Is this the only age that salvation can be offered? What did Jesus teach about the age to come? How long is that age? Is the true church supposed to be large or a ‘little flock’? Did God blind any? What was the real purpose of the parables that Jesus spoke? How does predestination fit into that? Are the elect the remnant that the Apostle Paul wrote about? This is the second part of a scripture-based series of sermons by Dr. Thiel that reveal various ‘mysteries’ concerning salvation that most who claim to be Christian simply do not understand.
God’s plan makes sense. How well do you really understand it?
Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:
There still are many problems related to the arrival of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines:
Pneumonia Is New Threat to Storm-Battered Philippines
November 22, 2013
TACLOBAN, the Philippines — Two weeks after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the east-central Philippines, a new problem has emerged: pneumonia.
Three Philippines Department of Health officials said in separate interviews on Friday night that acute respiratory infections, including pneumonia, were the biggest single public health problem to emerge since the typhoon.
MANILA — The death toll from Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines has risen to more than 5,200, and officials say more than 1,600 people are still missing.
The latest figures were released by Philippine officials Friday — more than two weeks after Haiyan wiped out entire villages. It was one of the strongest storms ever to make landfall.
Jesus taught that weather-related troubles and food shortages would occur even before the end of the world:
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:4-8).
5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6)
8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)
As the above shows, Jesus foretold on a time of natural disasters and “troubles” as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:7-8; see also Weather Blessings and Sorrows)–and the sorrows seem to have begun. Yet the Book of Revelation (16:8-11) tells of a time of even greater disturbances during “the Day of the Lord.”
The ‘end of the world’ meaning the start of the Great Tribulation cannot begin until at least 2017 (Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013, 2014, or 2015?; you can also watch a video sermon titled )–and then the end of this world will be 3 1/2 years later. But sorrows seem to be intensifying now and are leading to to this final time of the end.
Ultimately of course, there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16).
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
The situation in Syria remains volatile and two reports out of the UK indicate that the more extreme Islamist rebels are joining and taking the lead there:
November 22, 2013
Seven leading Islamist rebel groups in Syria say they are joining forces.
A statement posted online said Ahrar al-Sham, Jaysh al-Islam, Suqour al-Sham, Liwa al-Tawhid, Liwa al-Haqq, Ansar al-Sham and the Kurdish Islamic Front had agreed to a “gradual merger”.
It said the new Islamic Front will be an “independent political, military and social formation” to topple the Assad regime and build an Islamic state.
The move comes as government forces make advances on key rebel-held areas…
The Islamic Front’s new leader will be Ahmed Issa al-Sheikh of Suqour al-Sham. He was previously head of the Syrian Islamic Liberation Front (SILF), a coalition of Islamist factions aligned to the Supreme Military Council of the Free Syrian Army.
The deputy leader will be Abu Omar of Liwa al-Tawhid, while its head of military operations will be Zahran Alloush of Jaysh al-Islam.
The head of the political bureau will be Hassan Abboud. He is leader the Syrian Islamic Front (SIF), an independent coalition of hardline Islamist groups in which his own, Harakat Ahrar al-Sham al-Islamiyya, is the largest and dominant faction. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25053525
The more extreme rebels seem to be inexorably on the rise
Nov 23rd 2013 (Print edition date)…
Rebel fighters less sympathetic to extreme Islamism are struggling. That is partly because of corruption, infighting and bad behaviour in their own ranks. Moreover, since the Americans struck a deal with Mr Assad to rid the country of chemical weapons in the aftermath of a sarin attack on August 21st, thereby averting American missile strikes against his regime, the flow of arms to the more moderate rebels has slowed…
Meanwhile the Islamic State of Iraq (ISIS) and al-Sham (meaning Greater Syria or the Levant), an al-Qaeda affiliate, continues to gain in strength. In a matter of months ISIS has spread across northern Syria. Clashes between ISIS and other rebel groups along the border have made the Turks wary of keeping the border open. ISIS has put checkpoints in strategic places so that anyone entering Syria from the north must pass through them. http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21590583-more-extreme-rebels-seem-be-inexorably-rise-rebels-v-rebels
The Bible itself strongly suggests that Syria will be involved in a confederation of North African and Middle Eastern nations (Ezekiel 30:1-8; Psalm 83:4-8) who will support a leader that the Bible refers to as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). Since many Islamists want a similar confederation, I have long believed that Syria will have Islamic leaders who share that goal. Various Islamists want a leader that they call a caliph or the Imam Mahdi.
Syria will change. Whether it will be from the Syrian opposition to the Assad regime, actions by the Assad regime itself, other conflicts, and/or intervention from Israel, Syria must change and the Bible shows that its capital Damascus will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1).
Islamic prophecy suggests that there are various Islamic views on an Islamic leader, who is sometimes referred to as the Imam Mahdi, rising up. This leader, or one with some similarities to him, could be the King of the South of Daniel 11:40-43. Here is an Islamic prophecy one that suggests he does after Syria has problems:
Traditions have been reported mentioning the signs for the time of the appearance of the Imam who will arise (qa’im), peace be on him, and the events which will take place before his appearance, together with the indications and features of it. Among them are: The Sufyani will come out in revolt; the Hasanid will be killed; the Abbasids will dispute over worldly kingdom; there will be an eclipse of the sun in the middle of the month of Ramadan; there will be an eclipse of the moon at the end of that month in contrast to ordinary happenings; the land will be swallowed up at al-Bayda’; it will be swallowed in the east-it will be swallowed up in the west; the sun will stay still from the time of its decline to the middle of the time for the afternoon prayer; it will rise from the west; a pure soul (nafs zakiyya) will be killed in the outskirts of Kufa with seventy righteous men; a Hashimite will be slaughtered between the corner (of the Ka’ba) and the station of Abraham); the wall of the mosque of Kufa will be destroyed; black standards will advance from Khurasan; al-Yamani will come out in revolt; al-Maghribi will appear in Egypt and take possession of it from Syria; the Turk will occupy the region of al-Jazira; the Byzantines will occupy Ramla; the star will appear in the east giving light just like the moon gives light; then (the new moon) will bend until its two tips almost meet; a colour will appear in the sky and spread to its horizons; a fire will appear for a long time in the east remaining in the air for three or seven days; the Arabs will throw off the reins and take possession of their land, throwing out the foreign authority; the people of Egypt will kill their ruler and destroy Syria; and three standards will dispute over it (Syria)…
The Abbasids will dispute; a voice will call from the sky; one of the villages of Syria called al-Jabiyya will be swallowed up; the Turks will occupy the region of al-Jazira; the Byzantines will attack al-Ramla; at that time there will be much conflict throughout the land until Syria is destroyed.
(Kitab al Irshad Chapter: The Twelfth Imam (Peace be on him) Page (s): 541 – 548 Published by Tehrike Tersile Qura’n. Contributed by Br. Ali Abbas, abbas@seas.gwu.edu http://www.al-islam.org/masoom/bios/12thimam.html viewed 7/22/12)
Interestingly, the idea that Syria will face destruction with the “black standards” may hint of terrorist involvement, as the Flag of Jihad is black (though, there are other possible interpretations).
Notice that the Islamic prophecy about includes involvement of Egypt and Turkey. Both are involved in the confederation (Ezekiel 30:1-8) with the biblical King of the South (Turkey is referred to by the more ancient name of Edom below):
40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. (Daniel 11:40-42)
Despite what is currently happening with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, the situation will change there as well according to the Bible. A confederation of currently Islamic nations will form.
So, while the West seems happy that chemical weapons in Syria are being destroyed, the seeds for radical change in Syria are continuing. Islamists groups are attempting to cooperate. And while the current confederation may not last, the biblical reality is that the situation in Syria will change and it will end up in a confederation that the Bible shows will be led by someone that the Bible calls the King of the South.
. Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Dr. Stephen Hawking mentioned some of his hopes about Europe’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC):
One of the world’s preeminent physicists, Stephen Hawking…said that he hoped the Large Hadron Collider could allow scientists to move to other theories that explains the nature of the universe and find first evidence for the M-theory.The M-theory was developed by Hawking and other physicists contending it is possible for a universe or multiple universes to pop into being from nothing.
The M-theory unites gravity with quantum mechanics, which controls the behavior of atoms and smaller particles.
“There is still hope that we see the first evidence for M-theory at the LHC particle accelerator in Geneva,” Hawking said last week, according to the Guardian. “From an M-theory perspective, the collider only probes low energies, but we might be lucky and see a weaker signal of fundamental theory, such as supersymmetry.
The Large Hadron Collider is a European project that will likely greatly benefit the economies in Europe for a time because of what it helps uncover. And some of what it will likely uncover is likely to have military applications.
Here are some comments about M-theory:
In theoretical physics, M-theory is an extension of string theory in which 11 dimensions of spacetime are identified as seven higher-dimensions plus the four common dimensions (11D st = 7 hd + 4D). Proponents believe that the 11-dimensional theory unites all five 10 dimensional string theories and supersedes them. Though a full description of the theory is not known, the low-entropy dynamics are known to be supergravity interacting with 2- and 5-dimensional membranes. This idea is the unique supersymmetric theory in 11 dimensions, with its low-entropy matter content and interactions fully determined, and can be obtained as the strong coupling limit of type IIA string theory because a new dimension of space emerges as the coupling constant increases. Wikipedia, 11/20/13)
Whether M-theory is correct or not, testing of it and other theories will help advance European knowledge of physics.
Yet, instead of being worried about this coming Beast power, the United States and some of the other Anglo-powers, seem to be encouraging the development of a major power in Europe…
The Bible shows that the Beast will have special help from “unclean spirits” (Revelation 16:13) and will be considered to be unconquerable (Revelation 13:4).
Notice what the Bible says about this:
3…And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:3-4, NKJV)
Notice that the military power of the Beast was something that the world will marvel, be astonished about. Why? Because no one really thought that the European Beast power had the military ability to defeat the U.S.A. with its Anglo-allies (Daniel 11:39), and then the Islamic King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). Revelation 13:3-4 also supports the idea that the Beast may rise up because of violent civil unrest in Europe.
Technology may be key to a powerful European military. One aspect could include particle collider research. The number of colliders in the U.S.A. has dwindled down to one under the Obama and Bush Administrations, and the remaining one is facing budget cuts and possible closure. Yet, in Europe, it now has the leading one in the world, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and in 2012, Germany announced that it is planning a possibly even more advanced one called FAIR (FAIR stands for the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research).
I believe that Germany’s FAIR, along with the LHC and other technology, will help the Europeans produce military weaponry to fulfill certain end time prophecies. Since Revelation 13:4 is discussing what seems to be a unique type of warfare, this warfare likely includes certain high-tech weapons (electromagnetic pulse, neutron, unique delivery systems, etc.) that will be effective for a while (ultimately the Europeans will be overcome by what appears to be a Russian-led, mainly Asian, confederation, cf. Jeremiah 50:41-43 & Daniel 11:44, possibly by exploiting some technological flaw, like creating a software virus, etc., while also amassing troops, etc.). The FAIR and the LHC projects are also likely to spin-off economic benefits that may help propel Europe to be (for a short while) the economic leader of the world (cf. Revelation 18).
While many believe that Europe’s intentions are peaceful (and the Bible teaches that many there truly think they are per Isaiah 10:7), they will not remain that way. Preparing their people to better respect and support their military, while increasing its technical abilities will lead to war–and several of them (cf. Daniel 11:39, 40-43) will be so successful that the world will marvel (cf. Revelation 13:4).
With some USA support, Europe is moving forward with its research, space, and military plans and few in the USA seem to realize that when it gets enough power, the USA will lose all of its. While the USA will learn from some European projects, in many respects the Europeans are taking the lead in physics.
The understanding of the Continuing Church of God that the Europeans will be able to attack and takeover the United States and its Anglo-descended allies (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39) is correct and will come to pass. And as I have speculated for years, the Large Hadron Collider and other research projects may be a factor in making that happen.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Apparently not satisfied with the modern gladiatorial games of boxing, ‘ultimate fighting,’ and American football, various ones are gaining ‘entertainment’ from watching people come up and punch strangers in an attempt to knock them unconscious with one punch.
Here is some information about this:
A knockout game is a deadly trend today among the nation’s teens resulting in deaths and numerous serious injuries. According to “Fox and Friends” live on Wednesday morning Nov. 20, 15 states are reporting knockout incidents with deaths resulting from these knockout punches reported in Syracuse, N.Y., St. Louis, Mo. and Hoboken, N.J., reports the IB Times.
This deadly game leaves no one of any age off limits. The object of this game is to knockout a pedestrian, who is a stranger, with one punch. People just walking down the street are getting sucker punched with the punches seemingly coming out of nowhere.
There is no warning, the people who have been victims of this deadly game were just randomly picked. The object is to land a “one hitter quitter,” which boils down to one punch knocking the unsuspecting victim unconscious.
Some have been killed by knockout games. They also seem to be a new form of terror from within (cf. Deuteronomy 32:25; though this passage will likely also have fulfillment in conjunction with Psalm 83:4-8).
In ancient Rome, in the gladiatorial games held in the Coliseum, there were professional gladiator contests, but also sometimes Christians and others who were not professional fighters would face beasts or other enemies to ‘entertain’ the masses.
How anyone should feel that they should be entertained by watching human beings being intentionally injured is outrageous. And it is even more outrageous to watch unsuspecting people get harmed.
Today, I heard a radio commentator mention that he felt ‘knockout games’ demonstrate that the USA has lost nearly all its morals. And while most Americans do not watch ‘knockout games,’ most do seemingly enjoy watching one or more violent sports.
Thousands of years ago, Job condemned people like those involved in the knockout games:
3 “There are those who rebel against the light;
They do not know its ways
Nor abide in its paths.
14 The murderer rises with the light;
He kills the poor and needy;
And in the night he is like a thief.
15 The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight,
Saying, ‘No eye will see me’;
And he disguises his face.
16 In the dark they break into houses
Which they marked for themselves in the daytime;
They do not know the light.
17 For the morning is the same to them as the shadow of death;
If someone recognizes them,
They are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
18 “They should be swift on the face of the waters,
Their portion should be cursed in the earth,
So that no one would turn into the way of their vineyards. (Job 24:13-18)
The Bible also teaches:
9…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:9-10)
Do the people who watch this type of savagery wish to be hurt themselves like happens to the participants.
Consider that “the hope of the hypocrite shall perish” (Job 8:13). And:
5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. 6 I will send him against an hypocritical nation (Isaiah 10:5-6, KJV)
The New Testament also warns Christians against being violent or approving of those that are (Romans 1:28-32).
Church history records that early Christians would not watch violent sports. Notice one such report from Theophilus of Antioch perhaps written about 180 A.D.:
Consider, therefore, whether those who teach such things can possibly live indifferently, and be commingled in unlawful intercourse, or, most impious of all, eat human flesh, especially when we are forbidden so much as to witness shows of gladiators, lest we become partakers and abettors of murders. But neither may we see the other spectacles, lest our eyes and ears be defiled, participating in the utterances there sung. (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book III, Chapter XV. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition)
So, Christians did not believe that they were to watch the violent sports so popular in the second century.
As far as violence goes, the Bible shows that God is against violence and that destruction will come because of it:
23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled. (Ezekiel 7:23-24)
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…30…violent, proud, boasters,…31…unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)
While you likely do not approve of ‘knockout games’, do you approve those who practice violence?
For more scriptures, as well as the position of early Christians and others on watching violent sports or participating in other violent pursuits, as well as various prophecies, please see the following:
Various ones are concerned about what is going on in Ukraine:
November 21, 2013
(Reuters) – Ukraine’s parliament on Thursday rejected draft laws that would allow jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko to go to Germany for medical treatment, clouding prospects for a landmark trade agreement with the European Union.
The ex-Soviet republic is scheduled to sign a far-reaching free trade and cooperation agreement with the EU at a summit on November 29 – but EU governments are pressing for the release of Tymoshenko, President Viktor Yanukovich’s fiercest opponent.
Yanukovich, whose pro-Europe course has angered Russia and led to threats of trade retaliation from Moscow, earlier this week took a harder line in negotiations with the EU and threatened not to sign the deal…parliament, dominated by allies of Yanukovich, on Thursday rejected all six draft laws proposed by the opposition which would allow her to be released. They all fell well short of getting the required 226 votes to pass. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/21/us-ukraine-eu-idUSBRE9AK0F120131121
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov issued a decree on Thursday announcing the “halt of the process of preparing” the pact, which would have seen Ukraine shift closer to the West and away from historic ally Russia. The Association Agreement was considered an important step towards Ukraine’s eventual membership in the 28-member bloc.
The opposition factions at the Verkhovna Rada (the All-Ukrainian Union Batkivschyna Party, the All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda Party and Vitalii Klitschko’s Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reforms (UDAR)) have announced the intention to initiate a change of government due to its decision to suspend the preparations for the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union, the opposition leaders (Arsenii Yatseniuk, Oleh Tiahnybok and Volodymyr Klitschko) told journalists. http://un.ua/eng/article/477837.html
Ukraine is in a tough spot. It would like to be part of the EU as well as part of Russia’s Eurasian Union. But since it cannot (by treaty arrangements if it is a full EU member) be part of both, it seems to be playing both sides. Some believe that Ukraine really wants to be in the EU, hence will change.
The reality is that economics are important to people. In the recent past, most of the political leaders in Ukraine seemed to be leaning more towards the European Union than towards the Eurasian Union. Russia has indicated that economically, Ukraine is better off dealing with it. But, as seen by opposition party resignations (which are perhaps more political than economic), others prefer that Ukraine draws closer to the EU.
Those in power in Ukraine might simply be trying to negotiate a better deal with the EU now or they might conclude that Ukrainian ‘values’ are closer to those of Russia and not go to the EU (or use this as an excuse to send messages to political opponents).
Biblically (because of prophecies involving the Medes, some of which are in Ukraine, and some in the “north and east” in Daniel 11:44), it would seem that Russia would be closer to Ukraine in the end than it appears to be right now. Yet it should also be mentioned that Bible prophecy indicates that there will be some type of cooperation between Russia and its allies and Europe for a while after the European Beast power has risen up (Revelation 13:3-4).
However, Bible prophecy shows that ultimately Russia and its allies (likely to include Ukraine at some point) will turn against the European Beast power–for biblical details, see Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future. Until then, we will see if Ukraine moves away from Russia and towards the EU (with some of that being played out in the next week) or the other direction.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North? The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising? Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are? 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? 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.
Posted in Prophecy | Comments Off on Ukrainian vote snubs EU, some believe it will change, others that it will go to Russia’s Eurasian Union
Today, is apparently the 70th anniversary of something called “Pro Orantibus Day.” To honor it, Pope Francis urged prayers for those in monasteries and plans to visit one later in the day:
Vatican City, (Zenit.org) |
Pope Francis has called on the faithful to support, both spiritually and materially, those called to the cloistered life.
In comments during his weekly general audience Nov. 20th ahead of “Pro Orantibus Day” which takes place today, he encouraged the faithful to assist contemplatives in carrying out the important task entrusted to them.
“It is a good occasion to thank the Lord for the gift of the many people who, in monasteries and hermitages, dedicate themselves to God in prayer and constructive silence,” he said.
To mark the occasion and especially during this Year of Faith, Pope Francis will visit the Camaldolese Monastery of Sant’Antonio Abate on the Aventine hill in Rome later this afternoon and spend some time in Adoration.
Thus since monasticism, as we now understand it, did not begin until the late 3rd century, nor did it become popular until the fourth century, it is fair to conclude from Roman Catholic sources that the early church did not have monks, sisters, or similar monastic orders.
As far as “serving in silence” and being cloistered away from everyone, notice that is opposed to what Jesus taught:
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Furthermore, none of the apostles lived in monasteries. They did what Jesus taught:
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
The apostles went around proclaiming the gospel. They were not cloistered away in silence.
Mithraism, a sun-god worshipping religion that many felt was in competition with Christianity in the Roman Empire for the first several centuries of the Christian Church, encouraged monasticism. Franz Cumont noted this as a similarity between the Greco-Roman “Christians” and those that followed Mithras:
The adepts of both formed secret conventicles, closely united, the members of which gave themselves the name of “Brothers.”(Cumont, Franz. Translated from the second revised French edition by Thomas J. McCormack. The Mysteries of Mithra. Chicago, Open Court [1903] p. 190).
Thus, monasticism was practice that various non-Christian religions practiced according to Catholic and other sources.
People trying to serve God should live as Christians are supposed to live and not follow practices adopted from pagan religions.
Additionally notice that at the beginning of this post, there is a sketch of some monks (monks live in monasteries). Notice the shaved portion of their heads. This is called a tonsure. Wikipedia’s “Tonsure” article states:
Tonsure is the traditional practice of Christian churches of cutting or shaving the hair from the scalp (while leaving some parts uncut) of clerics, monastics, and, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, all baptized members. Tonsure, usually qualified by the name of the religion concerned, is now sometimes used more generally for such cutting or shaving for monks, devotees, or mystics of other religions as a symbol of their renunciation of worldly fashion and esteem, e.g., by Buddhist novices and monks, and some Hindu streams…
The origin of the tonsure remains unclear, but it certainly was not widely known in antiquity. There were three forms of tonsure known in the 7th and 8th centuries…
It is true that for centuries, various monks have shaved the center of their heads to make themselves bald. But I would like to help make its origins clearer.
First, it seems to have existed for a long time as something like it has been prohibited by sacred scripture for thousands of years:
1 “Speak to the priests…5 ‘They shall not make any bald place on their heads, nor shall they shave the edges of their beards nor make any cuttings in their flesh. (Leviticus 21:1,5)
15 “But the priests, the Levites…20 “They shall neither shave their heads, nor let their hair grow long, but they shall keep their hair well trimmed. (Ezekiel 44:15,20)
Despite what the Bible teaches, various ones who claim some version of ‘Christianity’ (those who prefer tradition over the Bible) persist in this type of practice today. Bald shavings were practices of some pagan priests who were involved in sun-god worship in ancient times. This may be why God prohibited it.
Irrespective of claims to the contrary, the type of shavings commonly seen were not an original practice of the apostles or those in the early church. Furthermore, even the late 4th/early 5th century Roman Catholic saint and doctor Jerome condemned some versions of it:
Tonsure A sacred rite instituted by the Church by which a baptized and confirmed Christian is received into the clerical order by the shearing of his hair and the investment with the surplice…St. Jerome (in Ezech., xliv) disapproves of clerics shaving their heads. Indeed, among the Greeks and Romans such a custom was a badge of slavery. On this very account, the shaving of the head was adopted by the monks. Towards the end of the fifth, or beginning of the sixth, century, the custom passed over to the secular clergy. As a sacred rite, the tonsure was originally joined to the first ordination received, as in the Greek Church it still is to the order of lector. In the Latin Church it began as a separate ceremony about the end of the seventh century, when parents offered their young sons to the service of God…In Britain, the Saxon opponents of the Celtic tonsure called it the tonsure of Simon Magus. (Fanning, William. “Tonsure.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 14. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 10 Apr. 2013 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14779a.htm>)
The tonsure originated prior to the time of the apostles. Notice the following references:
The tonsure of the priests and monks is an exact imitation of that of the priests of Isis; (Higgins G. Anacalypsis an Attempt to Draw Aside the Veil of the Saitic Isis: Or an Inquiry Into the Origin of Languages, Nations and Religions, Volume 2. Longman, 1836. Digitized March, 29, 2010, p. 78).
Isis…Her worship advanced over nearly the entire Roman world…The tonsure (shaving of hair from the head) of her priests prefigured that of Christian monks. (Dunstan WE. Ancient Rome. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2011, p. 465)
the infant Brahmin…in India…In the second or third year, after his birth, the ceremony of tonsure must be performed; this was an old practice of the priests of Mithra, who, in their tonsures, imitated the solar disk. (Maurice T. Indian antiquities: or, Dissertations, relative to the ancient geographic divisions, the pure system of primeval theology … of Hindostan: compared, throughout, with the religion, laws, government, and literature of Persia, Egypt, and Greece, the whole intended as introductory to the …, Volume 7. T. Maurice, 1806. Digitized August 24, 2007, pp. 339-340)
Mithraism had its monks and nuns, as Tertullian admits, with the tonsure in honour of the disc of the Sun. To be shorn of hair is, doubtless, a sign of asceticism ; but it is the form of the tonsure (Khwaja K. The Sources of Christianity. The Basheer Muslim Library, 1924. Original from Oxford University Digitized 21 Dec 2007, p. 100)
Those monks and others who practice the tonsure are following a pagan religious practice that the Bible opposes. This should not be for those that claim to follow the Jesus of the Bible–and He did not have a tonsure either. While the Bible does tell of a shaving of the head related to a Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:18), which the Apostle Paul did once do (Acts 18:18), this was not a permanent situation for display like the practices of ancient pagan priests as various Catholic monks. And the hair shaving came AFTER a period of separation and hair growth (Numbers 6:5)–which is another difference from the tonsure.
The tonsure is in conflict with Leviticus 21:5 and Ezekiel 44:20, and while some may suggest that those prohibitions were done away, Jesus and His apostles did not teach that Christians should attempt to look like pagan priests. And those that do so, give those, such as Muslims, reasons to question and dismiss the whole idea of Christianity.
What most of the world (including Wikipedia) believes represents original Christianity is a compromise with paganism and does not represent the practices of Jesus or His original apostles. The tonsure should be a sign to everyone that sees it that those who practice it are not being faithful to the Bible or the practices of the early apostles. Monasteries were never part of the original and truth Christian faith.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Did the Early Christian Church Practice Monasticism? Does God expect or endorse living in a monastery or nunnery? Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? Were the Early Duties of Elders/Pastors Mainly Sacramental? What was there Dress? Were the duties of the clergy primarily pastoral or sacramental? Did the clergy dress with special liturgical vestments? Can “bishops” be disqualified as ministers of Christ based on their head coverings? Was Celibacy Required for Early Bishops or Presbyters? Some religions suggest this, but what does the Bible teach? What was the practice of the early church? Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There is also a YouTube video related to that also called: Living as a Christian: How and Why? Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they? 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? 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. 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?
Posted in Church History, Religious News | Comments Off on Pope Francis urges prayer for those leading a monastic life–but what about living as the Bible teaches?
This week, while looking for news items to post about, I read about two female celebrities wearing see-through dresses. The media was trying to determine which one looked best. Shortly thereafter, I read (did not see) a headline about some other female celebrity who wore a see-through dress and did so without wearing any underwear.
Around the same time I read that some other female celebrity decided to do be on some singer’s video topless. I was not looking for these type of news stories, but the media was highlighting them.
A week or two ago, I read that more and more are looking into spray on clothes. Essentially, some type of body paint that some will consider to be clothing. Basically, painted nudity.
And a couple of weeks ago, I read about a female singer who decided to perform all or part of her concert totally nude. And last month or so, on national television, a female singer wearing a short skirt or short shorts (I did not watch the program), bent over in front of a male singer and pretended to imitate sexual intercourse–this did not ruin her career, it made her more famous, which is a big part about why others are imitating her in their own ways.
These people are not ashamed. Although these females (and their promoters) believe that this is harmless entertainment that will help careers, it is not without cost:
Notice the following prophecy:
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?
No! They were not at all ashamed;
Nor did they know how to blush.
Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;
At the time I punish them,
They shall be cast down,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 6:15)
Not only will those that participate and promote pornography pay a price, society will as well:
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)
Pornography is not harmless.
This is part of what is termed ‘soft pornography’ as there is no actual sex occurring–it is just intentionally lust provoking.
More and more female celebrities have decided that wearing less and/or publicly looking they are participating in or enjoying simulated sex is a way to publicity. Some male celebrities have also followed this trend.
What was considered immoral dress in the mid-20th century is now more modest dress than many young females wear. This is not a positive trend but is another that I wanted to mention and it is a type of pornography. It is intended to improperly stimulate sexual attention–and that is wrong (Matthew 5:27-28; Jeremiah 13:26-27).
The Bible furthermore teaches:
8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation…(1 Timothy 2:8-9)
The Western nations no longer seem to highly prize modesty in female apparel (though female politicians tend to remain modest in their dress). Immodesty in dress is now mainly considered to be acceptable or simply daring, as opposed to being immoral by many.
What is considered to be acceptable dress for public display (mainly for females) continues to the trend to show more skin, more cleavage (and more and more women have decided to have “breast enhancement” apparently for display), and more of their figures. This is not good. And this is not just limited to television or the movies.
Because of the example of various ‘celebrities,’ this kind on immodest dress is adopted by more and more females for various reasons. But this is wrong. It is not good for women, for men, nor for society.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Pornography: A scourge on society Is pornography harmless fun? Does the Bible teach anything about it? What are the views of some involved with it? Here is a link to a YouTube video Pornography: Harmless Fun or a Scourge on Society? British and American Moral Decay Public nudity is becoming more prevalent in the Anglo-lands. What are some of the consequences? Can those in the USA/UK see the Handwriting on the Wall? Is everything fine in the USA/UK or is it like the days of Noah? Can we learn from the handwriting that appeared on a wall thousands of years ago? Love, Marriage, and Sex It is important to get them in the right order. Women and the New Testament Church What roles did women play in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles? Did Jesus and the Apostle Paul violate Jewish traditions regarding their dealings with women? Do women have any biblical limitations on their role in the Church? Were there female prophets? Do women have any special responsibilities in terms of how they dress? What does the New Testament really teach about women? Here is a related sermon titled: New Testament Women. True Womanhood: A Lost Cause? Is there still a place for being feminine? Here is an article from Herbert Armstrong about his thoughts relating to women and womanhood. 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 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? The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Posted in Doctrine | Comments Off on Celebrity ‘soft’ pornography is increasingly bold, yet encouraged by much of the media
A news report indicates that native American ‘Indians’ had more of their origin in Europe and West Asia than East Asia:
November 20, 2013
American Indians may have a more complex pool of ancestors than scientists once thought, according to a 24,000-year-old arm bone found in Siberia. A DNA sample from the bone showed it belonged to a boy who was more closely related to American Indians and people living today in Europe and Western Asia than to East Asians, according to a paper published today in the journal Nature. The finding may mean that American Indians have European genes that predate Christopher Columbus and subsequent western migrations to the Americas. Most experts have thought that American Indians came from east Asia…http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/American-Indians-Origins-May-Trace-Back-to-4996389.php
Thus, many in the Western Hemisphere who are considered to be indigenous peoples, like the Native Americans, Carib, and the Mayans and Aztecs, (and likely Incas and others in South America) have genetic links to Europe and West Asia (many of the ancestors of the peoples in Europe also traveled through West Asia to get to Europe).
Although some are now starting to consider this possibility, this is not the first time many in the Church of God have heard this.
Decades ago, in the 2nd volume of his Compendium of World History (originally submitted in 1963, but revised in 1969), the late Dr. Herman Hoeh wrote:
For the first time, in this second volume, the early history of Europe will be made plain. Its connection with the New World, with American Indian civilization…
The Key to the history of the New World has been lost. Not a single historian or archaeologist knows the true origin of American Indian civilization. And no wonder! They have thrown away the keys to that history. One of those keys will be found in Danish history. The other — and most important — key in the checkered history of rugged Scotland…
In after ages the Cruithne came to be known, falsely, as Picts. The true Picts were another people altogether — an uncivilized people w ho painted themselves. Because the Cruithne ruled over the Picts who lived in the Scottis h highlands, later writers called them both “Picts.” The wild, unsettled Picts later disappeared from Scotland…
The previous volume of the Compendium established the significant fact that the symbol of the line of Easru and Mileadh was the Crimson or Red Branch — signifying the royal line Zarah, Judah’s son (Genesis 38:30). Now open the Bible to the genealogy of Judah. “And the sons of Zarah: Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara …. And the sons of Ethan: Azariah” (I Chronicles 2:6, 8). Here is an Azariah, of the family of Judah — and of Zarah, the Red Branch. Azariah was of the same generation as Moses — both were great-great-grandsons of Jacob (compare with Exodus 6:16-20). Notice also that Azariah’s descendants did not enter Palestine. His genealogy is not continued beyond the Exodus. That is significant. Further, the name Azariah in Hebrew is often shortened to Ezra (see any Biblical encyclopaedia). Its Old Irish form would be Easru. So here we have an Azariah (or Ezra), of the same generation as Moses, Living at the time of the Exodus, whose descendants did not settle in Palestine, and who was of the Crimson Branch. At the same time Irish history reveals an Easru — Old Irish for Azariah or Ezra — living in Moses’ day, crossing the Red Sea, but not settling in Palestine, whose descendants in after generations used the symbol of the Crimson Branch! Here is the line of Zarah — Judah! Easru is Azariah, Judah’s great-great-grandson.
THEY CROSSED THE ATLANTIC
The origin of the American Indian has puzzled Europeans from the day Columbus’ sailors set foot on the Caribbean isle. Yet, just four centuries earlier, the New World was common knowledge to the educated in North Europe and the Iberian Peninsula…
White Europeans did not become Indians by merely settling in the New World and becoming lost! The American Indians are not the “Lost Tribes of Israel,” or Egyptians. The American Indian looks as he does because his ancestors appeared that way before they traversed the waters of the Atlantic.
It may come as a surprise to learn it, but Europe and the Mediterranean world was early — and comparatively late — inhabited by “Red Men.” Everyone has heard of the famous Phoenician sailors of the ancient Mediterranean world. They are known to have traveled far out into the Atlantic and to Northwestern Europe. The Greeks called them Phoenicians because that is what they were — “Red Men.” The word “Phoenician” is derived from the Greek word for reddish dye. The ancient Egyptians painted the Phoenicians on their walled tombs and on papyri. Their skin color? Reddish. The Egyptians painted other peoples of Palestine white and black. They recognized three races of men living in Palestine in early ages. Julius Firmicus, an early writer, stated that “in Ethiopia all are born black; in Germany, white; and in Thrace, red.” Thrace was north of Greece and originally populated by the children of Tiras, son of Japheth (Gen. 10:2).
It was from Thrace that Odin led the Agathyrsi and other tribes to Northwestern Europe when he founded the Danish kingdom. Many of the warriors employed by the early princes of western Europe were fierce, of swarthy skin, naked and often tatooed and painted. Strabo, the Roman geographer, wrote that areas of Ireland and Britain were inhabited “by men entirely wild.” Jerome, writing in one of his letters in the fifth century, characterizes some of them as cannibals: “When they hunted the woods for prey, it is said they attacked the shepherd, rather than his flock; and that they curiously selected the most delicate and brawny parts, both of males and females, for their horrid repast.”…
AMERICAN INDIAN TRADITION
The common idea that American Indians had no means of preserving their history is a fiction based on the assumption that all Indians were on the same level of culture. Wild, rude tribes there were. But civilized nations existed too. They carefully preserved, among other things, the history of their journeys, and the duration of their habitation in the New World.
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the New World they were amazed to find the Maya and Aztecs using bark paper to preserve history and daily records. It was obtained from the FICUS, a tree related to the mulberry. Bark was peeled off, beaten with a rubber mallet, and folded into sheets to make books. In Moctezuma’s palace Bernal Diaz followed an “accountant” who showed him “all the revenue that was brought … (and recorded) in his books which were made of paper which they call “amatl”, and he had a great house full of these books” (pages 184-185 of “The Ancient Sun Kingdoms of the Americas”, by von Hagen). Only a few escaped the book burning of the Spanish zealots, who sought to wipe out all vestiges of the previous culture and the lineage of their royal houses. Some rare codices have been preserved, however.
One is the “Popol Vuh”, a sacred book of the ancient Quiche Maya. In it are recorded the migrations and wanderings of their ancestors. It traces their origin eastward across the Atlantic Ocean to the Old World. Other Indians had similar origins of having to cross a great body of water from the northeast to reach their present land. (Later migrations, once they had arrived from the east, could take any direction.) The writer of the Popul Vuh declared: “They also multiplied there in the East …. All lived together, they existed in great numbers and walked there in the East …. There they were then, in great numbers, the black man and the white man, many of many classes, men of many tongues …. The speech of all was the same. They did not invoke wood nor stone, and they remembered the word of the Creator and the Maker The Maya record continues: “… they came from the East … they left there, from that great distance …. they crossed the sea” (pp. 181, 183). When they sought to establish their kingdom “they decided to go to the East …. It had been a long time since their fathers had died East, there whence came our fathers.’ Certainly they crossed the sea when they came there to the East, when they went to receive the investiture of the kingdom” (pp. 206-207). To what line of great kings in the east were these Quiche Maya journeying? To the successors of the great ruler who conducted them, about 1000 B.C., to the Usumacinta River in Mexico.
ENTER VOTAN
The Mayas claim that their kingdom was founded by a great eastern ruler named Votan or Oden or Dan by various tribes. He was a white man who came by sea from the east and settled them in their new land. The time of their migration, according to Ordonez, was ten centuries before the present era. This Votan — who was also worshipped as a god — was famous for having himself journeyed to a land where a great temple was being built. Do we have a king in Europe, living at the time Solomon’s temple was being built (around 1000 B.C.), who had dominion over the seas, who was worshipped as a god, and whose name sounded like Votan? Indeed — Woden or Odin, king of Denmark from 1040-999. He was worshipped later as a great god. Scandinavian literature is replete with accounts of his distant journeys which took him away from his homeland for many months, sometimes years. Just as king Odin or Danus gave his name to Denmark — Danmark — so Odin gave his name to the “forest of Dan” in the land of the Quiche Indians. (See pages 549 and 163 of volume V, “Native Races of the Pacific States”, by Hubert H. Bancroft.) “Dan … founded a monarchy on the Guatemalan plateau” (Bancroft, vol. I, p. 789). His capital, built for the Indians and their white suzerains, was named Amag-Dan. Here we have the records of Danish kings, as early as 1000 years before the birth of Christ, sailing to the New World and planting colonies of Red Men from Europe in the Yucatan and Guatemalan highlands. Is it any wonder that it was the Danes, of all nations of Europe, who continued to communicate with the New World in the days of Eric the Red? It was the king of Denmark who ruled over Iceland in the days of Christopher Columbus. Before Columbus awakened the sleepy Mediterranean world by his important journey across the Atlantic, he first sailed to Iceland where he obtained information for his fateful voyage. And is it not significant that it was an Icelandic nobleman, Eric Gnupson, who was consecrated by Pope Pascal II as Bishop of Greenland and the neighboring regions (“regionumque finitimarum”) in 1112? (See “Conquest by Man”, Paul Herrmann, p. 287.)
EARLY TIME OF MIGRATION
Tradition universally assigns white leadership to every major recorded historic migration of the American Indian from far to the northeast. The later history of Mexico commences with the establishment of a monarchy by the Toltecs of Mexico. The Toltecs were of white descent. They led and ruled over the Indians and spoke their languages. Charnay wrote in the “North American Review”, October 1881, “Physically Veytia describes the Toltec as a man of tall stature, white, and bearded.”
A carved head of a “noble Aztec,” on display in the National Museum, may be seen on plate 40 in George C. Vaillant’s “Aztecs of Mexico”. The noble Aztec was not an Indian at all, but a Norseman! Little wonder that wherever the Spanish journeyed they found the ruling classes much lighter than the people over whom they ruled. On occasion the conquistadors thought their women as fair or fairer than their Spanish women. “The Annals of the Cakchiquels — Lords of Totonicapan” contains direct reference to the racial descent of the nobles who led and governed the natives to the New World. “These, then, were the three nations of the Quiches, and they came from where the sun rises, descendants of Israel, of the same language and the same customs …. When they arrived at the edge of the sea, Balam-qitze (a native title for one in a religious office) touched it with his staff and at once a path opened, which then closed up again, for thus the great God wished it to be done, because they were the sons of Abraham and Jacob. So it was that those three nations (the “mixed multitude” of Exodus 12:38) passed through, and with them thirteen others called Vukamag” — meaning the 13 tribes. Israel had altogether 13 tribes including Levi. “We have written that which by tradition our ancestors told us, who came from the other part of the sea, who came from Civan-Tulan, bordering on Babylonia” page 170. Page 169 says they “…. came from the other part of the ocean, from where the sun rises.” (Translated by Delia Goetz; published by University of Oklahoma Press, 1953.)
Was the mysterious Civan-Tulan — meaning in Indian dialects a place of caves or ravines — the region of Petra, where Moses led the Children of Israel? Petra is famous for its caves. Canaanite Hivites, mixed with Egyptian stock, dwelt at Petra, or Mt. Seir, at the time of the Exodus (Genesis 36:2, 20, 24). They lived at peace with the Hebrews. This settlement of Hivites was a region dominated by Midian. A high priest who visited the land of Midian and Moab in Moses’ day was named Balaam — almost the exact spelling in the Quiche-Maya title Balam used for priests! The people led by Odin or Votan across the Atlantic to the New World were not exclusively the sons of Tiras from Thrace; some tribes were called Chivim, reports Ordonez the early Spanish writer. It is the very Hebrew spelling used for the English word Hivites, some of whom once lived in Mt. Seir, the land of caves, near Babylonia! So the Mexican Indians were a mixed people. http://www.originofnations.org/HL_Hoeh/COMPENDIUM%20OF%20WORLD%20HISTORY%20-%20Vol.%202%20-%20Herman%20Hoeh.pdf
As far as the Popol Vuh goes, it was one of the Mayan items I became familiar with when doing research for my ‘2012’ book.
Dr. Hoeh was correct that the scholars of his day did not understand a lot about the ethnic origins of the indigenous peoples of North America. Even today, scholars do not seem to realize who the descendants of the Germans, other Americans, and various ones are.
While neither I, nor Dr. Hoeh (towards the end of his life he indicated various concerns) agree with everything that he wrote in his Compendium, DNA evidence proves that his idea that native Americans had origins in Europe and West Asia has merit (though some of his specific reasons can be challenged).
Dr. Hoeh was also a big proponent of the idea that the modern descendants of the ancient Assyrians were the Germanic (and possibly other) peoples of central Europe.
Everyone had to come from somewhere, and much about the origins of nations is not known by the so-called ‘experts’ even today.
Some items of 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? 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? End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012 or 2013? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins. Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people?
Posted in Old Testament History, WCG News | Comments Off on DNA evidence seems to validate Dr. Hoeh’s origin of native North Americans
Possibly to counter Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s offensive against lifting sanctions against Iran for what he considers to be insufficient nuclear concessions, Iran’s ‘Supreme Leader’ issued some warnings of his own:
November 20, 2013
Iran’s Supreme leader says Tehran will not retreat on its nuclear rights, as negotiators from his country and a group of six world powers meet again Wednesday in Geneva.
Speaking ahead of the latest round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that he set “red lines” for his negotiators, but also that Iran wants to be friendly with all nations, including the United States…
Iran’s foreign minister and chief nuclear negotiator Javad Zarif…repeated warnings that Iran will not back down from what it argues is its right to enrich uranium…
a senior U.S. lawmaker said Congress will not vote on any new economic sanctions against Iran while the talks continue. Senator Bob Corker spoke after taking part in a meeting with other key Senate leaders at the White House, where President Barack Obama asked for the delay to further pursue diplomacy before considering other steps.
Corker did not offer details of the meeting, and did not say how long a delay the president requested. But he said no new sanctions amendments to the annual congressional defense bill will be considered before the end of the month, after the November 28 U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. http://www.voanews.com/content/iran-world-powers-resuming-nuclear-talks/1793741.html
I have difficulty to believe that Iran wishes to truly be friendly to all nations including the United States. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated that he will defeat the USA and that Israel should be eliminated by pretty much any means (see, for example, Ayatollah Khamenei Claims America “Will Soon be Defeated”). So, it would seem that what Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is currently really saying is that he would like the USA to be friendly to Iran and give Iran what it wants–no new sanctions, a lifting of existing sanctions, and the ability to test and develop its nuclear programs.
Barack Obama’ Administration has claimed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issues a fatwa (religious order) against nuclear weapons that prevents him from building them. The following suggests that trusting an alleged fatwa may be unwise:
According to an internal U.N. document, Khamenei embraced the concept of an Iranian nuclear bomb during a meeting of the country’s top leadership more than two decades ago, saying nuclear weapons were essential for preserving Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
The 2009 document, prepared for the International Atomic Energy Agency, is a collection of statements made by Iranian leaders about nuclear weapons, as gleaned from the nuclear watchdog’s intelligence sources. It cites an April 1984 meeting in which Khamenei allegedly endorsed a decision by then-leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to launch a secret nuclear weapons program.
“According to Ayatollah Khamenei, this was the only way to secure the very essence of the Islamic Revolution from the schemes of its enemies … and to prepare it for the emergence of Imam Mahdi,” states the IAEA document, which was obtained by the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based nonprofit group that analyzes nuclear weapons programs. In Shiite Islam, “Imam Mahdi” is the prophesied 12th Imam who will purge the world of evil in humanity’s last days http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2012/04/hillary_clinton_embraces_fake_fatwa.html#ixzz1szDxw5pH
The above shows that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei endorsed getting nuclear weapons to help set the way for a leader commonly referred to as the Imam Mahdi to arrive.
Few in Israel and elsewhere have a lot of trust in his words that suggest Iran only is pursuing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Israel’s Prime Minister warns the world often that he considers that Iran is a nuclear threat and that the USA and others should not fall for Iran’s negotiating tactics. Notice a news item today related to that:
November 20, 2013
(Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Russia on Wednesday to appeal for tougher terms in a nuclear accord with Iran after failing to convince the United States that world powers are pursuing a bad deal.
Netanyahu was due to meet President Vladimir Putin as envoys from Russia, the United States, China, France, Britain and Germany began a third and possibly conclusive round of talks with Iran in Geneva on easing economic sanctions in return for curbs on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program.
Israel, thought to have the Middle East’s only nuclear arsenal, sees a nuclear-armed Iran as a mortal threat and wants its uranium enrichment capabilities dismantled and its enriched uranium removed. Tehran denies seeking atomic weapons.
It should seem odd to those in the USA that Israel has decided that it has to turn to Russia, instead of its historically close ally the USA, for diplomatic assistance here. Barack Obama has some type of agenda with the Iranian regime that clearly differs from what Israel wants.
Though a more significant Islamic power will rise up for a short while in the 21st century, this power will not not be Iranian and will not last (Daniel 11:40-43). Ayatollah Khamenei should consider more of what the Bible says as Iran is not the going to be the primary instrument to truly make that happen.
Yet, also ignoring certain portions of scripture, Iran’s last president publicly stated that the purpose of the Iranian revolution was to prepare the way for an Islamic leader, the Imam Mahdi, also called the the 12th Imam, to rise up (this was several years ago, but he still seems to believe it). This Imam Mahdi sounds a lot like the final King of the South that the Bible warns against (though the actual one that many Shi’ites expect from “suspended animation” is not likely to be that King, but a Mahdi belief will likely be a factor in getting the final King of the South). A few years back, Iran’s former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed that it was the Imam Mahdi who was behind the revolutions in the various Arab lands as well as other events in the world (see Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: World Order About to Collapse, Mahdi Behind it).
Until the King of the South rises finally up, I would not be surprised if Iran, Hezbollah, and Syria get together to cause additional trouble (including possible war) with Israel as a means of hoping to provoke the rise of the Imam Mahdi, as well as to hope to get the Arab states to support the Iranian version of Shi’ite Islam (most of the Arab nations are mainly Sunni Islam). And while that latter item won’t happen as Iran seems to envision, it certainly may get the Arab states in more of a mood to cooperate closer. A nuclear-armed Iran, or an Iran that Israel suspects is about to be nuclear-armed could trigger a regional conflict that could have major ramifications.
The USA may wish to reconsider what Iran is doing.
1:16:55 
