — His instrument by which HE carries on GOD’S WORK!

I looked carefully at that Gospel as Christ Himself preached it, and taught it to His first ministers. It is recorded in the four books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. At almost every point of teaching that Jesus enunciated, the teachings of traditional Christian bodies today are just the opposite.

THEY WERE NOT PREACHING THE SAME GOSPEL AT ALL, BUT A TOTALLY OPPOSITE MESSAGE! This was shocking — incredible — unbelievable! Yet I was compelled to see it was true!

Jesus began the work of preaching the very Gospel which GOD the Father had sent to mankind through Him. He commissioned His disciples — His Church — to carry this same Gospel to all the world. And He had said He would never drop the Work He had begun! But WHERE was it going on today?

I knew now that when I found the one and only true Church, I would find a Church obedient to God — keeping His commandments — having the testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the TRUTH of the Scriptures.

I had been much impressed by a description of the true Church, as it is to be found in our time — just before the second coming of Christ. It is found in Revelation 12…

My intensive study had revealed one thing plainly: “the commandments of God” mean “Sabbath keeping” to most traditional denominations. They say, “The commandments are done away!” They reject “the commandments of God.”

That automatically ruled out all churches observing Sunday. So far as I could learn, it reduced the search to three small groups — the Seventh-Day Adventists, the Seventh-Day Baptists, and a little, almost unheard-of church called the Church of God, which maintained a small publishing-house headquarters at Stanberry, Missouri…

It seems necessary to add here that I have never been a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination…Next, I looked into the teaching of the Seventh-Day Baptists. I found it to be virtually identical, except for observing a different day of the week, with other Protestant denominations — especially the Baptists.

But of these three churches to which the search had been narrowed, only one had the right NAME for the true Church. This was the small, little-heard-of Church of God whose headquarters were at Stanberry, Missouri.

Two articles of related interest may include The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church and Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work?

Part of Herbert W. Armstrong’s legacy is that he took the Bible to be the word of God and taught:

…the Bible tells us to PROVE all things (Armstrong HW. The RESURRECTION was NOT on Sunday. 1952).

Which of course, it does as the Apostle Paul wrote:

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV).

Sadly many have falsely maligned Herbert W. Armstrong (please see the article 15 Accusations and Truthful Responses About Herbert W. Armstrong), while others have exalted him beyond appropriateness (please see the article The Elijah Heresies ). Since his death, only relatively few seemed to really understand his work and what he felt Christ expected of the church.

Those truly interested in learning more about Herbert W. Armstrong, should read the article Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today?.

And everyone should try to live by the following teaching of Herbert W. Armstrong:

“Don’t believe me – BELIEVE YOUR BIBLE – BELIEVE GOD! I always say…check up! Listen without prejudice, with open mind, then check up–go to your BIBLE, and BELIEVE what you read there.”  (Herbert W. Armstrong, Plain Truth magazine, Sept. 1963, Personal pg.1)

Several articles of possibly related interest include:

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains how he is and should be viewed today.
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?
Here are Some Quotes from Herbert W. Armstrong on Laodicea and Holding to Doctrine.
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.

COGwriter

Today is observed in the USA as Martin Luther King, Jr. day. And although I do not take this day off (nor presidents days), I thought it might be appropriate to quote some writings from the late Martin Luther King Jr.

Mithraism was a religion that observed Sunday and had followers such as the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.

Here is some of what Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote about Mithraism, in a paper dated November 23, 1949:

In Avesta, Mithra was the genius of celestial light…The doctrine of the immortality of the soul was another view which was very prominent in Mithraism…

Women were compelled to seek salvation in some other cult, for Mithraism excluded them entirely…

When Mithraism is compared to Christianity, there are surprisingly many points of similarity. Of all the mystery cults, Mithraism was the greatest competitor of Christianity…

That Christians did copy and borrow from Mithraism cannot be denied (King ML. The papers of Martin Luther King, Jr, Volume 4. Clayborne Carson, Ralph Luker, Penny A. Russell editors/compliers. University of California Press, 1992, pp. 213-214, 217, 222, 224).

Here are some of his writings dated February 15, 1950:

Mithraism…was suppressed by the Christians sometime in the latter part of the fourth century A.D.: but its collapse seems to have been due to the fact that by that time many of its doctrines had been adopted by the church, so that it was practically absorbed by its rival.

…the Church made a sacred day out of Sunday partially because…of the resurrection. But when we observe a little further we find that as a solar festival, Sunday was the sacred day of Mithra: it is also interesting to notice that since Mithra was addressed as Lord, Sunday must have been “the Lord’s Day” long before Christian use. It is also to be noticed that our Christmas, December 25th, was the birthday of Mithra, and was only taken over in the Fourth Century as the date, actually unknown, of the birth of Jesus.

To make the picture a little more clear, we may list a few of the similarities between these two religions: (1) Both regard Sunday as a Holy Day. (2) December 25 came to be considered as the anniversary of the birth of Mithra and Christ also. (3) Baptism and a ritual meal were important parts of both groups…

In summary we may say that the belief in immortality, a mediator between god and man, the observance of certain sacramental rites…were common to Mithraism and Christianity. (King ML. The papers of Martin Luther King, Jr, Volume 4. Clayborne Carson, Ralph Luker, Penny A. Russell editors/compliers. University of California Press, 1992, pp. 307, 309.)

Notice that Martin Luther King, Jr. clearly understood that the Sunday churches dropped the Sabbath, that “the Lord’s Day” essentially first meant the day of Mithra, and that the worlds’ churches did adopt many practices from Mithraism.  Much of what now is called “Christianity” is a compromise with the religion of Mithraism.

I wish that Martin Luther King, Jr. and others would have emphasized this aspect of his writings more. I would also add that Christians faithful to the original teachings of Christ, the apostles, and the New Testament did not adopt the practices of Mithraism.

While Dr. King was most known for his civil rights protests, he figured out that much of what passed for Christianity in his day was really a form that adopted Mithratic practices. Does that include your version? Are you sure?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Is Revelation 1:10 talking about Sunday or the Day of the Lord? Most Protestant scholars say Sunday is the Lord’s Day, but is that what the Bible teaches?
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?
Sunday and Christianity Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? Who clearly endorsed Sunday?
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?

COGwriter

There are many international drought concerns now:

 Droughts more worrying than flash floods: Balakrishnan

AsiaOne
Sunday, Jan 15, 2012

SINGAPORE – While Dr Vivian Balakrishnam commended the recommendations put forward by the expert panel working to ease the flooding situation, he said more should be done to guard against dry spells as well…According to ST, Singapore is likely to face a dry spell soon, due to the north-east monsoon, which typically starts in February.  http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120115-321982.html

Argentine Drought May Be Worst for Crops in Over 70 Years

Jan 6, 2012

Dry weather that’s hurting soybean and corn crops in Argentina may cause more damage than the 2008-2009 drought that was the worst in 70 years, a farming group said today, disputing a government statement…Corn and soybean crops are suffering after weeks of low rainfall in Argentina and southern Brazil because of the La Nina weather pattern. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-06/argentine-drought-may-be-worst-for-crops-in-more-than-70-years.html

Argentine Production (Bloomberg – Jan 12, 2012)

…dry weather in South America threatened to reduce global grain supplies.

The USDA cut its estimate for Argentina’s corn production to 26 million tons, 10 percent less than last month’s forecast, and said soybean output may total 50.5 million tons, 2.9 percent below the December projection.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-12/corn-wheat-soybeans-plunge-most-in-three-months-on-bigger-world-supplies.html

Israel Faces Official Drought for Year 8

Jan 2, 2012

Israel is being hit with another official drought for the eighth year in a row, according to the country’s Water Authority.  http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/151330

And of course, in 2012, many parts of the USA, Mexico, and Africa.  Because of its strident advocacy of portions of the homosexual agenda, it would not surprise me if California is not entering a time of drought.

Droughts and floods contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines.

My 2009 book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect mentioned the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters.

Matthew 24:7

The world is actually in a berserk transition, as the real age of peace is not yet here. It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows

Matthew 24:8

Perhaps the droughts and odd weather problems can serve as another wake-up call. As my book indicated, weather-related troubles with their related food issues, of course, have been biblically expected:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:7-8).

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone:

16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:16-17)

And while that is true, a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10). And prior to that, we should expect to see higher food prices (cf. Revelation 6:5-6).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, 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?