Church of God News

Artist Depiction of 666

COGwriter

The following was of interest:

Because she has a religious objection to Northside Independent School District’s new student tracking system, Andrea Hernandez and her father testified in federal court Monday, she should not be transferred to another school for refusing to carry a student I.D. badge.

Hernandez, 15, a sophomore in a science and engineering magnet program at John Jay High School, and her father, Steven Hernandez, each testified that they believe the tracking system — which uses radio frequency identification tags inserted in student badges — is a sign of submission to the Antichrist as described in the Bible’s Book of Revelation. Northside began trying out the RFID technology at two schools this fall. It allows an attendance monitor to locate students at specific areas on campus in real time…

Appearing composed and forthright, Andrea testified that wearing the badge would be tantamount to “accepting the Mark of the Beast,” which Revelation predicted the Antichrist would try to make people do….After the hearing, when asked who he thought was assuming the role of the Antichrist, Steven Hernandez replied, “In this case, Northside is the Antichrist.”  http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/education/article/Parent-says-Northside-ISD-is-the-Antichrist-4124059.php

While Northside Independent School District will not be final Antichrist, the reality is that many governments continue to increase their ability to track people.

Lest some feel that this is only an isolated incidence, many in the USA and elsewhere have raised “mark of the beast” concerns in the past (here are links to some examples that made the news Americans Distrust Their Government and Certain Microchips, Mark of the Beast Fears in Virginia, CERN logo is 666?, India’s Baptists and Presbyterian Mark of the Beast Fears, and Writer claims cell phone is “mark of the beast”).

Having some type of the “mark of the beast” is coming.  And technologies like the internet, cell phones, and RFID make tracking of people easier.

According to the Bible, the “mark of the Beast” is not a good thing to have:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.  (Revelation 13:16-18)

1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. 2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. (Revelation 15:1-2)

20 ..he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. (Revelation 19:20)

11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. (Revelation 14:11)

2 So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. (Revelation 16:2)

The ability to control buying and selling, etc. would be vastly aided by modern technology, including, likely, various forms of identification.  The “mark of the beast” itself has to do with religious imagery/icons/practices.

While, identification cards, per se, are not the “mark of the beast,” they likely will be used by the Beast and may, in the future, have  his mark/image and/or number.  Modern technologies, are making it easier for the Beast to gain control once he rises up.

Some articles of related interest, which contain many scriptures to search to verify what I am saying, include the following:

Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Waldensian Treatise on Antichrist These are translated extracts from a likely 13th/14th century paper titled A Treatise concerning Antichrist, Purgatory, the Invocation of Saints, and the Sacraments.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? What about the use of the cross, by the early Church?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.

Maya Palenque Ruins

COGwriter

Voice of America reported the following:

December 21 marks the end of an age in a 5,125 year-old Maya calendar, an event that is variously interpreted as the end of days, the start of a new era or just a good excuse for a party.

Thousands of New Age mystics, spiritual adventurers and canny businessmen are converging on ancient ruins in southern Mexico and Guatemala to find out what will happen.

“No one knows what it will look like on the other side,” said Michael DiMartino, 46, a long-haired American who is organizing one of the biggest December 21 celebrations at the Maya temple site of Chichen Itza on the Yucatan peninsula.

It is not the world but “the way we perceive it”  that will end, said DiMartino, who pledged his event at ground zero for 2012 acolytes will be a “distilling down of various perspectives into a unified intention for positive transformation, evolution and co-creation of a new way of being.”

A mash-up of academic speculation and existential angst seasoned with elements from several world religions, the 2012 phenomenon has been fueled by Hollywood movies and computer  games, and relentlessly disseminated by Internet doom-mongers.

Mass hysteria in a Russian prison, a Chinese man building survival pods for doomsday and UFO lovers seeking refuge with aliens in a French mountain village are just some of the reports that have sprung up in the final countdown to December 21.

Robert Bast, a New Zealander living in Melbourne who wrote a book called “Survive 2012” on how to cope with the possible catastrophe, believes the Maya may have sent out a warning.

“The most likely thing for me is a solar storm, but that’s not going to kill you straight away. It’s more of a long term disaster,” said Bast, 47, noting a flu pandemic could also strike the planet. “I feel the world isn’t as safe as we think it is. The last couple of generations have had it very cosy.”

When dawn breaks on Friday, according to the Maya Long Count calendar, it marks the end of the 13th bak’tun – an epoch lasting some 400 years – and the beginning of the 14th…

Nobody seems quite sure what to expect on Friday, but it has  not stopped people getting their hopes up.

“This is the Arab Spring of the spiritual movement,” said Geoffrey Ocean Dreyer, a 52-year-old U.S. musician wearing a sombrero and mardi gras beads. “We’re going to create world peace. We’re going to Jerusalem and we’re going to rebuild Solomon’s temple.”  http://www.voanews.com/content/reuters-mysticism-internet-fuel-mexicos-maya-armageddon-fears/1566696.html

Although there could be storms, earthquakes, civil demonstrations, violence, etc. this week (cf. Matthew 24:4-8), let me make it perfectly clear what will happen on December 21/22, 2012:

1. The world will continue and not end.  It cannot end in a flood this week (Genesis 9:11,15), like some Mayan predictions may point to.
2. Those who believe that the world was ending will react in different ways.  But no matter what they say or do, the world is not ending for at least another 8 years (though there could be countries that will be devastated years before then).
3. Some associated with the New Age movement will see the lack of the world ending as validation that humanity is getting closer to a  better age of peace (and they normally do not mean the millennium that Jesus Christ will usher in).  The report above about 2012 and “world peace” (cf. Ezekiel 13:1-10) is consistent with my long published view that the New Agers will point to the end of the Mayan calendar and somewhat related astronomical events as proof that they are right about what will happen for humanity.

There will also be scoffers about end of the world prophecy in general (2 Peter 3:3-7), and some may likely make the news then (and certainly some later).

How can I be sure?

The Bible teaches, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19 KJV).

My reports about 2012 this week are based upon biblical prophecy and world events, and are accurate.  As far as my track record related to 2012, world events have already aligned with at least 24 predictions in my 2009 book titled 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, by the end of this month it will be at least 27.  The Bible is true and proper prophetic explanations of it will always be proven to be true.

Some items that might be of assistance in understanding end-time events may 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 and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012? Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
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? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest Jesus can return?
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 24 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass. Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition). This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of many of the predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
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 24 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (2 ª Edição em português do Brasil): Um Guia Revolucionário de Sobrevivência Espiritual e Física para 2012-2020 (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. 2 ª edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 24 já começaram a acontecer.2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (KINDLE Edição em português do Brasil) 2 ª edição.-Kindle.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

Damascus, Capital of Syria

COGwriter

A German leader is warning that Egypt is becoming an Islamic dictatorship:

17 December 2012

Berlin warns Egypt is sliding to dictatorship

German Development Minister Dirk Niebel expressed concern on Monday that Egypt’s President Mohammed Morsi was leading the country toward dictatorship.

Morsi, backed by the Muslim Brotherhood, is currently trying to push through an Islamic constitution despite widespread opposition in the population. In a first round of voting marred by low turnout and irregularities, a narrow majority supported the new constitution this weekend.  http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20121217-46807.html

An Islamic confederation is starting to rise up.  And although it will have problems, Egypt will be part of an end-time confederation according to the Bible (Ezekiel 30:1-9).

A confederation that will include Syria.  Even though Syria’s current President Bashar Assad is a Shi’ite Muslim, he will not be able to stop this from happening.  Most Arabs are Sunni Muslim, and that is the branch of Islam that the Muslim Brotherhood normally supports.

An Islamic leader has his eyes on both Syria’s capital of Damascus and Israel:

December 16, 2012

The leader of the radical Salafist movement in Jordan, whose organization actively supports the Syrian rebels’ efforts to topple President Bashar Assad’s regime warned Sunday that once the Damascus opposition achieves its primary goal, it will set its sights on Israel.

“We tell Benjamin Netanyahu, the (Israeli) prime minister, get ready. The army of the Prophet Mohammad is coming your way.”

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4320674,00.html

The rebel forces made headway against Damascus today:

Dec 17, 2012 6:13pm EST

(Reuters) – Syrian rebels took full control of the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp on Monday after fighting raged for days in the district on the southern edge of President Bashar al-Assad’s Damascus powerbase, rebel and Palestinian sources said.

The battle had pitted rebels, backed by some Palestinians, against Palestinian fighters of the pro-Assad Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC). Many PFLP-GC fighters defected to the rebel side and their leader Ahmed Jibril left the camp two days ago, rebel sources said.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/17/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121217

While the Islamic world will not get Israel at this time, both biblical and Islamic prophecy tell of the destruction of Damascus. Here is some of what Bible prophecies teaches:

7 thus says the Lord God: “It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus (Isaiah 7:7-8)

3 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron. (Amos 1:3)

1 The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1)

23 Against Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are shamed, For they have heard bad news. They are fainthearted; There is trouble on the sea; It cannot be quiet. 24 Damascus has grown feeble; She turns to flee, And fear has seized her. Anguish and sorrows have taken her like a woman in labor. 25 Why is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy? 26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, And all the men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord of hosts. 27 “I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, And it shall consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad.” (Jeremiah 49:23-27)

While this destruction could come as the result of the current civil war (and that is likely to be a factor), the reality is that the Syrian rebel forces at this instant may not have the military ability to do so–but they are getting closer to possibly having that ability.  The Bible also suggests that Syria will be involved in a confederation of North African and Middle Eastern nations (Ezekiel 30:1-9; Psalm 83:4-8) who will support a leader that the Bible refers to as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). Since the Egyptian-based Muslim Brotherhood wants a similar confederation, I have long believed that Syria will align with it or a group like it–and since Syria’s President is opposed to that, he will have to go or change his views.

But since he does not wish to do either, Syria’s President Assad may decide to engage in an attack with Israel, which is more likely to result in the destruction of Damascus, as well as a change in the Islamic world to unite closer together behind a group like the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Muslim Brotherhood wants an Islamic confederation called a caliphate to rise up.  Notice that its official website teaches the following:

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?
The world’s largest and most influential Islamist movement. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the group was originally focused on ridding the country of corrupting secular influences brought by British colonial rule. Over the years, it established branches and affiliates in many countries to promote traditional Sunni Islamic morals, social justice, and the eradication of poverty and corruption. “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)

The Muslim Brotherhood apparently wants as its top priority a pan-national Islamic caliphate ruled by an Imam. Many Muslims long for the rising up of a leader called the 12th Imam, often referred to as the Imam Mahdi. This power will not end up with Spain if I understand certain aspects of Bible prophecy correctly, but the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to Oman (with possible involvement and/or coordination with Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and/or Indonesia).

The Muslim Brotherhood is active in many Islamic-dominated lands, including Syria. And in Syria, it is basically in opposition to the Assad regime there. But of itself, the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria is currently not strong enough to take over Syria (though it is getting some support from outside of Syria).

More trouble is coming to Damascus as it will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). An Islamic confederation that will include the land of Syria and Egypt is coming (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9; Psalm 83:4-8) is coming.

A worsening situation in Syria and dictatorial situation in Egypt would seem to be factors in speeding up this occurrence.

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

Some articles of possibly 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?
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?
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?
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?

Clackamas Town Center, Happy Valley, Oregon

COGwriter

Because of the two mass shootings in the U.S.A. last week (the first shooting being in “Happy Valley” at the Clackamas mall in Happy Valley, Oregon and the second at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut), U.S. President Barack Obama called for the end to these type of shootings:

December 17, 2012

Declaring that “these tragedies must end,” Obama said:

In the coming weeks, I’ll use whatever power this office holds to engage my fellow citizens, from law enforcement, to mental health professionals, to parents and educators, in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this, because what choice do we have? We can’t accept events like this as routine. Are we really prepared to say that we’re powerless in the face of such carnage? That the politics are too hard? Are we prepared to say that such violence visited on our children year after year after year is somehow the price of our freedom?

The New York Times is calling his language “surprisingly assertive.” Not surprising: the White House is already sorta, kinda, maybe walking this thing back a little bit. “The president offered no specific proposals, and there were no urgent meetings at the White House over the weekend to draft legislation,” the Times reports. “Administration officials cautioned against expecting quick, dramatic action, especially given the end-of-the-year fiscal crisis consuming most of Mr. Obama’s time.”  http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2012/12/President-Obama-to-Newtown-the-Nation-We-Cant-Accept-Events-Like-This-as-Routine

December 17, 2012

WASHINGTON — Democrats say meaningful action in the wake of the school shootings in Connecticut must include a ban on military-style assault weapons and a look at how the nation deals with individuals suffering from serious mental illness…

“The facts are that every time guns have been allowed – conceal-carry (gun laws) have been allowed – the crime rate has gone down,” Gohmert said.

Gun-control advocates say that isn’t true. A study by the California-based Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence determined that 7 of the 10 states with the strongest gun laws – including Connecticut, Massachusetts and California – are also among the 10 states with the lowest gun death rates.

“If you look at the states with the strongest gun laws in the country, they have some of the lowest gun death rates, and some of the states with the weakest gun laws have some of the highest gun death rates,” said Brian Malte of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/gun-control-sandy-hook_n_2315304.html

National repentance is the only real hope to stop these types of shootings.  As I wrote a few days ago, I do not wish to get into the debates about gun control.  But I do believe that the shootings last week will result in additional regulations.  Teaching people the right way of life and a call for real repentance is what really is needed. However, at this stage, it appears it will take the return of Jesus Christ for this to happen as this is not what national leaders of the Democratic or Republican parties are proposing national repentance.

But despite current human intentions, Jesus will return and His kingdom will be set up.  It is when the Kingdom of God is fully established on this planet that there will be an end to this type of suffering, as well as all other types:

1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”  (Revelation 21:1-8)

Those who, in this age or the age to come, repent will make it.  Those who will not, will not truly be able to be there.

The Bible seems to tie murders in with Satan, and hence likely have been have influenced by him or his demons:

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44)

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

For now, my prayers continue to go out for the victims of these Satanically-influenced tragedies.  Ultimately, the Kingdom of God will be established and there will “be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain” (Revelation 21:4).

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?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
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?
What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hinderance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach?
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.
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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link:  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps.  After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

Hiroshima After the Atomic Bomb Was Detonated

COGwriter

NATO moves have prompted an Iranian military leader to warn about a possible world war:

December 16, 2012

Following news about NATO sending several batteries of surface-to-air Patriot missile systems to Turkey, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Hassan Firouzabadi warned the move would only encourage further aggravation of the Syrian conflict.

“Unfortunately, one by one, the Western countries are approving deployment of Patriot missiles to Turkey’s border with Syria while they are planning a world war, which is very dangerous for the future of humanity and Europe itself,” General Firouzabadi said.

Commander Firouzabadi advised Turkey and other states promising to deliver Patriot systems to the Middle East to consciously show restraint and reconsider the decision before it is too late.

“The wise and the elite in Europe, the US and Turkey should dismantle the Patriots and take them away from the region before a fire breaks out,” Firouzabadi said.  http://rt.com/news/patriot-turkey-syria-firouzabadi-138/

As regular readers of the COGwriter news page are aware, I have been warning for some time that a regional war involving Iran, Israel, the USA, and/or Syria seems likely.  Notice, however, something from the news, that suggests Europe may also be an Iranian target:

(Reuters) – The planned deployment of NATO Patriot missiles along Turkey’s border with Syria could lead to a “world war” that would threaten Europe as well, Iran’s military chief of staff was quoted as saying on Saturday. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/15/us-syria-crisis-iran-idUSBRE8BE07K20121215

Now, because Iran is such a close ally with Syria, and some in Europe are formally backing the Syrian opposition, it seems more likely that if there is a regional conflict, some in Europe may also be affected.  But this will not bode well for Syria or Iran.

The situation in the Middle East is tense. Since Iran, however, is NOT really south of Jerusalem (though it may support such a king per certain interpretations of the peoples listed in Ezekiel 30:1-9), it will not be the final King of the South of Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:40-43). Because of that, I have tended to believe that Iran may somehow get “neutralized” before this final king rises up. A serious attack by the USA and/or Israel may neutralize Iran and much of its influence. It also may take a regional war for the seven-year confirmation of the deal in Daniel 9:27 to come about.

My reading and re-reading of Bible prophecy simply does not show that Iran will be a major player in Daniel 11:21-44 nor the deal of Psalm 83:4-8 (Arabs, Turks, and Europeans are); though Ezekiel 30:1-9 possibly implicates Iran. Since Iran does not seem to be identified as the leader in those particular passages, and Iran has a loud voice in the Islamic world now, those facts have somewhat led me to conclude that Iran will somehow be “neutralized.” This neutralization may be from a regional war, internal war, economic pressure, and/or internal change.

“Neutralizing” Iran would allow most of the other Islamic states (like Saudi Arabia and Egypt) to continue to exist (Syria might not do well per Isaiah 17:1) and allow for the rising of the prophesied leader (revolution in Iran, is also another possibility, for its “neutralization”).

A reality is that Israel has stated that it cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran–and a nuclear bomb making Iran is a nuclear one. And leaders in the USA have suggested that it knows that the USA itself may intervene and attack Iran. But if the USA and Israel do hit Iran, Iran would likely not fair well, but that does not mean that the USA would not suffer.

The USA, as is Europe, is vulnerable to being hurt by EMP weapons, chemical weapons, dirty bombs, terrorism, and biological weapons. All of which Iran and/or its closest ally Syria seem to possess. And while the USA (nor Europe) will NOT to eliminated by this type of conflict, the USA certainly could be partially or even greatly weakened by these type of attacks.  And they could trigger civil unrest in Europe and elsewhere.

If there currently is a “King of the West,” it would currently seem to be the USA, and the Bible does not seem to show it existing much into the Great Tribulation (cf. Daniel 11:39). It likely will be weakened in many ways. Thus, unlike the military interventions in places like Libya, do not be surprised if the USA itself is not to be unscathed if it engages Iran and/or Syria. This would not be the Great Tribulation per se, but part what Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:4-8) that could help further weaken the USA and make it more vulnerable for being taken over.

Some articles (and books) of possibly 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? What does the Bible say?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
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?
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?
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 is the seven-year deal? 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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

Last Page of the Dresden Codex (also known as the Codex Dresdensis)

COGwriter

The Fairbanks Daily News posted an article titled Experts say misconceptions fuel ‘Mayan apocalypse’ (dated December 16, 2012).  And without going into all the details in that article, that title line certainly is true.

According to a minority of people, the world is supposed to end December 21/22, 2012 based upon certain interpretations of Mayan pictures, inscriptions, and writings.  Both those who believe this and many in the media who do not believe this have relied on misinformation.  In my view, misinformation is part what the December 21, 2012 Mayan calendar date is all about.

So, here are some facts, misinformation, and realities related to the Mayan December 21, 2012 calendar date:

1. FACT: At least two Mayan artifacts bearing inscriptions pointing to the December 2012 date (the Tortuguero monument and Comalcalco brick, though the precise date is less certain on the Comalcalco brick) have been found (Stevenson M. Mexico adds yet another brick to the 2012 Maya legend.  AP, November 25, 2011.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45438811/ns/technology_and_science-science/#.TtJVNPKAFrN).
   MISINFORMATION: Neither possibly have anything to do with any end of the world prediction.
   REALITY: The inscriptions on these items is rather cryptic, and some believe that at least one of them predicts some type of doom on December 21, 2012.  It has been reported that on the Toruguero monument (inscribed c. 669 A.D.) its  “inscription describes the return of mysterious Mayan god Bolon Yokte at the end of a 13th period of 400 years, known as Baktuns, on the equivalent of Dec. 21, 2012” (for more details, see End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?).  While there may be storms, earthquakes, or other disasters on December 21, 2012, that date is too soon for the start of the Great Tribulation (When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014?)
2. FACT: The Mayan Chilam Balam (Book of the Jaguar Priest) of the 16th century, teaches, “But when the law of the katun has run its course, the God will bring about a great deluge again which will be the end of the world. When this is over, then our Lord Jesus Christ will descend over the valley of Jehoshaphat beside the town of Jerusalem where he redeemed us with his holy blood” (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, p. 62).  More about this is in the article End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?
   MISINFORMATION: The Mayans never predicted the end of the world.  They felt that the world would continue for billions or more years.
   REALITY: Not all Mayans believed the world would end, and almost no modern Mayans believe it will end on 12/21/2012.  However, some after the 10th century certainly did.  It is likely that once the Mayans heard of Jesus Christ that they placed His name where they had earlier believed that Bolon Yotke’s name may have been in some of their prophetic beliefs.  As far as a flood goes, consider that the main source of information about Jesus comes from the Bible, and the Bible says that God will not destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 9:11,15).  While December 21, 2012 is the end of the current Mayan cycle of 13 ‘baktuns’ (roughly 5,125 years), the reference to the ‘katun’ (a shorter time period, less than 20 years) may be for another time.  There will be no massive worldwide flood on December 21/22, 2012.  For more details, including some on Bolon Yotke, please check out End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?
3. FACT: There is nothing on the the Tortuguero monument and Comalcalco brick indicating that the Mayans expected an age of peace to begin on December 21/22, 2012.
   MISINFORMATION: Various ones, including some associated with the New Age Movement, have indicated that the Mayan calendar date is predicting a time that the world will transition from an age of war to one of peace.
   REALITY: When the world does not end this month, various ones will suggest that this positive transition is what the Mayans were predicting.  Yet, the Bible is clear that that there will be false declarations of peace based upon non-biblical sources (Ezekiel 13:6-10).  And actually, the Satanic deception that there will be a real “golden age of peace” soon is really a major part of what the “2012” phenomena is, and has been, all about. More about this is in the article End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?
4. FACT: There have long been false prophets who have made false prophecies.  Those predicting the end of the world on  December 21/22, 2012 are false prophets.
   MISINFORMATION: Various ones have declared that “doomsday” prophets have always been wrong, and basically always will be.
   REALITY:  The world as we know it will end.  Jesus made that clear (cf. Matthew 24:3-44).  Jesus specifically foretold of false prophets (Matthew 24:11,24), so the fact that there have been many (Harold Camping is one who comes to mind, see Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Did Not Agree with the Bible).  Part of Satan’s plan is to discount true, biblical, prophecy.  Apostle Peter warned that scoffers of prophecy would rise up in the last days and discount the warnings in the Bible, but that destruction would come despite their scoffings (2 Peter 3:1-7).  The reality is that a major part of what 2012 is really about (from a spiritual perspective) is to get people to ignore prophetic warnings about the coming destruction to the world in general and countries like the USA in particular (see also Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States).
5. FACT: The “Great Seal of the United States” has thirteen steps on one side of it and the US Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
   MISINFORMATION: That the Great Seal may be pointing to the apocalypse starting on December 21/22 2012 based upon multiplying 12 steps times 19.7 years, the length of time of a Mayan katun.
   REALITY: The “Great Seal” does not predict a 2012 apocalypse based upon the Mayan katuns (for details, please see ‘Great Seal’ Does Not Predict 2012).  While USA destruction is coming (see, for example Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel and Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States), the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7) is does not begin on December 21, 2012.
6. FACT: The last page of the Dresden Codex (which can also be viewed in the article End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?) has a representation of Bolon Yotke, astronomical symbols which point to 2012, and shows a serpent figure with water coming out of its mouth while showing two blackened humanoid figures beneath the serpent.
   MISINFORMATION: The idea of the world ending on December 21, 2012 based upon the Dresden Codex or the Mayan Tortuguero monument is a recent development of the past couple of decades and exists because of the internet.
   REALITY: In 1906, notice some of what was written by Ernst Wilhelm Förstemann concerning the last page of the Dresden Codex:

   COMMENTARY ON THE DRESDEN CODEX… This page can denote nothing but the end of the world, for which the serpent numbers have prepared the way. Perhaps what looks like a zero above the sign Eb in the stream of water may likewise point to this calamity. (Förstemann EW. Commentary on the Maya manuscript in the Royal public library of Dresden Papers of the Peabody Museum of American Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University. Translated by Selma Wesselhoeft, Alberta M. Parker. Publisher The Museum, 1906 Original from Harvard University Digitized Dec 14, 2005, p. 266)

Of course, different researchers have different opinions about what this means, but the reality is that the idea that the Mayans predicted the end of the world is at least a century old–and the world will not end on December 21/22, 2012.  More on the Dresden Codex is in the article End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?

There very well may be earthquakes, storms, and other troubles this week.  But 2012 is not the end of the world nor will Jesus return in 2012. The Mayan flood prophecy will be proven false, whether it related to 2012 or not or the Dresden Codex or not.  Other scriptures show that the Great Tribulation and the later great earthquake (Revelation 16:18) cannot be that early (see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? for more details).

Whatever the Dresden Codex may be trying to portray (my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect discusses certain views), it is not possible that the end of the world will occur in 2012, Jesus will not return in 2012.

But the Great Tribulation will eventually come and Jesus will eventually return.  Although some have falsely claimed that the Great Tribulation has already started, they seem to overlook the fact that Jesus said there would be a time called “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:4-8)–which is a time that has apparently began.  Jesus said that this period has “troubles’ (Mark 13:8), would precede the Great Tribulation (Matthew cf. 24:4-8,21) and that during this time of sorrows, “See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6).   But the end will come later (Matthew 24:19-44).

Yet, because many have made false predictions about 2012, many will likely use 2012 as an excuse to scoff at and discount all prophecy. According to the Bible, that will be a mistake (2 Peter 3:1-13).

Notice something I had published about the Mayan calendar date over three years ago in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

But What About the Mayan December 21, 2012 Date?

The Mayan 2012 calendar date correctly predicts an astronomical event. That is part of its value.  And there may be a bit more to it.

There are basically four possibilities that most have considered about December 21, 2012:

1. 2012 is or is not an astronomical event and nothing else. It means nothing. This is a real possibility.
2. 2012 is an astronomical event that accelerates climatic changes—another real possibility.
3. 2012 marks the end of civilization and the destruction of the world by flood. Biblically, that is not a possibility.  The world will not end by flooding in 2012.
4. 2012 marks the beginning of a new age of peace. While not an age of true peace, it could mark the time when the following prophecy is fulfilled:

“Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace” (Ezekiel 13:10).

While some type of an astronomical event will occur (even if it is not a true alignment), weather patterns often change.  Some will likely claim 2012 is the dawn of a time of peace, as highlighted in point four.   The 2012 prophecies may also be part of a spiritual deception.

Of course, the Bible shows that even people like King David (1 Chronicles 21:1) and Apostle Peter (Matthew 16:23) can be moved by Satan.

While this book is not accusing the Mayans (nor most of the others cited in this book) of intentionally trying to serve evil demons (the Mayans were simply the world’s leading calendar experts), the Dresden Codex and various writings may have been inadvertently produced to add further confusion to end-time prophecies just prior to the Great Tribulation.

There are many age-of-peace prophecies from others, such as the Hopis, some of the Hindus, some of the Buddhists, and certain Catholic sources.  Some might refer to this as collective thought.  However, even the often-accurate Catholic Malachy’s prophecies contain some false elements. Hence, caution is advised with regard to putting full faith in these private prophecies.

While a true age of peace is coming, some might erroneously conclude that it starts in 2012 or 2013 or shortly later—but it will not.  It cannot.

When the world does not end in a flood in 2012, many will likely discount not only the Mayan prophecies, but any that seem to be predicting any type of a “doomsday” scenario.  Because of that, many will discount the warnings that will come from “the secret sect.”

On the other hand, it is likely that leaders of various religious persuasions will point to signs, wonders, the stars, etcetera, as reasons to believe that the age of peace has arrived. They will use these as justification for ignoring the warnings from the secret sect.

But people will ignore the warnings at their own peril.

In the next decade, the small Nazarene “secret sect” will rise up more and more in effectiveness to fulfill the prophecy Jesus gave, as recorded in Matthew 24:14.  Ultimately, the world will hear the message of the good news of the coming Kingdom of God on earth, under the rule of Jesus Christ and His saints (which is the ultimate rising up of “the secret sect”).

The world will then also be more clearly told the message that a new ecumenical religion, one that is destined to temporarily take over the earth, is in the process of rising up.

The small sect will point out the instigator of this new order of religion (the King of the North, 666). The sect will likely explain that he will ultimately plunge the planet into the Great Tribulation, destroy the U.S.A. and its Anglo-allies, will invade the Middle East, will attempt to destroy/takeover all other religions (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.), and that he will want only his ecumenical religion served.

Because he will not like the Nazarene sect warning about his identity and his plan, he will develop a strategy to destroy that “secret sect,” and eventually, also those whom it had successfully influenced.

Whether you believe any of this or not, you will be affected.  Much of your nation will be destroyed, or there will be such devastation in your land, that you will wish you would have listened to the messages from the “secret sect.”  Times will get so bad that the Bible warns:

⁶ In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them (Revelation 9:5–6).

We are living in times of major historical interest, as both the “secret” Nazarene sect and the coming anti-Nazarene ecumenical religion will soon face one another.  The “secret sect” truly has been faithful to the practices of the original apostles, while the other religion will apparently become quite distanced from those beliefs, as God warns His people to come out of that other religious system (Revelation 18:4).

For a while, this great ecumenical “Beast power” (666) will to some extent take over the whole world.

It has long been my view that “2012,” has been part of a Satanic plan to get people to discount biblical prophecy and chose to believe the lie (cf. John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) that a golden age of peace is about to descend upon the earth.  Instead, a time of destruction is going to happen (1 Thessalonians 5:3), and partially because of misinformation about “2012,” many will not believe the truth about the coming destruction.

Those who wish to learn more about 2012 may also wish to check out the following article:

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

In his latest commentary, LCG’s Jonathan McNair had the following:

“Patience… mercy… longsuffering… forgiveness”

These are hard words. They’re easy to say, and easy to ask for, but much harder to give – at least sometimes. I’m convinced that, much of the time, I’m just about the most easy-going person in the world. At least, I feel like the most easy-going person I know. But other times…

…in different circumstances, I feel like I don’t have an ounce of patience or a glimmer of mercy. It’s as if I’ve run out that day, and I just don’t feel like having any more of those wonderful emotions for anyone—no matter how unsuspecting and how undeserving my next victim may be.

But maybe that’s the problem. If our patience, mercy, longsuffering and forgiveness are only human emotions, coming from our human spiritual resources, we will surely run out. Human patience falls short. Godly patience does not. Human mercy fails. God’s does not. It’s not as if we don’t ever have mercy, patience, or other admirable traits. It’s just that ours tend to run thin at times.

Interestingly, every one of the fruits of God’s spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23 would also be considered an admirable personality trait in a man – a “good fruit” of the spirit in man.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” ( v. 22-23).

If a person could somehow make a “humanity’s best moments” DVD, and we sat down on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn watching the panorama of history, we’d watch a timeline of moments when love, peace and kindness guided the actions of real-life heroes of the ages. We’d marvel at the self-control of Gandhi. We’d watch in grateful appreciation the longsuffering of our forefathers as they endured the painful winter of 1777 in Valley Forge. And we’d be moved by the kindness and faithfulness of Anne Sullivan toward the deaf and blind Helen Keller, dedicating much of her life to give Helen a door to the dark and silent world around her.

All of us aspire to be like that – to love like that – to have a constant, endless supply of joy. And to have self-control at all times – not just when we feel strong, but even when we feel weak. But we always come to human limits.

Sometimes we feel like being good, kind and gentle. But sometimes we don’t. And therein lies the difference between us and God, between the human spirit and God’s Spirit.

Earlier in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he wrote, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:16-17). The word “lust” here is not limited to sexual craving. It embodies the range of human wants, feelings, and priorities … human desire. In Paul’s letters to Timothy, he warned against the desire to be rich (1 Timothy 6:9), youthful desires (2 Timothy 2:22) and desire for new doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3). In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul warned against “deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22).

In other words, he was dealing with our human proclivity to take on godly characteristics “part-time.” Paul acknowledged that he fell prey to that same human problem and had to battle to overcome his flesh (Romans 7:14-25). Christ warned us that we face the same battle, saying, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

Is the goodness of our human spirit “good enough”? Are our “good days” good enough for God? Is our “occasional joy” okay with God? Does God “understand” that we sometimes just don’t feel very kind or gentle? Are we content with occasional lapses of self-control, as long as we’re usually pretty good – better than the average guy anyway.

Or are we, in fact, only as godly as our least merciful moment?

It doesn’t have to be that way. Paul told the church at Philippi, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Let this mind – this whole, complete, constant way of thinking as God thinks – be in you.

Notice brief scriptural quotes of what Jesus, Paul, Peter, and James taught:

7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  (Matthew 6:14-15)

23…the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. (Matthew 23:23)

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  (Colossians 1:9-12)

5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.  (2 Peter 1:5-7)

13 Mercy triumphs over judgment.  (James 2:13)

Christians need to exercise the fruits of the Spirit and be more like God (Matthew 5:48; 1 Corinthians 11:1).  And God has much more mercy, patience, and forgiveness than most seem to realize.

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? Is kindness involved? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory? Is there a place called purgatory? Does God have a plan to help those who did not become saints in this life?
What is Limbo? Is There Such a Place as Limbo? What Happens to Babies When They Die? When did Limbo start being taught? What is the truth about dead babies?
Hope of Salvation: How the Genuine Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

COGwriter

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

Approving Immorality in Auckland

As New Zealand’s Parliament presses ahead to legalize same-sex marriage, the nation’s slide into immorality is also gaining momentum. Recently, four independent commissioners cleared the way for the construction in the heart of Auckland of a fifteen-story entertainment complex containing a number of brothels (Steve Hopkins, “Central Auckland Super Brothel Approved,” November 30, 2012). The complex will be built opposite the icon of Auckland—the SkyCity Tower—that stands in the heart of the city. No longer are such “shady businesses” hidden on some back street, they are now openly available in the middle of the city! Despite more than 200 public submissions against the brothel, the commissioners gave their approval to the complex, ignoring moral concerns and stating that they did not “see how the proposed brothel could be said to… cause a nuisance of serious offence to ordinary members of the public” (ibid.). Although the governmental system of New Zealand may not have a problem with sexual immorality and prostitution, the God of the Bible certainly does (see Proverbs 23:27-28). Prostitution was forbidden in ancient Israel with a stern warning to obey the laws of God, “lest the land fall into harlotry, and… become full of wickedness” (Leviticus 19:29). Tragically, New Zealand is following America and Britain in a downward plunge into publicly sanctioned immorality and selfish gratification. Thankfully, this slide into immorality will be stopped and reversed by the return of Jesus Christ.

There were other societies that have had their own issues of openly advocating sin relationships that their residents seemed to view as acceptable. Notice what happened in a couple of such towns between three thousand and four thousand years ago:

24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. (Genesis 19:24-25)

And why did it happen?

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Why mention this in the 21st century? Because God turned:

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6,
NKJV)

National repentance is the only real long-term hope for the Anglo-peoples (and it seems to be too late for that), otherwise they face destruction:

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel:

“Because you despise this word, And trust in oppression and perversity, And rely on them, 13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you Like a breach ready to fall, A bulge in a high wall, Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant.  (Isaiah 30:12-13)

Keeping the Ten Commandments reflects love. Breaking them and/or condoning those that do is evil. This should be clear to those who believe the God of the Bible. Children should be raised by God-fearing heterosexual couples–for God wants godly offspring:

4…Because the Lord has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth…Yet she is your companion
And your wife by covenant. 15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one?
He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. (Malachi 2:14-15)

Same-sex unions are not endorsed in the Bible and were not what God intended humans to be in to raise children.

But New Zealand does not seem inclined to truly listen to those who are strongly advocating changes in the moral direction of the land. Nor do those in Australia or the other Anglo-dominated lands.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
British and American Moral Decay Public nudity is becoming more prevalent in the Anglo-lands. What are some of the consequences?
The Cherished Christian Woman: Duty and destiny This is an article by LCG’s Wyatt Ciesielka on women and their potential.
Successful Parenting: God’s Way This is an LCG booklet by Dr. J. Fall on parenting the right type of family.
LCG: Fathers Raising Sons An LCG commentary with Malachi 4:4-6 added.
God’s Plan for Happy Marriage This is an LCG booklet by Dr. R. Meredith.
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine. What does the Bible really teach?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God?
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?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
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?

Clackamas Town Center, Happy Valley, Oregon

COGwriter

The USA has had at least three shootings this week, two of which were mass shootings (the first mass shooting being in “Happy Valley” at the Clackamas mall, the second at an elementary school in Connecticut, and there was a non-mass shooting, but “only”  a murder-suicide last night in Las Vegas), bringing 2012’s total to three mass shootings (the third being Colorado earlier this year, see TW: Colorado Massacre; Reader ‘Demonic’ Possession?).

Here are reports on two different shootings which occurred within the past 24 hours, the first of which has been described as the second-worst school shooting in U.S. history:

December 15, 2012

A gunman with a mind for destruction turned the idyllic Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown into a scene of horrific chaos and carnage Friday morning, killing 20 children and six adults, including the school’s principal, in the worst shooting at a primary school in U.S. history.

The shooter also killed himself inside the school, authorities said, and his mother was later found dead at her home 2 miles away.  http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-newtown-sandy-hook-school-shooting-20121214,0,5043872.story

December 15, 2012

Paging CSI. In an incident straight out of the hit television show, a man at the Excalibur hotel in Las Vegas shot a concierge vendor and then himself Friday night.  http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2012/12/15/murder-suicide-on-the-strip.html

US President Barack Obama put all a call for action:

15 December 2012

President Obama has urged “meaningful action” against gun crime in the US after a school shooting in Connecticut left 27 dead, including 20 children…

As Mr Obama reacted with a televised statement, he paused several times to wipe tears from his eyes.

“As a country we have been through this too many times,” he said.

“We’re going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics.”  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20738025

Barack Obama did not specify what action he wanted, but possibly something related to gun control and/or more regulations.  I do not wish to get into a debate about the pros and cons of gun control regulations here.  But I will state that teaching people the right way of life and a call for real repentance is what really is needed (Barack Obama did not truly call for either).  However, at this stage, it appears it will take the return of Jesus Christ for this to happen.

The USA has had a lot of mass shootings.  There is much violence in the land (and it is not limited to these type of shootings).  God is not pleased with violent lands:

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled.
25 Destruction comes;
They will seek peace, but there shall be none. (Ezekiel 7:23-25)

6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him,
And a taunting riddle against him, and say,
‘Woe to him who increases
What is not his — how long?
And to him who loads himself with many pledges’?
7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly?
Will they not awaken who oppress you?
And you will become their booty.
8 Because you have plundered many nations,
All the remnant of the people shall plunder you,
Because of men’s blood
And the violence of the land and the city,
And of all who dwell in it.  (Habakkuk 2:6-8)

America will be consumed by violence, though the final amount will come from external, primarily Gentile, sources, as the above teaches. Abortion, frequent support of war, violent sports, etc. all identify the USA now (as does the massive amount of debt, referred to as loading up with “pledges” above as the USA is now the most indebted nation of all time)–there truly is violence in the land and the city.

Related to a couple of the shootings, here are some comments in his latest newsletter from ICG’s Mark Armstrong:

It seems as though we’re being steamrolled with an onslaught of the worst news, and worst prospective news ever. Not only is the Middle East grinding toward an explosive crescendo at a time when we’re bracing ourselves against predictions of several potential disruptions of the financial system, but we also have to try to absorb the mindless insanity of mass shootings of innocent bystanders (as in the Portland mall incident early this week) or little school children (as in the case of the elementary school massacre in Connecticut this morning).

How do we even begin to process the depths of depravity responsible for the mass killing of elementary school children? No doubt there will be lots of details and explanations in the days ahead. But the true culprit probably won’t be identified. Most probably can’t bring themselves to recognize the fact that this world has fallen under the all encompassing influence of evil. Obviously, there are enough heartless lunatics running around to keep perpetrating these kinds of atrocities indefinitely.

It seems that evil has gained the upper hand, around the world and throughout our society. Usually it’s explained if not excused as some kind of anomaly. But the reports of evil atrocities are coming over the wire at such a pace now that we have no time to get over one before being hit with another. A 22 year old shoots up a mall full of shoppers, miraculously killing only two besides himself. Now a twenty two year old one carries out a massacre, reportedly killing both father and mother in addition to eighteen little kids and several more adults. What manner of evil is at work?

Satan is evil and influences many to be evil.  It is possible that one or more of the shooters this week was demonically possessed or influenced.  The frequency of suicide with the shootings is consistent with demonic behavior (cf. Matthew 8:31-32).

One does not need to be a Satanist or directly possessed to be influenced by him. And there have been others that have made the news for what appears to be fairly severe demonic influence (see Man-Eating Zombies? No, But Likely Demonic Influence).

But as far as being Satanically-influenced, notice the following scriptures about Satan, his desires, and his influence:

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44)

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)

While Satan has deceived the whole world, those who are not properly converted remain under his influence.

Satan is opposed to God, the truth of God, and the laws of God. These shooter were all influenced by Satan.

My prayers continue to go out for the victims of these Satanically-inspired tragedies.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Close Encounters of a ‘Spirit’ Kind discusses some experiences I believe were (demon) ‘spirit’ related.
Mardi Gras: The Devil’s Carnival? Do you know that in Bolivia the carnival/Mardi Gras time is part of a celebration known as the Devil’s Carnival? Did Jesus celebrate Carnaval? Where did it come from?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show?
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?
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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
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?  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–here is a short article.
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?

COGwriter

The weekly Sabbath is from sunset Friday until sunset Saturday.  Here is a news item out of Israel this week about it:

Why the Focused Rest of Shabbat is Important

Home is no longer a refuge from work and the time in our private lives has decreased.

The reason for this failure of technology to save time is that focusing on action will not increase rest. No matter how much one focuses on getting things done, there will always be more to do. In fact, the more one focuses on getting things done, the more things one finds to do!

The only solution is to focus on rest. A focused rest is different than a rest that is merely a gap between two activities. Just as it takes focus to be active, it takes focus to properly rest. It also takes an appreciation for rest. We must set aside time to rest, to just be and to not achieve. The key is in setting aside time both for rest and activity; and in this, the Hebrew approach is worthy of emulation.

As opposed to the Ancient Greeks, who had no day of rest, the Hebrews set aside a day for focused rest, the Sabbath. This day is not considered a break from the week, but the purpose of the week!…The Sabbath also exists in Christianity… http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23561/Default.aspx

I would emphasized that a major reason that the Sabbath is important is because God made it (Genesis 2:1-2) and commanded its observance (Exodus 20:8-11), and the Apostle Paul taught that it still remained for Christians (Hebrews 4:4,9: NIV does not have the KJV mistranslation of Hebrews 4:9 and properly translates sabbatisme as “sabbath-rest”).  No Hebrew was in existence when the Sabbath was made, hence I disagree with at least that point in the above article.

Although many who profess Christ seem to think that somehow the Bible authorized a change of day of the week for the Sabbath, Notice what the late Catholic Cardinal James Gibbons wrote, as well as two Catholic translations of parts of Hebrews 4:

You may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the religious observance of Saturday, a day which we never sanctify. (Gibbons J., Cardinal. The faith of our fathers: being a plain exposition and vindication of the church founded by Our Lord Jesus Chris, 83rd reprint edition. P. J. Kenedy, 1917. Original from Pennsylvania State University, Digitized Oct 14, 2009, pp. 72-73)

3 We, however, who have faith, are entering a place of rest, as in the text: And then in my anger I swore that they would never enter my place of rest. Now God’s work was all finished at the beginning of the world; 4 as one text says, referring to the seventh day: And God rested on the seventh day after all the work he had been doing. 5 And, again, the passage above says: They will never reach my place of rest. 6 It remains the case, then, that there would be some people who would reach it, and since those who first heard the good news were prevented from entering by their refusal to believe…9 There must still be, therefore, a seventh-day rest reserved for God’s people,  10 since to enter the place of rest is to rest after your work, as God did after his.  11 Let us, then, press forward to enter this place of rest, or some of you might copy this example of refusal to believe and be lost. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NJB)

3 For we, that have believed, shall enter into their rest; as he said: As I sware in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: and truly the works from the foundation of the world being perfected. 4 For he said in a certain place of the seventh day thus: And God rested the seventh day from all his works…9 Therefore there is left a sabbatisme for the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, the same also hath rested from his works, as God did from his.  11 Let us hasten therefore to enter into that rest; lest any man fall into the same example of incredulity. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, The Original and True Rheims New Testament of Anno Domini 1582)

The seventh-day Sabbath, and not Sunday, is the day of rest in the Bible, and even Catholic leaders know this.  Do you?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Marcion: The First Protestant? Considered to have been an organized heretic, he taught against the Old Testament, the law, and the Sabbath. Some have considered him to be the first Protestant reformer. But was he?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Genuine 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 verdadeira igreja do deus? Tambien Español: ¿Que es fiel: La Iglesia Católica Romana o la Iglesia verdadera de Dios? Auch: Deutsch: Welches ist treu: Die römisch-katholische Kirche oder die Kirche Gottes Original?
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
Another Look at the Didache, Ignatius, and the Sabbath Did Ignatius write against the Sabbath and for Sunday? What about the Didache? What does the actual Greek reveal?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.