Church of God News

Dilma Rousseff

COGwriter

Brazil’s President Rousseff has again blasted the USA for spying:

September 24, 2013

President Obama got a rude welcome to the 68th U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday when the president of Brazil harshly criticized the United States for widespread spying.

Just before Mr. Obama took the podium to address the assembly, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff blasted the U.S. for “meddling” in her nation’s affairs through surveillance by the National Security Agency.

The spying is “a breach of international law and as such is an affront,” Ms. Rousseff told the General Assembly.

“Such actions are totally unacceptable,” she said, adding that the U.S. was showing “disrespect to our sovereignty.”

Ms. Rousseff already has delivered an unprecedented snub to Mr. Obama by postponing a state visit to Washington that was scheduled for Oct. 23. She said the Obama administration had not sufficiently explained the reasons for spying on her government and other Brazilian institutions.

The surveillance was revealed last month through documents provided by fugitive NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

Mr. Obama has said that the U.S. will review its practices and that the surveillance is often essential to preventing terrorist attacks. Ms. Rousseff scoffed at that argument.  http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/24/brazilian-president-blasts-us-un-obamas-speech/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS#ixzz2foyZjFq3

UNITED NATIONS (TRNS) – Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff told the U.N. General Assembly Tuesday that revelations of NSA spying on her communications threatened Brazil’s national sovereignty and comprised crucial economic secrets.

“A country’s sovereignty can never affirm itself to the detriment of another country’s sovereignty,” Rousseff said. “Meddling in such a manner in the life and affairs of other countries is a breach of international law and as such it is an affront to the principles that should otherwise govern countries, especially friendly countries.”  http://www.talkradionews.com/united-nations/2013/09/24/rousseff-condemns-nsa-spying-in-unga-speech.html#.UkGkS3_3NQ4

Brazil’s President is, and has been, very upset about what the USA has done.  She has been a vocal critic and feels that her country has been violated.

What the USA has been doing is beyond what was technologically possible in the past and many are furious that they are treated as potential enemies. Notice also which nations the USA does not consider to be potential enemies:

According to an NSA document dated September 2010, only a few countries labeled as close friends by the U.S. are explicitly exempted from monitoring – Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. http://www.voanews.com/content/germany-calls-allegations-of-us-bugging-unacceptable/1692522.html

As reported before, notice that the only nations specifically exempted from monitoring by the National Security Agency (NSA) were the Anglo-descended nations of Canada, Australia, Britain, and New Zealand as they were called “close friends.”  The disclosure of this has told the rest of the world, such as those in Latin America, that they are not really trusted, not considered to be ‘close,’ and are not really considered ‘friends’ by the USA.

That, combined with the disclosure of the amount of spying by the USA, are incensed many around the world.

This will not bode well for the USA.  But it will also assist the Beast power accomplish what is warned about in Revelation 13:15-18 (a related video would be Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?).

For years I have written that I felt that those of Latin America would ultimately align with the upcoming European Beast power against the USA and its Anglo-allies (watch also Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?).  The current disclosures and outrage provide additional proof that my assertions about this are correct.

The Bible warns of the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble’ (Jeremiah 30:7) also known as ‘the great tribulation’ (Matthew 24:21) and the USA’s actions are getting more of the world prepared to not support the USA and its Anglo-allies when this trouble hits.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [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?
La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios This is the Spanish site for the Continuing Church of God.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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? See also the video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.
Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power? Various allegations have surfaced about the United States government spying on its own citizens as well as its supposed allies in the European Union. Whether or not all the espionage allegations are true, and the main ones have not been publicly denied by the government of the USA, the reality is that this does have prophetic ramifications and will help the Beast of Revelation. This video provides quotes from the Bible showing how this is so. The USA is placing itself in a position to be taken over and its response to the allegations will make it easier for the Europeans to do so.
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? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church.
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?
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? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?

COGwriter

A 2013 study confirms what most of all have long realized:

According…the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11.3 percent of daily calories consumed by adults in 2007 through 2010 came from fast food…

While the percentage of calories consumed through fast food dropped dramatically as people grew older, there was still a significant correlation between heavier weight and the amount of fast food being consumed. Obese people had the highest percentage of fast food making up their diet.

In the 20 to 39-year-old group — which had the highest percentages of fast food in terms of daily caloric consumption — obese individuals took in on average 18 percent of their daily calories from fast food.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57570549/cdc-11-percent-of-adults-calories-come-from-fast-food/

So the obese, on average, get nearly 60% (18/11.3) more of their calories from ‘fast food’ than the non-obese.

Fast food probably contains, on average, more chemical additives than non-fast food, and certainly more than organic non-processed foods.  Chemical additives have been suspected to be a link to obesity as have fats and certain other items many Americans eat.

As far as chemicals, notice the following reports from 2012 and 2013 respectively:

Deepening the mystery surrounding the health effects of bisphenol A, a large new study has linked high levels of childhood and adolescentexposure to the industrial chemical to higher rates of obesity— in white children only…Compared with children and teens with the lowest apparent exposure to the ubiquitous chemical, those with the highest exposure were roughly 2.5 times more likely to be obese.

But upon further analysis, the researchers found that for African Americans and Latinos, the link was so small it could have been a statistical fluke. And for young Caucasians, the association strengthened: Compared with white children with the least BPA in their urine, those with the most were six times more likely to be obese, the researchers found.

Bisphenol A is a chemical agent widely used to protect aluminum food cans from corrosion and to strengthen plastic bottles, toys and containers. In recent years, alarm has grown among consumer groups and public health officials amid mounting evidence that BPA readily accumulates in the body’s fat stores and can disrupt hormones that play crucial roles in sexual development, energy use and fat deposition.  http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-bpa-obesity-20120919,0,3018132.story

19 August 2013

Are chemicals in food packaging making children fat? Experts warn they expand waistlines and increase the risk of diabetes

• Urine levels of one type of chemical, used to soften plastic, were tied to a higher risk of insulin resistance among teenagers
• Another study group linked bisphenol A, or BPA – used to line aluminum cans – to obesity and larger waists in young people
• Researchers advise not washing plastic in a dishwasher and throwing it away once its old or etched

‘Clearly unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are the drivers of this epidemic … but increasingly environmental chemicals are being identified as possible contributors,’ Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a pediatrician from New York University, said.

He and his colleagues analysed data from a nationally-representative health and nutrition survey conducted in 2003 to 2008, which included urine and blood tests for 766 adolescents aged 12 to 19.

They found urinary levels of one particular type of phthalate, known as Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), were closely tied to a teenager’s chance of having insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2397059/Are-chemicals-food-packaging-making-children-fat-Experts-warn-expand-waistlines-increase-risk-diabetes.html#ixzz2cQQ8e3kn

As the above report suggests, hormones do play a role in obesity, and chemicals in foods and/or food packaging may be a factor. It has long been known that low thyroid hormones and excessive estrogen can be factors in weight gain.

Some have speculated that processed foods, chlorinated water, and/or fluoridated water can contribute to low production of thyroid hormones.

As far as excessive estrogen goes, in the USA estrogen-like hormones have long been given to meat-animals in order to plump them up faster, and higher amounts of those type of hormones have been found in various meats (including poultry). Furthermore, it should be noted that animals that people eat are not 50:50 male to female animals. Almost all chickens are females (most males are killed shortly after birth as it takes more feed to add a pound to a male chicken than a female one). Additionally, with beef, people either eat the female cow or the castrated male (called a steer)–thus there is not the same natural hormonal balance in most meats that would tend to happen in nature, as opposed to modern farming techniques.

While many have felt that artificial sweetners were the answer to obesity, they are not. Actually, the problem of obesity has increased as artificial sweetners became more widely available. Furthermore, those sweetners have their own risks.

A 2013 study suggested that the artificial sweetners that many people tend to rely on are dangerous:

Many people feel that using artificial sweeteners instead of sugar is the healthier choice. But, researchers are now saying the opposite may be true.

The American Heart Association suggests that people should avoid added sugars, which are sugars and syrups put in foods during preparation, processing or right before consumption. Sugar intake has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which includes risk factors for heat disease and stroke.

The AHA and American Diabetes Association said in July 2012 that artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners could be a good option to help people reduce calories and added sugars from their diets. In turn, you may even lose some pounds with these kinds of sweeteners — as long as you weren’t making up for it later in the day by eating more sweets, which some studies have showed.

However, an opinion article published on July 10 in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism reveals that artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and saccharin may not be as good for you as you might have thought.

“It is not uncommon for people to be given messages that artificially-sweetened products are healthy, will help them lose weight or will help prevent weight gain,” author Susan E. Swithers, a professor of behavioral neuroscience at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., said in a press release. “The data to support those claims are not very strong, and although it seems like common sense that diet sodas would not be as problematic as regular sodas, common sense is not always right.”…

The study, which reviewed recent research papers, revealed that artificial sweeteners were linked to an increased risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Just drinking one diet a drink a day was enough to create a significantly heightened chance of developing one of these disorders, the researchers found.

Artificial sweeteners were also shown to activate different patterns in the brain’s pleasure centers that normally correspond to sweet tastes. This may mean that these products do not satisfy our sweet tooth as much as natural sugar. One study found non-caloric sweeteners made animals eat increased amounts of calorie-rich sweet tasting food. In the end, the animals exposed to artificial sweeteners gained more weight.

Other evidence showed that consuming artificial sweeteners often leads to weight gain. The authors believed the artificial products confused the body’s ability to regulate calories based on tasting something sweet.

Another study revealed a link between diet soda drinking and weight gain over time. For each diet drink the subjects consumed per day, they were 65 percent more likely to become overweight during the next seven to eight years.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57593133/artificial-sweeteners-could-lead-to-obesity-diabetes/

Background information from the research shows that people who regularly consume artificial sweetners show abnormal activation patterns in the pleasure centers of the brain in response to sweet taste. This suggests that these products may not satisfy desires related to sweet cravings. Animal studies previously conducted also showed that mice and rats given non-caloric sweetners have dampened psyiological responses to sweet taste. This desensitization can cause rodents to overindulge in calorie-rich, sweet-tasting food and gain weight.

Recent findings even suggest that artificial sweetners increase the risk for health problems to an extent similar to sugar products and may exacerbate the negative effects of sugar.

“These studies suggest that telling people to drink diet sodas could backfire as a public health message,” said Swithers, according to the release. “So the current public health message to limit the intake of sugars needs to be expanded to limit intake of all sweeteners, not just sugars.”  http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/8065/20130710/artificial-sweeteners-really-healthier-sugar.htm

It has been my experience that artificial sweeteners are not healthy.  The more people eat of them, generally speaking, the less they tend to eat real foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Oddly, years ago, the USA banned cyclamates (a type of artificial sweetener) because it was considered carcinogenic (could cause cancer), but allowed saccharin (another artificial sweetener). About the same time, Canada banned saccharin as a carcinogen, but allowed cyclamates. Neither sweetner is natural and people should avoid both of them in my opinion.

Sweet snacks ‘link to bowel cancer’

Fizzy drinks, cakes, biscuits, crisps and desserts may increase the risk of bowel cancer, according to a new study.

Scientists looked at factors including diet, levels of physical activity and smoking in Scottish bowel cancer patients.

They reported links with some established risk factors of colorectal cancer – such as family history of cancer, physical activity and smoking.

They also identified new factors including high-energy snacks.

The study, which used data from the Scottish Colorectal Cancer Study, was said to be first of its kind to find a positive link between bowel cancer and a diet high in sugary and fatty foods…

The study, which was published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, was funded by the Medical Research Council, the Chief Scientist Office and Cancer Research UK.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK after lung cancer. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-23308455

The Bible warns about obesity, getting fat, excessive eating, as well eating things that are not really food:

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).

As far as obesity goes, 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)

Many people do not often eat what is good. Many eat too many chemically-laced highly processed foods. Many 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 in Westernized areas consume the synthetics, chemicals, and refined grains.

People should try to eat real, not artificial, foods. Soda consumption should be almost non-existent, essentially a very rare treat. People should not drink sodas every day.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Obesity, processed foods, and the Bible Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned?
Eating Right, Eating Too Much, and Prophecy This is a video.  Are there disadvantages to being overweight? Is junk food really bad for you? Does the Bible discuss overeating and/or obesity? Is overeating having an effect on the US military? What are the ramifications of personal and national health for overeating? What should you eat?
GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here is a related YouTube video GMO Risks and the Bible.
Ten Simple Rules that Lead to Health Herbert Armstrong gives his opinions on this.
Does God Heal Today? What does the Bible teach? Herbert Armstrong tries to explain this.
UK Study Supports Daniel Diet Daniel and his companions looked better eating more vegetables and avoiding strange meats. Has modern science confirmed this?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?

Estatua en la Capilla de Fátima e imagen de lo que vieron los niños

COGWriter

A news post here related to Pope Francis and Fatima (Pope Francis to ‘consecrate’ world to the ‘immaculate heart of Mary’) was translated into the Spanish language.

But before getting to that, I thought I should report the following that a reader tipped me off about:

On August 18, 1996 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at Holy mass, a woman discovered a discarded host on a candleholder and brought it to Fr. Alejandro Pezet who placed it in a container of water inside the tabernacle of the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. The following Monday, August 26, upon opening the tabernacle, the priest was astonished to find that the Host had become a bloody substance and he notified his Bishop Jorge Bergoglio (now Pope Francis I), who gave instructions that the bloodied flesh be photographed. When the photographs were taken on September 6, the bloodied flesh had grown significantly in size. After it had been kept in the tabernacle for a few years the Bishop decided to have it scientifically analyzed since it had not suffered any visible decomposition.

This is where the weird part comes in, and I am still puzzled why this miracle, which has been well-documented and verified by church officials, is less publicized than the Shroud of Turin which still remains officially uncertified.

In 1999, in the presence of then Cardinal Bergoglio, Dr. Ricardo Castanon, an atheist at the time, sent the fragment to New York for analysis, but did not inform the team of scientists its origin so as not to prejudice the study.  One scientist, Dr. Frederic Zugibe, a cardiologist and forensic pathologist, determined that the substance was real flesh and contained human DNA, and furthermore he concluded was a piece of heart muscle.

There were two witnesses to these tests, Australians, journalist Mike Willesee and a lawyer Ron Tesoiero.  I Googled both names and found their detailed testimony on You Tube videos of what they describe as a Eucharistic miracle.  Both men knew where the sample came from and were dumbfounded when Dr. Zugibe said that the sample came from a heart that was alive at the time the sample was taken.  He further concluded that white blood cells had penetrated the tissue, indicating that the heart had been under severe stress.   They then told the doctor that the sample had been kept in distilled water for three years before being sent out for analysis.  Dr. Zugibe said that there was no way to explain this scientifically, and when they explained that the sample came from a consecrated Host made of white unleavened bread, he said it was a mystery beyond his competence.

Yet this was only the beginning of what would be a phenomenal enigma.  DNA tests on the sample showed it to be that of a male, AB positive blood type. What is extraordinary about this fact is that the DNA is the exact same match as another Eucharist ‘miracle’ that took place in the 8th century in Lanciano, Italy confirming that both samples came from the same person.

The Lanciano sample is over 1200 years old and the elements can still be seen today. The flesh, which is the same size as the large host used in the Latin Church, is fibrous and light brown in color and becomes rose-colored when lighted from the back. The blood consists of five coagulated globules and has an earthly color resembling the yellow of ochre.

Odoardo Linoli, a professor in anatomy and pathological histology who has examined the Lanciano sample has verified that it is real flesh and the blood is real blood. The flesh and blood belong to the human species. It is from the muscular tissue of the heart. He has confirmed that in the sample we see : the myocardium, the endocardium, the vagus nerve and also the left ventricle of the heart for the large thickness of the myocardium. The flesh is a heart complete in its essential structure. Both the flesh and the blood showed no evidence of preservatives (or other added chemical agents of any kind) being used.

So what does this all mean?
http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/09/what_the_secular_media_doesnt_know_about_pope_francis.html#ixzz2fjiCexch

What does this mean?  It means that these ‘eucharistic miracles’ are part of the signs and lying wonders that have deceived people throughout the centuries and will deceive more in the end time (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).  The fact that certain signs have a connection to the current pontiff is interesting from an end time perspective.

Now, the article Pope Francis to ‘consecrate’ world to the ‘immaculate heart of Mary’ in Spanish:

El Papa Francisco continúa levantando pestañas con sus afirmaciones tal como informa el Guardian:

El Papa Francisco ha expresado su deseo de encontrar un «nuevo balance» en la Iglesia católica, haciendo un llamado por un mayor involucramiento de las mujeres en decisiones clave y una aproximación menos condenatoria hacia la gente gay, los divorciados y las mujeres que han tenido un aborto. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/19/pope-francis-vision-new-catholic-church

Una preocupación que yo tengo es que este Papa mariano Francisco ha decidido consagrar el mundo al llamado «inmaculado corazón de María» el próximo mes:

El Papa Francisco consagrará el mundo al Inmaculado Corazón de María este 13 de octubre como parte de la celebración del Día Mariano que involucrará la estatua de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Fátima.

«El Padre Santo desea grandemente que el Día Mariano pueda tener presente, como una señal especial, uno de los más significativos íconos Marianos para los cristianos a través de todo el mundo y, por esa razón, nosotros pensamos en la amada estatua original de Nuestra Señora de Fátima», escribió el Cardenal Rino Fisichella.

El Cardenal Fisichella, quien sirve como presidente del consejo pontificio para la promoción de la nueva evangelización, hizo sus anotaciones en una carta al obispo Antonio Marto de Leiria-Fátima.

De acuerdo al sitio Web del santuario portugués, la estatua de Nuestra Señora de Fátima partirá para Roma en la mañana de oct. 12 y retornará en la tarde de oct. 13. La estatua normalmente reside en el santuario de la Pequeña Capilla de las Apariciones. http://www.eurasiareview.com/14082013-pope-francis-to-consecrate-world-to-marys-immaculate-heart

Un tipo de consagración similar fue llevada a cabo por el finado Juan Pablo II.

Sin embargo, hay algunos puntos para mencionar aquí. El primero es que puesto que el Papa Francisco ha tomado más tempranos pasos «Marianos» que cualquier otro obispo de Roma del que yo sea consciente, esto muestra de nuevo que él está adoptando otros. Su versión de «María» es una muy alta prioridad para él.

Lo segundo es ver si que esta consagración ha de tener lugar en octubre 13. Ese es el día que los Fatimistas (aquellos que esencialmente creen que los mensajes dados en Fátima en 1917 muestran un plan de Dios alternativo para salvar a la humanidad puesto que el plan bíblico supuestamente no estaba/no está funcionando) y ciertamente otros dicen que ocurrió el «milagro del sol» (ver también ¿95avo. aniversario del «Milagro del sol»?). Este fue supuestamente una demostración de que la «señora de Fátima» tenía poder en 1917 y sería escuchada. Y 96 años después, parece que al menos en algún grado, el Obispo de Roma está haciendo así.

Lo tercero para notar es que el Papa Francisco hará esto en frente de una estatua de Fátima, Portugal. Mi esposa y yo hemos visto esta particular estatua y es como se muestra arriba al comienzo de este correo. Aunque millones se han inclinado y/o orado ante esta estatua, yo mencionaré de nuevo a todos los que escuchen que la estatua NO ESTÁ VESTIDA como decían que lucía la «señora de Fátima» los tres niños en Fátima (Lucía, Francisco y Jacinta) en 1917. Lo que ellos describieron era una mujer joven con una corta falta como se muestra al comienzo de este correo. No hay ninguna forma posible para que María, la madre de Jesús, apareciera en Fátima, Portugal, ante Lucía, Francisco, y Jacinta en 1917.

Lo cuarto tiene que ver con lo que los Fatimistas esperan que hará el Papa. La 105a. edición del Fatima Crusader emitido por el Centro de Fátima tiene lo siguiente de su líder el sacerdote Nicolás Gruner (negritas en el original):

Yo estuve animado porque en la primera arquidiócesis de nuestro nuevo Papa existe un santuario y dos parroquias dedicadas a Nuestra Señora de Fátima. La devoción al Inmaculado Corazón de María es practicada especialmente en el primer sábado de cada mes. Así las palabras y los requerimientos de Nuestra Señora de Fátima no le serán extraños a él.

La otra cosa que yo tengo en mi respaldo fue una profecía de Antonio Ruffini, quien tenía un don profético. Él me dijo en enero, 1990, que este Papa –él no lo nombró– sino que dijo «el sucesor del sucesor de Juan Pablo II será el que haga la consagración.» Si Ruffini no está equivocado, entonces esto es un buen signo. Nosotros podemos tener finalmente un Papa que va a hacer la consagración de Rusia. Pensando prudentemente, nosotros tenemos que esperar y ver si Ruffini entendió o no completamente el mensaje que él recibió.

Lo que esto significa es que un «profeta» católico le dijo al sacerdote Gruner que sería posiblemente el Papa 112 en la lista de la profecía de Malaquías el que llevaría la devoción de María al mundo, la paz, y la prosperidad. Aquí está algo de lo que el sacerdote Gruner cree que ocurrirá si la «consagración» es hecha:

¿Cómo evitamos nosotros las guerras y los alborotos financieros que están sumiendo a las naciones en el caos?

Nuestra Señora de Fátima prometió que si el Papa y los obispos de la Iglesia Católica, al unísono, consagraban a Rusia a su Inmaculado Corazón, seguiría un período de paz mundial, conveniente para la conversión de Rusia. Esta consagración no se ha llevado a cabo todavía, pero el Papa Francisco ha pedido que su papado sea consagrado a Nuestra Señora de Fátima, así que los prospectos por la consagración son ahora favorables.

El Centro Fátima cree que la «María» de Fátima es la respuesta para la humanidad, no Jesús realmente. Otros también parecen compartir esta impropia visión:

¿María sola puede darnos vida?

El Papa Francisco ha pedido a la Virgen María «concedernos la salud que ella sola puede darnos, ser siempre signos e instrumentos de vida.» Su mensaje fue dado cuando él tomó oficialmente posesión de la Basílica Papal de Santa María la Mayor en Roma, que es el más viejo santuario Mariano en Occidente. Él dijo, «María es madre, y una madre se interesa ella misma por encima de todo por la salud de sus hijos, ella sabe cómo cuidarlos con mayor y más suave amor…nuestra Señora protege nuestra salud.»

De cualquier forma, los Fatimistas han dicho que puesto que la consagración de Juan Pablo II fue a todo el mundo y no específica a Rusia que él no hizo lo que la «Señora de Fátima» deseaba. Ellos sienten que si el Papa Francisco consagra a Rusia al «inmaculado corazón» esencialmente una nueva era de paz y prosperidad vendrá para el mundo. Ellos no están buscando el Reino de Dios, sino que creen que «María» traerá un tiempo para el Gran Monarca (quien es probablemente aquel contra quien se advierte como el final Rey del Norte en Daniel 11) y el Pastor Angélico que hace milagros (quien es probablemente aquel contra quien se advierte como la bestia de dos cuernos de Apocalipsis 13) reinen.

Los pontífices previos han estado menos intrigados con Fátima (si bien el interés de Juan Pablo II se incrementó después de un intento de asesinato) –sin embargo los Fatimistas creen que esta es la ÚNICA SOLUCIÓN para los problemas ahora:

Nuestra Señora de Fátima dijo algunas cosas extraordinarias…nosotros ciertamente podemos decir que no suficiente gente (incluyendo a los Papas, Cardenales, obispos, y sacerdotes) han dado a Su Mensaje tan seria consideración y respuesta como él demanda y merece. (Gruner N., Sacerdote. ¿Por qué Fátima: El sendero a la paz! Es críticamente importante. Fatima Crusader, 106, verano, 2013, p. 2).

Nuestra Señora de Fátima

Nuestra única solución

Sólo Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Fátima puede ayudarnos, como Ella Misma nos lo dijo. Nosotros debemos hacer precisamente lo que Ella solicita…¿Cómo es que la mayoría de los Papas anteriores y muchos obispos hoy han fallado en entender esto? ¿Entienden ellos que no hay otra solución para nuestros problemas?…

Es demasiado temprano para decir si el Papa Francisco seguirá el imprudente ejemplo de sus seis predecesores quienes pensaron que ellos sabían más que la Virgen Más Prudente. Pero no obstante, es cierto que él podría usar toda la ayuda que nosotros podamos darle para cumplir la exigencia de Nuestra Señora. (Gruner N., sacerdote. ¿Por qué Fátima: El sendero a la paz! Es críticamente importante. Fatima Crusader, 106, verano, 2013, pp. 45-46).

La historia de la pasada mitad del siglo es un trágico catálogo de casi 1000 sangrientos conflictos armados…las obvias lecciones de la historia reciente subrayan las palabras de la Virgen Bendita: Sólo ella puede ayudarnos…

Nuestra ÚNICA y SOLA esperanza es la Consagración de Rusia al Inmaculado Corazón de María…

Nosotros tenemos una obligación, por lo tanto, de creer y obedecer Su Mensaje –prestar atención las exigencias de Nuestra Señora para la Consagración de Rusia por el Papa en unión con todos los obispos del mundo. «Sin esa Consagración, Rusia no puede ser convertida, ni el mundo puede tener paz.» (Hanisch J. ¿Ha comenzado la III Guerra Mundial? Fatima Crusader, 106, verano, 2013, pp. 55, 56, 62).

¿Qué hará el Papa Francisco?

El Papa Francisco (¿Podría el mariano Papa Francisco estar cumpliendo la profecía?) toma la devoción a «María» muy seriamente. Él está promoviendo el «marianismo» en un mayor grado –y más que los demás– y eso no terminará bien.

Tristemente, se espera que el uso de «María» será una herramienta ecuménica que no será buena. Ni para el Vaticano (Apocalipsis 17: 15-17) ni para el resto del mundo (Apocalipsis 18).

For more information, please check out the following:

La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios This is the Spanish site for the Continuing Church of God.
Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! provides concerned Christians with enough Catholic-documented facts to effectively counter every false Marian argument.
Fatima Shock! YouTube Dr. Thiel highlights a few points of why no one would support Fatima, etc. as discussed in the documented book Fatima Shock!
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist? Here is a related YouTube video The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman”.
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? Former Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now Pope Francis. According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? This is a YouTube video.
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.
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: 主编： 谁是’大罪人’？Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. [Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja do deus?]

Muslim Brotherhood

COGwriter

A court supporting Egypt’s military-backed government has decided to ban the Muslim Brotherhood and confiscate its assets!

September 23, 2013

CAIRO — An Egyptian court on Monday banned the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group that was the chief supporter of deposed president Mohamed Morsi, and ordered all of the organization’s assets confiscated.

The interim government has been steadily escalating a crackdown on the group since the July 3 coup that toppled Morsi, but this represents by far the most drastic step against it to date.

Most of the Brotherhood’s leadership is imprisoned, including Morsi, and those who are not in jail have gone into hiding. The ousted leader and his senior lieutenants face an array of charges including serious accusations related to murder.

The ruling, which came after the court was asked to review the movement’s status as a nongovernmental organization, bans all activity by the Brotherhood, which was previously one of the oldest and most influential Islamist movements in the Middle East. The text of the ruling was made public by Egypt’s official news agency.  http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-egypt-muslim-brotherhood-banned-20130923,0,4306956.story

Egypt will not continue this way.  Driving the Muslim Brotherhood underground may buy the interim government some time, but this will not solve the problems in Egypt.

UPDATE 12:35 pm PDT.  Notice also the following headline:

Egypt court bans Muslim Brotherhood, eliminating its critical social services

This will upset a lot of Egyptians.  It is not likely that the Egyptian government will be able to be as effective in providing these services.  Resentment will build up.  Egypt will change.

The biblical reality is that situation in the Middle East and North Africa must change. It is tense and battle lines are being drawn. Now, I am not saying that what will replace the interim government in Egypt nor the Assad regime in Syria will be better for the West than the current ones. But what I am saying is that neither the interim government of Egypt nor the Assad regime will continue as they have been.

The Muslim Brotherhood itself is a Sunni Muslim group. Most Arabs are Sunni Muslims (countries such as Iran and Iraq are mainly Shi’ite Muslims; Syria has a Shi’ite Muslim leader, its President Assad, though the majority of Syrians are Sunnis). A few months ago, Egypt’s President Morsi called for Egyptian fighters to begin a war against three Shi’ite ruled nations, including Syria (see Egypt’s Morsi taking ‘King of the South’ steps, but…). This did not set well with the military in Egypt and it decided that it wanted to see certain changes from President Morsi or it would support the unelected opposition. When the changes the military wanted did not quickly materialize, after mob protests, it removed President Morsi from office and declared the Chief Justice of its Supreme Court, Adly Mansour, as interim president (Adly Mansour installed as Egypt’s interim president).

So, the Muslim Brotherhood called for protests. The military-backed government decided to not tolerate certain protests and helped kill and/or injure thousands of people, as well as arrest many associated with the Muslim Brotherhood.   Now, like it has been for much of its history, the Muslim Brotherhood has been banned.

Yet, the goal of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is a confederation of states in North Africa and the Middle East will come to pass (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).

Related to the idea of a confederation of Arabic, Turkish, and North African peoples, which includes Egypt, the Bible teaches, “For indeed it is coming!” (Ezekiel 30:9).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
The Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This sermon video answers those questions.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
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?
What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? This video provides answers.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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.
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

September 23rd is the day recognized by the Catholics of Rome to honor Linus of Rome. Typically he is shown second on the list of bishops that purport to show the Roman Catholic pontiffs.  For information about him in the Spanish language, check out Linus no fue obispo de Roma.

There is an individual named Linus in the Bible. He is mentioned one time. Here is the only passage that mentions him:

Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick. Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen (2 Timothy 4:19-22).

The above was probably written, in approximately 67 A.D. – 68 A.D., by the Apostle Paul while in prison in Rome to the evangelist Timothy, who was in Ephesus.

This shows that Paul knew someone named Linus. Linus, therefore knew Paul, and was in Rome when Paul wrote this letter. It can probably be reasonably implied that Linus probably knew Timothy, and perhaps others in Ephesus. And based on Paul’s writings, it can be concluded that Paul, at that time, considered that particular Linus to be a Christian. It is probably logical to conclude that Linus met with Paul in prison on multiple occasions and probably, like the others, assisted him to some degree.

What it does not show is that Linus was to be the leader of those in Rome or ordained by Peter. Others are listed before him, hence, at least at the time Paul wrote this letter, there is no preeminence for Linus in Rome (and it should be noted that one of the proofs that Rome often cites to prove that Peter had preeminence is that Peter was quite often listed first in various New Testament passages involving multiple people). Linus simply was one of many who knew and probably assisted the Apostle Paul. The lack of emphasis/preeminence in Paul’s writings would seem to suggest that Linus could not have been the one to become the “bishop of Rome” and the successor of Peter and Paul in 67 A.D. Especially since it is believed that the Apostle Paul probably did not die until 68 A.D.

Whether or not this is the same individual named Linus that many Roman Catholics consider to be the first pope (the first “bishop of Rome”) to succeed Peter cannot be determined from the passages in 2 Timothy. This is confirmed by Catholic scholars, such as J.P. Kirsch, who wrote:

We cannot be positive whether this identification of the pope as being the Linus mentioned in II Timothy 4:21, goes back to an ancient and reliable source, or originated later on account of the similarity of the name (Kirsch J.P. Transcribed by Gerard Haffner. Pope St. Linus. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IX. Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York).

But it seems that even if the Roman Catholics are referring to the same person, that he was not the one who was going to immediately become THE bishop of Rome–if he was it would be logical if Paul would have given Linus some special mention. Instead, he is simply grouped in with several others in Rome at that time (nor is Linus even mentioned first).

There are several demonstrably incorrect claims made about him by some in the Church of Rome. For example, here is something from a book I purchased in Vatican City:

2. LINUS, ST. (67-76)…He was the first to take up the inheritance of St. Peter…He made disposition for women to be admitted to the holy places and attend functions with their heads covered…He was buried beside St. Peter in the first Vatican burial spot. It is certain that he did exist while some have thrown doubt on his election to the pontificate. (Lopes A. The Popes: The lives of the pontiffs through 2000 years of history. Futura Edizoni as sponsored by the Pontifical Administration, Roma, 1997, p. 1)

The main historical fact is that Linus’ name showed up on a list. Not that he was Peter’s successor.

Here is some of what the Catholic scholar J.P. Kirsch wrote in The Catholic Encyclopedia about Linus:

The “Liber Pontificalis” asserts that Linus’s home was in Tuscany, and that his father’s name was Herculanus; but we cannot discover the origin of this assertion. According to the same work on the popes, Linus is supposed to have issued a decree “in conformity with the ordinance of St. Peter”, that women should have their heads covered in church. Without doubt this decree is apocryphal, and copied by the author of the “Liber Pontificalis” from the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians (11:5) and arbitrarily attributed to the first successor of the Apostle in Rome. The statement made in the same source, that Linus suffered martyrdom, cannot be proved and is improbable. (Kirsch J.P. Transcribed by Gerard Haffner. Pope St. Linus. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XI. Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York)

Much about Linus is more than improbable.

Netherland’s Priest Roderick Vonhögen is the Chief Executive Officer of a pro-Catholic media group (SQPN) which correctly teaches, “Pope Saint Linus…ancient documents about his papacy have proven to be inaccurate or apocryphal” (Pope Saint Linus. saints.sqpn.com/saintl23.htm, viewed 09/18/12).

Yet, Linus is claimed to have been the first successor of Peter and head of all Christendom by the Church of Rome.

Here is what John O’Malley, a Jesuit Priest and Catholic historian, published:

The earliest lists of popes begin, not with Peter, but with a man named Linus. The reason Peter’s name was not listed was because he was an apostle, which was a super-category, much superior to pope or bishop…

The Christian community at Rome well into the second century operated as a collection of separate communites without any central structure…Rome was a constellation of house churches, independent of one another, each of which was loosely governed by an elder. The communities thus basically followed the pattern of the Jewish synagogues out of which they developed. (O’Malley JW. A History of the Popes. Sheed & Ward, 2009, p. 11)

It should be pointed out that the Apostle John outlived Linus and some of the others considered to have been early “popes.” Thus, the above admission is consistent with the Church of God view that the leadership of the Christian church in the late first century was clearly in Asia Minor, and not Rome, as that is where the Apostle John was based.

It should also be mentioned that none of the Roman Bishops took the title Pope until the late 4th century, so there is no way that Linus was Pope Linus.

Anyway, there likely was a genuine Church of God Christian leader in Rome named Linus who may have been an elder. Since there is no contemporary biblical nor other historical evidence that Rome had a bishop over it then, etc. Linus was certainly not the “Bishop of Rome” who somehow supposedly succeeded the Apostle Peter. Catholics and others might be surprised to learn that the first known “Bishop of Rome” did not take that title until the mid-second century and that title “Pope” or Pontificus Maximus was not taken by the bishops of Rome until the late fourth century.

Some items of possibly related interest may including the following:

“Pope” Linus (67-76)…He is claimed to be the first to take up the inheritance from Peter, but he is omitted from Tertullian’s list. There is a Linus mentioned in the Bible.  For some information about him in the Spanish language, check out Linus no fue obispo de Roma.
Was Peter the Rock Who Alone Received the Keys of the Kingdom? How should Matthew 16:18-19 be understood?
The Apostle Peter He was an original apostle and early Christian leader. Where was Peter buried? Where did Peter die?
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. Is telling the truth about the early church citing Catholic accepted sources anti-Catholic? This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. [Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja do deus?]
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?

Top of Megiddo and Related Valley (Joe Freeman)

COGwriter

Not all in Israel support an attack against Iran, though some do. Here are basically four views from some who live in the area many call Armaggedon:

It is just an 18-mile journey from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in luxurious Caesarea on the shores of the Mediterranean, to Har Megiddo – Armageddon, the hilltop ancient ruins of one of King Solomon’s palaces from where the Bible suggests the final battle between good and evil will be viewed…

A man who identified himself as Mordechai, who was giving away copies of a free newspaper outside local shops in Caesarea, said he fears the seemingly inevitable confrontation.

“I’m frightened” Mordechai said. “I don’t think we should attack Iran; it will start another world war. It’s also a big mistake to be talking about it here in the media.”…

Just a short drive down the road, in the Arab village of Baqa-Al-Gharbieh, few people were prepared to speak their mind. ‘Eid’, a shopkeeper, gave an insight into local Arab opinion.

“If he (Netanyahu) attacks Iran it will be a very big mistake,” Eid said. “The Jewish people don’t want to face facts. If the Palestinian problem was solved, Iran would have no reason or support to threaten Israel. We (Arabs) want peace. In life it is give and take, not like the Israelis, who take and take.”

At a gas station in another Arab town of Umm El Fahm, Samir bemoaned what war could do the already high cost of a gallon of gas. “If Netanyahu starts a war, $8 will seem cheap!” he observes. “It would be an economic disaster.”…

In the souvenir shop ‘Maya’ and ‘David’ (not their real names), gave the perspective of 30-something Israeli Jews.

“I believe Iran is close to getting the bomb,” David said. “Israel must not allow another Holocaust to happen. We must act first.”

Maya agreed: “I do” she said. “We must be sure though to bomb Iranian military targets and not civilian areas. And we must do it soon; before it’s too late.” http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/08/25/taking-pulse-armageddon-as-israel-iran-showdown-looms/

Let us briefly look at each of those views.

First, if Israel attacks Iran it will not be World War III. Nor will this be directly related to the troop gathering in Armageddon that the Bible tells of. Notice what the Bible, in the only place that mentions the word Armageddon, actually says:

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16)

Since the above does not happen until more than 3 years AFTER the start of the Great Tribulation, and the Great Tribulation itself cannot start for years, if Israel launches an attack against Iran within the next several years, this is not ‘Armageddon’ as that event cannot occur until probably at least seven years from now.

Second, it is not true that the Palestinian issue is what drives Iran. The leaders of Iran believe that it is their destiny to help usher in a leader that they call the Imam Mahdi, and that Iran needs to cause chaos/war for this to happen.  The President of Iran actually credits this mystical Imam Mahdi for his election to that office (Iran’s President-elect wants to negotiate with the USA and credits the ‘Islamic messiah’ for his election). Palestine is really only a side issue for the Iranian leadership–it is not the driving force for Iran’s military and/or nuclear development.

Third, it is true that inflation economic, and other problems face Israel if it gets involved in a conflict with Iran. The cost to Israel will exceed what many of the Israeli leaders seem to want to believe it will be.

Fourth, Israel most certainly is at risk from any Iranian nuclear weaponry. However, the cost to Israel will likely be higher than those who advocate attacking Iran realize. Furthermore, considering the situation in Syria, Syria itself is likely to release chemical and/or biological weapons during such a conflict, which would increase the cost and damage.  Syria’s capital Damascus is prophesied to be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1).

As I have long warned, the cost to Israel (and likely the USA) for a regional war involving Iran and/or Syria will be higher than many in the USA or Israel believe. Israel, and possibly the USA, will be weakened by a regional conflict involving Iran. Between terrorist acts, sustained resistance, chemical weapons, biological weapons, emp-type bombs, and/or even disruptions of the internet, Iran and/or Syria can inflict significant damage to their enemies. Yet, the USA and the tiny of nation of Israel would not be “eliminated” by that–it will come later, by the King of the North (cf. Daniel 11:39) before he takes on the King of the South (Daniel 11:40).

Currently, Iran seems to be putting forth a diplomatic posture suggesting that it is reasonable and really is not working on producing nuclear weapons.  Others believe that Iran is pursuing a military nuclear agenda, and that the agenda must be stopped (e.g. No time left for negotiations with Iran: Israeli minister).

Since Iran will not be the King of the South and Syria apparently will support that King, the situation in those countries will change–and this certainly could happen from an attack involving Israel. However, this would not be the battle associated with Armageddon in the Bible.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
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?
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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? Why do many say a peace deal will be in place before the Great Tribulation begins.  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? See also the video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.

Official Photograph

COGwriter

US President Obama went on Jay Leno’s Tonight show:

August 07, 2013

U.S. President Barack Obama is warning lawmakers that they risk plunging the country into another recession if they do not pass a budget and agree to raise the debt limit.

The comments in the president’s weekly address Saturday came hours after the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure that would keep the government operating, but defund Obama’s signature health care law.

The resolution will now go to the Democratic-controlled Senate where it is not likely to pass, setting the stage for a potential partial government shutdown if a budget agreement is not reached by the end of the month.

In his address, President Obama slammed “the far right of the Republican party,” which he said would rather shut down the government and “plunge America into default” if they cannot defund the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare.

Republican House members are strongly opposed to President Obama’s health care law and have voted to repeal it 42 times, saying it does not have the support of the American people.

They have also expressed opposition to raising the $16.7 trillion debt ceiling. If the borrowing limit is not raised by mid-October, the government would not be able to pay all its bills.

Obama – a Democrat in the fifth year of his presidency – often has sparred with Republican opponents in Congress over government spending, tax rates and the country’s long-term debt.  http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-urges-quick-action-by-congress-on-budget/1754314.html

12…Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52)

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 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 (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

The above prophecy in Habakkuk will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come”, Daniel 10:1,14). Daniel 8:19, 11:27,29,35 use same the Hebrew term for “appointed time” as Habakkuk 2:3, while Daniel 10, using a different term, ties the latter days to the time in Daniel 8:19. Habakkuk 2 was not fulfilled in its entirety anciently. Also, it makes little sense that Habakkuk would be directed towards the modern nation of Israel as it does not have enemy creditors. It must be a nation or group of nations with some prominence at the appointed time of the end.

The USA was once the greatest creditor nation in the world.  Now it is nation with the greatest debt of all time (on a per capita basis the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has one of the highest).

It is the the United States and its Anglo-allies that have loaded pledges of debt in these end times that they really do not expect to pay back. In that respect they have recently plundered many nations. And while much is owed to nations such as China, Japan, and the Arab World, the Europeans have trillions of dollars invested in the USA–money they may be disappointed to have devalued. Enough so that they may divide the land among themselves and other creditors.  Each year the USA increases its debt.  Furthermore, each month the USA Federal Reserve has been printing $85 billion to try to keep the USA economy afloat–and that is another form of debt (see also US Federal Reserve announces plan to continue to debase the value of the US dollar).

While your nation probably will not repent (Anglo or otherwise), you can. Do not wait until it is too late. The fact that the debt is again proposed to increase should serve as a wake-up call that the end of the USA will be coming (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8; Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52).

The Bible warns that the Beast power will takeover those with the strongest military fortresses (Daniel 11:39) and destroy many in their so-called prosperity (Daniel 8:25). These prophecies are referring to the Anglo-descended nations, including the USA.  The debt of the USA is weakening it and putting it a position that will allow it to be taken over.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)?
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.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

As many who are readers of this page at this time are not at the Feast of Tabernacles now (and it is going on now), I thought a series on the sites we attended might be of interest. This is part two of two

In 1990, our family went on the Mediterranean cruise for the Feast of Tabernacles. Over one thousand attended. This cruise began in Venice, Italy, went to Greece, and to several of the churches of Revelation 2 & 3. This was the first time we had visited any of those Churches, and since my wife and I have visited them all.

Here are photos of Venice, the cruise ship, many there, and the isthmus of Corinth:

Additional photos at or related to that 1990 Feast are included in Joyce’s Photos of Corinth, Joyce’s Photos of Ephesus, Joyce’s Photos of Pergamos, and Joyce’s Photos of Smyrna.

In 1991, we went to Victoria, British Columbia (Canada). Over 1,000 (perhaps 2,000 or more) attended. Below is a picture of Victoria Harbor and the children’s choir at the Feast:

In 1992 was our first trip to the Caribbean and we went to the Bahamas. Over 500 attended. Below is the children’s choir, as well as the view from our hotel room of the tip of Paradise Island:

In 1993, we went to Eastbourne, England for the Feast of Tabernacles. Around 1500 attended that year. Below is a picture of Eastbourne, as well as a castle not too far from the city:

In 1994, we went to Eugene, Oregon for the Feast of Tabernacles. Over 1000 seemed to be in attendance. While there we visited 3-4 places of historical interest to the old Worldwide Church of God (some photos of two of those are included in the articles 6. The Philadelphia Church Era and The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians?)–what struck me was that no one other than us was ever at any of those places. This was our last year at a Worldwide Church of God feast site. The first picture is a welcome to Oregon, while the second is near Florence Oregon:

In 1995, we attended our first Feast of Tabernacles site outside the Worldwide Church of God. The Global Church of God site we attended was in Del Mar, California. Around 700 were in attendance. It is near San Diego. The first picture is in Del Mar, while the second is of San Diego:

In 1996, we attended the Feast of Tabernacles in Penang, Malaysia. About 70 attended. We were one of only 2 American families there. This was the first feast site I spoke at (I gave two sermonettes).

In 1997, we attended the feast in Hengelhoef, Belgium. Several hundred were in attendance.

In 1998, we attended the feast in Branson, Missouri. At this site, Dr. Meredith and I became better acquainted, which helped when the Global Church of God crisis erupted the next month. The second picture is from a place called “the Holy Land” and is a short drive away in Arkansas:

In 1999, we attended the feast in Anchorage, Alaska. This was the first time my wife or I ever attended the same feast site more than once. However, it was different than the previous time (1982) and there was a significant reduction in the sizes of the glaciers I remembered from the prior visit.

Up until the late the 1990s, the old WCG had over 100 feast sites pretty much every year, and thus we tended to have a lot of choices about where to attend.

It might be of interest to remind people that leaders that Christians consider to be saints such as the Apostle Paul and Polycarp of Smyrna kept the Feast of Tabernacles.

If you did not get to an actual site this year, perhaps you can view Feast of Tabernacles’ related sermons which are at the following link: CCOG 2013 Sermons

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?

The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?

Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2017, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂  In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos.

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

Various USA military officials have been speaking out that the combination of budget cuts and budget uncertainty has serious ramifications.  Here is one of many recent reports:

(Reuters) – With lawmakers spoiling for another fight over federal spending ahead of the new fiscal year next month, senior Pentagon officials are trekking to Congress with a sobering message: budget uncertainty is wreaking havoc with the armed forces.

The top U.S. military officers and senior defense officials warned in separate hearings this week that annual budget gimmickry plus across-the-board spending reductions of $50 billion are forcing them to cut back in ways that leave much of the military poorly trained and unready to respond in a crisis.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/19/us-usa-fiscal-defense-idUSBRE98I14Q20130919

The pride of the USA’s power is being broken. That pride has long been associated with its military and economic strength. Various sins and increasing debt is weakening the USA in many ways.

Without national repentance the USA is doomed. Since the USA seems to be going more into sin nationally, that type of national repentance seems unlikely. Yet, personal repentance is still possible. Do you see the winds of change in the USA and elsewhere?

If so, what do you plan to do about it?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided 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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
Just 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.
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?
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

Traditionally, the Church of God has a ceremony called the “blessing of little children” at some point in time during the annual Feast of Tabernacles.  Greco-Roman faiths such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxism, and Lutheranism instead teach infant baptism. (Here is a link to this information in the Spanish language Bautismo de infantes o bendición de los niños pequeños.)

Which is scriptural?

Baptism of Infants/Children

Of the 100 or so times the terms Baptist, baptize, baptized, etc. are used of those in the New Testament, there is never one time that infants or young children are specifically mentioned as being baptized.

There is no recorded instance that baptism not allowed unless there was some type of repentance or professed belief. The Roman Catholic Church (as well as other churches, like the Eastern Orthodox) understand that, but they change the practice for infants.

Notice what what Catholic named Jodocus Tiletanus admitted,

We are not satisfied with that which the apostles or the Gospel do declare, but we say that, as well as before as after, there are divers matters of importance and weight accepted and received out of a doctrine which is NOWHERE SET FORTH IN WRITING. For we do blesse the water wherewith we baptize, and the oyle wherewith we annoynt; yea and besides that, him that is christened. And (I pray you) OUT OF WHAT SCRIPTURE have we learned the same? HAVE WE NOT IT OF A SECRET AND UNWRITTEN ORDINANCE? And further what scripture hath taught us to grease with oyle? Yea, I pray you, whence cometh it, that we do dype the child three times in that water? Doth it not come out of this hidden and undisclosed doctrine, which our forefathers have received closely without any curiosity, and do observe it still? (Harvet, Gentianus. Review of Epistles, PP. 19B, 20A, London 1598, as quoted by Hislop, A in The Two Bablyons, emphasis mine).

Hence it is known that infant baptism is not from scripture and that somehow it entered Catholicism from a secret ordinance. Furthermore, the Catholic Church itself teaches that following about baptism:

Baptismal Vows The name popularly given to the renunciations required of an adult candidate for baptism just before the sacrament is conferred. In the case of infant baptism, they are made in the name of the child by the sponsors (Delany J.F. Transcribed by Janet Grayson. Baptismal Vows. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume II. Published 1907. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York).

1427    Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” In the Church’s preaching this call is addressed first to those who do not yet know Christ and his Gospel. Also, Baptism is the principal place for the first and fundamental conversion. It is by faith in the Gospel and by Baptism that one renounces evil and gains salvation, that is, the forgiveness of all sins and the gift of new life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 398).

However, since a baby cannot repent nor confess belief in Christ, any statement by an adult sponsor cannot be imputed to the baby. That is one of the most important reasons why infant baptism is not appropriate. The Catechism of the Catholic Church sort of even admits that when it states:

1231…By its very nature infant baptism requires a post-baptismal catechumenate. Not only is there a need for instruction after Baptism, but also for the necessary flowering of baptismal grace in personal growth…

1254 For all the baptized, children or adults, faith must grow after Baptism…

1255 For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents help is important. So too, is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized–child or adult–on the road to the Christian life. There task is a truluy ecclesial function (officium) (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, pp. 342,351).

What is a required post-baptismal catechumenate? The statement does not make logical sense (as the dictionary definition of catechumenate does not seem to mean “godparents”, it seems to mean one new to the faith instead, which is about the same definition of a catechumen). More importantly, an infant does not have any faith to begin with, hence does not the have faith that grows after baptism. An infant is incapable of repentance and no one can repent for someone else (the Bible, in Philippians 2:12 teaches, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”).

In addition, there is nothing in the entire Bible that suggests that any “godparents” are assigned to either children or adults after baptism (there also is no example of infant baptism in the entire Bible). How can “the role of the godfather and godmother” be an important and ecclesial function if it is not even mentioned in the Bible? It is also not mentioned in any early Christian writings.

Interestingly, Irenaeus says that the Valentinians had heretical views regarding baptism:

But there are some of them who assert that it is superfluous to bring persons to the water, but mixing oil and water together, they place this mixture on the heads of those who are to be initiated, with the use of some such expressions as we have already mentioned. And this they maintain to be the redemption (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book 1, Chapter 21, Verse 4).

Yet is this not close to what is done today within Roman Catholicism, as well as other groups, that practice infant baptism?

Blessing of Little Children is Scriptural

On the other hand, the Bible does enjoin the fact that infants/toddlers can be prayed for and blest. Notice what Jesus said and did:

14 “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them (Mark 10:14-16).

15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (Luke 18:15-17)

13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. (Matthew 19:13-15)

It is likely that the worldly churches, who had read the accounts in the gospels and perhaps heard of it performed in the early COG, may have used that as part of their justification.

In fact, when I researched this further today, I found that the Catholic Church does refer to this passage in Luke 18 & Matthew 19 as part of its justification for infant baptism (see article Baptism in The Catholic Encyclopedia).  But sadly, they are confusing a blessing ceremony with baptism.

None of the children that Jesus laid hands on are recorded to have been immersed into water or sprinkled with water prior to Jesus blessing them (which is part of why I thought I should list all the accounts in the gospels on this).

Hence what Jesus did WAS NOT a form of infant baptism, but instead a ceremony that is retained by relatively few today, like those of us in the Continuing Church of God. But oddly, those groups that embrace infant baptism do not seem to have kept this.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Baptism and the Early Church Was it by immersion? Did it include infants? Does Polycarp prove infant baptism?
Did Real Christians Practice Nude Baptism? This is not a joke. Find out what was taught in the second and later centuries.
Just 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.
Real Conversion Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion.
False Conversion Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this article on this important subject.
All About Water Baptism What is baptism? Would you like to know more about it. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. As far as early history, see also Baptism and the Early Church.
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?