Church of God News

COGwriter

Hillary Clinton keeps speaking and giving hints that she intends to run for the presidency of the USA.  While she has not been the preference for most conservatives (for many reasons including her support for abortion, government regulations, and the LGBT agenda), some liberals are concerned she is too corporate and/or too conservative.

Some opposition to her seems to be rising up within the Democratic party (or which she is a member):

Liberals Seek Alternative to Hillary Clinton

KEENE, N.H.—Searching for an alternative to Hillary Clinton for 2016, some Democratic donors are meeting with potential challengers. Liberal activists are trying to coax Sen. Elizabeth Warren into running. Politicians not named Hillary Clinton are testing their appeal in New Hampshire and Iowa.

As formidable as Mrs. Clinton looks even before declaring herself a candidate, liberals are casting about for a committed populist to run against her in 2016. They see the former secretary of state and senator as too closely aligned with large corporations and question whether she can be counted on to narrow the income gap in America.

They hope to either recruit a candidate able to capture the nomination outright or at least give Mrs. Clinton enough of a scare that she embraces progressive policy goals. …

Mrs. Clinton and her husband have raised about $1 billion from U.S. companies and industry donors in support of various policy and political goals over the past two decades, a Wall Street Journal analysis has shown. As president, Bill Clinton signed into law a measure that deregulated parts of Wall Street, which critics say contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. http://online.wsj.com/articles/liberals-seek-alternative-to-hillary-clinton-1414193312

Notice also the following:

October 25, 2014

Elections in the United States are approaching and Hillary Clinton, former United States Secretary of State, is already looking at 2016. While shifting leftward, she has grabbed a line of thought that President Barack Obama used in election of 2012. She is embracing the ‘You didn’t build that’ line…

Clinton said, “Don’t let anybody tell you its corporations and businesses that create jobs. You know that old theory, trickle-down economics. That has been tried, that has failed. It has failed rather spectacularly”. …
Now, voters will see if Clinton tries to compete with Elizabeth Warren, who is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts. In 2012, while running for senate, Elizabeth had suggested that no business deserves full credit for its founding. According to her, government of a country plays a vital role in every private-sector birth.

President Barack Obama had used the line ‘You didn’t build that’ in 2012 elections. The line became so famous that it had tripled Obama’s campaign up briefly in mid-2012. Later the president apologized for the ‘syntax’ of that remark.

According to some political pundits, Elizabeth Warren should run for president. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton is also eyeing a run for president.  http://uncovermichigan.com/content/21608-hillary-clinton-grabs-line-thought-barack-obama-used-2012-election

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took yet another subtle step toward the White House in 2016 by swiping at the very thing those in the progressive camp of her party accuse her of cozying up to — Wall Street.

At a campaign stop in Minnesota for Sen. Al Franken, Mrs. Clinton called for better oversight of banks, The Hill reported. She also roped herself in to the group of leading politicos who have been calling for stricter regulation of Wall Street — an apparent public response to those of Sen. Elizabeth Warren ilk who say the former first lady is just too pro-business to properly represent the Democratic Party in 2016. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/24/hillary-clinton-shifts-to-shed-pro-wall-street-rep/#ixzz3HAUW8ZnE

The idea that corporations and businesses do not create jobs is a bizarre one.  Of course, one could argue that consumer demand motivates corporations and businesses to employ people and it is ‘demand’ that creates jobs.  Yet, when companies are shackled by too much government control, they employ less people to try to fulfill demand.

Elizabeth Warren and/or Hillary Clinton may run to be USA president.

Is it time for a woman to be the top official for the USA?

The Bible makes the following statement:

12 As for My people, children are their oppressors,
And women rule over them.
O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err,
And destroy the way of your paths.”  (Isaiah 3:12)

The promotion of the homosexual agenda by Elizabeth Warren (Elizabeth Warren pledges to lead on LGBT rights) and Hillary Clinton (one of her four stated priorities as USA Secretary of State on page 27 of her Hard Choices book) is certainly consistent with the prophecy that “Those who lead you cause you to err.”

The four predominantly British descended nations (the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) all have had not only queens (they shared the same ones), but all have already had a woman in the office of prime minister.  The prime minister is the chief executive official in a parliamentary system of governance.  Since Ephraim (United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) was to rise before Manasseh (the USA), various events that affected it first would also be expected to affect the USA later (cf. Genesis 48).

For one historical point to mention, in recent centuries it was the British pound sterling that became the world’s trading and reserve currency.  Then later, it was replaced by the USA dollar.  But also like the pound sterling lost its role (it accounts for about 4% of global reserves per Wikipedia, viewed 10/25/14), the USA dollar will not retain its position as the world’s primary reserve currency indefinitely–it too will be replaced.  This does not mean that the USA has to follow the British when it comes to having a female top leader, but it may very well be.

That being said, irrespective of who becomes the next USA president, that person, whether ‘liberal’ or ‘conservative’ will not resolve the real issues facing the USA.  Short of national repentance the time will come when the USA is destroyed (Daniel 11:39; Habakkuk 2:6-8), and its people will not get true resolution of their needs until Jesus returns and sets up the Kingdom of God.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

Hillary Clinton in Prophecy Are there prophecies that Hillary Clinton may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that she has already helped fulfill? Could Hillary Clinton be apocalyptic? Could Hillary Clinton be the final Antichrist?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
Cross-dressing and other assaults against your children.  What should you do? Is there an agenda to turn your children and/or grandchildren away from biblical morality and towards practices promoted by homosexuals? What does the Bible teach about cross-dressing? What should parents do? If there is an agenda, what has been going on?  There is also a YouTube video on this, titled Cross dressing and Other Assaults Against Your Children.
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?  Can homosexuals change?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies. Watch also the YouTube Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.

Russian Brown Bear

COGwriter

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had some words for the West:

Putin Slams West for Refusing to Accept Legitimacy of Crimea’s Reunification With Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has commented on the West’s position on Crimea’s reunification by likening it to the Latin proverb, “What is permissible for Jove is not permissible for an ox.”

Putin pointed out that Western countries consider Kosovo’s declaration of independence legitimate, while refusing to accept Crimea’s right to self-determination, granted to any nation by the UN charter. The decision to hold a referendum in Crimea was made by a legitimate representative body of power, the Crimean parliament, following a coup in Ukraine, the Russian president reiterated.

Crimea’s reunification with Russia is in accordance with international law whatever some might say. In that respect, the Russian president recalled the saying “Quod licet Jovi (Iovi) non licet bovi”, stressing that “we cannot agree with such definitions”.

“Maybe it is not permissible for an ox, but I have to say a bear will not ask anyone for permission,” Putin said in response to a question during the 11th meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi. The president added that a bear is considered “the master of taiga” and does not intend to give it away.

Vladimir Putin also stated that Western countries had decided Russia is no longer a force to reckon with after the collapse of the Soviet Union, emphasizing that the West had“started doing anything they wanted with no regard to any rules.”  http://en.ria.ru/world/20141024/194576713/Putin-Slams-West-for-Refusing-to-Accept-Legitimacy-of-Crimeas-Reunification-With-Russia.html

The West pretty much understands that Russia is not giving Crimea away.  As far as the West’s hypocrisy goes, let me simply state that hypocrisy is not limited to politicians in the West.

While the West has tended to use a ‘bear’ as a symbol of Russia, this is not something that I have heard recent Russian rulers doing.  Vladimir Putin apparently chose this analogy purposely to give a message to the West as well as those in Russia and Ukraine.

Notice also the following:

LONDON, October 25. /TASS/. The speech of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Valdai Club in Sochi on Friday was one of the most important foreign policy statements since he surprised the West in Munich in 2007, the Financial Times has reported.  http://en.itar-tass.com/world/756477

Russian president Vladimir Putin on Friday accused the US of undermining the post-Cold War world order, warning that without efforts to establish a new system of global governance the world could collapse into anarchy and chaos.

In one of his most anti-US speeches in 15 years as Russia’s most powerful politician, Mr Putin insisted allegations that its annexation of Crimea showed that it was trying to rebuild the Soviet empire were “groundless”. Russia had no intention of encroaching on the sovereignty of its neighbours, he insisted. …

Instead, the Russian leader blamed the US for triggering both Crimea’s breakaway from Ukraine and thousands of deaths in the war in the east of the country, by backing what Mr Putin called an armed coup against former president Viktor Yanukovich in February.

“We didn’t start this,” Mr Putin said. Citing a string of US-led military interventions from Kosovo to Libya, he insisted the US had declared itself victor when the Cold War ended and “decided to … reshape the world to suit their own needs and interests”.

“This is the way the nouveaux riches behave when they suddenly end up with a great fortune – in this case, in the shape of world leadership and domination. Instead of managing their wealth wisely … I think they have committed many follies,” he told a conference of foreign academics and journalists at an Olympic ski venue near Sochi.

Putin’s address at the Valdai Discussion Club, which unites leading world political analysts and experts, is one of his anti-US speeches in 15 years as Russia’s most powerful politician, Buckley wrote.

At the same time, Putin signaled that he believes that “the US and Russia should draw a line under recent events and sit down with other big economies to redesign the system of global governance along “multipolar” lines.”  http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/fa42acf8-5b9f-11e4-81ac-00144feab7de.html#axzz3H4OhMLQo

Many are concerned about Russia.

Vladimir Putin probably feels that he has nothing to lose from his rhetoric at this time as the West will still talk with him on various topics of Western interests.

As far as “multipolar” lines goes, for decades there were mainly bipolar lines: the USA and its allies one one side with the Soviet Union and its allies on the other.

What Vladimir Putin wants is governance over all the territories of the old Soviet Union, including Ukraine.  That is part of why he pushed for and has agreed to a new Eurasian Union. This is one aspect of his “multipolar” objective.

Yet, that is not all he wants. He has worked with China, India, Brazil, and South Africa to form an organization that is an alternative to the Western dominated International Monetary Fund (see BRICS take another step to reduce USA dollar dominance).  He also wants to have broader military ties with China, India, and others.

He also would like to drive more of a wedge between the European Union and the USA.

He wants the USA dollar dumped as the world’s reserve currency.

His goal is to establish a Russian-led empire in a world no longer dominated by the USA.

Yet, while Russia will not be the dominant force in the world for the next several years, the time will come when the USA will not be.  And while that will not all be the direct result of Vladimir Putin’s plans, it will be the end result of what he, leaders in Europe, leaders in the USA, and leaders elsewhere are doing.

As far as Ukraine goes, there is an election being held there:

This weekend most of Ukraine will take part in a parliamentary election. There will be no voting, though, in those areas of the east controlled by pro-Russia rebels. …

The war is having a direct impact on Ukraine’s election. Many of the parties have included military figures on their party lists, hoping to benefit from a wave of patriotism. Among the candidates are leaders of some of the Ukrainian volunteer battalions.

Yevgen Shevchenko, from the Donbas Battalion, tells me he is standing for parliament to prevent politicians in Kiev betraying soldiers on the front line.

“We’re fighting on two fronts,” he says.

“One front is the rebels, the Russians, the mercenaries and local Ukrainians, zombified by propaganda. The second front, sadly, is in Kiev.  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29740032

Russian leaders feel that Ukraine has been deceived by the West and will some day embrace Russia:

The last few months have witnessed a coup d’état in Ukraine, military operations by the Ukrainian authorities against the people of Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts and rabidly anti-Russian policies on the part of Kiev. Was it possible to predict this turn of events just a year ago?

Nikolai Patrushev: Our experts warned that a worsening of the situation in Ukraine was likely under conditions of political and economic instability, particularly in the case of outside influence. But I have to admit that the possibility of a sudden seizure of power in Kiev, relying on armed units of self-proclaimed Nazis, hadn’t then been considered. It’s worth remembering that until that coup, Moscow fulfilled all its obligations to Kiev in full.

Without the material and financial help that we constantly supplied, Ukraine wouldn’t have been able to deal with its economic problems, which had become chronic. To help our neighbour, we marshalled material and financial resources worth tens of millions of dollars. For many people in Ukraine, this help came to seem so routine that they simply forgot how important it was for the survival of the country.

But if you’re talking about longer-term predictions, the Ukraine crisis was a totally predictable outcome of the actions of the US and its closest allies.

A whole generation of Ukrainians [have been] brought up to hate Russia and believe in the mythology of ‘European values’

For the last quarter of a century, these actions were designed to wrest Ukraine and other former Soviet republics away from Russia and to redesign the post-Soviet space in America’s interests. The US created the conditions and pretexts for the coloured revolutions and financed them lavishly. …

Ukraine simply cannot prosper without Russia, whether it likes it or not … The complete severing of these ties would be a painful blow for Russia but it would be a catastrophe for Ukraine

I think that when Ukrainians do come to their senses, it will be difficult and painful. We can only hope that this happens quite fast. Rapid disillusionment is possible for a whole range of reasons. I want to mention one more factor that is crucial. However events develop from here, the importance that Russia and Ukraine represent for one another will endure. Ukraine simply cannot prosper without Russia, whether it likes it or not.  http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/24/sp-ukraine-russia-cold-war

Vladimir Putin probably agrees with much of Nikolai Patrusky’s assessment.  Most of those in Ukraine do not.  If Europe can pump enough money into Ukraine, the Ukrainians will keep their current leanings towards Europe for a time.

The situation in Ukraine is still not good.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
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?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon 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? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies. Watch also the YouTube Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce its latest sermon which is at its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:17:47

Christians and the Ten Commandments

Are Christians supposed to keep the Ten Commandments? Were they ‘nailed to the cross’? What did Jesus teach about the Ten Commandments? What did the Apostle Paul teach about the Ten Commandments? What did Polycarp teach about the Ten Commandments? How are the Ten Commandments supposed to be numbered? What have past and present Protestant leaders taught about the Ten Commandments? Does the Bible teach that they be observed today?

Here is a link to the sermon: Christians and the Ten Commandments.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
Marcion: The First Protestant? Considered to have been an organized heretic, he taught against the Old Testament, the law, and the Sabbath. Some have considered him to be the first Protestant reformer. But was he?
Were the Ten Commandments in Effect Before Mount Sinai? Some have said not. This article provides biblical quotes to answer this important question.
Job and the Ten Commandments Was Job written prior to Mount Sinai? Did Job know about the ten commandments? This article provides biblical answers to those questions.
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments Nailed to the Cross? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well. Here is a version in the Spanish language:.¿Están vigentes todavía los diez mandamientos?
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
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? For a more detailed discussion of the first four commandments, please see the video The Ten Commandments: Loving God. For a more detailed discussion of the last six commandments, please see: The Ten Commandments: Loving Your Neighbor. Here is a link to a related article in Mandarin Chinese 十条诫命显示爱，违反诫命的就是邪恶的
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. A related sermon link would be Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.
Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here is a sermon Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos This is the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God in Tagalog, the primary language of the Philippines.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced scores of YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.

Chinese Renminbi Yuan

COGwriter

Many in Asia have agreed to form a development bank:

China Launches New Asia Development Bank

October 24, 2014

BEIJING—China and 21 other countries have agreed to start an international development bank to fund infrastructure projects throughout all of Asia.  However, the proposal has drawn criticism from the United States, and three invited countries skipped Friday’s bank launch.China and the other countries have launched what is called the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.  The member nations include Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Among South Asian nations, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are signed up.

In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying, said finance ministers of the membership are looking forward to how the AIIB can improve their countries.

President Xi Jinping met with members of the 21 other countries and said they all expressed a desire to pursue common development.  Xi said the AIIB would promote regional development and be inclusive and open.

However, three countries skipped the bank’s launch.  Indonesia – Southeast Asia’s biggest economy – was a no show.  So were Australia and South Korea, although South Korea said there would be no reason to not join the bank if certain conditions were met.

The proposal for the development bank has met with strong criticism from the U.S. State Department.

Spokeswoman Jen Psaki has said Secretary of State John Kerry has made clear directly to the Chinese that Washington welcomes the idea of an infrastructure bank for Asia, but strongly urges that it meet international standards of governance and transparency.  She said the U.S. has concerns about the ambiguous nature of the AIIB proposal as it currently stands.

Washington has also expressed worries the bank will undercut the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

On Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry responded to that criticism, saying that the bank is intended to satisfy the infrastructure needs in the region.

Spokesperson Hua said China is doing this to promote solidarity, and that the bank will be supplementary and complementary to other banks.

On transparency, Hua said China and the 21 other members will cooperate to make the AIIB’s financing structure open and inclusive.

China proposed the formation of the bank one year ago, and it is expected to begin operations next year.  The bank is also fueling concerns that it will allow China to have undue influence in Asia; China will be the largest shareholder with a 50 percent stake, and it will contribute up to $50 billion in capital.   http://www.voanews.com/content/china-launches-new-asia-development-bank/2494903.html

This is another step that China is taking to increase its regional and international influence.  Last Summer, it agreed to an arrangement with Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa to have a development bank which basically is an alternative to the IMF/World Bank (see BRICS take another step to reduce USA dollar dominance).

Several years ago former President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, went to China to work to replace the USA dollar with something that included the Chinese yuan and the EU’s euro (see France and China Working Hard to Replace Dollar).

China and some of its allies want to topple the dominance of the USA dollar.  Some have claimed that it will succeed by the end of this year (watch Market Collapse then New World Order in 2015?  and/or see a somewhat related written item New World Order and Market Collapse by December 2014?).

The USA has taken steps to devalue its own currency by increasing its debt and through programs like ‘quantitative easing’ –biblically the USA is adding ‘dross’ to its currency, which is not good (Isaiah 1:22,25; Proverbs 25:4a). At some point in time in the future, this will result in disaster for the USA according to biblical prophecy.

The USA has been playing a dangerous game with its own currency.

That being said, while China and others in Asia will help contribute to the fall of the USA dollar, the Bible shows that it will be a European power that will dominate the world economically for several years until the return of Jesus Christ.

Today’s bank report is just a step taken to get to the objective of eliminating the USA dollar’s dominance.  And have no doubt about it, the USA dollar will one day fall and be worth probably no more than the cotton-paper it is often printed on.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Is China THE Threat to the United States of America? China is the world’s most populace nation. China has the world’s largest standing military. China is a major economic power and it holds a lot of U.S. debt. China also has problems with corruption, pollution, and its hukou registration system. Will China face civil unrest? Is China prophesied to be wealthy in the end times? Will China takeover the U.S.A. or will it be another power? What does Bible prophecy reveal? This is a video.
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon 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? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
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

The European Union has asked the UK to give over USD$2,000,000,000 in a ‘surcharge December 1, 2014 and the UK’s Prime Minister says he will not pay it:

October 24, 2014

David Cameron has angrily insisted the UK will not pay a £1.7bn bill demanded by the European Union by 1 December.

“If people think I am paying that bill on 1 December, they have another thing coming,” the prime minister told reporters in Brussels.

He said the EU demand was “totally unacceptable” and no way for the organisation to behave – and he want to examine how they arrived at the amount.

EU finance ministers have agreed to the UK’s request for emergency talks.

Mr Cameron told reporters in Brussels that the British public would find the “vast” sum of money asked of the EU was “totally unacceptable”.

He said that he first heard about the EU’s demands on Thursday but acknowledged that the Treasury knew about it last week.

He interrupted a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels to express dismay at the demand for the UK to pay more into the EU’s coffers on 1 December.

He told Commission boss Jose Manuel Barroso he had no idea of the impact it would have, Downing Street said.

It will add about a fifth to the UK’s annual net EU contribution of £8.6bn.

There has been anger across the political spectrum in the UK at the EU’s demand for additional money, which comes just weeks before the vital Rochester and Strood by-election, where UKIP is trying to take the seat from the Conservatives.

Drugs and prostitution

EU leaders discussed the issue for an hour in Brussels on Friday. Mr Cameron told Mr Barroso, who steps down next month, that the problem was not just press or public opinion but was about the amount of money being demanded.

The surcharge follows an annual review of the economic performance of EU member states since 1995, which showed Britain has done better than previously thought. Elements of the black economy – such as drugs and prostitution – have also been included in the calculations for the first time. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-29754168

Anti-EU UK leader Nigel Farage claims that David Cameron will have to pay anyway:

October 24, 2014

Nigel Farage has claimed that David Cameron will be forced to pay out an extra £1.7bn into the EU budget by the end of next month despite the government saying the extra demand was not acceptable.

The Ukip leader’s comments, which he says is a reflection of Britain’s impotence in Europe, will increase the pressure on the prime minister following Thursday night’s disclosure that Britain has been ordered to pay the money because its economy is performing better than other EU economies.

A government source said the demand was “not acceptable”. It remained unclear on Friday morning whether the British government would challenge the EU demand in the courts,an option the Dutch government is reportedly exploring.

But on an LBC radio phone-in on Friday morning, Farage said Cameron would have little option but to go along with the demand, which will have to be paid in December.

“Of course he will pay up. These are the rules, the contributions to the European Union was a very complex formula and part of it is a measurement of your GDP against everybody else’s. There’s nothing he can do,” he said.

But prominent Tory critics of Europe continued to demand that Cameron makes a stand.

Conservative backbencher John Redwood said the surcharge “offended all our principles of natural justice and fair taxation”.

“It is a very large increase in tax on the British people charged retrospectively without their agreement,” he told Radio 4’s Today programme.

He suggested the UK should simply refuse to pay the extra amount and that parliament should be asked to pass a law declaring the payment illegal.

“The British people will not want to send another £1.7bn to the European Union by a very big majority and so the British government just says it won’t pay,” he said.

Tory Eurosceptic Mark Pritchard said Cameron should consider bringing forward a referendum on whether the UK should leave the EU, which the prime minister has promised in 2017.  http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/24/eu-contribution-cameron-pay-extra-funds-farage

David Cameron is in a tough spot.  He wants the UK to stay in the European Union and knows full well that this request for additional funds will assist those, like Nigel Farage, who want the UK to leave the EU.

Many months ago, UK Prime Minister David Cameron warned that if Jean-Claude Juncker became EU Commission President, this would increase the probability that the UK will later vote to leave the European Union. Jean-Claude Juncker was then appointed the EU Commission President.

For a while, the general feeling has been that if those in the UK get a chance to vote, they will vote themselves out of the European Union. Many wish to prevent that type of vote, but David Cameron’s UK Conservative party has pledged to have such a vote if it is remains in power.

More and more, the continental Europeans are becoming displeased with the UK and its approach to European Union matters.  And they will not take kindly to the UK’s Prime Minister’s refusal to pay.

The EU is having financial problems:

October 24, 2014

BRUSSELS—

Euro zone leaders sought on Friday to bridge stark differences over how to avoid economic stagnation and deflation in the bloc, with Germany facing fresh calls to soften its budget rigor and spend more.

With a U.S.-style bond-buying plan by the European Central Bank off the table for now, the bloc has few options, leaving other euro zone leaders to tread a careful line between the opposing growth and austerity camps.

“It’s very important to find a balance between growth and stability,” Finland’s Prime Minister Alex Stubb said as he arrived at the second day of an EU summit at which ECB President Mario Draghi will address leaders.

After the euro zone’s revival came to a halt in the second quarter, France and Italy want to shift course away from the spending cuts that marked the bloc’s response to 2009-2012 crisis, but Germany says debt discipline must continue.

The euro zone’s poor performance is becoming a wider concern, with the United States and the International Monetary Fund worrying that the bloc that makes up a fifth of the world economy is a drag on global prosperity.

The debate is complicated by EU rules that seek to keep country’s public finances in order and Germany’s promise to balance its books next year for the first time since 1969.

The European Union’s top economic official renewed the charge against Berlin, saying that without investment the future was bleak for Europe’s biggest economy, even if it is stronger than most.

“All euro area countries have shortages in potential growth, including Germany,” said Jyrki Katainen, the European Commissioner who will become the bloc’s growth tsar from November, tasked with bringing down near record unemployment and sinking investment.  http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-eu-growth-tsar-tells-germany-to-invest-more-no-decision-on-italy/2494736.html

If the UK does not pay, this will show more in the EU that the UK does not want the EU to truly succeed.  Of course, the UK did not cause most of the EU’s problems, and the EU has problems of its own.  There has been, for example, an increase of German investment in the USA (e.g. German companies look overseas as home opportunities fade) that means that less investment is remaining in Germany itself (it also means that the Germany is becoming more of a creditor to the USA and that will not end well for the USA per Habakkuk 2:6-8).  Despite certain German moves, it is the UK that will tend to get blamed more for the immediate short-term issues in the EU, as well as certain longer running problems.

As far as the current situation goes, most likely the UK will file a lawsuit and/or conduct negotiations with the EU to try to reduce/delay the payment surcharge that has now been demanded.  David Cameron will try to do something to claim some type of victory and hope that his nation will not vote to leave the European Union.

The idea of Britain leaving the European Union has been called a “Brexit” or “Brixet” – British exit. Here is a news item I posted here back in February related to that:

The fact of the matter is that “Brexit” happens to make perfect sense for the UK.

There is not going to be a two-speed EU with some countries in the Eurozone and others not. One is going to be either in or out. Sitting on the fence forever won’t happen. Neither French president Francois Hollande nor the UK liberals will allow that. http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/02/rise-of-eurosceptics-in-netherlands.html#Rp3H28DwXxljt5Y1.99

On June 26, 2007, (see Tony Blair a Catholic EU Leader?), I posted the following:

We in the COGs tend to believe that the final beast power will be nominally Catholic (see Europa and the Beast of Revelation)…we in the COGs do believe that Britain will pull out of the EU…

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will not be an equal part of the European Union. Britain will either pull out or be forced out or at least truly lose its sovereignty. The Bible indicates that the end time descendants of the Israelite tribes, because of their national sins, will be taken over and many killed.

Many of the Anglo-Saxon peoples of the UK, USA, etc. that are not killed will to be scattered and many will be made slaves by the final European Beast power(see Hosea 7:11-16; 9:1-17; 11:5-7; 12:1; 13:12-16; see also Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?). That is some of what the Bible shows will happen during the Great Tribulation.

The final European King of the North (Daniel 11:27-40) will take over the UK, USA, and their Anglo-Saxon allies according to Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:39).

While more and more people in the UK are concerned about EU plans, most have no idea how dangerous the rising Beast power in Europe will become (cf. Revelation 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39). Britain will ultimately NOT thrive as part of the EU but will be taken over by the final European Beast power.

No matter how much of a surcharge the UK may or may not pay, it will not be able to stop this.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
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?
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon 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? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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?
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.
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
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?
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?

Liberius, Bishop of Rome from 352-366 A.D.

COGwriter

While the Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants like to act like every “Christian” long believed in the trinity, (even though that doctrine was not finalized for them until a council in 381 A.D.), the truth is that even the primary leaders of the Romans and Greeks denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit as late as the mid-4th century.

The Cathecism of the Catholic Church admits the doctrine was not finalized until 381:

245 The apostolic faith concerning the Spirit was announced by the second ecumenical council at Constantinople (381) (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 72).

At least one Protestant trinitarian scholar has admitted some facts about the Holy Spirit as well as the 381 date:

The language of the New Testament permits the Holy Spirit to be understood as an impersonal force or influence more readily than it does the Son…The attempt to develop an understanding of the Holy Spirit consistent with the trinitarian passages…came to fruition at Constantinople in 381. (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, p. 140).

And an Orthodox scholar teaches that its church from 381 onwards accepted the personhood/divinity of the Holy Spirit:

Since the Council of Constantinople (381), which condemned the Pneumatomachians (“fighters against the Spirit”), no one in the Orthodox East has ever denied that the Spirit is not only a “gift” but also the giver–i.e., that he is the third Person of the holy Trinity” (Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Raska and Prizren. Basic Doctrines: Holy Spirit. http://www.kosovo.com/doctrine1.html#Holy%20Spirit 8/20/05).

But what is also interesting is that many, if not most, in the mid-4th century (including the Patriarch of the Orthodox and the “Pope” of the Roman Catholics”) considered denying the divinity of the Holy Spirit to be sound doctrinally!

Did you know that?

Notice what The Catholic Encyclopedia states,

Semiarians and Semiarianism
A name frequently given to the conservative majority in the East in the fourth century…showing that the very name of father implies a son of like substance…rejected the Divinity of the Holy Ghost (Chapman J. Transcribed by Douglas J. Potter. Semiarians and Semiarianism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIII. Published 1912. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, February 1, 1912. Remy Lafort, D.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Towards the middle of the fourth century, Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople, and, after him a number of Semi-Arians, while apparently admitting the Divinity of the Word, denied that of the Holy Ghost (Forget J. Transcribed by W.S. French, Jr. Holy Ghost. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII. Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, June 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

The expression “the East” refers to the area also known as Asia Minor. It was always at least as important as Rome among those that professed Christ for the previous centuries (as well as for many later centuries)–and notice that MOST of those living there WERE Semi-Arian–including Macedonius, who is in the list of successors of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (the primary “see”, if you will, within the Eastern Orthodox faith). But the Orthodox (who like to claim that theirs is the original church and that it did not change) do not seem to realize that their leaders and members WERE NOT trinitarian until the late 4th century.

Although later Roman Catholic writers have had many definitions of those that they called Pneumatomachi or “Semi-Arians” (most of which disagree with the Church of God position), one that somewhat defines the view held in the early church would possibly be this one written by Epiphanius in the mid-4th Century,

Semi-Arians…hold the truly orthodox view of the Son, that he was forever with the Father…but has been begotten without beginning and not in time…But all of these blaspheme the Holy Spirit, and do not count him in the Godhead with the Father and the Son (Epiphanius. The Panarion of Epiphanius of Salamis, Books II and III (Sects 47-80), De Fide). Section VI, Verses 1,1 and 1,3. Translated by Frank Williams. EJ Brill, New York, 1994, pp.471-472).

According to The Catholic Encylopedia, at least one 4th century Pope acknowledged soundness of the faith of the Pneumatomachi:

Pneumatomachi…The majority of this sect were clearly orthodox on the Consubstantiality of the Son; they had sent a deputation from the Semi-Arian council of Lampsacus (364 A.D.) to Pope Liberius, who after some hesitation acknowledged the soundness of their faith; but with regard to the Third Person, both pope and bishops were satisfied with the phrase: “We believe in the Holy Ghost” (Arendzen, John. “Pneumatomachi.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 12. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 11 Jul. 2008 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12174a.htm>)

So, it should be abundantly clear that until the latter part of the 4th century, many (if not most) who professed Christ in Asia Minor and even Rome held to some type of a binitarian view and at least one Pope (Liberius) and one Patriarch (Macedonius) accepted that as sound. Have you been taught this before?

Here is more on “Pope” Liberius (the bishops of Rome did not actually take the title “Pope” until about 30 years after Liberius). It is also recorded:

Liberius (352-366)…the signing of a document that contained a formulation very close to the Arian thesis…he was criticized by many (Athanasius, Hilary of Poiters, Jerome) who saw this submission as a weakness due to fear of death (Lopes A. Translation by Charles Nopar. The Popes. Pontifical Administration, Rome, 1997, p. 12).

The Catholic Saint Jerome, while discussing Arian and anti-Arian writings wrote:

Fortunatianus, an African by birth, bishop of Aquilia during the reign of Constantius, composed brief Commentaries on the gospels arranged by chapters, written in a rustic style, and is held in detestation because, when Liberius bishop of Rome was driven into exile for the faith, he was induced by the urgency of Fortunatianus to subscribe to heresy. (Jerome. De Viris Illustribus (On Illustrious Men), Chapter 97).

So, it seems that while later Catholics believe that Liberius was pressured to appear to be Semi-Arian from imperial forces, that perhaps he was simply persuaded (or perhaps even was always Semi-Arian). Would a true “apostolic successor” hold a position that is now condemned by his own church as heresy?

If not, then Liberius (as only one such example) disproves the notion of an unbroken succession of bishops from Peter–hence Liberius is one more example of why the Catholics truly do not have apostolic succession (Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople, also is another that disproves the Orthodox claim to succession–there were other Orthodox “Patriarchs’ who held similar views).

But the fact is that at least one bishop of Rome (Liberius), one bishop of Constantinople (Macedonius), and many other 4th century Greco-Roman bishops were still, at least partially, Semi-Arian–that is, they denied that the Holy Spirit was the third divine person in a trinity.

While those in the actual Church of God do believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), we do not believe that the Holy Spirit is the third divine person in a trinity as a council in 381 declared.

Even trinitarian scholars understand that the Holy Spirit is not biblically shown to be clearly a person. Notice the following written by a modern Orthodox scholar:

Roman Catholic and Orthodox theologians agree in recognizing a certain anonymity characterizes the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. While the names Father and Son denote very clear personal distinctions, are in no sense interchangeable, and cannot in any case refer to the common nature of the two hypostases, the name Holy Spirit does not have that advantage. Indeed, we say that God is Spirit, meaning by that the common nature as much as any one of the persons. We say that he is holy…Taken in itself, the term Holy Spirit thus might be applied, not to a personal distinction…In that sense, Thomas Aquinas was right in saying that…the name Holy Spirit has been given to him…we find an image of the economy of the Third Person rather than an image of his hypostatic character: we find the procession of a divine force or spirit which accomplishes sanctification. We reach a paradoxical conclusions: all that we know about the Holy Spirit refers to his economy; all that we do not know makes us venerate him as a person (Clendenin D.B. ed. Eastern Orthodox Theology, 2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2003, pp. 165-166).

The above is quite an astounding admission! The main trinitarian groups admit that the Holy Spirit is simply a procession of a divine force and that it is venerated as a person based upon what scripture does not say.

Did you know all of this? If not, perhaps you had better look into this further.

Articles of related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? Or did they have a different view?
Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning Is binitarianism the correct position? What about unitarianism or trinitarianism?
Is The Father God? What is the view of the Bible? What was the view of the early church?
Jesus is God, But Was Made Man Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what?
Virgin Birth: Does the Bible Teach It? What does the Bible teach? What is claimed in The Da Vinci Code?
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it?
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning This is a shorter article than the Binitarian View article, but has a little more information on binitarianism.
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.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the 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?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. A related sermon link would be Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

COGwriter

Miderm elections in the USA are scheduled to take place on November 4, 2014 and Republicans are expected to make some gains:

October 23, 2014

The president is a drag on his party in the upcoming midterms. Candidates are distancing themselves from the Oval Office occupant. And the president has lost the magic that propelled him into the White House. Are we talking again about President Obama? Actually, we’re talking about almost every president since World War II, especially those in their sixth year in office — the so-called “Six-Year Itch.” Consider these headlines over the past three decades:

• “Campaigner in Chief Has Limited Reach; An Unpopular President Avoids Many Key Races” (Washington Post, 11/1/2006)
• “US elections Bush factor is proving a negative for voters and candidates along the campaign trail” (The Guardian, 10/17/2006)
• “Clinton’s troubles reemerge as election issue” (The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, 11/2/1998)
• “Reagan’s coattails are frayed, Democrats say” (AP, 11/1/1986)
• “The Great Communicator Fizzles” (Evans & Novak, 10/31/1986)

This isn’t to dismiss the political problems surrounding Obama and his party heading into next month’s contests. But it is a reminder that the party controlling the White House almost always loses seats in a midterm election.  http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/first-read/history-lesson-midterms-arent-kind-party-white-house-n232236

The NBC piece is intended to lower expectations so that the White House will not be blamed for the expected result of the upcoming elections.

Might possible Republican gains make any difference?

Yes.

Republican gains in midterm elections during the Clinton Administration did end up affecting legislation.  And the cooperation between the Clinton Administration and Congress led to certain economic and other legislation.

Whether Barack Obama will be as open in his last two year to cooperation with Congress as Bill Clinton was will be seen.  Sometimes cooperation happens when both parties feel that they have little choice.  Whether or not this cooperation will truly be helpful for the USA remains to be seen.

Will possible Republican gains make any important spiritual difference?

Probably not.

Notice comments from one pundit:

Could Republican’s win big on Election Day and still be behind the ball in the grand scheme of things? Mark Steyn seems to think so.

According to the conservative columnist, even though conservatives and Republicans may do well on Nov. 4, liberals are winning the other 364 days throughout the year, or the “culture stakes,” with tremendous effect on our society.

“Election Day is one day a year, and the culture is the other 364 days a year,” said Steyn. “So if you’re not in there competing in the schools, competing in the pop culture, competing in the media, competing in the main-line churches, then the air we breathe becomes liberal.”

“That’s the default setting in society. Whoever gets elected on a Tuesday morning in November doesn’t actually make much difference.” …

The left is brilliant at framing the debate,” Steyn told Kilmeade, noting specific buzz words for being “anti-women,” “racist,” and “homophobic,” according to the left.

“When you let the left win the language wars…when you make it impossible even to bring up those subjects, you basically ensure that you’re going to lose no matter who wins in November,” he concluded. http://dailycaller.com/2014/10/20/mark-steyn-doesnt-matter-if-gop-win-midterms-liberals-winning-other-364-days-culture-wars-video/

I saw Mark Steyn on the news last night.  He basically stated that the Republicans may well gain seats in the midterms, but “the liberals are winning the culture war.”

And to a major degree he is correct.  The ‘conservatives’ have not been able to get the nation to repent from officially embracing many practices that the Bible shows are sinful.

Furthermore, consider that if Barack Obama nominates someone for the US Supreme Court, he would only propose an individual who he felt would be pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage.  Republicans in Congress will not stop that.  They may sometimes stop certain nominees, but whoever President Obama would nominate would be pushing at least those anti-biblical objectives.

While there are some Republicans standing up against abortion and the homosexual agenda, they are getting fewer and fewer.  These are simply not positions that most Republicans will risk re-election for.  Hence, Republicans will go along with, and not reverse, the overall trend in the USA to go the wrong direction.

I would add that Republicans have other problems of their own, but I am mainly trying to address the reality that Republican gains in the midterms are not expected to change the moral direction of the country.  Nor will they turn back the outrage that the Europeans have over the USA’s espionage.  Nor will they be able to eliminate the debt that will be a factor in the coming destruction of the USA (Habakkuk 2:6-8) by the Europeans (Daniel 11:39).

What the USA needs is national repentance, the return of Jesus Christ, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God.

Potential Republican victories this November will not change what the USA really needs.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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? Here is a link to a related YouTube video Can you see the ‘Handwriting on the Wall’?
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
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.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
Do Christians Sin? This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong.
Overcoming Sin What is sin? How are Christians suppose to overcome it? Here is a link to a version in Mandarin Chinese: 克服是重要的. Here is also a link to a video in English titled How to Overcome Sin.
How to Prevent Sin This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong. Here is a version in Mandarin: 如何不犯罪
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.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
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-Saxon lands. What are some of the consequences?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
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.

Canadian Parliament Building, Ottawa

COGwriter

Canada got hit with a terrorist incident, its second attack by Islamic converts this week:

October 23, 2014

The man who stormed Canada’s government complex Wednesday, killing a soldier and sending Ottawa into an all-out panic, was a small-time criminal who recently converted to Islam and desperately wanted to move to the Middle East, according to reports.

Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, the 32-year-old whose morning raid on Parliament Hill ended when a sergeant-at-arms gunned him down as he was unleashing a fusillade of bullets in the halls of Canada’s federal government, had recently undergone a religious awakening that left at least one friend alarmed. “We were having a conversation in a kitchen, and I don’t know how he worded it: He said the devil is after him,” Dave Bathurst told the newspaper. “I think he must have been mentally ill.”…

Witnesses said an armed Zehaf-Bibeau drove to the Ottawa complex just before 10 a.m Wednesday, jumped out of a Toyota with no license plates and ran to the National War Memorial, where he shot a soldier later identified as Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. The 25-year-old father of a six-year-old boy, who was a member of Canada’s Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders regiment, died later at Civic Hospital.

Zehaf-Bibeau then ran to the East Block of Parliament Hill, firing more shots and sending politicians, journalists and other workers scattering, although no one else was killed…

The raid came just one day after Canada raised its terror alert and two days after another jihadist convert, Martin Couture-Rouleau, killed uniformed Canadian soldier Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent in a hit-and-run in Quebec that police believe was intentional. Couture-Rouleau, who was shot to death by police, had recently had his passport seized to bar him from travelling to the Middle East to join the Islamic State.

Canada rasied its alert level after the attack, and cited chatter from Islamic State sources calling on supporters to strike back at Canada in retaliation for its decision to join coalition forces performing airstrikes in Iraq.  http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/10/23/ottawa-gunman-displayed-possible-mental-illness-knew-homegrown-jihadist/

October 23, 2014

Canada’s prime minister says that his country “will never be intimidated” following attacks this week in Ottawa and near Montreal that have killed two soldiers.

In a televised address Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the attacks are reminders that Canada is not immune to terrorism and vowed to “redouble” efforts to identify and counter threats. …

Little is known about the assailant, identified as ex-convict Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, 32, who was fatally shot inside parliament by Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers.

According to those present, many fled the complex by scrambling down scaffolding erected for renovations, while others took cover inside and barricaded doors with chairs as police with rifles and body armor took up positions outside and cordoned off the normally bustling streets around Parliament.

Police and witnesses, including parliament members, said they heard about 10 shots before the police moved in. …

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, in a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, appeared to link the attack to Canada’s participation in the U.S.-led air campaign against the Islamic State group.

Earlier this week, a man whom the prime minister described as a Muslim convert who had been “radicalized” drove a car into two Canadian soldiers in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, about 40 kilometers southeast of Montreal, killing one.

President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Prime Minister Harper after Wednesday’s attacks and said it was important for U.S. and Canadian counterterrorism authorities to continue working in sync. …

Canadian authorities have yet to determine the motive for the Wednesday shooting, which came as Canadian warplanes prepared to join the U.S.-led operation bombarding Islamist militants in Iraq.  http://www.voanews.com/content/canada-parliament-shooting-terrorist-attack/2493355.html

Ottawa, Canada (CNN) — It was a surprise, even for a journalist, to be driving down Wellington Street, the city’s ceremonial thoroughfare, and to find myself swept into the chaotic aftermath of a disaster. I was rushing to a television studio at mid-morning and passing by the National War Memorial, just minutes after the shooting. A solider was down.

Police were closing streets, stopping traffic, barking orders, brandishing machine guns, fingers on triggers. They soon imposed a lockdown, lasting until mid-afternoon. It is from that confinement that I began writing this.

This is not supposed to happen in Canada — much less Ottawa, its sleepy, self-absorbed capital.

Sentries do not die on duty at the National War Memorial in this, our season of remembrance. Politicians do not cower in the committee rooms of Parliament, as its Gothic hallways ring with gunfire. Sharpshooters do not take up position on oxidized copper rooftops nearby, looking for men with long rifles.

This is Canada, once known as “the Peaceable Kingdom.” Now we have learned, like so many other countries, that terrible, unsentimental reality of the 21st century: It can happen here.  http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/22/opinion/cohen-ottawa-shooting-lockdown/

Of course, terrorism can take place in Canada.  And Canada will experience more terrorism.  Those associated with the Islamic State reportedly are celebrating the attack in Canada.  Here is one limited report:

Wednesday’s killing of Cpl. Nathan Frank Cirilloin the heart of Canada’s capital showed, even simple attacks can elicit the widespread panic and attention these groups crave.

Many details about Cirillo’s killing and the motives of the shooter, identified as Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, are still unknown. Was there any connection to Martin Couture-Rouleau, 25, who killed 53-year-old Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent Monday in a hit-and-run in Quebec? Did Zehaf-Bibeau have any ties abroad?

But no matter the connections, followers of the Islamic State (also known as ISIS and ISIL) benefited from the worldwide attention as they gloated on social media soon after Cirillo’s death. “Canada getting a taste of their own medicine?” wrote one. Another prolific ISIS supporter wrote: “Canada starting to pay the price of intervention.” …

Amarnath Amarasingam, a post-doctoral fellow at Dalhousie University’s Resilience Research Centre, who has been studying Canadian ISIS recruits, says Wednesday’s attack perfectly suited the group’s narrative. “They’re calling for Muslims to defend the Islamic State but if they can’t travel, then Muslims around the world are to attack at home to support the caliphate.” http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/10/22/islamic_states_call_for_domestic_attacks_has_troubled_security_officials.html

Terrorism is wrong and should not be celebrated nor encouraged.  Yet, more terrorism is expected as terrorism is prophesied:

25 The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be terror within (Deuteronomy 32:25).

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches…19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. (Psalms 73:12,19)

12 “Cry and wail, son of man; For it will be against My people, Against all the princes of Israel. Terrors including the sword will be against My people; Therefore strike your thigh. (Ezekiel 21:12)

14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, 15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, 16 I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you. (Leviticus 26:14-17)

Canada is not the only nation to be hit in the future.  The other Anglo-Saxon nations (UK, Australia, and New Zealand) are also subject to future terrorism.

And the USA had another attack at the White House:

October 23, 2014

An intruder scaled the White House fence Wednesday, but was quickly pounced on by guard dogs in the latest scare since an armed man made it into the executive mansion last month.

Secret Service officials said Dominic Adesanya, 23, of Bel Air, Md., climbed over the fence near the North Lawn of the White House at 7:16 p.m., but was quickly subdued by K-9 units.

Adesanya kicked one of the dogs, but a second one stopped him and Secret Service agents tackled him, officials said.

“The dog got him,” a Secret Service spokesman said.

… Dominic Adesanya’s father said the 23-year-old suffers from mental illness.  http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/white-house-fence-jumper-caught-k-9-units-article-1.1983964

Both the Canadian and American attackers were accused of having ‘mental illness.’  While that may be case, both were spiritually ill. Yet, they both attacked.

More attacks and terrors are coming.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? Here is a link to a related video video: Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
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 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? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon 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? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
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?
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.

The old Worldwide Church of God used to own the above buildings, which since have been demolished.

COGwriter

I received two reports that John Halford, a minister in Grace Communion International (GCI), as well as formerly of the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG), died.

Here is one report someone sent me this morning:

Victor Kubik

Sobered by the death of John Halford last night.

I never knew John Halford well, though I did speak with him a couple of times. He was friendly, but disappointed me on something related to Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20 decades ago.

John Halford had been editor of Christian Odyssey, a GCI publication.

Of course, I disagree with those who accepted the basically Protestant changes that the Tkach Administrations imposed on the old WCG and then GCI. But some, like John Halford, accepted them and promoted them.

Those interested in the true church may find the following of interest:

Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it? Here is a related article in the Spanish language: Unidad: ¿Cuál Iglesia de Dios para usted?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! [Português: Esperança do salvação: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes]
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed?
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the genuine Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example? Here is a related sermon video: Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong: Reformers with Differences.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.

Is Halloween for Christians? Actor Kirk Cameron thinks so:

In light of his new film “Saving Christmas,” Kirk Cameron is also speaking out on Halloween celebrations, urging Christians to get into the spooky spirit this year.

“Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas” hits select theaters on Nov. 14,… Cameron addressed the same theories as they are applied to Halloween, clarifying why Christians “should have the biggest Halloween party on your block.”

“The real origins have a lot to do with All Saints Day and All Hallows Eve,” the actor told The Christian Post. “If you go back to old church calendars, especially Catholic calendars, they recognize the holiday All Saints Day, with All Hallows Eve the day before, when they would remember the dead. That’s all tied in to Halloween.”

Moreover, the “Unstoppable” star went on to cite the meaning behind dressing up in frightening costumes on Halloween, clarifying the meaning of Oct. 31.

“When you go out on Halloween and see all people dressed in costumes and see someone in a great big bobble head Obama costume with great big ears and an Obama face, are they honoring him or poking fun?” Cameron asked.

“They are poking fun at him,” the actor said, answering his own question before comparing the concept of costumes to early Christianity.

“Early on, Christians would dress up in costumes as the devil, ghosts, goblins and witches precisely to make the point that those things were defeated and overthrown by the resurrected Jesus Christ,” Cameron continued. “The costumes poke fun at the fact that the devil and other evils were publicly humiliated by Christ at His resurrection. That’s what the Scriptures say, that He publicly humiliated the devil when He triumphed over power and principality and put them under his feet. Over time you get some pagans who want to go this is our day, high holy day of Satanic church, that this is all about death, but Christians have always known since the first century that death was defeated, that the grave was overwhelmed, that ghosts, goblins, devils are foolish has-beens who used to be in power but not anymore. That’s the perspective Christians should have. http://www.christianpost.com/news/kirk-cameron-on-halloween-christians-should-have-the-biggest-party-on-the-block-128345/

The perspective real Christians should have is what does the Bible teach and what did early Christians do?

The Bible condemns pagan celebrations and early Christians did NOT dress up as witches and devils.  Kirk Cameron, not only overlooks this, he seems to be a pushing more a more ‘ecumenical’ and anti-biblical view of what he calls Christianity.

As far as Halloween goes, the Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce a sermon which is at its ContinuingCOG channel.  It addresses the truth about this day.

1:04:33

Halloween: Is it for Christians?

Although it is not a holiday in the Bible, some at ‘Christianity Today’ and others who profess Christ endorse Halloween. The Church of Rome endorsed it centuries ago, but later the Vatican seemed to have a somewhat different view. Various cultures seems to have some practices now associated with Halloween. Is Halloween appropriate for Christians and their children to celebrate? Does the Bible endorse or condemn practices that are associated with Halloween?

Here is another link to the sermon: Halloween: Is it for Christians?

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
International ‘Halloween’ Should Christians observe Halloween? There are many cultures that have celebrations and observances that are similar to some associated with Halloween. What did the Druids do? Is Halloween one of the most important holidays for Satanists? Do the Japanese, Indians, and Chinese have any practices that are similar to some associated with Halloween? Does the Bible endorse or condemn practices that are associated with Halloween? This is a video.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!
All Saints’ Day, the Day of the Dead, and All Souls’ Day When did “All Saints Day” and the “Day of the Dead” begin? “What about All Soul’s Day”?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days. (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Calendario Anual de Adoración –Una crítica basada en la Biblia y en la Historia: ¿Hay un Calendario Anual de Adoración en la Biblia?
Hanukkah Originally a Jewish national holiday, has Hanukkah morphed into a Jewish Christmas?
Canadian & Philadelphian Mummers Parades: Another tie to Saturnalia In Canada there is a ’12 days of Christmas’ celebration involving Mummers. In Philadelphia, a parade is held on New Years. Does this come from the Bible or where?
Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
How did December 25th become Christmas? Was Jesus born then? If not, why December 25? Here is the article translated into Mandarin Chinese 12月25日最后是怎么被许多基督的信仰者采纳的.
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god? Here is a link to a related sermon: What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
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?
Continuing History of the Church of God This free pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. A related sermon link would be Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.