Church of God News

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (Firdavs Kulolov)

COGwriter

The Gentile organization called Shanghai Cooperation Organization is meeting:

Much ado about nothing

Despite its carefully choreographed pledges of solidarity, the SCO summit in Tianjin is unlikely to usher in a new world order

31 August 2025

The summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, China, from 31 August to 1 September, will be the organisation’s largest gathering of heads of state to date. It comes at a time when the existing liberal international order is rapidly disintegrating. But rather than offering a concrete new order, the SCO demonstrates the persistent difficulties that anti-liberal powers such as China and Russia have in agreeing and implementing a credible alternative. …

If measured by population of its core member states, it is the world’s largest regional organisation.

Size clearly matters, but in the case of the SCO it creates problems rather than contributing to their resolution.  …

The marked difference to these previous summits is, of course, US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

On the one hand, Trump has demonstrated the near-irrelevance of the SCO as a security player compared to the indispensability of the US when it comes to managing crises, such as those between India and Pakistan, Armenia and Azerbaijan and Cambodia and Thailand.

On the other hand, Trump’s weaponisation of trade has created a new dynamic within the SCO. https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2025/08/31/much-ado-about-nothing-en

China’s Xi rolls out the red carpet for Putin and Modi as Trump upends global relations

Tianjin, China  — 

Autocrats, populists, friends and foes, a strongman waging a war in Europe and the leader of the world’s biggest democracy will all be hosted by Chinese leader Xi Jinping this weekend at a summit designed to showcase Beijing as a global leader capable of providing a counterweight to Western institutions.

Heads of state and delegations from across Asia and the Middle East will meet from Sunday in the Chinese port city of Tianjin for the two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional security grouping that has emerged as a cornerstone of Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s drive to rebalance global power in their favor.

Chinese officials have billed the summit as the SCO’s largest yet, with the diplomacy and pageantry setting the stage for Xi to tout his country as a stable and powerful alternative leader at a time when the world’s leading superpower the United States under President Donald Trump is shaking up its alliances and waging a global trade war. …

SCO members – which include China, Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan – preside over vast swaths of global energy reserves and govern some 40% of the global population. https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/30/china/chinas-xi-rolls-out-red-carpet-for-putin-modi-as-trump-upends-global-relations

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged on Sunday to settle their border differences and bolster cooperation in their landmark meeting ahead of the opening of a regional summit in Tianjin. https://www.euronews.com/2025/08/31/chinas-xi-and-indias-modi-vow-stronger-ties-in-landmark-meeting-ahead-regional-summit

While some see that the SCO will lead a “new world order,” Bible prophecy shows that Europe will, although the Bible also points to the SCO powers ultimately destroying the coming Babylonian European Beast power.

For years, the SCO has been looking to bypass the USA and its dollar as the following tweet helps demonstrate:

#Lavrov encourages greater use of national currencies and less of the #Dollar in rapidly expanding #SCO trade – “there should be a roadmap of transitions to broader use of national currencies”. https://t.co/XBvAHcnPHH pic.twitter.com/rO3N709MaG

— tim anderson (@timand2037) July 30, 2022

Notice more specifics related to a previous SCO meeting:

The SCO and other pan-Eurasian organizations play a completely different – respectful, consensual – ball game. And that’s why they are catching the full attention of most of the Global South.

What happened in Tashkent was predictably unreported across the collective West and still not digested across great swathes of the East.

So once again it’s up to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to cut to the chase. The world’s foremost diplomat – amidst the tragic drama of the American-concocted Era of Non-Diplomacy, Threats and Sanctions – has singled out the two overlapping main themes propelling the SCO as one of the key organizations on the path towards Eurasia integration.

1. Interconnectivity and “the creation of efficient transport corridors”. The War of Economic Corridors is one of the key features of the 21st
2. Drawing “the roadmap for the gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements.”

Yet it was in the Q@A session that Lavrov for all practical purposes detailed all the major trends in the current, incandescent state of international relations. These are the key takeaways.

How comfortable are you with the US dollar?

Africa:

“We agreed that we will submit to the leaders for consideration proposals on specific actions to switch to settlements in national currencies. I think that everyone will now think about it. Africa already has a similar experience: common currencies in some sub-regional structures, which, nevertheless, by and large, are pegged to Western ones. From 2023, a continental free trade zone will start functioning on the African continent. A logical step would be to reinforce it with currency agreements.”

Belarus – and many others – eager to join the SCO:

“There is a broad consensus on the Belarusian candidacy (…) I felt it today. There are a number of contenders for the status of observer, dialogue partner. Some Arab countries show such interest, as do Armenia, Azerbaijan and a number of Asian states.”

Grain diplomacy:

“In regard to the issue of Russian grain, it was the American sanctions that did not allow the full implementation of the signed contracts due to the restrictions imposed: Russian ships are prohibited from entering a number of ports, there is a ban on foreign ships entering Russian ports to pick up export cargo, and insurance rates have gone up (…) Financial chains are also interrupted by illegitimate US and EU sanctions. In particular, Rosselkhozbank, through which all the main settlements for food exports pass, was one of the first to be included in the sanctions list. UN Secretary General A. Guterres has committed to removing these barriers to addressing the global food crisis. Let’s see.”

Taiwan:

“We do not discuss this with our Chinese colleague. Russia’s position on having only one China remains unchanged. The United States periodically confirms the same line in words, but in practice their ‘deeds’ do not always coincide with words. We have no problem upholding the principle of Chinese sovereignty.”

Should the SCO abandon the US dollar?

“Each SCO country must decide for itself how comfortable it feels to rely on the dollar, taking into account the absolute unreliability of this currency for possible abuses. The Americans have used this more than once in relation to a number of states.”

Why the SCO matters:

“There are no leaders and followers in the SCO. There are no situations in the organization like in NATO, when the US and its closest allies impose one line or another on all other members of the alliance. In the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the situation that we are currently seeing in the EU does not arise: sovereign countries are literally being ‘knocked out’, demanding that they either stop buying gas or reduce its consumption in violation of national plans and interests.”

Lavrov was also keen to stress how “other structures in the Eurasian space, for example, the EAEU and BRICS, are based and operate on the same principles” of the SCO. And he referred to the crucial cooperation with the 10 member-nations of ASEAN.

Thus he set the stage for the clincher:

“All these processes, in interconnection, help to form the Greater Eurasian Partnership, which President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly spoken about. We see in them a benefit for the entire population of the Eurasian continent.” 07/31/22 https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/escobar-how-comfortable-are-you-us-dollar

The SCO, and other Gentile groups like BRICS (see BRICS was created as a tool to attack US dollar dominance as former Brazilian president states), want to push aside the USA dollar.

And now with the tariffs from the Trump Administration, places like China and India are even more motivated to get around USA influences.

Here is something from the SCO website in the past:

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an intergovernmental organization founded in Shanghai on 15 June 2001. The SCO currently comprises eight Member States (China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan), four Observer States interested in acceding to full membership (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia) and six “Dialogue Partners” (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey). In 2021, the decision was made to start the accession process of Iran to the SCO as a full member, and Egypt, Qatar as well as Saudi Arabia became dialogue partners. https://dppa.un.org/en/shanghai-cooperation-organization#:~:text=The%20SCO%20currently%20comprises%20eight,Cambodia%2C%20Nepal%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%20and

There is a push for Eurasian cooperation (EAEU–Eurasian Economic union) as well as cooperation with Gentile nations in Africa and Latin America (BRICS).

China’s “One Belt, One Road,” also called the ‘Silk Road’ project is expected to help connect all these regions–via land and sea ports in Europe and Asia and via sea ports in Africa and Latin America.

While the European Union is not part of Asia, it would like to cooperate more with the Eurasian Economic Union, BRICS, and the SCO. A de facto coordination of Gentile powers against the Anglo-Americans is occurring.

Based upon several biblical prophecies, I believe that the Asians and Europeans will cooperate, for a time, and eliminate the USA and its Anglo-Saxon descended allies. They will divide their lands among them per Daniel 11:39, and many of the survivors will be made slaves (for more detail check out the article Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?).

Notice also the following prophecies from the Old and New Testaments:

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

23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:23-24)

2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. (Revelation 11:2)

Notice that Ezekiel, Jesus (whose words are recorded in Luke), and John (who penned Revelation) were talking about the same time.

The time of Gentile domination is prophesied (Ezekiel 7:24, 30:1-3, 34:25-30; Jeremiah 10:25; Luke 21:23-24; Revelation 11:2)–though it is not quite here yet. It will be here for the 3 1/2 years of the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.

The Great Tribulation itself is further described in Revelation 6:9-11 (the fifth seal, that seems to occur because the faithful church has suffered martyrdom, cf. Daniel 11:31-35; Matthew 24:9-10), Lamentations, Daniel, and other parts of the Bible. It starts with Matthew 24:21 and Daniel 11:39.

Some would call this World War III (WWIII; see also World War III: Steps in Progress and/or watch Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?).

What is commonly known as ‘Armageddon’ could perhaps be called WWIV.

The term Armageddon is only used once in the Bible. It is the sixth of seven bowls of God’s wrath:

1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.” (Revelation 16:1)

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

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

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

For them to gather, they must cross over land to get to Armageddon. China’s Silk Road project will make this easier.

The kings of the east reference refers to Asian nations, including Russia, whose border extends to the farthest parts of the east.

50:41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands grow feeble;
Anguish has taken hold of him,
Pangs as of a woman in childbirth…”(Jeremiah 50:41-43).

Russia is in the north and is in the northern and eastern ends of the earth. Looking at the maps at the beginning of this post, you will see other nations that border Russia or are otherwise involved with it.

Notice also that the Bible shows Babylon tied together with birth pains/pangs to a group from a far country:

1 The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.
2 “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, Raise your voice to them; Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. 3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger–Those who rejoice in My exaltation.” 4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, Like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts musters The army for battle. 5 They come from a far country, From the end of heaven–The LORD and His weapons of indignation, To destroy the whole land. 6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames (Isaiah 13:1-8).

Thus, both the accounts in Jeremiah and Isaiah seem related to the same invaders. This is referring to an end time confederation that has a distance to travel–apparently a type of union of powers from the east including Russia, who is also the major power of the far north.

Furthermore, a “far country” also seems to be tied to the powers of the east elsewhere in Isaiah:

11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. (Isaiah 46:11)

We are seeing steps for such a confederation beginning to come to pass.

When will it end?

The old Worldwide Church of God taught:

With the second coming of Christ, the “times of the Gentiles” will at last come to an end. (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, p. 38)

For the final time of the Gentiles to arise, the Gentiles will need to cooperate together against the USA and its Anglo-Saxon descended allies. The BRICS, EAEU, SCO, and Silk Road arrangements are all intended to do that–as is the European Union–and the nations involved in them are all taking steps which align with properly understood biblical prophecies. A block of nations from North Africa and the Middle East will also be involved (cf. Daniel 11:27, 40-43)–this is something that US, EU, and others have encouraged (see How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About?).

Yet, most in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand do not understand what is now happening on the world scene and how they will be affected.

In the American television news, how often have you seen the Silk Road project, the SCO, or the Eurasian Economic Union mentioned?

The focus of the media is obscuring what is really happening in the world.

We are getting closer to the Great Tribulation as well as Armageddon and steps continue to be taken that are leading to them.

So, what could a Russian dominated group like the EAEU have to do with any of this?

Well the Bible prophesies that a power from the north (Russia) will have many nations with it and one day eliminate the European Babylonian, King of the North, Beast:

9 For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon
An assembly of great nations from the north country,
And they shall array themselves against her;
From there she shall be captured.
Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior;
None shall return in vain. (Jeremiah 50:9)

50:41 Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon. (Jeremiah 50:41-42).

44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. (Daniel 11:44)

1 The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.

2 “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, Raise your voice to them; Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. 3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger–Those who rejoice in My exaltation.” 4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, Like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts musters The army for battle. 5 They come from a far country, From the end of heaven–The LORD and His weapons of indignation, To destroy the whole land. 6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames (Isaiah 13:1-8).

The Bible shows that an end time confederation that has a distance to travel–apparently a type of union of powers from the east including Russia, who is also the major power of the far north–will form.

The “him” and “he” of Daniel 11:44 is the European King of the North. The EAEU is basically north and east of Europe.

And China, who has officially remained outside of the EAEU, is somewhat working with it, is busily working on making roads that cross all over Asia–including roads in nations that are part of the EAEU (watch also Is China paving roads to Armageddon?).

While in the USA, its President Trump is pushing his tariff and America first agendas, Russia, China, India, the EAEU, the SCO, and others are looking at a massive alliance.

USA efforts will NOT stop what is coming and much of which is starting to form before our eyes now.

World events are aligning with properly understood biblical prophecies.

Steps towards Armageddon and the final time of the Gentiles are happening. Yet, most of the mainstream media seems oblivious to this as they do not respect the Bible nor understand how world events are aligning with many of its prophecies.

Related to the SCO, have the following related video:

15:28

Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Prophecy

A Gentile organization known as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) recently met. Statements were made about trade connectivity and risks associated with using the U.S.A. dollar for international payments. The SCO currently comprises eight Member States (China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan), four Observer States interested in acceding to full membership (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia) and six “Dialogue Partners” (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey). In 2021, the decision was made to start the accession process of Iran to the SCO as a full member, and Egypt, Qatar as well as Saudi Arabia became dialogue partners. Some of the objectives are consistent with the BRICS group of nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), which according for former Brazilian President Lula, was formed to bypass the U.S.A. dollar. Are there military aspects associated with the SCO nations? What about China’s One Belt, One Road’ project? What about biblical prophecies involving “Gentiles,” “kings of the east,” “people from the north,” kings “from the ends of the earth,” and Armageddon? What will happen to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, nations in the Middle East, and Europe? Is there bad news before the good news of the Kingdom of God? Steve Dupuie interviews Dr. Thiel about these matters.

Here is a link to the video: Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Prophecy.

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

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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 as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
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?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Four related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code), and Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?
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 are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
The End of US Dollar Dominance Is the USA losing its economic status? What about the petro-gold-yuan? A related video is also available: US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? Japeth, Javan, Magog? Is there evidence that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel? What do Chinese writings and characters help show? What about the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Flood, and the Tower of Babel? Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia? A related sermon is also available: China’s biblical past and prophetic actions.
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? What about the Apostle Thomas? Did Confucius say anything to get the Chinese to possibly consider Christianity? Is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath? What about the Ten Commandments? What type of Church of God witness has there been to China? What has been happening with China that ties it together with prophecies in Revelation? What about the 200 million man army and Armageddon? What about the Belt and Road Initiative and end time Babylon the Great? A related sermon is also available: China’s biblical past and prophetic actions. Watch also China’s Silk Road and Babylon the Great.
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? Here is a link to a related sermon: Asia in Prophecy. Two YouTube video are Is China THE Threat to the United States of America? and China: A King of the East.
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill?  Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill?  Is a Donald Trump presidency proving to be apocalyptic?  Three related videos are available: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic? and Donald Trump’s Prophetic Presidency and  Donald Trump and Unintended Consequences.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?  Is Donald Trump going to save the USA or are there going to be many disastrous unintended consequences of his statements and policies? What will happen. The link takes you to a book available at Amazon.com.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Kindle edition is available for only US$3.99. 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 Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?

COGwriter

A reader from Italy sent me a link today to an article in Italian (https://firmamentum.altervista.org/tag/binitarismo-ebraico/) that I machine-translated into English. Here are some excerpts:

The Two Heavenly Powers in Old Testament Cosmology

10 August 2025

One of the most fascinating and least explored themes in biblical theology is the presence, already in the Old Testament, of a distinction within the divinity of Israel. The idea that the one biblical God manifests himself in more than one “person” does not emerge suddenly in the New Testament, but has deep roots in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves. A careful analysis of the Hebrew text reveals passages in which something unusual occurs that cannot be reduced to a mere literary or poetic device: YHWH acts on behalf of YHWH, prefiguring what Christian theology will understand as the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son.

Unfortunately, many modern translations blur this distinction. … Only by returning to the original text can we grasp how the cosmology of the Hebrew Bible already attests to a “binary” model, to use Hurtado’s words, with an invisible and a visible celestial power, both identified as YHWH.

Genesis 19,24: YHWH by YHWH

The verse in Genesis 19:24, if read in the original Hebrew, is surprising for its seemingly redundant construction. We are in the context of Sodom and Gomorrah being destroyed by YHWH, and the text states with surprising clarity:

And YHWH rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from YHWH out of heaven.

The repetition of the Divine Name is not a stylistic accident, but a theological signal of primary importance. The text is not content to attribute the action to YHWH: it feels the need to specify that it occurred me’et YHWH , “on the part of YHWH.” In other words, the act of judgment comes personally from YHWH “from heaven,” even though it is carried out by another YHWH present on the scene ! This linguistic choice suggests an intentional distinction: a YHWH who acts visibly, in direct interaction with the world, and a YHWH who remains in the heavens, invisible but the ultimate source of the judging action. …

Abraham receives the visit of three men; one of them speaks and acts as YHWH himself, while the other two reveal themselves to be mal’akhim , that is, messengers. This visible YHWH discusses Abraham face to face, accepts hospitality, and announces the impending judgment. In Gen. 19, the scene shifts to Sodom, where the punitive intervention is described with the double formula “YHWH made it rain […] from YHWH,” as if to underline the simultaneity of two divine Powers: one directly involved in the event that invokes fire from heaven (cf. Lk. 9:54; 17:29), the other that sanctions and originates its execution from heaven.

Ancient Jewish tradition did not ignore this peculiarity. The Targum Onqelos faithfully preserves the double mention, without attempting to smooth it over.

Some midrashic commentaries, such as the Bereshit Rabbah , interpret the episode as an act of justice exercised “by the heavenly judge through the earthly judge,” thus maintaining the idea of ​​a dual and distinct operation. In certain circles of Second Temple Judaism, similar texts were used to support the doctrine of the Second Power in Heaven : a celestial figure distinct from but fully identified with YHWH. This doctrine was later rejected by rabbinic Judaism not because it was considered obsolete, but solely because of the “Christocentric” peculiarities that followers of Jesus had seen in it since the first century.

From a Christological perspective, this verse appears as a natural prefiguration of the Father-Son relationship.  … The cases of Gen. 19:24 and Zech. 2:9-11 are perhaps the most striking in showing a YHWH acting in relation to another YHWH. …

It is not a question of reading the New Testament “backwards” into the Tanakh, but of recognizing that the Tanakh itself, in its original language, offers patterns and formulations that prepare the ground for a binitarian understanding of divinity . …

Hosea 1.7: Salvation “through YHWH”

The prophet Hosea, transmitting a divine oracle, records a startling statement:

I will save [it is YHWH who speaks] the house of Judah by the hand of YHWH their God.

The speaker is clearly YHWH, but the expression ba-YHWH Elohehem (through YHWH, their God) implies a mediator who bears the same Divine Name. The sentence structure cannot simply be reduced to a generic self-reference: it is a YHWH who saves through YHWH . …

Visible power and invisible power

The analysis of the texts examined thus far leads us to a fundamental distinction in the representation of YHWH in the Tanakh: that between an invisible presence , dwelling in the heavens, and a visible presence , capable of interacting directly and tangibly with humanity. This distinction is neither marginal nor the product of later theological elaboration: it is a recurring feature of the biblical narrative, deeply rooted in the theological consciousness of Israel.

The invisible YHWH is the One whom, as Exodus 33:20 states, “no one can see and live” (cf. John 1:18; 1 John 4:12). …

Alongside this transcendent presence, the Tanakh testifies to the action of a visible power of YHWH : a personal and tangible manifestation of the God of Israel who appears, speaks, guides, protects, and sometimes fights for His people. …

This dual manifestation—an invisible, transcendent God and His visible, immanent manifestation—is not an idea foreign to ancient Judaism. Some Second Temple Jewish circles (Targumim and Qurmran) elaborated this concept in what later rabbinic literature would call the Second Power in Heaven . …

This concept, far from being a Christian invention, offers fertile ground for understanding the New Testament, where the Son, visible and incarnate, reveals the invisible Father. The apostolic authors did not introduce something new foreign to Old Testament revelation, nor was this idea introduced by subsequent ecumenical councils: rather, they recognized that the Messiah Jesus was the full manifestation of that visible power of YHWH who, since ancient times, had walked alongside humanity.

While I would have cited other scriptures that the above writer did not, yes, the Hebrew scriptures, commonly referred to as the Old Testament, support binitarianism.

And, of course, so does the New Testament and early church writings.

Notice also the following which is in my free ebook Mysteries of God. What is God?:

Scholars on Binitarian Formulas

Regarding the New Testament statements on the components of the Godhead, a trinitarian scholar, William Rusch has admitted:

The binitarian formulas are found in Rom. 8:11, 2 Cor. 4:14, Gal. 1:1, Eph. 1:20, 1 Tim 1:2, 1 Pet. 1:21, and 2 John 1:3 … No doctrine of the Trinity in the Nicene sense is present in the New Testament …

There is no doctrine of the Trinity in the strict sense in the Apostolic Fathers … (Rusch WG. The Trinitarian Controversy. Fortress Press, Phil., 1980, pp. 2-3).

Thus, a trinitarian scholar admits that the New Testament uses what he calls binitarian formulas and no doctrine of the Nicene trinity was found in the writings of those called “Apostolic Fathers.” Trinitarianism was simply not part of the original Christian faith.

Notice also:

“The term ‘Trinity’ is not a Biblical term, and we are not using Biblical language when we define what is expressed by it as the doctrine” (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, article “Trinity,” p. 3012).

Not only is the word “Trinity” never found in the Bible, there is no substantive proof such a doctrine is even indicated.

In a recent book on the Trinity, Catholic theologian Karl Rahner recognizes that theologians in the past have been “…embarrassed by the simple fact that in reality the Scriptures do not explicitly present a doctrine of the ‘imminent’ Trinity (even John’s prologue is no such doctrine)” (The Trinity, p. 22). (Author’s emphasis.)

Other theologians also recognize the fact that the first chapter of John’s Gospel — the prologue — clearly shows the pre-existence and divinity of Christ and does not teach the doctrine of the Trinity. After discussing John’s prologue, Dr. William Newton Clarke writes: “There is no Trinity in this; but there is a distinction in the Godhead, a duality in God. This distinction or duality is used as basis for the idea of an only-begotten Son, and as key to the possibility of an incarnation” (Outline of Christian Theology, P. 167).

The first chapter of John’s Gospel clearly shows the pre-existence of Christ. It also illustrates the duality of God. (Johnson G. Is God a Trinity? Ambassador College Press, 1973, p. 9)

Here is something from a Roman Catholic scholar:

… nowhere does the Bible normally and explicitly state the doctrine of the Trinity, … the doctrine is clearly a development … (Sungenis RA. NOT BY SCRIPTURE ALONE A Catholic Critique of the Protestant Doctrine of Sola Scriptura, 2^nd ed. NIHIL OBSTAT Monsignor Carroll E. Satterfield Censor Librorum, IMPRIMATUR Monsignor W. Francis Malooly Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, 1997. Catholic Apologetics International Publishing, 2013, pp. 76-77)

Notice also:

According to Harnack, the Christian concept of the trinity developed … At first, only the duplex formula “God and Christ” existed … later, the Holy Ghost was added. (Ott L. Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, 4^th edition 1960. Nihil Obstat: Jeremiah O’Sullivan. Imprimatur: +Cornelius, Ep. Corgagienis et Ap. Adm. Roseensis, 7 October 1954. TanBooks reprint 1974, p. 52)

Notice the scholarly admission (Dr. Harnack was a Protestant scholar) that, “At first, only the duplex formula “God and Christ” existed.” The word “duplex” comes from the Latin word meaning “double” or “twofold.” In other words, we are seeing another admission that some version of binitarianism, NOT trinitarianism, was how the Godhead was viewed by early Christians.

What has been called “the oldest complete Christian sermon that has survived” (Holmes MW. The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, 2nd ed. Baker Books, Grand Rapids, 2004, p. 102)–outside those in the Bible–sometimes erroneously referred to as Second Letter of Clement, is support for binitarianism. This sermon was given perhaps within a year or so of the Apostle John’s death (though others have suggested that perhaps the Roman Bishop Soter wrote or gave it c. 170; Holmes, p. 103), has the following:

Brothers, we ought so to think of Jesus Christ, as of God, as “Judge of the living and the dead (An Ancient Christian Sermon (2 Clement), 1:1. In Holmes MW, p. 107).

So then, brothers, if we do the will of God our Father … (Ibid, p. 121).

Now the church, being spiritual was revealed in the flesh of Christ, thereby showing us that if any of us guard her in the flesh and do not corrupt her, he will receive her back again in the Holy Spirit. For this flesh is a copy of the Spirit. No one, therefore, who corrupts the copy, will share in the original. This, therefore, is what he means, brothers: guard the flesh, in order that you may receive of the Spirit. Now if we say that the flesh is the church and the Spirit is Christ, then the one who abuses the flesh hath abuses the church. Consequently such a person will not receive the Spirit, which is Christ. So great is the life and immortality which this flesh is able to receive, if the Holy Spirit is closely joined with it, that no one is able to proclaim or to tell “what things the Lord hath prepared” for his chosen ones (Ibid, p. 121).

Thus, what may be the oldest preserved sermon says to think of Jesus as God and that the Father is God, but it never indicates that the Holy Spirit is God. This is consistent with the binitarian view.

Consider that, Bishop/Overseer Ignatius of Antioch, who is the first known leader to use the term “catholic church,” wrote the following around 110-135 A.D.:

For our God, Jesus Christ, was conceived by Mary in accord with God’s plan: of the seed of David, it is true, but also of the Holy Spirit. He was born and baptized so that by His submission He might purify the water. (Ignatius of Antioch, Letters to the Ephesians 18,2–note this is translated the same by at least three separate translations as done by Dr. Lightfoot, J.H. Srawley, and Roberts & Donaldson)

Permit me to be an imitator of the passion of my God. (Ignatius, Letter to the Romans, 6,3)

Hence, Ignatius clearly recognized Jesus as God, and thus could not have been a traditional unitarian. Nor was he trinitarian.

Ignatius further wrote to the Ephesians:

Ignatius, who is also Theophorus, unto her which hath been blessed in greatness through the plentitude of God the Father; which hath been foreordained before the ages to be for ever unto abiding and unchangeable glory, united and elect in a true passion, by the will of the Father and of Jesus Christ our God; even unto the church which is in Ephesus [of Asia], worthy of all felicitation: abundant greeting in Christ Jesus and in blameless joy. (Ignatius’ Letter to the Ephesians, Verse 0. In Apostolic Fathers. Lightfoot & Harmer, 1891 translation)

He wrote something similar to the Smyrnaeans:

Ignatius, who is also Theophorus, to the church of God the Father and of Jesus Christ the Beloved, which hath been mercifully endowed with every grace, being filled with faith and love and lacking in no grace, most reverend and bearing holy treasures; to the church which is in Smyrna of Asia, in a blameless spirit and in the word of God abundant greeting. I give glory to Jesus Christ the God who bestowed such wisdom upon you.” (Ignatius’ Letter to the Symrnaeans, Verses 0-1.1. In Apostolic Fathers. Lightfoot & Harmer, 1891 translation)

Professor Hurtado notes that:

there are numerous places where Ignatius refers to Jesus as “God” (theos) … Yet Ignatius refers to Jesus as theos while still portraying him as subordinate to the ““Father”. (Hurtado LW. Lord Jesus Christ, Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity. William B. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, 2003, pp. 637, 638)

That is a binitarian view. Early Christians were careful about avoiding the charge of ditheism, likely because they were reinforcing the binitarian position that God is one family, currently consisting of the Father and the Son. That is a family relationship, in which the Father is greater than the Son (John 14:28)–but remember the true saints will become part of that family. …

Gender of the Holy Spirit? …

While most translations of the New Testament into the English language use the pronoun “he” related to the Holy Spirit as well as the relative pronoun “who,” neither of those pronouns are supported by the Greek text.

Many languages, including koine Greek–the language that the New Testament was written in–use what is know as grammatical gender.

The Greek word for “spirit” is pneuma. It is a neuter gender. It is not masculine, nor should it be considered so. The Greek word for “holy” (ἅγιον) when used  in “Holy Spirit” (πνεῦμα ἅγιον; e.g. Luke 1:35) is also neuter as Greek adjectives must match the gender of the related noun.

And what about the Old Testament word for spirit, is that masculine?

No.

In the Hebrew scriptures, the terms used for “Spirit” is either ruwach or ruah, which are feminine. …

Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

As mentioned before, in the Old Testament, the Hebrew terms used for “Spirit” are either ruwach or ruah, both of which are feminine.

So, obviously the Old Testament does not show the Holy Spirit as a male person and member of a trinity.

Notice what the New Catholic Encyclopedia teaches (bolding in original):

Spirit of God in the Old Testament

The specific implications of the phrase ‘‘Spirit of God’’ must be deduced from the operations ascribed to it in the Old Testament.

God’s Spirit as a Power. ‘‘Spirit of God’’ is used in the Old Testament to signify ‘‘God’s breath’’ (Jb33.4). …

According to the Old Testament, the chief characteristic of the future new covenant would be a religious and moral transformation of all mankind. So the Prophets, particularly Isaiah (61.1–4; 32.15–20), frequently spoke of God’s spirit accomplishing this work in the coming new age. …

God’s Spirit Not Presented as a Person. The Old Testament clearly does not envisage God’s spirit as a person, neither in the strictly philosophical sense, nor in the Semitic sense. God’s spirit is simply God’s power. If it is sometimes represented as being distinct from God, it is because the breath of Yahweh acts exteriorly (Is 48.16; 63.11; 32.15). Very rarely do the Old Testament writers attribute to God’s spirit emotions or intellectual activity (Is 63.10; Wis 1.3–7). When such expressions are used, they are mere figures of speech that are explained by the fact that the rûah: was regarded also as the seat of intellectual acts and feelings (Gn 41.8). …

In Judaism God’s spirit was generally called ‘‘the holy spirit’’ (without capital letters because no personification is indicated). It was regarded primarily as the divine power that gave the Prophets insight into the future and knowledge of hidden things (Sir 48.24–25) and inspired the writers of sacred books (4 Esdras 14.22–48). (Spirit of God. New Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 13. Thomson Gale, 2003, pp. 426-427).

According to Roman Catholic scholar Dr. Ludwig Ott:

Elohim and Jahweh. By this it is indicated that there are Two Persons, who are God: One, who sends, and One who is sent. Cf. Gn. 16, 7-13; Ex. 3, 2-14. …

The Old Testament frequently speaks of the “Spirit of God,’’ or of the “Holy Ghost.” By this is to be understood not a Divine Person, but ‘a power proceeding from God, which gives life, bestows strength, illuminates and impels towards the good” (P. Heinisch). (Ott L. Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, 4^th edition 1960. Nihil Obstat: Jeremiah O’Sullivan. Imprimatur: +Cornelius, Ep. Corgagienis et Ap. Adm. Roseensis, 7 October 1954. TanBooks reprint 1974, p. 54).

Notice something from Protestant scholar James D.G. Dunn:

Spirit in OT Literature. … Spirit of God denotes effective divine power … Spirit of God is in no sense distinct from God, but is simply the power of God, God himself acting powerfully in nature and upon men. … When … the talk is of the Spirit of God the understanding is not merely of a power from God, but of the power of God, of God himself putting forth efficacious energy. (Dunn JDG. Christology in the Making, 1980, 1989, p. 133).

So, we see that Roman Catholic and Protestant scholars admit that the Old Testament does not point to the Holy Spirit as a distinct person of the Godhead.

The Bible and early church history clearly supports a binitarian view of the Godhead.

Yet most have not accepted the truth on that and have chosen the broad way which leads to destruction that Jesus warned against (Matthew 7:13).

Hopefully, you are one who will accepts AND act upon the truth.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Mysteries of God. What is God? Is God omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent? Does the Godhead consist of a closed trinity or an expanding family? This is a free e-book. Here are links to related sermons: Mysteries: Is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? and Where Did God Come From? What Does God Look Like? and How is God One? Creeds? and Jesus and Trinitarian Mythology and Mysteries: The Holy Spirit and God’s Names and Kingdom and Mysteries of the Gospel and Deification.
What is Your Destiny? Deification? Did the Early Church Teach That Christians Would Become God? What is your ultimate destiny? What does the Bible teach? Is deification only a weird or cultic idea? Are you to rule the universe? Here is a link to the video sermon What is Your Destiny?
Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? Or did they have a different view? A related sermon is available: Truth about the Holy Spirit: What THEY do not want you to know!
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it? Here is an old, by somewhat related, article in the Spanish language LA DOCTRINA DE LA TRINIDAD. Two related sermons are available: Trinity: Fundamental to Christianity or Something Else? and The Godhead and the Trinity. A brief video is also available: Three trinitarian scriptures?
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it? Here is a link to a related sermon: Unitarianism? How is God One?
Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning This is a longer article than the Binitarian View article, and has a little more information on binitarianism, and less about unitarianism. A related sermon is also available: Binitarian view of the Godhead. Here is a sermon in Spanish: La Identidad de Dios es Binitaria.
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, and The Mystery of YOU.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
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? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
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 Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

COGwriter

Are Christians to reign on the earth or heaven?

The Continuing Church of God put together the following related video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

14:36

Saints are to Reign on the Earth

Are Christian saints to be in heaven or reign on the earth during the Millennium? What was taught in the 19th century by A.F. Dugger of the Church of God Seventh Day, the 20th century by Raymond McNair of the Worldwide Church of God, and the 21st century by Bob Thiel of the Continuing Church of God? What does the Bible itself teach? Dr. Thiel reads scriptures as well as historical Church of God writings which show that Christians are to reign on earth during the 1,000-year long millennial kingdom of God. He also points to the fact that Christians are to seek first the Kingdom of God as Jesus taught.

Here is a link to our video: Saints are to Reign on the Earth.

That millennial kingdom will be on the earth.

Some additional items of possibly related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available in hundreds of languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? Three related sermons are available Let’s Talk About the Earthly Millennium, Millennial Utopia, and The Millennium.
Laying on of Hands Succession and List Does the Church of God have laying on of hands succession? Does the Continuing Church of God have a list of leaders from the time of the apostles? Here is a link to a related sermon: Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession. Here is a related sermon in the Spanish language: La imposición de las manos y la sucesión apostólica.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D.–but some are still in it. Discusses some early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, CG7-Salem, Jerusalem 7DCG, and COG-7th Day-Denver. Here are two historical sermons: Sardis Church Era: Beginnings, Doctrines, and Leaders and Sardis: SDBs, SDAs, & CG7s.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era and Remnant Though the era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D., but some few faithful are still in it as a remnant has continued. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God were part of the era, and 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. Here is a link to a related sermon: Philadelphia Church Era: History & Teachings.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present.–and most end time Christians are part of it. 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. One video of related interest is 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas
(Public domain photo via Wikipedia)

COGwriter

The President of the Palestinian Authority is being prevented from coming to the United Nations:

Trump administration blocks Palestinian president from attending U.N. meeting in New York

August 30, 2025

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and approximately 80 officials will be unable to travel to the United Nations General Assembly next month after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their visas, a State Department official told NBC News Saturday.

The ban comes as several U.S. allies have declared they would recognize a Palestinian state at the gathering of world leaders at the U.N. headquarters in New York in response to Israel’s escalating assault in northern Gaza, which intensified Friday after the country announced it had begun the “initial stages” of its operation in the famine-gripped area.

Headed by Abbas, who has not faced an election in almost two decades, the Palestinian Authority administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. It has not governed in Gaza since 2007 when the Palestinian president’s security forces were driven out by the Islamic militant group Hamas.

The Trump Administration “does not reward terrorism,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Saturday, as he confirmed that Abbas, along with approximately 80 other PA officials, were among those whose U.S. visas were revoked.

He added that the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the umbrella Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), should abandon “the pursuit of unilateral recognition of statehood.”

His comments echoed a similar statement from the State Department on Friday which said the PA and the PLO “must consistently repudiate terrorism,” …

Under a 1947 U.N. “headquarters agreement,” the U.S. is generally required to allow access for foreign diplomats to the U.N. in New York. After the U.S. refused to issue a visa to PLO leader Yasser Arafat in 1988, The U.N. General Assembly held a meeting that year in Geneva instead of New York so he could address it. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/trump-administration-blocks-palestinians-united-nations-new-york-gaza-rcna228165

Palestinian Authority urges US to reinstate Abbas’s visa ahead of key UN meetings

August 30, 2025

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s office urges the US government to reverse its unusual decision to revoke his visa, weeks before he was meant to appear at the UN’s main annual meeting and an international conference about creating a Palestinian state. …

“We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision. This decision will only increase tension and escalation,” Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh tells The Associated Press in Ramallah. …

“We have been in contact since yesterday with Arab and foreign countries, especially those directly concerned with this issue. This effort will continue around the clock,” he says. … France and Saudi Arabia. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/palestinian-authority-urges-us-to-reinstate-abbass-visa-ahead-of-key-un-meetings/

This is another bullying tactic by the Trump Administration. Note that the Palestinian Authority is in contact with “foreign countries” (including European ones) to attempt to deal with this.

It appears that because several additional nations (including France and the UK) have stated that they would support the Palestinian statehood at the UN next month, the Trump Administration decided to stop the Palestinian Authority from being there.

President Abbas has long had issues with Donald Trump.

President Abbas, during the first Trump Administration, said he wanted European involvement in resolving the situation in that region (see Trump Administration delays revealing peace plan; PA President Abbas wants Europe to mediate peace deal).

The Palestinian Authority has not trusted the Trump Administration. The recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the moving of the US embassy to Jerusalem brought Palestinian condemnation as well as statements against trusting the US to broker a peace deal in the first Trump Administration. Now, this blocking to attend a UN meeting is another move that will outrage the Palestinians.

This will not stop prophecies from being fulfilled.

To the contrary, it is another step to push away from the USA and more towards the Europeans for the Palestinians.

Although many in Israel claim “Jerusalem is its eternal, undivided capital” (http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2013/November/Will-Jerusalem-Be-Divided-Again/), the Bible shows that Jerusalem will be divided (Zechariah 14:1-2).

The Bible also shows that the time will come when there will be a temporary ‘peace deal’ (see the article The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27)–this will lead to many things, including what, for a time, could be called a “two-state solution.”

The Bible teaches that a European leader will be involved in confirming the coming prophesied deal of Daniel 9:26-27, which states:

26 And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).

The “prince” is a European leader who is later called the King of the North in Daniel 11:40. The ‘one week’ has generally been understood by prophecy watchers to mean a seven year deal, that is broken in the middle of it (after 3 1/2 years). This break is also confirmed in the following scripture:

31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)

The “him” is the European King of the North.

Consider further something that the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG), Herbert W. Armstrong, wrote on Daniel 11:21-22:

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

{Daniel 11:22} “the prince of the covenant” does not refer to Christ. This was the attempt of Antiochus to replace the Jewish high priest by another who would be subservient to him. (Armstrong HW. The Middle East in Prophecy. Worldwide Church of God, 1972)

That is also true for “the prince … who will confirm a covenant” mentioned in Daniel 9:26b-27. Furthermore, realize that Herbert Armstrong taught a DUAL FULFILMENT from at least Daniel 11:21 on–hence he is clearly teaching that Jesus is NOT the prince of the covenant, and the one who is coming will be a conqueror who will bring abomination to Jerusalem. Yet, many once part of the old Worldwide Church of God do not understand that.

That said, one way to show Daniel is referring to a European kingdom is to realize that it was the people of the Roman Empire of the 1st century that fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. Jewish sources, while not understanding all of this, also agree that it was Roman sources that destroyed the city and sanctuary as the following demonstrates:

“The people of the prince will come and destroy the city and the Sanctuary” Daniel 9:26, refers to the Roman legions of Vespasian and Titus, who destroyed Jerusalem. (Daniel 9 – A True Biblical Interpretation. Jews for Judaism. https://jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/articles/answers/jewish-polemics/texts/daniel-9-a-true-biblical-interpretation/ accessed 07/30/16)

In the 21st century, the European Union includes much of the land and peoples that were part of the ancient Roman Empire. And it is the “prince” coming from that people that verse 27 of Daniel 9 is referring to. Thus, this prophecy tells us that a lower level European leader will somewhat officially start to rise up about 3 1/2 years before the great tribulation (and yes, according to Jesus, some “tribulation” does happen prior to the start of the Great Tribulation). Another is the fact that the “beast of the sea” of Revelation 13:1 fits with the beasts from the “great sea” of Daniel 7:2–and that sea is the Mediterranean Sea according to the Old Testament. Hence a power in Europe the only region that could have an empire geographically like the old Roman one (for more details, please see Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation).

The Trump Administration is pushing the Palestinians away from the USA, and hence, more towards Europe.

With various ones wanting some part of Middle East peace deal, Europeans wanting to be involved, and Palestinians offended by the Trump Administration and wanting European involvement, we are seeing steps on the world scene that are aligning with properly understood biblical prophecies.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
DANIEL This article contains Commentary on the Book of Daniel. Here are links to related sermon videos: Daniel 1-3: Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream, Daniel 4-5: The Handwriting on the Wall, Daniel 6-8: Four Beasts and the King of the North, Daniel 9: 70 Years & 70 Weeks Prophecies, Daniel 10-11:32: Prophecies Fulfilled in History, and Daniel 11:24-31: Events to Watch For, and Daniel 11:32-38: Philadelphian Persecution and Witness.

 
Logo of the Restored Church of God

Former RCG employee Marc Cebrian posted the following:

News Flash August 30, 2025
David C. Pack’s Health Prayer Request

David C. Pack of The Restored Church of God admitted his health struggles to the brethren during “The Greatest Untold Story! (Part 592)” on August 23, 2025. The 76-year-old Pastor General explained the issues with his heart and being exhausted by preaching, and requested prayers from the church.

This admission counters his previous statements when he boasted about how good his health was, and also exposes his comments over the years about why he sits at a table while preaching.

David C. Pack has a history of hiding his medical problems from the brethren. He verbally hid his struggles with tachycardia, even though the symptoms on his face during that time showed the truth.

At Headquarters, he was open about how he saw sickness as “weakness” and believed it was a result of a hidden sin. The medical issues of others were repulsive to him. He shamed employees for needing to take time off work to get better and even told an elderly woman suffering from the initial stages of Parkinson’s to hide her shaking hand while in his presence. “Mr. Pack gets mad when he sees my hand shake,” she told me. https://armstrongismlibrary.blogspot.com/2025/08/news-flash-dave-pack-health-issue-scare.html

David Pack has been in my prayers for spiritual reasons.

I have long felt that the following also applied to David Pack:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. (2 Peter 2:12-14)

18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. (2 Peter 2:18-20)

While I wish David Pack no ill, and am praying for his health, I pray he and those with him will open their eyes and see the truth.

Some items of possibly related interest might include:

RCG: Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group, led by David Pack, claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise. Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Por qué no la Iglesia de Dios Restaurada?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?
Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
Why is there a Philadelphian remnant of the true Christian Church of God? Did the old Worldwide Church of God essentially predict a Philadelphian remnant? Is a Philadelphian remnant needed for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Philadelphia Remnant.
How Do I Become a Member of the Continuing Church of God? This article has scriptures, links, and other information for those interested in being part of the CCOG. Here is a link to a related sermonette: 10 Steps to Be a Member of the CCOG.
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 link to a related sermon: Church of God Unity. Here is a related article in the Spanish language: Unidad: ¿Cuál Iglesia de Dios para usted?

COGwriter

Michael Snyder posted the following:

The Irrepressible Emptiness Of Modern Liberal Society

August 28, 2025

Our society is constantly telling us that true happiness is just around the corner. We are promised that if we will just buy the next product, adopt the latest trend, get more eduction, get a better job, make more money or win a better looking romantic partner, we will finally be happy. But once you successfully make the next step on the hamster wheel, you discover that it was just another empty promise. In fact, there is a very deep emptiness to our modern liberal society as a whole. We are all constantly chasing after the things we are told to chase after, and at the end of the day most of the population still feels an irrepressible emptiness. It is an ache that cannot be controlled or restrained, and that is why so many people spend so much time and effort trying to dull the pain that they are feeling inside.

Modern liberal society offers an extremely “me-centered” philosophy that looks good at first glance.

But if you follow that “me-centered” philosophy all the way to the end of the road, what you get is a Robin Westman…

The alleged shooter, Robert Westman, who identified as a female and went by the name Robin Westman, also expressed in his notes that he wished he had never “brain-washed” himself. …

Despite claiming frustration with having bought into the trans agenda, the alleged Catholic school attacker believed that something as slight as changing his appearance would result in a sense of defeat: “I can’t cut my hair now as it would be embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported. It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.”

“I wish I never brain-washed myself.”

Those are very powerful words.

But they aren’t entirely accurate.

Westman simply gave in to the propaganda that we are all constantly being hammered with.

I have seen it happen to so many young people.

And when they figure out that they have been lied to all along, it can lead to crushing despair. https://endoftheamericandream.com/the-irrepressible-emptiness-of-modern-liberal-society/

The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, warned that Satan the devil pushed the way of get, me first, instead of the loving way of give.

Societies, throughout history, have succumbed to the way of Satan.

But you do not have to.

In his booklet, The Seven Laws of Success, Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following related to success:

WHY are only the very few—women as well as men—successful in life? Just what is success? Here is the surprising answer to life’s most difficult problem, proving that NO HUMAN NEED EVER BECOME A FAILURE! All who have succeeded have followed these seven laws! The only WAY to success is not a copyrighted formula being sold for a price. You can’t buy it! The price is your own application to the seven existing laws.

DID IT EVER occur to you that there might be a reason why so many people make a failure of life? Not only men and career women, but wives and mothers to!

Are you one who is wrestling with the problem of “making ends meet”? Nearly all of us are. This problem need not mean failure—yet it often leads to it.

It is a fact—the vast majority do wind up failures. Yet none need fail!

Take a look at the facts in the world.

Is THIS Success?

Every two minutes someone in the United States attempts suicide {in 2022, an average of 132 people per day end their lives that way}. Each day nearly 70 persons succeed—but is that success? The World Health Organization estimates that some one thousand people commit suicide in the world—every day!

Suicides now outnumber murders. Now various organizations for the prevention of suicide are a reality! But the cause is individual failure!

Only a minority, of course, go to this extreme, but the overwhelming majority do end their lives in failure.

Much of the world is in current “prosperity.” Yet—in booming U.S.—more businesses failed in a very recent year than in any other in the last twenty-six. Across the world streaks the shocking trend of increasing failures. Scores of millions daily allow he creeping cancer of failure to chain them to a life of unhappy circumstances, from which only death promises release.

But why?

Why are only the very few really successful? Is it mere chance—is it just happen-so—can it be luck? Or are there definite reasons?

Why do all but the very few find themselves, by age 60 or 65, dependents? Why must there by old-age pensions, public welfare aid, charities to support the non-crippled, non-handicapped helpless? Why must children so often provide for aged parents—when it ought to be the other way around?

I am going to tell you why!

There are definite causes! Seven basic laws govern success! It is high time people come to know them, and end this unhappy and needless tragedy!

Since he wrote that booklet, we have seen many self-help books produced, but they tend to leave out the seventh of the laws and not refer to scriptures related to the others.

Life is not random and you really can be successful. The ME FIRST promotions of society do not lead to true success or happiness.

A wise person will consider life and setting proper goals for their life.

Some want money and some to be Olympic athletes.

Regarding money, the Apostle Paul wrote:

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

Money will not help you in the next life and may be a hindrance to you in this one.

Regarding being an athlete, the Apostle Paul wrote:

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

Physical goals and accomplishments are temporary.

Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

The FIRST Law

Certainly NOTHING in life is more important than to know: what is real success—and how to achieve it.

What, then, is the first law of success?

Before stating even the first law, let it be said that I am not considering here such general principles of character as honesty, patience, loyalty, courtesy, dependability, punctuality, etc., etc., etc., except as these are automatically included in the seven rules. We may assume that one cannot become a real success without these principles of right character.

But on the other hand, many are honest who have never practiced a single one of the seven laws, specifically. Many may be loyal, have patience, extend courtesy, be punctual, who are unsuccessful because they have not applied a single one of these seven definite, specific rules. Even so, each of these laws covers a vast territory.

Here, then, is the first law of success:

FIX THE RIGHT GOAL!

Not just any goal. Most of the “successful “men I have mentioned had goals. They drove themselves relentlessly to accomplishment. But making money, gaining STATUS in the eyes of people, enjoying the passing pleasures of the five senses, has literally strewn the pathway of history with fears, worries, heartaches, troubled consciences, sorrows, frustrations, empty lives and death.

These things may be had and enjoyed along with true success. But they alone do not bring success. The right goal includes something more.

In other words, the very first law of success is to be able to define success! Once you have learned what success is make that your goal in life.

Do you know that most people go through life without any GOAL at all? In fact, most people, as I’ve said before, do not know, and do not apply a SINGLE ONE of the seven laws of success!

Most people never think of having any PURPOSE in life. They are not going anywhere, in particular.

If you have saved up money for a trip to Paris, or Rome, or London for your vacation or holiday, you spend a lot of time in excited anticipation PLANNING your trip—but you DO have a definite DESTINATION—and all plans are laid to take you to that particular destination—that GOAL. You know where you are planning to go. Otherwise, how would you ever expect to arrive there?

As I said once before, most people have no aim—they are merely the victims of CIRCUMSTANCE. They never planned, purposefully, to be in the fob or occupation in which they find themselves today. They do not live where they do by CHOICE that is, because they PLANNED it that way. They have merely been buffeted around by CIRCUMSTANCE! They have allowed themselves to drift. They have made no effort to master and control circumstances.

The first law of success, I repeat, is to fix the RIGHT goal. Not any goal. One could set a goal in which he had little or no interest, and drift into inaction. The right goal will arouse ambition. Ambition is more than mere desire. It is desire plus incentive—determination—will to achieve the desire. The right goal will be so intensely desired it will excite vigorous and determined effort. It will fire one with incentive.

There should be an overpowering PURPOSE to life. Few have ever known such purpose. Down through centuries and millenniums thinkers and philosophers have pondered, and sought in vain to learn whether life has a real purpose. Socrates, Plato, Augustine among others speculated and reasoned, yet the true meaning of life eluded them. This deepest and most important question in life remained to them a mystery—an unsolvable enigma!

IF one could discover such an overall PURPOSE—a definite purpose for which humans were put on earth—IF one could discover a human potential greater than mere temporary existence, one would think that PURPOSE would be the goal that should excite dynamic ambition!

But—alas! Who has ever discovered such an objective as life’s aim?

Was there nothing greater to look forward to, for my two prominent banker friends? Nothing greater than to enjoy fleeting status, only to be forgotten by those who succeeded them?

What is there, after all, to live for?

I repeat! The first law of real success is to have the right goal! The men I have described, rated eminently successful in the world, all had goals. They applied diligently all of the first six of the Success Laws. But failing the seventh, they misapplied the first. Their success was fleeting.

As far as your purpose goes, God’s purpose for you is for you to become the best you can be so that you can give love in a unique way to make eternity better for yourself and everyone else. More on that can be found in our free online booklet: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?

That said, Jesus pointed out that Christians need to have the right goal. And Jesus told those who wish to follow God what that should be:

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33)

Jesus said that His people would pray (Matthew 6) and that is one of the ways to seek first the Kingdom of God–start your day off with prayer. Wisdom and understanding, which the Bible also advocates (e.g. Proverbs 1:2, 4:5), are also appropriate goals.

Wisdom is important. Notice also the following:

5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.” (Proverbs 4:5-9)

The Bible teaches that “wisdom brings success” (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

Christians should work and have their priorities in order. Notice something else from Proverbs:

27 Prepare your outside work,
Make it fit for yourself in the field;
And afterward build your house. (Proverbs 24:27)

The Apostle Paul also encouraged physical work:

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. (2 Thessalonian 3:10-12)

8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)

Having a goal to make a proper livelihood is biblical.

You might think that at your age it is too late to change and become more successful.

That thought would be wrong.

For example, Harland Sanders did not even start his chicken business until after he retired. And by the time of his death, he had the most recognizable face on planet earth.

Anyway, do not limit God. Notice something from His word:

1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear. (Isaiah 59:1-2)

So, what should you do:

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:9-10)

Remember, the Apostle Paul wrote:

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

That does not just apply to him, but to you as well.

Maybe, you will be one supporting the work of God in outwardly obvious ways. Or perhaps, in ways that no one sees.

Yet remember:

10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:10-12)

As far as being used when older, Moses did not begin to lead Israel until he was 80.

Notice another scriptural example from the New Testament:

36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)

Note that this did not say Anna got to see Jesus because she was a prophetess, but she was serving God with prayer and fasting.

Here is another example:

41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12:41-44)

Yes, you should have God’s kingdom as your goal and God will have you succeed. Even if you are rich or poor or young or old.

Setting the right goal (or goals) is important. Otherwise one spends all their time and efforts on things that are not important; or vanity as the book of Ecclesiastes puts it.

You might wonder: Why did God create anything?

The answer is: God created what He did so eternity would be better.

You might wonder: Why did God create you?

The answer is: God created you so that, after you have truly accepted Him and are resurrected, that you will be able to give love in a unique way to make eternity better for yourself and everyone else.

Since eternal life with God will be fantastic beyond human understanding, when it comes to real success, you should heed the words of Jesus and: “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

While you can also have physical goals, like education, a career, a spouse, etc., do not neglect the goal of God’s kingdom.

With so many world events happening that are aligning with end time prophecy, isn’t this the time to be sure that you have the right goal and understand the meaning of life?

We have a free ebook available: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?

We also have the following video:

14:50

Choose the Right Goal for Success

Do any human beings have to be failures? Is there a true and real way that leads to lasting success? Are there causes for success and failure? Can the world consider you to be a success, yet God consider you a failure? What did the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God consider to be “the first law of success’? Is there a purpose of life? What did Jesus say that Christians should seek first, focus on? Do you have the right goal? What about wisdom? What about earning a livelihood? Can one become a success even if one is old? What about Harland Sanders? Do you know why God created anything? Do you know why God made you? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters and more.

Here is a link to our video: Choose the Right Goal for Success.

Be an eternal success! Chose the right goal!

Here is a short sermon by Chad Branton related to happiness:

39:57

Pursuit of Happiness

How should a Christian pursue any type happiness? What is righteousness? Are we to pursue knowledge and understanding? Are we to be holy and pursue godliness in faith? What about pride? Should we pursue love? Chad Branton addresses those issues.

The Continuing Church of God also put together the following sermon related to happiness on its ContinuingCOG channel:

Here is a link to the video sermon: 14 Biblical Keys to Happiness.

We also have a short, sermonette, video on this topic:

8:55

Want to Be Happier?

Do you want to be happier? Almost everybody does. Inc. magazine posted something online recommending what to focus on to be happy. Although Inc. did not refer to spiritual matters, a couple of its points are applicable to Christians. In this video, Dr. Thiel goes over some key points from Inc. as well as words from Jesus on what our focus should be. He also quotes scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments related to being happy. Wisdom and growing are mentioned. He mentions the Kingdom of God as well as that biblical principles for happiness are applicable to men and women, boys and girls.

Here is a link to our video: Want to Be Happier?

Do not fall for the emptiness that the world’s societies push.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
The Seven Laws of Success Booklet by Herbert W. Armstrong that can help people become successful.
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, Mystery of Race, and The Mystery of YOU. Here is a link to two videos in Spanish: El Misterio del Plan de Dios and El Misterio de Satanás, el Misterio de la Verdad, el Misterio del Reposo.

Ancient portrayal intended to be of Lucian of Antioch
(Public domain sketch)

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce this sermon from its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:09:01

Lucian of Antioch: Scripture vs. Allegorists

Lucian of Antioch ran the Antiochene school of theology which taught a literal exegesis (view) of interpreting the Bible. He, and his school, opposed the allegoristic school in Alexandria which had teachers such as Clement and Origen of Alexandria. Lucian was reportedly trained by Macarius of Edessa. Lucian was killed as a martyr by Roman Emperor Maxentius/Maximinus in 312. Was Lucian a Christian saint as accepted by the Greco-Roman Catholic churches and the Continuing Church of God? If so, was he a trinitarian? Or instead was he a semi-arian, Sabbath keeper? Cardinal John Newman said Lucian “savored of Judaism.” Lucian edited the Septuagint and produced a Greek language Old Testament by translating from the Hebrew. He also put down the foundation of the Textus Receptus, the Byzantine New Testament. Could Lucian have been one involved in the “chain of custody” of the Bible? He reportedly lived a virtuous life, but was condemned by Archbishop Alexander of Alexandria as an apostate for holding to original doctrines, including having a binitarian view of the Godhead. What was the creed of Lucian? Did he write about the ‘Catholic Church of God’? Is Lucian in an apostolic succession list which includes the Apostle Peter, followed by the Apostle John, Polycarp of Smyrna, etc.? Dr. Thiel discusses this and more in this sermon.

Note: Dr. Thiel read in this sermon what was claimed to be a quote from Roman Catholic priest Malachi Martin which used the term ‘Sabbath-keepers.’ However, he later learned that Malachi Martin did not use that term, but instead the term “Jewish Christians.’ He apologizes that three earlier sources he reviewed all had the quote partially wrong. Dr. Thiel checked with two physical books from Malachi Martin (which he now owns) to confirm the actual term he used.

Here is a link to our sermon video: Lucian of Antioch: Scripture vs. Allegorists.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Lucian of Antioch He was an early church leader that ran a school promoting scripture over allegory and tradition. He also held a binitarian view of the Godhead. He was martyred in 312 A.D. Here is a link to a related sermon video: Lucian of Antioch: Scripture vs. Allegorists.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete? Are there lost gospels? What about the Apocrypha? Is the Septuagint better than the Masoretic text? What about the Textus Receptus vs. Nestle Alland? Was the New Testament written in Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew? Which translations are based upon the best ancient text? Did the true Church of God have the canon from the beginning? Here are links to related sermons: Let’s Talk About the Bible, The Books of the Old Testament, The Septuagint and its Apocrypha, Masoretic Text of the Old Testament, and Lost Books of the Bible, and Let’s Talk About the New Testament, The New Testament Canon From the Beginning, English Versions of the Bible and How Did We Get Them?, What was the Original Language of the New Testament?, Original Order of the Books of the Bible, and Who Gave the World the Bible? Who Had the Chain of Custody?
Mysteries of God. What is God? Is God omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent? Does the Godhead consist of a closed trinity or an expanding family? Here are links to related sermons: Mysteries: Is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? and Where Did God Come From? What Does God Look Like? and How is God One? Creeds? and Jesus and Trinitarian Mythology.
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, and The Mystery of YOU.
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Here is a video in Spanish: ¿Qué es un verdadero cristiano?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
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? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
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 Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido. In German: Glaube für die von Gott Berufenen und Auserwählten. In French: La Foi pour ceux que Dieu a Appelés et Choisis. Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen.and here is a link to another sermon Faith and Courage. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese 一篇关于信仰的小文章. Here are links to the sermons Christian Faith and Increasing Faith.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This free booklet contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is a link to a related sermon: Could God be Calling You? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Proof Jesus is the Messiah This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy. Here are links to seven related sermons: Proof Jesus is the Messiah, Prophecies of Jesus’ birth, timing, and death, Jesus’ prophesied divinity, 200+ OT prophecies Jesus filled; Plus prophecies He made, Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?, Daniel 9, Jews, and Jesus, and Facts and Atheists’ Delusions About Jesus
Is God’s Existence Logical? Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. Two animated videos of related interest are also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator? and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?
Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived–the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come. Here is a link to a related sermon series: Universal Offer of Salvation 1: Apocatastasis, Universal Offer of Salvation 2: Jesus Desires All to be Saved, Mysteries of the Great White Throne Judgment (Universal Offer of Salvation part 3), Is God Fair, Will God Pardon the Ignorant?, Can God Save Your Relatives?, Babies, Limbo, Purgatory and God’s Plan, and ‘By the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets’.
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.
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? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
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 Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. There are links to literature is about 100 different languages there.
Congregations of the Continuing Church of God This is a listing of congregations and groups of the Continuing Church of God around the world.
Continuing Church of God Facebook page This has news and prophetic information.
Continuing Church of God, Africa, Facebook page This has news and prophetic information.
Continuing Church of God, Canada, Facebook page This has news and prophetic information.
Continuing Church of God, Europe, Facebook page This has news and prophetic information.
CCOG.AFRICA This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.
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.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.
CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
CG7.ORG This is a website for those interested in the Sabbath and churches that observe the seventh day Sabbath.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
CCOG Animations YouTube channel. The Continuing Church of God has some animations to teach aspects of Christian beliefs. Also available at BitChute COGAnimations https://www.bitchute.com/channel/coganimations/
Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced hundreds of videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. You can find them at them on YouTube at BibleNewsProphecy https://www.youtube.com/user/BibleNewsProphecy, plus also on Vimeo at Bible News Prophecy https://vimeo.com/channels/biblenewsprophecy as well as on Brighteon Bible News Prophecy https://www.brighteon.com/channel/ccogbnp and Bitchute Prophecy https://www.bitchute.com/channel/prophecy/
CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo. Also available at BitChute COGAfrica https://www.bitchute.com/channel/cogafrica/
CDLIDDSermones channel. This contains messages in the Spanish language
BibleNewsProphecy Podcast. This has audio-visual podcasts of the Bible News Prophecy channgel. It plays on i-Phones, i-Pads, and Windows devices that can play i-Tunes.
Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos. It is also available as a mobile app.
Bible News Prophecy International radio. This has links to our non-English language online radio station as well as materials in multiple languages.
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. Also available at BitChute COGTube https://www.bitchute.com/channel/cogtube/
Study the Bible Course A free online course to help you learn and study the word of God.
Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God “Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, NKJV), “Let brotherly love (Philadelphia) continue” (Hebrews 13:1) ” & continuing stedfastly in the teaching of the apostles” (Acts 2:42 YLT). So, what does that really mean in terms of specific beliefs–the Statement gives answers? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Declaración de las Doctrinas de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. Here is a related link in Tagalog: Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. Here is a related link in Mandarin Chinese ~ç~íy^v„eYOv„OáNðXðf. Here is a related link in Kiswahili: KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI. Here is a related link in Dutch: Verklaring van geloofspunten van de Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Deutsche (German): Glaubenserklärung der Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Italiano: Dichiarazione del Credo della Continuing Church of God. Here is related link in the French language: Déclaration des croyances de L’Église Continue de Dieu. Here is a related link in the Chichewa language: ZIKHULUPIRIRO ZA MPINGO WA CONTINUING CHURCH OF GOD. Here is a link in Romanian: Declarația de credințe a continuării Bisericii lui Dumnezeu. Here is a link in Portuguese: Declaração de Crenças da Continuação da Igreja de Deus. Here is a link in Russian: Утверждение верований о продолжении Церкви Божьей. Here is a link to a related English-language sermon: Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God.

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following:

Germany’s Army Is Rebuilding. What Could Go Wrong?

August 29. 2025 …

The country’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius from the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), gave a short speech, telling the recruits that the prospect of defending Germany’s democracy had “become more real after Putin’s attack on Ukraine.” Then a lieutenant colonel shouted out the words of the oath, as the group repeated them back: “I pledge to loyally serve the Federal Republic of Germany and to courageously defend the right and liberty of the German people.” …

Across Germany, both politicians and members of the public have been going through a similar transformation. The country’s army, officially named the Bundeswehr — which translates as “federal defense” — was established by the United States during the Cold War. It was designed to support NATO rather than ever lead a conflict, for fear that a German military could be misused as it was during World War II. …

In Merz’s view, Europe didn’t just need to arm itself against Russian aggression, but also “achieve independence from the USA.” …

For some, the government’s push to embrace the army is one more sign of a dangerous transformation in the country’s political sentiments: The far-right AfD is currently second in the polls, and the ruling CDU has shed former leader Angela Merkel’s liberal image in favor of a harsh anti-immigration stance. …

Germany is also entering its third consecutive year of recession, and its heavy industries that are struggling to stay competitive are now hoping the defense spending will give them a boost: Shares in the steel sector have shot up since the announcements. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/08/29/germany-military-nato-trump-putin-00509732

What could go wrong? Think WWIII!

Consider also that German companies, like Volkswagen, which made German weapons in WWII, is now in the process of doing that again (see Germans want Europe to replace America as global leader).

Plus, we see more and more German leaders distancing themselves from the USA.

There has been a shift going on in Germany:

Germans no longer see US as trustworthy partner

7 March 2025

The conservative CDU/CSU and the center-left SPD, the parties most likely to form the next government after the recent German election, have already agreed on massive investments into Germany’s ailing infrastructure and the military.

A credit-financed special fund is to be set up for this purpose. In order to be able to incur debt for higher defense spending, the debt brake enshrined in in the Basic Law, Germany’s constitution, is to be relaxed.

These plans generally meet with broad public approval, according to Infratest-dimap’s monthly representative survey of 1,325 eligible voters conducted from March 4 to March 5. …

US no longer reliable

Trump has been back in office for only six weeks and has already been calling into question core policies, which is having a massive impact on how Germans view Trump and the United States.

One in two respondents to the infratest poll say their opinion of Trump has worsened since he took office. Just one in seven expresses a favorable opinion of the US president. The United States’ reputation is plummeting to new lows.

This month only one in six voters described the US as a partner who Germany can trust. Three quarters believe that NATO members cannot currently rely on the United States for protection.

The Germans polled are not skeptical of NATO itself: 84% said that the North Atlantic defense alliance is important for securing peace in Europe. Nevertheless, there is growing support for greater European independence. One in two said they favor establishing a European military alliance. https://www.dw.com/en/germans-no-longer-see-us-as-trustworthy-partner/a-71858094

On November 7, 2016 (the day before Donald Trump’s first election), I posted:

If Donald Trump is elected, the Germans will see this as proof that they cannot rely on the USA for their defense, etc. Germany will push for a European army. (see ‘Why Europe Secretly Roots For Donald Trump’?). (Thiel B. Germans opposed to Donald Trump, but not too optimistic about Hillary Clinton. COGwriter, November 7, 2016)

The above has been confirmed. Notice also:

Germany is racing towards once again having a massive army:

Germany Now Wants ‘Strongest Conventional Army in Europe.’

15 May 2025

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged on May 14, 2025, to transform the Bundeswehr (Federal Defense Forces) into “the strongest conventional army in Europe.” …

“This is appropriate for Europe’s most populous and economically powerful country,” Merz told lawmakers, vowing to provide “all financial means necessary” to overhaul the long-underfunded Bundeswehr. https://thenationalpulse.com/2025/05/15/germany-now-wants-strongest-conventional-army-in-europe/

15 May 2025

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday that Berlin accepts in principle the demand from the United States that NATO member states increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. ..

Germany currently spends just over 2% of its GDP on defense and new Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last week that each additional percentage point would mean further annual expenditure of €45 billion ($50.5 billion). …

Markus Söder, the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of Merz and Wadephul’s conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), also backed an increase in defense spending. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-backs-5-nato-defense-spending-target/a-72549909

While, as Jesus said, “the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6; see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?)–many in Germany and elsewhere in Europe are unwittingly taking military steps that will allow this to come to pass.

Notice also:

A Brussels Reich? Van der Leyen’s ‘ReArm Europe’ Plan

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has introduced the “ReArm Europe” initiative. The ReArm Initiative represents an extensive €800 billion strategy designed to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities and a strategic response to increasing global uncertainties …

She warns about the “dangerous times” that characterize the present and, even more likely, the future. “I do not need to describe the grave nature of the threats that we face. Or the devastating consequences that we will have to endure if those threats would come to pass” because, she points out, “we are in an era of rearmament,” and at this stage, the EU intends to respond with a five-point European rearmament plan, the name of which — Rearm Europe — already suggests much. https://21stcenturywire.com/2025/03/04/brussels-reich-van-der-leyens-rearm-europe-plan/

Let me add Ursula von der Leyen is also German. Note also the term “reich” in that headline.

It should also be noted that nuclear weapons are also being considered (see After Trump’s latest moves, is Russia about to nuke the USA to start WWIII? Are Germans looking to get nuclear bombs?) by the Germans, as well as large investments in technology (like supercolliders). Technology and blitzkrieg-type tactics will surprise the world when the German led beast power rises up (cf. Revelation 13:1-4).

Could Donald Trump, various fears, pandemics, migrants, economic issues, or other ‘crises’ lead to a ‘fourth reich’?

Notice something about Germany’s history published decades ago by the old Worldwide Church of God:

In 1933 Adolf Hitler, using Germany’s growing economic crisis as a stepping-stone to power, gained control of Germany, inaugurating the Third Reich of German history.

It quickly became clear that Hitler’s geopolitical aims far transcended his own country’s borders. Hitler held an unshakable conviction that his German Reich would one day rule all of Europe — and from there seize the leadership of the world! He dreamed of a “new world order” that would remake the political face of the earth, with himself at its helm.

In 1939 Hitler began in earnest his struggle for the mastery of the world. (Stump K. Coming Soon – A New World Order. Good News, 1985)

Adolf Hitler used an economic crisis to rise up and form his so-called third reich.

Could there be some type of a ‘fourth reich’ this century to follow the ‘third reich’ of last century?

The old Radio Church of God thought so, even decades earlier:

The “German Problem” is not dead. Germans are thinking more than ever of an undivided Reich – and of an undivided Europe! … On the 17th of June, Germans celebrated a national holiday a day dedicated to AN UNDIVIDED GERMANY. Stores closed. No one worked. The striking thing is that this day signifies something that has not happened yet! Most holidays commemorate an event – something that has already taken place. Not this one – it looks forward to an event which all Germans hope for and even pray for – AN UNDIVIDED GERMANY! (Kelly R. The March for an Undivided Germany. Plain Truth, September 1964)

Well, since that came out, East and West Germany united, the European Union formed, and a European currency has been implemented.

So, is a ‘fourth reich’ in the process of forming? Some in Germany and elsewhere seem to think so.

Now this does not mean that everyone in Germany wants it to militarily dominate the world, but Bible prophecy shows that deep down, those there do want to dominate.

Notice the following prophecy:

5 “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger
And the staff in whose hand is My indignation.
6 I will send him against an ungodly nation,
And against the people of My wrath
I will give him charge,
To seize the spoil, to take the prey,
And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Yet he does not mean so,
Nor does his heart think so;
But it is in his heart to destroy,
And cut off not a few nations.
8 For he says,
‘Are not my princes altogether kings? (Isaiah 10:6-8)

Notice that the leader of the final empire will not think that he wants to destroy nations, but he really does, and really will.

Notice that Isaiah tells of a time when the end time Assyrian power will be sent against an ungodly nation (NKJV), translated as “an hypocritical nation” in the KJV. The Hebrew word used signifies being “soiled” or impious, and certainly that is now the case for the nation known as the United States.

What exactly is the ‘fourth reich’? Notice one interpretation:

The Fourth Reich (German: Viertes Reich) is a theoretical future German empire, following the First Reich (the Holy Roman Empire, 962–1806), the Second Reich (Imperial Germany, 1871–1918) and the Third Reich (Nazi Germany, 1933–1945). (Wikipedia, accessed 04/03/15)

Some believe that Germany already has a type of fourth reich as it has been able to dominate European matters at least for the past decade or so.

Biblically, the final European King of the North will lead a revived ‘Holy Roman Empire.’ This will be the empire of the Beast power of Revelation 13. This new world order, which will have German dominance, will in a sense be its fourth militaristic reich (reich means reign).

As far as NATO goes, it has long been my view that Europe will likely attack the USA and/or the UK under the guise of a NATO (or some other defense treaty) military exercise and that is consistent with the following prophecy about the coming European King of the North Beast:

23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:23-24, NKJV)

Notice that he pretends peace then devises a plan against the strongholds. This looks to be a reference to the nation with the strongest military, the “strongest fortresses,” that Daniel 11:39 shows he will conquer–that is the USA and its British-descended allies (see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

The Bible prophesies that Europe will have a “great army” (Daniel 11:25), various weapons, and “many ships” (Daniel 11:40).

Germany’s chancellor as well as the German EU Commission president have basically said that Germany is working to get both.

Furthermore, technology will, in my view, be key in the establishment of a militaristic fourth reich, consistent with scriptures such as Revelation 13:4. And yes, Europe is working on military-related technologies.

A ‘fourth reich’ is in the process of being made, but it is not here yet.

Of course, Germany was defeated twice last century. But notice the following prophecy from the Book of Revelation:

14 … the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. (Revelation 13:14)

Germany, along with remnants of the old ‘Holy Roman Empire,’ were wounded by the swords of WWI and WWII, but has Germany has lived and now is mainly recovered from its prior wounds. And the EU is rising to be the final version of the old Holy Roman Empire. Notice also the following:

24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.  (Daniel 11:24)

Germany in the 20th century were unable to do what it is prophesied to do in the 21st century, which is what Daniel 11:24 is showing.

Germany is more and more committed to becoming a major military power again.

Many in Europe are supporting that.

UPDATE 08/31/25: We just uploaded the following related video:

14:32

Germany’s Great Army – Any Problems? WWIII?

At long last, from the perspective of the United States, Germany is stepping up to the plate and greatly increasing its military spending. The politicians in Germany have found a way to bypass the legal limitation on debt enshrined in the Basic Law. This is intended to enable them to develop the military and weaponry they feel is needed to protect themselves from potential threats. The Germans and 75% of NATO feel they have to take these type of steps because they feel the USA can no longer be relied on to help protect them militarily. Politico asked about Germany’s military rebuilding, “What Could Go Wrong?” Could this rebuilding be part of the rise of the “Fourth Reich”? If so, what would this mean? What were the first three Reichs? The so-called ‘Holy Roman Empire’ was the first. Imperial Germany of the 19th century was the second. Adolph Hitler’s Nazi Germany was the third. Can the rise of the fourth Reich be related to a revival of some type of the Holy Roman Empire? The Bible shows that the final King of the North will have a “great army” (Daniel 11:25) and “many ships” (Daniel 11:40). Could that be Germany, which is also working on many military technologies, including supercollider research? Consider, further, that the Bible tells of a power that had been unsuccessful going against a prosperous nation with a strong military before (WWI and WII?), but will finally succeed per Daniel 11:24 and Daniel 11:39. Could the next attempt be World War III and the end of the United States of America? Could the USA be the ungodly/hypocritical nation of Isaiah 10:7 that God says He will use the end-time descendants of Assyria to punish? Are there any prophetic and historic ties between ancient Assyria and the Germanic peoples of Central Europe? Watch this video and listen as Dr. Thiel shines the light of Biblical prophecy right from the pages of the Bible on the full ramifications of the rise of the Beast whose deadly wound was healed!

Here is a link to our video: Germany’s Great Army – Any Problems? WWIII?

There will be many unintended consequences of the Trump-Vance Administration.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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 are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17 Could the European Union be the sixth king that now is, but is not? Here is a link to the related sermon video: European Union & 7 Kings of Revelation 17:10.
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. Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: ¿Deben los Diez Reyes gobernar sobre diez naciones? A related sermon in the English language is titled: Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
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.
The Large Hadron Collider has Military Potential Some say this European project is only peaceful. So why is it working on capturing antimatter? Here is a link to a related video: Could the Large Hadron Collider lead to destruction?
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Is the ‘Great Monarch’ of Catholic prophecies endorsed or condemned by the Bible? Two sermons of related interest are also available: Great Monarch: Messiah or False Christ? and Great Monarch in 50+ Beast Prophecies.
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? Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?  Is Donald Trump going to save the USA or are there going to be many disastrous unintended consequences of his statements and policies? What will happen. The link takes you to a book available at Amazon.com.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Kindle edition is available for only US$3.99. 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 Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?

Years ago, there was in an article in the old Good News magazine by the old Worldwide Church of God that had the question “Why Not Millionaires?”

It started by saying that Job asked an age old question:

7 Why do the wicked live and become old, Yes, become mighty in power? (Job 21:7)

Job then added some more details:

8 Their descendants are established with them in their sight, And their offspring before their eyes. 9 Their houses are safe from fear, Neither is the rod of God upon them. (Job 21:8-9a)

13 They spend their days in wealth, And in a moment go down to the grave. 14 Yet they say to God, ‘Depart from us,For we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways. 15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?’ 16 Indeed their prosperity is not in their hand; (Job 21:13-16a)

The article mentioned that Jeremiah asked/complained about the same thing:

1 Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? 2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit.You are near in their mouth But far from their mind.

3 But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, And You have tested my heart toward You. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, And prepare them for the day of slaughter. 4 How long will the land mourn, And the herbs of every field wither? The beasts and birds are consumed, For the wickedness of those who dwell there, Because they said, “He will not see our final end.” (Jeremiah 12:1-4)

They were not the only ones recorded about that in the Bible. Notice the following from the Book of Psalms:

1 Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. 8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11 And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. 13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. (Psalm 73:1-14)

In the Book of Job, his “three friends” thought that the righteous would basically always be blessed and never suffer. They believed the wicked always suffer and never receive good things. But is this true?

Notice what Eliphaz the Temanite said to Job:

20 The wicked man writhes with pain all his days, And the number of years is hidden from the oppressor. 21 Dreadful sounds are in his ears; In prosperity the destroyer comes upon him. (Job 15:20-21)

Well, that certainly was not the observation of Job, Jeremiah, or the Psalmist.

But remember that God is holding His people to a different standard. And unlike the others, Christians are being judged in this age:

17 or the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17)

Some have wondered, “Why shouldn’t all of God’s people be multi-millionaires or otherwise fabulously financially wealthy?”

God’s people pay tithes and offerings. So why shouldn’t they be multi-millionaires with more than people could want?

Isn’t that consistent with biblical statements like those found in Malachi 3?

Before going further, let’s look at some of what the old Good News magazine article asked and provided some answers to:

Why are not all the others — the wicked — who withhold God’s tithes cursed beyond belief? Why aren’t the other people of the world living in squalor, poverty, filth? But instead, we see many millions of people in the United States and Great Britain — and in other countries — who have prospered and are well off financially. They live in mansions, castles, luxurious surroundings. Why?

The answer is explained in Ecclesiastes 8:12. “Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him.” Notice here that people can do evil many times and still have their days, prosperity, good times prolonged. That is, they do not always suffer a drastic penalty immediately.

What Would Happen?

What would happen if God blessed all of His people fantastically? If He cursed those who did not tithe until they were living in squalor, poverty, filth? Let’s suppose this happened and see what the result would be.

You drive your brand new Cadillac to your spacious, luxurious home. Your sink faucets are overlaid with gold. The finest Persian rugs cover the strongly supported floors throughout your home. Your decorations are fabulous. Chandeliers dazzling. You live on a large lot with beautiful trees, and green grass dotted with fragrant flowers. At one end you have a garden. Your garden is loaded with produce. Tomatoes hang on the plants. Big tomatoes.

You go outside, look over your garden, smile pleasantly and go back in. You notice your neighbor’s garden is not doing well. His house is run down, shabby. His children live in squalor and filth. His garden is wilted, shriveled up. Weeds are growing all over his lawn. You look across the fence and hardly believe your eyes. You have God’s blessings and he the curses.

One day over the fence he asks you why you enjoy all these wonderful financial blessings. He asks why he and his family have to live in such squalor. He wants to know your secret.

You tell him there is no secret. You explain God’s financial law of tithing. You tell him to send ten percent of his earnings into God’s Headquarters for the Work of God. He is skeptical at first. But you urge him.

Finally he gives in and reluctantly agrees to try tithing.

A month later you notice a fantastic difference. His crops grow and bear fruit. You see him purchase new appliances and repair his house. His children are dressed better. Soon he remodels the entire house and builds on extra rooms. You realize that he has also received God’s great blessings. Now the two of you stand as a stark contrast to all the other neighbors.

Well, brethren, you can see what would happen. All others in the neighborhood would inquire, Soon everyone would want to tithe.

Why? Because they believe God’s Law?

No! BECAUSE THEY WANT FINANCIAL PROSPERITY! They would do it for selfishness. If this incident were true the entire world would tithe.

But God wants people who really believe. God wants us to come to know His way is right! We must want God’s way more than anything else. And we must stick with it regardless of the physical circumstances around us.

Now notice Eccl. 8:14. “There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.”

Notice that not everyone is IMMEDIATELY rewarded for righteousness. God first wants to know that we really believe His way. That we will remain righteous regardless of calamities, trials, hardships. (Antion D. Why Do Good Men Suffer? Good News, September-October 1968)

But it is more than that.

Most people could not spiritually handle being a multi-millionaire. We know that many who win the larger lottery drawings are often unhappy and actually wish they never won (see The ‘curse’ of winning the lottery?).

Now let’s look at Malachi 3:

8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,”Says the Lord of hosts,”If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:8-10)

People who turn bitter against tithing will tend to say something to the effect that they tithed and did not become financially blessed for doing so.

Sometimes it is spiritual blessings that God pours out–and that takes faith.

It would not take faith that God knows what is best for someone, if every person became the equivalent of a multi-millionaire a year or so after they started tithe.

Furthermore, Christians should consider that many cannot necessarily handle large amounts of wealth in this age.

Consider the following from Agur in the Book of Proverbs:

8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches —
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
9 Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:8-9)

God had to warn the children of Israel about wealth:

11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest — when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied….17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ (Deuteronomy 8:11-13,17)

It is NOT that wealth is bad.

God is wealthy. People like Noah, Job, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David were wealthy. But apparently, God felt they could handle that.

But not all can.

Solomon had problems his wealth allowed for (cf. 1 Kings 11:1-4). But in his older days he was wise enough to observe:

10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver;
Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.
This also is vanity.

11 When goods increase,
They increase who eat them;
So what profit have the owners
Except to see them with their eyes? (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11)

13 There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun:
Riches kept for their owner to his hurt. (Ecclesiastes 5:13)

24 For riches are not forever, … (Proverbs 27:24)

Many lottery winners can attest to these things.

As far as Christians go, consider that the New Testament teaches:

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

There are numerous reasons that only a few Christians are multimillionaires.

One that James wrote about is that the motivation for many is wrong:

2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James 4:2-3)

1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. (James 5:1-3)

Yes, many will tell themselves that they want more in order to give more–and hopefully that is the case, but James was indicating that selfishness was behind why many want wealth.

Solomon also wrote:

4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 11:4)

28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage. (Proverbs 11:28)

So, righteousness is what Christians should strive for (cf. Psalm 119:172; for more on righteousness, check out the free online book: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).

Back to the New Testament, we see that James also wrote:

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. (James 1:9-11)

There have been problems that wealthy people in the old Worldwide Church of God had that I saw over the years.

Let’s look at something the Apostle Paul wrote Timothy:

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

So, a big reason that most Christians are not multimillionaires is because a strong desire for wealth has led people away from the faith.

Also, people have a tendency to put faith in riches. Continuing, let’s look more at what Paul wrote Timothy:

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Jesus warned about those who trusted in riches:

24 “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24-25)

Trusting in riches can be an impediment to faith.

In a radio broadcast, the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong said:

And if you lack the wisdom to know, God says, ask Him and He will give you wisdom and He will open your mind to see if you will throw yourself on His mercy and come to Him and if you will be willing when He opens the Truth to your mind.

“Oh that men would praise the [ETERNAL] for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” {Psalm 107:8}Does that sound like the so-called God of the Old Testament that’s so harsh and so unkind and unjust that wants to make you suffer? I was reading that out of the Old Testament, that is the God of the Old Testament. Yes, oh, that men would praise Him for his goodness, and his mercy to the children of men.

Well, why don’t you have faith? If you had faith, my friends, you could get rid of these fears and worries; you could find a way to the solution of all your troubles.

Listen, if you were a multi-millionaire and you could buy something, someone could come around and sell you something, a policy, or something, perhaps some kind of a service, so that in every problem you come into, no matter what, you could just simply be shown the way out. In whatever trouble you would get into, here would come a force and a power of man that would deliver you and get you out. Here would be a great organization, they would come to your aid, they have billions of dollars and they would have the power, they would bring about whatever is necessary, spend whatever amount of money is necessary to deliver you. If you’re sick, well, they have enough money they can have the best specialists and the best treatment and everything and so good and such specialists as you never heard of in just…and just get you out of all your sickness and trouble just almost as quick as you can call on them to do it. How much would you pay if you were a multi-millionaire, if you could get that kind of service so that no matter what you do, you would have the guidance to do the right thing, and whenever any troubles come of any kind or anything out of your control, you would be delivered and you’d have every force and power. You know you can have that? God offers that to everybody that will come to Him and will obey Him and will rely on Him, that will live by every Word of God, that will search Him out in the Bible which is His Word, that will live by every Word of God and that will really obey God and trust Him because when you obey God you’re only doing those things that bring about that very condition. That is the thing that will make God happy. God is happy when He sees you and me happy. He loves to make us happy.

Listen, a lot of you don’t even know what faith is. What is faith anyhow? And why don’t you have enough faith, why don’t you get answers to your prayers when you pray? Why is it you pray and sometimes pray and pray but it just seems that God didn’t answer? Do you know why? Why don’t you write in for our booklet … (Armstrong HW. Why Wars and Suffering? Broadcast Date: June 14, 1979)

While you cannot write in for the old WCG faith booklet, our booklet on faith is available free online: Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen.

The Apostle John wrote:

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 2)

And God does want us to prosper and be in health–but more importantly, your spiritual prosperity is His primary objective.

Consider that the New Testament shows that Peter, and very likely John, did not have wealth:

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:2-6)

Consider also that even the Apostle Paul had health problems to ensure he was not derailed from the Kingdom of God:

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

Paul had faith, but God understood what was best for him.

The Apostle Paul also wrote:

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

It is not good for all Christians to be multi-millionaires.

Furthermore, consider that the Apostle Paul wrote:

6 he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

If having wealth will assist, God will provide it.

Anyway, the basic reason that all faithful, tithe-paying Christians are not multi-millionaires is because it is not in their best interest.

The Continuing Church of God also has this related sermonette from its ContinuingCOG channel:

23:36

Why Aren’t All Christians Multi-Millionaires?

In Malachi 3, God promises great blessings for those who pay their tithes and give offerings. So, why aren’t all real Christians who do so not multi-millionaires? Did Job and Jeremiah wonder why some of wicked were prosperous? Did the Apostle Peter have much silver or gold? Are winners of massive lottery prizes happier than before they won? What would happen if God provided massive financial prosperity to those who tithed? Does faith have anything to do with this? Would all real Christians benefit from vast amounts of monetary wealth? Does God want Christians to prosper and be in health? If so, why are there financial and health problems? Is the love of money a root of any kind of evil? What does God want from you? Are some blessings spiritual? Dr. Thiel answers these questions.

Here is a link to the related sermonette: Why Aren’t All Christians Multi-Millionaires?

Herbert W. Armstrong

COGwriter

Years ago, a reader sent me a pdf file that consisted of an article put together by Brian Davis and published by PCG in the July-August 2020 edition of Royal Vision.

Here is a link to the article: Charges Against Herbert W. Armstrong – DISPROVED!

The file format is such that I cannot copy text in the normal way, which is one reason why the link above is provided. Let’s start with an image of how the article begins:

Yes, for decades, various accusations have been made against the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong.

One of the most outrageous is the accusation of incest.

The Bible admonishes us to:

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

So, related to the accusations I had heard about Herbert W. Armstrong, I also strove to do so.

Back in the February 28, 2003 edition of The Journal: News of the Churches of God, I had an article published titled: Consider candid responses to 15 accusations about Herbert W. Armstrong. The Journal’s editor, Dixon Cartwright, found the incest charge so offensive that he edited the word incest out of my original submission.

Later, I posted an article titled 17 Accusations and Truthful Responses About Herbert W. Armstrong where a summary of my investigation into this was included.

Here is what that article currently has on this:

Gross impropriety

Accusation No. 4: Herbert W. Armstrong was guilty of gross sexual impropriety (incest) when younger.

After reviewing the details of one particular allegation regarding sex and what I uncovered, Dixon Cartwright, The Journal’s publisher, asked me to remove them from this article because of the lack of proof and because certain parties are not alive to defend themselves and because The Journal is a family publication.

Various versions of this accusation are extant, most of which seem to be based on a chapter of David Robinson’s 1980 book Herbert W. Armstrong’s Tangled Web. (A version of the accusations appears in Tuit’s book as well.)

I investigated four allegations related to this specific accusation and concluded that unless certain alleged Lochner audiotapes (which have never been made public, and I requested them and even spoke to one who had claimed to hear them–Art Mokarow–he finally admitted to me that he actually had not heard them) surface (and I made diligent inquiry to attempt to find them, including dozens of phone calls, plus E-mails through late February 2003, and even later after this article was originally published), the accusations are not provable and aspects of the accusations are indeed disprovable.

Perhaps I should mention that since one aspect of these accusations is commonly attributed to a comment supposedly made by Herbert W. Armstrong’s son Garner Ted Armstrong (GTA) concerning his dad and another relative. I personally called Garner Ted Armstrong’s office on Dec. 12, 2002 to inquire about this particular accusation. I was not able to speak with GTA directly, but a key employee of the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association discussed it with him and got back with me. Through his spokesperson, GTA declined to comment except to pass on the message that:

“everything you really need to know about my father is contained within the Autobiography (of Herbert W. Armstrong).”

Thus GTA would not stand by a statement attributed to him on this matter–so how can any believe this?

In December 2006, I saw a post at an anti-Church of God website that stated that Dibar Apartian supposedly confirmed that he felt that Herbert W. Armstrong was guilty of incest. On January 3, 2007, I spoke with Dibar Apartian about this. He knew Herbert W. Armstrong for the past 30 plus years of Herbert W. Armstrong’s life. Dibar Apartian clearly and flatly denied the claim someone made that Dibar Apartian said he felt that Herbert W. Armstrong was guilty of incest.

Every single time I have gone to the alleged sources of information on this incest matter, none of these “sources” have ever stood by the statements that the anti-Herbert W. Armstrong critics have claimed were made. I would like to add that at that time Dibar Apartian was 88 1/2 years old and he specifically told me that it should be clear to everyone that he had nothing to gain by denying this. Dibar Apartian also told me that he has never once made a statement confirming any of Herbert W. Armstrong’s alleged personal faults, and specifically that he never stated that he thought Herbert W. Armstrong was guilty of incest. Others have different opinions, but if HWA is guilty of this, no strong facts have emerged (another article related to this that someone else wrote would be Herbert W. Armstrong Did NOT Commit Incest!).

In his Tangled Web book, the late D. Robinson wrote that “like the Wizard of Oz, Herbert Armstrong is operating on image. When his hand is called, there is no substance there. Like the Wizard, he is just a lot of bluster.”

Based on my experience in trying to track down credible sources for this accusation, all I find–including a whole chapter in Robinson’s book–is “just a lot of bluster.” Actually, it appears to me that no one who has made or repeated most of the accusations against Herbert W. Armstrong actually has any real proof for most of them–no one seems to have checked with either the primary (those involved) or secondary sources (those with proof), but instead relied on accusation and rumor–simply stating a false charge does not make it true, no matter how many times it may be repeated.

Let me add that since I wrote this, various ones on and off the internet have indicated that they have ‘proof’ on the incest matter, yet none have produced the Lochner tapes or any actual proof that I have heard. Speaking of late additions, here is something from an email I received about this on November 26, 2014.

HWA & “incest.”

I tend to disbelieve this one. Here’s why: I worked full time at AC after graduation. Was put in charge of the Shipping & Receiving Dept. Because of that I had to deal directly with Vern Mattson. He had to sign checks I needed for shipping items through LA airport and customs. One day, sitting alone with him at his desk he said this to me while writing checks for credit card invoices. “Charles Hunting spends God’s money like there are no limits to it.” I don’t think he would say “God’s money” and use,”God’s work” like he did in private, and off the cuff, if his wife was abused like the critics claim. If any one would have known what happened by then, he would have. Don’t know if you need info like this on the subject, but just info in passing.

Robert Petry

Vern Mattson was Beverly’s (HWA’s daughter) husband at the time of the above. Again, I am not saying there is no possibility of guilt, but too much goes against it.

Furthermore, as far as Robertson’s book goes, consider the following from HWA’s longtime aide Aaron Dean who commented on it in 2018:

Yes I read Dave Robinsons book. I worked for HWA 12 years and he never told me anything that HWA was supposed to tell him in a half hour walk one morning at the feast as we flew from site to site. I was listening in circumstances where this should have come up, but didn’t. It seems he created a lot from other sources.

He had a bit of an axe to grind, and did Marion McNair. There was a lot of fighting for positions in the earlier years of the church. Bad information and lies created many bad decisions. Many people said things, and HWA knew that trying to answer or refute really solved nothing except to keep the issue alive. (Aaron Dean. Post 02/11/18 12:30 PM #7895)

The Robertson book was not based on first-hand or probably second-hand information. But many seem to want to believe it anyway.

For more testimony and comments against the incest charge, check out the following link: Charges Against Herbert W. Armstrong – DISPROVED!

The Royal Vision article cites my research, Mel Olinger, Aaron Dean, Steve Szabo, Loretta Olinger, and Norbert Link. Here are some more images from the article Charges Against Herbert W. Armstrong – DISPROVED!:

The evidence for the allegation is simply not there.

Notice also the following related to Herbert Armstrong’s daughter Dorothy:

Notice also:

Of course, despite research into the truth about this, some people do not care about the truth.

Many have not truly wanted to “prove all things” or “hold fast to what is good.” There still has not arisen any verified proof of the incest charge.

Do not be one who who listens to talebearers instead of believing the facts.

The Bible teaches:

20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body. (Proverbs 26:20-22)

16 You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people … (Leviticus 19:16)

In the last chapter of the last book of the Bible, the Apostle John was inspired to write:

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14-15)

Sadly, there are many corrupt and bitter people who prefer to believe, love, and push lies about this, as well as others in the COGs.

Please, do not be one of them.

Note: Posting the images that I did does NOT mean I agree with everything PCG and that article teach about Herbert W. Armstrong. The images put up were to show that this incest allegation had many flaws and should not be accepted as a fact.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains who he was and how he should be viewed today.
What is Armstrongism? Did Herbert W. Armstrong raise a new faith or promote the original Christian faith? Here is a link to a related video: What is Armstrongism? Are Some Dismissive of Original Christianity?
17 Accusations and Truthful Responses About Herbert W. Armstrong He, even after his death, keeps being improperly maligned–here is the truth on these matters.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong? Two related sermons are available Elijah: Prophecies and Heresies and Elijah, Herbert W. Armstrong, and CCOG.
The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had? What are some of the scriptural limits on ecclesiastical authority? Do some commit organizational idolatry? Here is a Spanish language version La Biblia, Policarpo, Herbert W. Armstrong, y Roderick C. Meredith sobre el gobierno de la Iglesia. Here is a link to a sermon titled Church Governance.
Herbert W. Armstrong, the Philadelphia Church, & the Mantle Herbert Armstrong claims God had him raise the Philadelphia up. Are there reasons to believe that the Philadelphia mantle in now within the CCOG? Here is a link to a related sermon: Herbert W. Armstrong and the Philadelphia Mantle.