Church of God News

(European Union and African Union 25 year trade deal)

COGwriter

The trade deal between the USA and Africa is set to expire today:

The trade agreement between the United States and sub-Saharan African nations, known as AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), is set to expire on September 30.

Though some are still hopeful for a last-ditch effort to clinch a follow-up agreement, dozens of African countries are preparing to see the end of 25 years of duty-free access to the US market — at least for now. …

Launched in 2000 under US President Bill Clinton, the AGOA trade partnership was intended to bring Africa closer to the world’s strongest economy.

However, Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, which brought renewed protectionist policies, saw tariffs go up once more, effectively undoing the deal.

A total of 35 African countries were part of the agreement, which alleviated access to the American market. …

But now, a quarter century of achievements and growth might be lost overnight.

Malick Sane, a specialist in international trade at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, told DW that African companies “will have great difficulty in continuing to penetrate the American market with competitive products,” leading to a decline in production output — and therefore jobs.

South Africa, the largest African exporter to the United States, faces a projected loss of more than 35,000 jobs in the citrus fruit sector alone, while Madagascar will have to pay a 47% tax on vanilla and textile exports in the future.

The US government, meanwhile threatened Lesotho, which relies heavily on the production of jeans materials, with a record tariff of 50%, which was reduced to 15% in July.

Mauritius is to pay 40% on its industrial products. Some of these raw materials are essential for the American industry.

US tariffs will also be levied on exports of platinum, gold, diamonds and rare earths — important sources of income for numerous countries such as South Africa, Ghana, Lesotho, Namibia and Madagascar.

US-Africa trade relations

Africa’s trade with the US had already been on the decline in recent years, emphasizes economist Olekseyuk. “In 2017, only 8.5% of exports from AGOA countries went to the US. That is significantly less than to Europe or China,” she stressed, 09/29/25 https://www.dw.com/en/africa-us-african-growth-opportunity-act-trade-trump-african-union/a-74167055

The Trump Administration has thus far, not publicly at least, truly indicated that trade with Africa is particularly important.

The Europeans have a different view.

Furthermore, the European Union continues to work to increase trade with other lands, triggered in part by trade policies of the Trump Administration.

As far as trade with Africa goes, notice the following:

In 2025, the EU-AU Partnership reaches a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years since its inception at the Cairo Summit in 2000. In this pivotal year, the successful 3rd EU-AU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels on 21 May paved the way for the upcoming 7th AU-EU Summit in Africa by the end of 2025. As we commemorate this anniversary, our partnership remains more committed than ever to fostering growth that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient. Africa, with its vibrant youth population and abundant natural resources crucial for the green and digital transitions, presents a unique opportunity for transformative collaboration. The EU is dedicated to continuing to partner with Africa to foster strategic investments and innovative financial solutions to harness this potential and achieve substantial economic and social progress across both continents.

Central to these efforts is the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package. This ambitious initiative facilitates impactful development in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It focuses on 11 key policy areas: sustainable energy, environment, biodiversity, water and oceans; agri-food systems; climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction; the digital transformation; transport; private sector development and economic integration; sustainable finance; science, technology and innovation; health systems; education and skills development. By pooling resources and expertise, the EU in its Team Europe format with its member states and the European private sector, aims to create an interconnected landscape of growth and shared prosperity in partnership with African partners and responding to their priorities.

The EU is Africa’s foremost trade partner, with 2024 trade flows reaching €355 billion and the EU accounting for about one third of Africa’s total trade. Reinforcing the EU’s position as Africa’s leading investment partner, the EU’s stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa stood at €239 billion in 2023. 08/05/25 https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/news/2025/driving-change-together-eus-partnership-africa-towards-sustainable-prosperity

As Europe’s closest neighbour, Africa is a key geopolitical priority for the European Union. The EU is Africa’s leading partner in energy, peace and security, the green transition, trade and investment, and digital transformation.

In 2025, the African Union and European Union celebrate 25 years of their unique and successful partnership. The formal political agreement between the organisations has provided invaluable opportunities for the two continents to develop their economic, cultural and political ties.

At the EU-African Union summit in February 2022, member states of the African Union (AU) and the European Union agreed to renew their partnership, setting out a joint vision for 2030. The joint vision provides the main political guidance for EU-Africa cooperation in the years ahead. …

The EU is the top trading partner of African countries collectively and by far their largest export market, ahead of China, India and the United States. African countries together constitute the EU’s fourth-largest trading partner. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-africa/ accessed 09/30/25

As the USA moves away from the continent of Africa, the EU is poised to take advantage of this.

In my article, Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future, there has long been the following statement:

Yes, Africa’s destiny is to be more closely tied with Europe, for a time.

Notice also number 8 of my 25 items to prophetically watch in 2025:

8. Trade …

Europe will reach out to various ones in Asia and Africa, as well as Latin America. In the next several years, deals and more trade will occur with Africa, Asia, and Latin America. …

The Europeans will work with many nations to secure stronger trade agreements.

The Europeans are doing this now with many parts of the world.

Things will not turn out as Donald Trump hopes (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Related to future trade, we put together the following video:

14:49

Trade Wars – and the Winner will be …

US President Trump imposed tariffs on a global scale. Those tariffs were imposed on friend and foe alike. It seems as if President Trump is no respecter of nations. But how will this work out for the United States? Will these tariffs result in other nations drawing closer together that have had rather cold, and even not so cold, relations in the past? Will global tariffs result in trade wars? Were the events which are happening predicted by any in the Continuing Church of God? Is Europe drawing closer to China? Is Europe drawing closer to Latin and South America? With the exception of a few of America’s allies, is the net result of these tariffs a worldwide scramble to create new alliances and new trading partners to the exclusion of the United States? What will be the future result of these new alliances? Many of the nations that are now seeking new alliances were just recently America’s allies. They were her friends. Dr. Thiel brings to light the fate of America and her allies at the hands of her former friends, as revealed in the book of Lamentations. As we rapidly approach the end times listen in as Dr. Thiel brings to light world events. Then listen as he shines the light of Bible prophecy directly on the questions raised from these world events.

Here is a link to our video: Trade Wars – and the Winner will be …

Symbol of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

COGwriter

The European Union hopes that Hamas will accept the 20 point peace plan that the US White House announced:

EU leaders welcome Trump’s Gaza plan, urge Hamas to accept it ‘without delay’

30 September 2025

European leaders, from Ursula von der Leyen to Emmanuel Macron, have reacted positively to Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza.

The European Union has welcomed the 20-point plan laid out by US President Donald Trump to end Israel’s war on Gaza and urged Hamas to accept it “without delay”.

The proposal includes, among other aspects, the cessation of military operations, the liberation of Israeli hostages, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, the disarmament of Hamas, and the unimpeded delivery of emergency aid.

It also foresees the creation of a temporary “Board of Peace”, chaired by Trump himself, to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition.

Israel has signed up to the plan while Hamas says it is reviewing it. The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the occupied West Bank, has also expressed support.

“President Trump’s Gaza plan is an opportunity for lasting peace. It offers the best immediate chance to end the war,” High Representative Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday. …

“A two-state solution remains the only viable path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East with the Israeli and Palestinian people living side by side, in peace and security, free from violence and terrorism,” von der Leyen said. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/09/30/eu-leaders-welcome-trumps-gaza-plan-urge-hamas-to-accept-it-without-delay

No, this plan will NOT bring lasting peace. As far as a “two-state solution,” Israel’s Prime Minister said he did not agree to that:

In a video statement published on his Telegram channel discussing his visit to the US, Benjamin Netanyahu said the IDF “will remain in most of the territory” as part of the plan drawn up with Trump, and that Israel did “absolutely not” agree to a Palestinian state. …

Asked whether he had agreed to a Palestinian state during his visit, Netanyahu said:

Absolutely not, and it is not written in the agreement either. But one thing we did say: we are firmly opposed to a Palestinian state. President Trump also said this; he said he understands our position. He also declared at the UN that such a move would be a huge reward for terror and a danger to the state of Israel. And of course, we will not agree to it. https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/sep/30/netanyahu-israel-gaza-hamas-trump-peace-plan-latest-news-middle-east-crisis-live

While the Palestinian Authority would like to replace Hamas’ governance in Gaza, it insists on a two-state solution. Its President Abbas called for that again last week (see Palestine’s President Abbas lays out plan to the UN–Could a version of this become the deal on Daniel 9:27?). Israel must realize that the Palestinians will not consider that they have peace if they do not have their own state.

Below is the 20 point Gaza peace plan that the White House released (as posted 09/29/25 at https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-trumps-20-point-proposal-to-end-the-war-in-gaza):

1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.

2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.

3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.

4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.

5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.

8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement.

9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.

10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.

11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.

12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.

13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.

14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.

15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.

16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.

17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.

18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.

19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

The White House also released the following map to show where Israeli troops would pull back to based upon the achievement of certain points in the plan:

ZeroHedge posted the following:

September 30, 2025

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has previewed to reporters that “both sides have to give up a little bit and might leave the table a little bit unhappy.” But it seems this conversation is only being had with one side, given no signs of direct Hamas involvement in these discussions.

The reality is that this month’s Israeli attack on Hamas officials in Doha was likely the straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of ending the possibility of negotiations. Hamas says its negotiating team was lured to Qatar precisely with the promise of a new deal on the horizon, only to be attacked in a brazen Israeli operation, leaving five dead, as as well as a Qatari security guard.

So despite Trump’s optimism for the future, chances aren’t great, also at a time the IDF is pursuing the total takeover of Gaza City.

Hamas has meanwhile made clear that it won’t negotiate its own demise, while also wanting a full Israeli military withdrawal before all remaining hostages are released, but Netanyahu is still pledging to not end IDF operations until the complete eradication of Hamas is realized.

Trump reportedly wants to see an immediate halt to all military operations, but will Israel comply? Will Hamas comply? Both seem remain locked in a zero sum fight at this point, so it seems increasingly unlikely. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/everybody-wants-deal-trump-presses-netanyahu-gaza-peace-4th-wh-visit

Hamas does not want to abandon its goals, hence no matter what is negotiated with this plan, do not expect real peace.

Now, Donald Trump had urged Benjamin Netanyahu to accept essentially the Biden Administration’s Gaza peace deal in January of 2025. And he did.

Here is some of what I posted about that back on January 17, 2025:

In his speech, which I heard on the radio, Joe Biden said that there were three parts of the deal and that third part was a permanent peace deal. Notice:

US President Joe Biden says the hostage release and ceasefire deal his administration helped broker between Israel and Hamas will bring about a “permanent end of the war” in Gaza at the conclusion of its second of three phases. 01/15/25 https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/biden-stresses-tonights-hostage-ceasefire-deal-will-bring-about-a-permanent-end-of-the-war/

That is overly optimistic. This deal will be violated. It is NOT permanent.

Donald Trump also took credit for the deal, and indeed many believe it was his influence that got both Israel and Hamas to agree (see https://caitlinjohnstone.com.au/2025/01/16/thoughts-on-the-ceasefire-deal/).

The Bible prophesies:

10 “Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace — and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar — 11 say to those who plaster it with untempered mortar, that it will fall. There will be flooding rain, and you, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall tear it down. 12 Surely, when the wall has fallen, will it not be said to you, ‘Where is the mortar with which you plastered it?'” (Ezekiel 13:10-12)

Now, this deal will basically be positive for the released Israeli hostages and their families. As well as for many in Gaza.

However, many convicted Palestinians terrorists are to be released. The prophet Isaiah was inspired to warn the following:

8 The Lord sent a word against Jacob, And it has fallen on Israel. … 11 Therefore the Lord shall … spur his enemies on, 12 The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; And they shall devour Israel with an open mouth. (Isaiah 9:8, 11-12)

The Bible clearly is prophesying problems from some Syrians and some Palestinians. And this would be expected to include terrorism.

Notice also something else about the deal:

January 17, 2025

Without a complete analysis here and at this time, suffice it to say that the proposed deal has several major flaws: it does not create a permanent cease-fire, does not disarm Gaza, does not eliminate Hamas from Gaza, does not have terms for the release of ALL the 98 hostages, and has so many pitfalls that it could be violated at any stage in the first stage of 42 days during which 33 hostages, dead and alive, are slated to be released in exchange for thousands of Hamas terrorists. …

Before the deal has even begun to be implemented, the terms alone create national trauma. Releasing thousands of hardened terrorists to return to Gazan streets to perpetrate acts of terror that threaten all Israelis is creating pre-trauma. …

Some feel that any deal that Israel’s enemies agree to is a bad deal, because they will never stop trying to massacre innocent Jews and annihilate Israel. The thinking goes that if the terrorists think it’s a good deal, it’s bad for us. Indeed, Palestinian Arabs are celebrating their victory. https://israel365news.com/399530/the-trauma-of-the-hostage-deal-we-all-want/

Permanent peace will not come to the Middle East until AFTER Jesus returns. Pray for His return and the Kingdom of God to come (Matthew 6:10).

The Bible shows that the time will come when there will be a temporary ‘peace deal’ in the Middle East (see the article The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).

But the Hamas-Israel ceasefire is NOT the prophesied one.

The Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal has so many problems that it is doubtful that the three phases will be implemented–and if so, expect changes.

Furthermore, the Bible also shows that a European leader–probably a German one–will be involved in confirming a coming prophesied deal of Daniel 9:26-27–this is NOT the current Hamas-Israel deal. (Thiel B. Hamas-Israel ceasefire and Daniel 9:27. COGwriter, January 17, 2025)

The next day, we recorded the following video:

14:47

Hamas Israel Ceasefire and Daniel 9:27

Peace at Last! Peace at Last! World News Item: Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire! But will this ceasefire really bring about peace in the mid-east? There are three phases to the ceasefire agreement. Is it possible that both Israel and Hamas will abide by the conditions set forth in all three phases? Would their past performance be any indication of their future performance? Dr. Thiel sheds the light of Bible prophecy on these world events in addition to giving us insight into a future peace deal spoken of in the book of Daniel. A peace deal between the King of the North and the King of the South. Will that peace deal result in peace? If the cease fire between Hamas and Israel and the peace deal between the Kings of the North and South don’t bring about peace – what will?

Here is a link to our video: Hamas Israel Ceasefire and Daniel 9:27.

So, will the new White House 20 point peace plan lead to permanent peace?

No.

Is the new White House 20 point peace plan the prophesied peace deal of Daniel 9:26-27?

No.

Let’s look at what at Daniel 9:26-27 actually 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.

Anyway, the White House 20 point peace plan does NOT have a seven-year provision nor something that looks like it could be construed as one.

That does not mean that it cannot be changed to support the deal of Daniel 9:26-27.

While it could lead to some type of temporary cease fire, it also will not lead to permanent peace in the Middle East.

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. 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.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
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? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about 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.

The Day of Atonement lasts from sunset October 1st until sunset October 2nd in 2025. (A version of this article is also available in Spanish: http://www.cdlidd.es/el-macho-cabrio-degollado-representa-a-jesus/).

A unique ceremony related to the Day of Atonement is discussed in the Old Testament:

5 And from the assembly of the sons of Israel he shall take two he goats of the goats for sin, and one ram for a burnt-offering. (Leviticus 16:5, Smith’s Literal Translation; Note that this verse does not state that the goats are both for sin offerings. We see in verse 15 only one of the goat’s is described as “the sin offering.”)

8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for Jehovah, and the other lot for Azazel. 9 And Aaron shall present the goat upon which the lot fell for Jehovah, and offer him for a sin-offering. 10 But the goat, on which the lot fell for Azazel, shall be set alive before Jehovah, to make atonement for him, to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:8-10, ASV)

8 ‘And Aaron hath given lots over the two goats, one lot for Jehovah, and one lot for a goat of departure; 9 and Aaron hath brought near the goat on which the lot for Jehovah hath gone up, and hath made it a sin-offering. 10 ‘And the goat on which the lot for a goat of departure hath gone up is caused to stand living before Jehovah to make atonement by it, to send it away for a goat of departure into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:8-10, YLT)

Christians note the parallels between the first of the two goats with Jesus being the sin offering in verse 9 and the second of the two goats tied in with Satan (the Azazel goat).

Now the goat representing Jesus does get killed, but the goat representing Satan does not (which parallels him being placed in the bottomless pit for 1000 years in Revelation 20).

While Jewish authorities and the old Worldwide Church of God published that the Azazel goat of Leviticus 16 had to do with Satan/demons (see The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance), CGG: Church of the Great God claims that goat is actually Jesus, not Satan. Several hours ago, CGG sent out the following:

The two goats of the unique Day of Atonement ceremony are first mentioned in Leviticus 16:5, which contains an often-overlooked detail: “And he shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats as a sin offering, and one ram as a burnt offering” (emphasis ours throughout unless otherwise noted).

The “two kids of the goats” together are a single sin offering .. .A reason the animals had to be of the highest quality is that they were offered to God, who deserves only the best. A second reason is that every sacrificial animal prefigured the Savior, who was entirely without blemish or defect.

In the symbolism of a substitutionary sacrifice, an innocent participant is chosen to bear the sins of the guilty. However, this utterly fails to apply to Satan, for his millennia of sin make it impossible for him to be pictured as unblemished or innocent. (The Berean. Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 at 08:17:12 AM EDT Subject: Leviticus 16:5 (Daily Verse and Comment)

CGG misunderstands Leviticus 16. Notice the following:

5 And from the assembly of the sons of Israel he shall take two he goats of the goats for sin, and one ram for a burnt-offering. (Leviticus 16:5, Smith’s Literal Translation; Note that it does not state that the goats are both for sin offerings. We see in verse 15 only one of the goat’s is described as “the sin offering.”)

8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for Jehovah, and the other lot for Azazel. 9 And Aaron shall present the goat upon which the lot fell for Jehovah, and offer him for a sin-offering. 10 But the goat, on which the lot fell for Azazel, shall be set alive before Jehovah, to make atonement for him, to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:8-10, ASV)

8 ‘And Aaron hath given lots over the two goats, one lot for Jehovah, and one lot for a goat of departure; 9 and Aaron hath brought near the goat on which the lot for Jehovah hath gone up, and hath made it a sin-offering. 10 ‘And the goat on which the lot for a goat of departure hath gone up is caused to stand living before Jehovah to make atonement by it, to send it away for a goat of departure into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:8-10, YLT)

15 “Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. (Leviticus 16:15, NKJV)

Notice that one of the goats is for “Jehovah” and the other for one was for Azazel. Jesus was often the “Yahveh/Jehovah” in the Hebrew scriptures. Note also that the second goat is NOT later called a sin offering–only the goat to be killed was later identified that way–but when initially chosen, it was unclear which goat would be the sin offering before the lots were cast.

Christians note the parallels between the first of the two goats with Jesus being the sin offering in verse 9 and the second of the two goats with Satan (the Azazel goat).

As far as CGG’s point about sacrificial animals go, consider that the goat that was released to the wilderness was not sacrificed, which invalidates the position that all sacrificial animals had to be without physical blemish.

Could Satan or his ministers outwardly appear to be without blemish?

Yes, as the Apostle Paul wrote:

14 … For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

That is part of why lots were cast to determine the goat for the sin offering and the other for Azazel.

As far as ‘Azazel,’ notice the following:

R. Menachem interprets Azazel of Samael, the angel of death, the devil, the prince that hath power over desolate places: there are several Christian writers of great note, that understand this of the devil as Origen (b), among the ancients; and of the moderns, Cocceius (c), Witsius (d), and Spencer (e), who think that by these two goats is signified the twofold respect of Christ our Mediator; one to God, as a Judge, to whom he made satisfaction by his death; the other to the devil, the enemy with whom he conflicted in life; who, according to prophecy, was to be delivered up to Satan, and have his heel bruised by him; and who was to come, and did come into the wilderness of this world…(Gill, John. Exposition of the Entire Bible. [1746-63])

So, basically a Jewish rabbi (“R.” is an abbreviation for Rabbi) and certain leaders who professed Christ believed that the Azazel goat represented Satan. And that is consistent with the passages in Leviticus 16 and other scriptures.

Notice more about part of an Old Testament ceremony that occurred on the Day of Atonement:

And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness…And he who released the goat as the scapegoat shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp (Leviticus 16:20-22,26).

Notice that the atonement is over after the first goat is sacrificed. The atonement is not part of the symbolism of the second goat. While some Protestant commentators understand this correctly, others either do not know what the Azazel goat represents or think it represents the physical life of Christ. Yet, that latter explanation would not seem to be consistent with the statements in Leviticus 16:26 (bolded above).

Why?

Because notice that it is a fit man that takes the goat into the wilderness and he has to wash himself after he has released the aza’zel goat. If the second goat represented Christ, the fit man would have to wash BEFORE touching the goat (cf. Leviticus 16:4) and not AFTER releasing it. Touching the one representing Satan would make one unclean, not touching the one representing Christ. Washing in Leviticus 15 clearly was shown to be required after touching/being exposed to various things considered to be unclean.

The live goat is taken to an uninhabited land by someone, whereas Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection–and heaven is not uninhabited.

Some who claim Jesus was the released goat have pointed to the following statement from John the Baptist to support that view:

29 … Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

However, Jesus did not take away the sins of the world by leaving, He took away the sins through His sacrifice (cf. Hebrews 10:11-12).

The Bible also teaches:

28 … Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many (Hebrews 9:28)

Not twice as being the second goat–which was the goat representing Azazel.

Notice also:

17 If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity. (Leviticus 5:17)

15 Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. (Leviticus 24:15)

Unrepentant sinners are to bear their sins. Satan is unrepentant and has had a part if causing others to sin–Satan will bear his sins, which includes his part in pushing others to sin–not to take the sins of others away, but in order to reap what he has sowed (cf. Galatians 6:7).

Moreover, the following is also applicable to him:

52 … bear your own shame also, because the sins which you committed were more abominable than theirs; (Ezekiel 16:52)

Consider the following related to Satan and his influence:

2 … prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (Ephesians 2:2-3)

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

The new Testament is clearly assigning blame to Satan–and we also know that God did as well starting with Satan deceiving Eve (Genesis 3:1-14).

The old Worldwide Church of God taught:

The English word scapegoat is not a correct translation of the Hebrew word God inspired. Most Bibles with marginal renderings show that the original word was azazel. Azazel refers to none other than Satan the devil!

The modern word scapegoat carries an entirely wrong connotation. Originally it was escape goat — the goat allowed to escape in the wilderness — that the translators took to be the meaning of azazel. But today the English word scapegoat signifies “one who bears blame or guilt for others.” As we shall see, azazel — Satan — will bear his own guilt! (MINISTUDY: The Day of Atonement in God’s Great Master Plan. Good News, August 1983)

What happened to the live goat in Leviticus 16 is symbolic of Satan for three basic reasons:

1. The term scapegoat is an inappropriate translation into English, as it implies that blame is being placed where blame is not due. The Hebrew term is actually aza’zel. This is a term that some Jewish people have historically ascribed to a Satanic adversary.
2. Satan will reap what he sows (Galatians 6:7) and yes, does bear blame for sin–including sins of others as he has been involved i influencing from the time of Adam and Eve to present.
3. What happens with the Azazel goat and what happens to Satan is quite similar, if one compares Leviticus 16:20-22,26 to Revelation 20:1-3.

The New Testament Fulfillment of the Binding of Azazel/Satan

Place called ‘Devil’s home’ in New Zealand

The New Testament shows that Satan will be bound for a thousand years to be kept away from humanity during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ:

1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. (Revelation 20:1-3)

Since the above is consistent with the ceremony in the Old Testament about bringing (essentially casting) the Azazel goat into the wilderness, it appears that the binding and casting of Satan into the bottomless pit will occur on the Atonement.

Notice that the Old Testament shows that it is a fit man that places the Azazel goat, which bares blame for sins into the wilderness and in the New Testament it is an angel that places Satan, who brought sin into the world, into the wilderness of the bottomless pit.

Some Roman Catholic leaders, oddly, believe that this already happened physically or spiritually:

Revelation 20:1-3 . . . God has always respected our freedom of choice between covenant fidelity to him and to apostasy. That seems to be the theological point of this thousand-year period that is relatively free from Satanic temptations. (Kurz, W. What Does the Bible Say About the End Times? A Catholic View. Servant Books, Cincinnati. Nihil Obstat: Kistner H., Schehr T.P. Imprimi Potest: Link F., Paul J.M. Imprimatur: Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004, p. 168, 173-174)

Millenium {sic}: Since the Holy Office decreed (July 21, 1944) that it cannot safely be taught that Christ at His Second Coming will reign visibly with only some of His saints (risen from the dead) for a period of time before the final and universal judgment, a spiritual millennium is seen in Apoc. 20:4-6. St. John gives a spiritual recapitulation of the activity of Satan, and the spiritual reign of the saints with Christ in heaven and in His Church on earth. When Christianity triumphed over the Beast (in its sixth head, the pagan Roman empire) Satan was chained. With the re-appearance of the Beast in the anti-Christian world empire (the seventh head), he will be unchained, and muster all his forces against the Church until the peak of the persecution under Antichrist. Meanwhile, the church enjoyed its milleniun {sic} with Christ enthroned among the nations. (LeFrois, Bernard J. Eschatological Interpretation of the Apocalypse. The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, Vol. XIII, pp. 17-20; Cited in Culleton RG. The Reign of Antichrist, 1951. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1974, p. 9).

Notice that the above suggests that Satan has been gone a thousand years. Does any thinking person believe that Satan was ever bound and away from the earth for 1,000 years after Revelation (which Roman Catholics often refer to as the Apocalypse) was written? This has never happened literally or spiritually–though it will in the millennium (see also
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?).

Contrary to the claims of those who do not take this portion of Revelation literally, this 1000 year binding of Satan has certainly not taken place since John was inspired to pen Revelation.

The New Testament shows that the Gentile Gospel writer Luke knew about the Day of Atonement, when he wrote:

9…sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over (Acts 27:9).

The Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God states this about the Day of Atonement (and more detail is in the article The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance):

The Day of Atonement, called “the Fast” in the New Testament (Acts 27:9), helps show our own weaknesses and need to be closer to God (Isaiah 58:5,11). This day shows that Jesus was the atoning sacrifice for our sins now (1 John 4:9-10; cf. Leviticus 16:15-16) and those that will be called in the “age to come” (Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; cf. Acts 3:21). It also helps picture that Satan has a role in the sins of humankind and that he will be punished by being bound for one-thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3; cf. Leviticus 16:20-26; Isaiah 14:12-16).

While some believe that what the Old Testament pictures is past, the reality is that the Holy Days help show God’s plan of salvation, and in the case of the Day of Atonement, it also shows Satan’s role in sin and his coming binding for 1000 years.

As far as Satan’s ultimate fate goes, notice the following scripture:

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, (Hebrews 2:14)

Related to Satan’s ultimate fate, the Continuing Church of God put out the following sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel by the late deacon Richard Close:

1:41:10

Destiny of Satan

Is Satan immortal? Does he have eternal life? Or will he perish? Will you believe what the Bible says about this? Richard Close examines many scriptures indicating that Satan’s final fate has been revealed.

Here is a link to the sermon: Destiny of Satan.

Here is a sermon in Spanish made for 2025:

El Destino de Satanás y sus demonios

Those who have more interest may wish to study the following:

The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement.” Does it have any relevance for Christians today? Here is a link to a related article in the Spanish language: El Día de Ayuno –Su significado cristiano.
Sermon: The Bible and the Day of Atonement The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement.” Does it have any relevance for Christians today? Was it observed in the New Testament? What did some of the ancient Hebrew ceremonies surrounding it mean? Does one goat in Leviticus represent Jesus and the other Satan? How does the New Testament help answer this?
Sermon: Atonement, Fasting, and Jesus What does the Bible teach about the Day of Atonement? What was Jesus’ role? Why fast?
The Atonement Plan How does the Day of Atonement tie into God’s plan of salvation? Two sermons of related interest are available God’s Atonement and Fasting Plan and God’s Atonement Plan.
Atonement Offertory Jesus Was the Atoning Sacrifice Should an offering be taken up on the Day of Atonement? What does the Bible seem to teach about that? Was Jesus a type of atonement offering? If you send an offering, how does that support the work? Dr. Thiel goes over scriptures and facts related to this. Here is a link to the donation page of the Continuing Church of God, which includes the ability to use PayPal: http://www.ccog.org/donations/
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.
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.
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Michael’s Day of Atonement Quiz Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Importance of Fasting An old article by Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject. Here is a link to it in Mandarin Chinese 禁食的重要性.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days. (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Calendario Anual de Adoración –Una crítica basada en la Biblia y en la Historia: ¿Hay un Calendario Anual de Adoración en la Biblia?
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should Christians keep the Fall Biblical Holy Days?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not? What does the Feast of Trumpets, which the Jews call Rosh Hashanah, help teach?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach? A related sermon video is Feast of Tabernacles from Israel.
Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. Two related sermons would be Which Spring Days should Christians observe? and Fall Holy Days for Christians.
The Last Great Day: Shemini ‘Azeret What is the ‘eighth day’ of the Feast? What does it help picture? A sermon on this topic is also available: Shemini Azaret: The Last Great Day.
Christians are to Be Strangers and Pilgrims? Should Christians sojourn? What does the Bible and Feast of Tabernacles teach? A related video sermon is titled Christian Pilgrims.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2033, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。.

(Pixabay picture)

COGwriter

The BBC reported the following:

What is the plan for digital IDs and will they be mandatory?

29 September 2025

The government has announced plans to introduce a digital ID system across the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying it will ensure the country’s “borders are more secure”.

The IDs will not have to be carried day-to-day, but they will be compulsory for anyone wanting to work.

The government says the scheme will be rolled-out “by the end of the Parliament” – meaning before the next general election, which by law must be held no later than August 2029. …

The digital IDs will be used to prove a person’s right to live and work in the UK.

They will take the form of an app-based system, stored on smartphones in a similar way to the NHS App or digital bank cards.

Information on the holders’ residency status, name, date of birth, nationality and a photo will be included.

Announcing the scheme, Sir Keir said: “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. It’s as simple as that.” …

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said that while there are arguments “for and against” digital ID, making it mandatory “requires a proper national debate”. …

The UK government has said it will “take the best aspects” of digital ID systems used elsewhere around the world, including Estonia, Australia, Denmark and India. …

Many other countries also use digital ID of one kind or another, including Singapore, Greece, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Arab Emirates, China, Costa Rica, South Korea and Afghanistan. …

Civil liberties groups argue that even a limited digital ID could pave the way for a more intrusive system, raising concerns about privacy, data security and government overreach.

Big Brother Watch, alongside seven other organisations, has written to the prime minister urging him to abandon the plan, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyl3lzzed2o

The Swiss just voted to implement digital ids there:

Swiss voters narrowly approve plan for electronic ID cards

28 September 2025

Swiss voters have narrowly approved a plan to introduce voluntary electronic identity cards.

With all votes counted, 50.4% of those who voted said yes to the proposal, while 49.6% rejected it. …

It was Switzerland’s second vote on digital IDs. An earlier proposal was rejected in 2021, amid concerns the data would be held centrally, and controlled largely by private providers. …

Sunday’s revised proposal keeps the system in government hands. Data will be stored only on the smartphones of individual users, and digital IDs will be optional.

Citizens can continue to use national identity card if they choose, which has been standard for decades in Switzerland.

To further ease privacy concerns, a particular authority seeking information on a person – such as proof of age or nationality, for example – will only be able to check for those specific details.

It comes after the UK government announced plans earlier this week to introduce its own digital ID – which would be mandatory for employment – as part of efforts to curb the number of illegal migrants living and working in the country.

The proposed British digital ID would have fewer intended uses than the Swiss version, but has still raised concerns about privacy and data security. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdr624j16jpo

While neither the UK or Switzerland are officially part of the EU, what they are doing is consistent with goals that the European Union has:

EU pushes collaboration with foreign governments on digital ID, online censorship

June 19, 2025

As part of a broader campaign to expand its global influence in the digital era, the European Union has introduced a sweeping International Digital Strategy that leans heavily on centralized infrastructure, digital identity systems, and regulatory frameworks that raise significant questions about online freedoms and privacy.

The European Commission, in announcing the initiative, stressed its intent to collaborate with foreign governments on a range of areas, prominently featuring digital identity systems and what it calls “Digital Public Infrastructure.”

These frameworks, which have garnered widespread support from transnational institutions such as the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, are being marketed as tools to streamline cross-border commerce and improve mobility.

However, for privacy advocates, the strategy raises red flags due to its promotion of interoperable digital ID programs and a surveillance-oriented model of governance under the guise of efficiency.

According to the strategy documents, one of the EU’s objectives is to drive mutual recognition of electronic trust services, including digital IDs, across partner nations such as Ukraine, Moldova, and several Balkan and Latin American countries. This aligns with the EU’s ambitions to propagate its model of the Digital Identity Wallet, an initiative that privacy campaigners warn could entrench government control over personal data.

The strategy also outlines measures to deepen cooperation on global digital regulation, including laws that govern online speech. …

In framing digital transformation as both an economic imperative and a security concern, the EU’s strategy reinforces a convergence of interests between state power and corporate infrastructure. It is a vision of the digital future where identity verification, regulatory harmonization, and global partnerships coalesce into a tightly managed ecosystem, one that may leave little space for meaningful privacy and anonymous participation online. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/eu-pushes-collaboration-with-foreign-governments-on-digital-id-online-censorship/?utm_source=most_recent&utm_campaign=usa

This is not a surprise as the EU has been moving in this direction for years. The picture at the beginning of this post is the logo for a relatively new EU office to enforce various regulations. We warned about that back in 2019:

The European Union is in the process of establishing the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.This is a major, first-of-its-kind move, with the EU setting up a European-wide prosecutor’s office that will have power to investigate and charge people for financial crimes committed against the EU. It looks like this type of office may end up persecuting those that do not have the mark of the Beast when they “buy or sell” as that will later be considered a financial crime in Europe. What does 666 mean? How has that name be calculated? How can we be certain that this is a prophecy for Europe and not Islam? Is the appointment of this new office of significant prophetic importance? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more by pointing to scriptures, news items, and historical accounts.

Here is a link to the sermonette video: EU Setting Up 666 Enforcer?

The fact is that things like digital ids are leading to censorship which will also lead to the coming ‘famine of the word’ (cf. Amos 8:11-12).

Notice part of number 23 of my list of 25 items to prophetically watch in 2025:

23. Totalitarian Steps

The 13th chapter of the Book of Revelation tells about a totalitarian leader called the Beast rising up, controlling buying and selling (cf. Revelation 13:16-18). …

Participating in society includes the ability to use a computer, communicate, buy goods, and travel, to name just a few–and the EU’s Digital Services Acts can affect all of that and more.

The globalists want to be able to monitor who is buying or saying anything.

Furthermore, if there were to be carbon passports, that would likely be tied in with your purchases so you could be monitored by some official view of how much harm your purchases cause the environment.

This is helping set the stage for the rise of the Beast who will gain power after the 4th seal of Revelation (which is the ride of the pale horse of death) is opened.

Expect to see various new totalitarian steps implemented and/or proposed in 2025.

Meetings in Europe are promoting ways that will lead to more totalitarian controls.

A while back, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel related what many groups are working towards:

14:31

Globalism Conspiracy or Convergence?

In May of 2022, the World Economic Forum held a conference where thousands of the world’s elites attended, essentially in support of a ‘great reset’ to change society. In June 2022, the Bilderberg Group met essentially to do the same thing. In June 2022, Pope Francis told a group invited by Cardinal Kurt Koch, “Unity does not come about by standing still.” Whereas the Roman Catholic group, whose co-president in Marc Stengel, called for more cooperation with the United Nations and apparently supporters of Gandhi. The World Council of Churches also supports the globalist agenda as do the Freemasons and others. Could Satan be the real conspirator behind this? Will humanity be able to bring about utopia? Or can true Christian unity and utopia only come about with the return of Jesus and the Kingdom of God? Will the globalist agenda succeed for a time? Dr. Thiel addresses these and other issues.

Here is a link to that video: Globalism Conspiracy or Convergence?

And according to the Bible, more and more censorship and surveillance is coming.

The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) also put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

The use if digital ids is a partial prelude to the coming ‘666’ controls the Bible prophesies in the following:

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:15-18)

Related to plans for control and surveillance, we put together the following video:

Governments and globalist organizations are pushing for the implementation of tools that will help fulfill biblical prophecies on censorship and totalitarianism.

Do not fall for it as it will lead to destruction and a totalitarian society.

Digital integration systems are not the answer. A totalitarian system is coming.

The ONLY real solution for the problems facing humanity is repentance, the return of Jesus, and the good news of the coming Kingdom of God.

Moldovan Parliament
(Photo via Wikipedia)

COGwriter

Election results from Moldova are being considered as pro-European Union. EuroNews reported the following:

Moldova’s pro-EU party wins high-stakes parliamentary election

29 September 2025

Moldova’s pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) claimed a clear lead and a new majority in parliamentary elections on Sunday, seen as pivotal for the country’s future on its path to EU membership.

With nearly all polling station reports counted, electoral data showed the pro-EU PAS won 50.1% of the vote, while the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc had 24.2%.

The Russia-friendly Alternativa Bloc came third, followed by the populist Our Party. The right-wing Democracy at Home party also won enough votes to enter parliament. https://www.euronews.com/2025/09/29/moldovas-pro-eu-party-takes-clear-lead-in-parliamentary-election

While the final tally of votes may be different, 50.1% is not much of a majority.

The fact is that there is a lot of pro-Russian sentiment in Moldova, but some of it has been suppressed. Notice the following, also from EuroNews:

Moldova’s electoral commission barred a pro-Russian party from participating in this weekend’s parliamentary elections on Friday, a vote beleaguered by widespread claims of Russian interference. …

The Heart of Moldova party is one of four parties in the Russia-friendly Patriotic Electoral Bloc (BEP), which is viewed as one of the main opponents of the ruling pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).

The Central Electoral Commission’s decision was based on a ruling a day earlier by the Chișinău Court of Appeal, which restricted the party’s activities for 12 months. …

The BEP says it wants “friendship with Russia,” permanent neutrality and a “state that serves the people, not officials.”

Irina Vlah, leader of the Heart of Moldova, condemned “the abusive decision” and called it a “political spectacle, concocted a long time ago” by the ruling party.

She made a similar statement condemning the court ruling the previous day. https://www.euronews.com/2025/09/26/moldovas-electoral-commission-bars-pro-russian-party-from-sundays-parliamentary-vote

So, a couple of days before the election, a major party was not allowed to participate. That suggests that there were perhaps more pro-Russian voters than pro-EU ones.

Here is something from RT out of Russia:

Moldova’s pro-EU ruling party claims razor-thin majority with overseas vote

29 September 2025

Moldova’s ruling pro-EU Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) has secured a narrow majority in the nation’s parliamentary election, according to preliminary results published by the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Votes from abroad pushed PAS past the threshold needed to continue governing without a coalition partner. Inside the country, however, it received only 44.13%, with its strongest support in the capital, Chisinau, where it polled at 52.68%.  …

Voters in opposition-leaning areas were effectively sidelined. Residents of the breakaway region of Transnistria, home to nearly half a million people, were left with only 12 polling stations, all located on government-controlled territory. Several abruptly relocated further away from the area on the eve of the vote.

In Russia, where tens of thousands of Moldovan citizens reside, Chisinau opened just two stations out of more than 300 foreign polling sites. Only about 4,100 votes were counted there, with long lines leaving many unable to cast their ballots before the locations closed their doors. …

More than 30 international organizations and 120 observers from over 50 countries were denied accreditation, including Russian experts nominated to the OSCE mission. https://www.rt.com/russia/625543-moldova-ruling-majority-vote/

This is the second time in a year that the pro-EU side reportedly won an election in Moldova because of the votes of people who no longer live in Moldova. The last time was last October (see Moldova seems to have narrowly voted to move towards EU, yet nearly half seem to prefer Russia).

This suggests that many who actually live in Moldova believe that they would be better off with closer ties to Russia than the European Union.

In 2023, the BBC posted the following:

We want Russia to come, say Moldova protesters

20 February 2023

Energy bills here now consume more than 70% of household income, according to Moldova’s president.

Ala tells me they swallow half of her pension.

“When we elected this government, they promised to raise salaries and pensions, but so far we haven’t seen a penny,” she says.

Sunday’s protests, organised by Moldova’s pro-Russian Sor party, are being closely watched by governments across Europe and beyond. Most protesters travelled to the capital city Chisinau by bus, with their costs reportedly covered by the Sor party. …

Marina Tauber, Sor’s general secretary, who led today’s protest outside parliament, says that her party not opposed to the EU and wants good relations with all sides.

But there are those in her party who admit they would welcome Russian intervention. …

Orhei – an hour’s drive north of the capital Chisinau – is a Sor stronghold where we meet party Councillor Iurie Berenchi.

“We’re not afraid,” he told me, “Because if Russia wanted to take Moldova, they’d do it in half a day.”

When asked if she would welcome that, Mr Berenchi is unequivocal.

“In my personal opinion, yes,” he said. “With Russia we’d be much better off than we are now.”

Many people in Chisinau see closer ties with the West as a way to secure Moldova’s independence and democracy at a critical time. President Sandu’s party has a solid majority in parliament.

But the view from the crowd outside that parliament on Sunday was different, and there’s the risk the pressure could widen the splits in Moldova’s diverse society.

The risk is clear when Ala and her friends were asked whether they believe Russia wants to infiltrate Moldova, as their president fears.

“Yes, let them come!” they shout. “We want them to come here. We want to be part of Russia!” https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64700590

Yes, it has long been the case that a substantial amount of people living in Moldova like Russia and many want to be part of Russia.

The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put out the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel which relates to prophecy and Moldova:

14:51

Russia, Sanctions, Transnistria, Europe & Prophecy

In 2014 the USA and European Union put sanctions on Russia because of its acquisition of Crimea. Since Russia’s ‘Special Military Operation’ into Ukraine, more sanctions were added. On February 23, 2024, the EU and USA announced more sanctions. Did the sanctions turn the “ruble into rubble” as Joe Biden hoped? Did Russia acquire more territory as Dr. Thiel warned in 2013, 2018, and 2022 prior to the current conflict? Was he right about sanctions? Will Russia and Europe acquire more territory? Will they one day trade more with each other? Will they one day turn against each other? What about Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, and Armenia? Are the Russian-led ‘kings of the Medes’ prophesied to destroy the coming Babylonian European Beast power? Does Europe, starting with Benelux to the European Economic Community to the European Union look to be fulfilling Daniel 8:9? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Russia, Sanctions, Transnistria, Europe & Prophecy.

Related to Molodova, Russia, and Ukraine, here is something else which is in our free online book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

Moldova      Chaldeans/Madai …

Russia          Madai/Mesech …

Ukraine       Elam/Madai …

Slavic peoples tended to descend through those called Sarmatians, [i] which look to have descended from the biblical Elam and Madai.[ii]

The Slavic nations are in lands south and east of the Benelux nations—so consistent with Daniel 8:9, many in Slavic Europe will support the end time European power. …

That being said, some Elamites are believed to have been the progenitors of the Serbs,[iii] but some part of the Medes (from Madai) may also have been involved.

According to Herodotus, there were numerous tribes of the Medes.[iv] …

Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus tend to be considered as East Slavs. They tend to be descended from Japheth’s sons Madai, Tubal, Mechech, and Gomer (Genesis 10:2).

All of which have descendants in Russia. Belarus seems to have mainly descended from Madai (or possibly Midian).

There were numerous tribes of the Medes (which descended from Madai) with the Buzhians in the northwest part of Ukraine.[v]

Russia, which is both in Europe and Asia, will, for a time, prosper through trade with the coming European Beast (as will Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine). …

Peoples prophetically called Medes are also shown to destroy the final Babylon according to both Isaiah and Jeremiah:

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

¹⁷ “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them,
Who will not regard silver; And as for gold, they will not delight in it. ¹⁸ Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces, And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb; Their eye will not spare children. ¹⁹ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:1, 17-19)

¹¹ Make the arrows bright! Gather the shields! The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes. For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it, Because it is the vengeance of the Lord, The vengeance for His temple. (Jeremiah 51:11)

The fact that there are multiple kings of the Medes indicates that powers involved in this end time confederation represent multiple governments. This would seem to include Russia, Belarus, and likely Crimea, Donbas, and some others in Ukraine, some in Moldova, perhaps some from the nation of Georgia, and some in Iran, etc.

Anciently, “Darius the Mede” (Daniel 5:31) conquered the old Babylon—modern “Medes” will help do the same to the end-time daughter of Babylon.

The following passages seem also to apply:

⁸ “Move from the midst of Babylon, Go out of the land of the Chaldeans; And be like the rams before the flocks. 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 50:8-9)

Those who believe the Bible should leave the midst of end-time Babylon by then. Certainly, the above “north country” includes Russia, but other passages clearly point to others from Asia being involved (Jeremiah 51:27-29).

Notice some of what will happen to the coming European Babylonian Beast power led by a power from the farthest parts of the earth (Russia is the nation that is the farthest east and close to being the farthest north nation):

22 Thus says the Lord: “Behold, a people comes from the north country, And a great nation will be raised from the farthest parts of the earth.

23 They will lay hold on bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea; And they ride on horses, As men of war set in array against you, O daughter of Zion.”

24 We have heard the report of it; Our hands grow feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, Pain as of a woman in labor. 25 Do not go out into the field, Nor walk by the way. Because of the sword of the enemy, Fear is on every side. 26 O daughter of my people, Dress in sackcloth And roll about in ashes! Make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; For the plunderer will suddenly come upon us. (Jeremiah 6:22-26)

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)

The “great nation” from the “farthest parts of the earth” includes Russia. There are also nations that will be confederate with it. … When the “daughter of Babylon” is in the process of falling, many will abandon supporting it.

[i] McNair, Key to Northwest Origins

[ii] White C. In Search of … The Origin of Nations. History Research Projects, p. 283

[iii] White C. In Search of … The Origin of Nations, p. 287

ivi] Herodotos I-3. Edited by A.H. Sayce. The Ancient Empires of the East. MacMillan & Co., 1883, p. 62

[i] White C. In Search of … The Origin of Nations, p. 273

Much of the world is moving towards a type of integration that will result in the final time of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24; see also The Times of the Gentiles).

There are some similarities between Ukraine and Moldova–both nations have a lot of Russian speakers, have had pro-Russian governments, and have territory in the east that prefers closer ties with Russia.

Moldova is probably still the poorest nation in Europe (without Western aid, Ukraine likely would be now). Both Russia and the European Union want it. Moldova has applied to be part of the EU, but Russia does not like that.

The European Union wants nearly all of continental Europe to be part of it, and that includes Moldova. Moldova is a land, which like Ukraine, some in the West see as a ‘buffer’ against Russia because of geographic proximity.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, wants all the former Soviet states, including Moldova and Ukraine, to become part of Russia or at least part of his Eurasian Economic Union.

Moldovans took some steps towards the European Union several years ago, which made them poorer as this displeased Russia, and also restricted aspects of trade. But with a major part of its workforce actually out of the country but working within the European Union, this has greatly increased its support for the EU. Many in Moldova do not trust Russia and believe that they will be freer and wealthier as part of the European Union. Others have been disappointed with the Europeans and have serious doubts that the Europeans can improve their lives for some time as the protests help demonstrate.

So what will happen?

Some areas will, ultimately according to scripture, align with Russia.

Yet, the Bible also teaches that the European Beast power will expand to the south and the east.

Notice that, in Daniel 8, the Bible prophesied that a little horn would mainly expand south and east:

9 And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. 10 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. (Daniel 8:9-12).

And while the above has had a past fulfillment, this prophecy seems to be dual (compare with Daniel 11:27-39). The European Union has mainly expanded south and east of the Benelux nations (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)–which is where it initially formed. Now, approximately 450 million people are under a new, single (though not completed united) government, called the European Union, headquartered in Brussels. Ukraine is mainly east of much of the EU–thus its geography is consistent with at least some of it being part of the EU. And Moldova and Georgia are south and east, which is also consistent.

In the old Radio Church of God, the late evangelist Dr. Hoeh taught that this little horn of Daniel 8 was the power that would become the final King of the North:

Turn in your Bible to verse 9: “And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.” …

The King of the North

The little horn in Daniel 8 is none other than the LAST KING of one of the four divisions of Alexander’s Empire. He is, in fact, the final “King of the North” described in Daniel 11. (Hoeh H. The 2300 Days. Plain Truth, August 1965)

Again, it looks like at least part of Moldova will support the Europeans for a time. The same is the case for Ukraine.

However, at least part of those both land look like they will ultimately align with Russia.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about 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.
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 and a video sermonette available: 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?
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.

(Picture from Pexels)

COGwriter

The Temple Institute sent the following out in one of its newsletters:

“If a man makes a vow to HaShem”

(Numbers 30:3)

This week’s Torah reading, Matot, opens with Moshe standing before the twelve tribal leaders of the entire nation of Israel, impressing upon them the supreme importance and supreme caution to be taken before making a vow, (neder, in Hebrew). “If a man makes a vow to HaShem or makes an oath to prohibit himself, he shall not violate his word; according to whatever came out of his mouth, he shall do.” (Numbers 30:3) And the same, as Moshe makes clear in the very next verse, goes for women. An oath is inviolable. Our word is who we are, all we are.

Moshe goes on the describe how in certain cases vows can be nullified, in the case of a married woman or an unmarried daughter. But these exceptions prove the rule: an oath, if taken, is to be kept. Tammuz 23, 5782/July 22, 2022

The Bible teaches:

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;
For He has no pleasure in fools.
Pay what you have vowed —
5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)

There are various types of vows. Some needed, some that may be okay, and those that never should have been made.

The old Radio Church of God published the following by the late evangelist Herman Hoeh:

A few members, out of mistaken zeal, have taken foolish vows. This article explains what every member needs to know about vows.

OVER the past months it has come to our attention that a few well-meaning members have been vowing foolishly. This must stop!

God does not require any of us to vow. But — and if — you do freely vow, God will hold you to it in the judgment!

It is time we reconsidered the question of taking vows. When are vows binding? Which vows, taken before conversion, are binding?

Is the individual free to determine for himself if his vow is binding?

What Is a Vow?

First let us understand what a vow is. Webster defines a vow as: “1. A solemn promise or pledge; especially one made to God… dedicating oneself to an act, service, or way of life. … 2. a promise of love and fidelity: as, marriage vows.”

Now notice the Bible basis of vowing.

“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better it is that thou shouldest not vow than that thou shouldest vow and not pay” (Eccles. 5:4-5).

Too many individuals make rash vows and wake up too late to realize they should never have made such a solemn promise. Many individuals are not SPIRITUALLY MATURE enough even to know the difference between a foolish vow and a wise vow.

Now notice Deuteronomy 23:21-23, from the Jewish Translation: When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not be slack to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it will be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt observe and do; according as thou hast vowed freely unto the Lord thy God, even that which thou hast promised with thy mouth.”

According to the original Hebrew text, a vow must be FREELY taken before God if it is to be binding. This verse in the King James Version is not properly rendered. The verse is not talking about “free will offerings,” but about vows freely taken.

These verses make it clear that every vow which God binds on an individual must be kept. But not all vows are bound by God.

When NOT Responsible for a Vow

So important in God’s sight is the matter of taking a vow that one entire chapter in the Bible is devoted to this very question! Turn to Numbers 30. Beginning with the last part of verse 1: “This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded.” Here is a command of God. Notice what it says:

“If a man vow a vow unto the Lord … he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. If a woman also vow a vow to the Lord, and bind herself by a bond being in her father’s house in her youth; and her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her; then all her vows shall stand…” (Verses 3 and 4). Here we have the case of a young woman who is still residing with her parents. If she has taken a vow and her father does not disapprove, then her vows are to stand. She is bound to keep her vows. But now consider verse 5. “If her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the Lord shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.”

Here we have the case of a young girl who is not mature enough to be responsible for taking a vow. If her father — at the time when he hears about his daughter’s vow — regards it a foolish vow, he has the power and the authority to disannul it. In that case the young girl is not responsible for that vow. God forgives her for having taken such a rash vow. God does not require her to perform it. Here we have the Biblical example of a mature human being who has the power to annul the vow of a person not old enough or spiritually mature enough to be responsible for taking a vow.

Now notice verse 6. “And if she had at all an husband when she vowed or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul; and her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it; then her vow shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.” In this case a wife has taken a vow. If her husband, upon hearing of the vow, does not regard it as a foolish vow then she is bound to keep her vow.

But now notice verse 8: “But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the Lord shall forgive her.”

This is a very important verse. Notice what it means!

The Husband’s Responsibility

If a wife takes a rash vow and her husband — when he first hears of it — disapproves of it, she is not bound to her vow. The husband is the head of the wife. God makes the man responsible for the vows of his wife!

Notice that in the case of, the wife or the daughter, mentioned here in Numbers 30, a vow may be annulled AT THE TIME THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY HEARS OF IT. A vow does not have to be annulled at the time it is taken, but at the time when it is heard by the responsible party whose right is to make the decision whether that vow is binding.

Now continue with verses 9 and 10. “But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her. And if she vowed in her husband’s house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath; and her husband heard it and held his peace at her, and disallowed her not; then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she bound her soul shall stand. But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceedeth out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: HER HUSBAND HATH MADE THEM VOID; and the Lord shall forgive her.

Now notice verse 13 especially.

“Every vow… HER HUSBAND MAY ESTABLISH IT, OR HER HUSBAND MAY MAKE IT VOID.”

Notice! In God’s sight it is the man’s responsibility to establish or to rescind his wife’s vow.

It is also the father’s responsibility to establish or to rescind his daughter’s vow. Since the question of taking a vow involves the matter of responsibility, and since God is no respecter of persons, it is also the responsibility of the father to disannul or to approve HIS SONS VOWS as well as those of his daughter. Only when a boy reaches maturity docs he become solely responsible for his own vows.

In the last portion of verse 14 God again makes it the man’s responsibility to confirm his wife’s vow. Many husbands, of course, do not recognize their responsibility. They have never been taught their responsibility in the matter of vows. Let us suppose, for example, that a husband who knew nothing about God’s command in Numbers 30 regarded his wile’s vow, at the time she made it, a foolish vow. He disapproved of it even though he did not know that he could rescind it. Later the knowledge of the truth comes to him. God opens his mind to see that it was his responsibility to rescind his wife’s vow at the time she took it. Can he, at this later time, rescind it?

The answer is YES! Since it was his conviction that his wife’s vow was foolish but he did not know he could annul it, then he may at that later date annul it once the knowledge of the truth is come. He actually did so in PRINCIPLE when be first heard it. He is now merely FORMALIZING it! But if he approved Of his wife’s VOW at first HE CANNOT LATER CHANGE HIS MIND! His wife’s vow is binding. (Hoeh H. Should You Vow? Good News, December 1962)

The two types of vows that tend to be the most relevant:

1. Remaining committed when baptized.
2. Being faithful to marriage vows.

Presuming you are a true Christian are you living up to what Christ expects of you?

We have a free online booklet to assist you: Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian.

In the end times, sadly, most Christians are not living as Jesus wants them to!

Jesus said:

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked — 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘” (Revelation 3:14-22)

Notice that Jesus is, in a sense, telling most end time Christians that they are not fulfilling their vows to be a faithful Christian. He is saying that they think they are fine, but Jesus said that they are not.

He tells them to listen.

But, sadly, most will not.

What about being part of the truest Church?

Well, although the Radio Church of God is no more, the true Church of God was never to die out as Jesus said:

18 … I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

That means that the true Church would not die out, but continue.

1 Let brotherly love {Philadelphia} continue. (Hebrews 13:1)

We strive to do that.

Yet, Jesus warned in His messages to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3 that most end time Christians would NOT be Philadelphian. We have links to articles on dozens of Christian groups explaining where they differ from the Bible and the Philadelphian work, as more on the CCOG in the article: How does the Continuing Church of God differ from other Sabbatarian COG groups?

The Apostle Paul wrote:

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them (2 Timothy 3:14)

Is God is calling you (or has called you), and will you learn, continue, and seriously do what is taught in the Bible? If so, you can be a member of the Continuing Church of God.

If God is calling you, notice what the Apostle Peter said you should do (those wishing to argue against this, obviously would not wish to be part of the CCOG):

³⁸ “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

Repentance is a type of vow.

If you have repented and already been appropriately baptized, then we also suggest that you read the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God. If you agree, will live as a true Christian, and wish to be part of us, then we accept true believers who wish to support us as we lead the Final Phase of the Work by proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom of God as a witness (Matthew 24:14), teaching all that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20), working to reach the full number of those called in this age (see What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles), while also preparing for the ‘Short Work, remembering the poor (Galatians 2:10), and proclaiming the Ezekiel Warning.

You can contact a minister or other representative near your area to let him know you wish to be part of us. We also would expect you to live as a Christian and, among other things, keep the Sabbath, attend or watch our church services, and strive to attend the Feast of Tabernacles.

If you have not been appropriately baptized, or are not sure if you have been, and you believe you are being called to become part of the Continuing Church of God, you will want to meet with a deacon or minister in the church to discuss church teachings and get questions answered. We have many congregations around the world, several of which are listed on our Congregations page. You can also read about the teachings of our church throughout this www.ccog.org website as well as the www.cogwriter.com website. For more on counseling, etc., check out the article: How does the CCOG handle Counseling, Prayer Requests, Funerals, and Anointing of the Sick?

Please understand, there is no minimum or maximum amount of time required to learn about the church. The important thing is to believe the word of God and understand the about living as a true Christian. We also have a booklet that may help online: Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian.

Once you have turned you life over to God and learned about the church, you are ready to become part of the body of Christ. You become a member of the Church of God through being baptized by a representative of the church. Baptism is a critical and fundamental step. Baptism signifies the death of our carnal nature and our being begotten as a follower of Jesus Christ. It allows us to partake God’s plan of eternal salvation. Furthermore, baptism is a public statement to the church and the world that the believer is turning away from loving the world and dedicating his/her life to God.

Additional information on baptism can be found in the article Baptism, the Early Church, and the Continuing Church.

If you have committed yourself to obey God, are you now preparing to attend the Feast of Tabernacles this year? You should be. Here is a link which shows the CCOG Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2025.

If you are not already a properly baptized part of the Church of God, in order to be considered a real member of the Continuing Church of God, you must:

1. Be called of God.
2. Be willing to seek first the kingdom of God.
3. Repent of your sins.
4. Have the godly faith to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
5. Strive to live as a loving Christian–fulfill your Christian ‘vow’ and obey the word of God.
6. Be persuaded that our beliefs are biblical.
7. Contact a CCOG leader for counseling.
8. Be properly baptized and have hands laid upon you.
9. Support the work of Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:19-20, and other aspects of the Philadelphian work.
10. Continue to live as a Christian and endure to the end.

We also have literature to assist you in the process.

YOU can be independent of the world as well as non-Philadelphian Christianity.

Those interested in being part of the Continuing Church of God may also wish to read the following: How Do I Become a Member of the Continuing Church of God?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Independent/Unaffiliated: Independent Members of the COG: Herbert W. Armstrong Comments, Plus Questions and Answers What did Herbert W. Armstrong teach about being independent of the organized Church? Should independents who claim to accept Herbert W. Armstrong’s teachings support the end time Philadelphian work? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Unity. Watch also Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy.
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.
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection.A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
About Baptism Should you be baptized? Could baptism be necessary for salvation? Who should baptize and how should it be done? Here is a link to a related sermon: Let’s Talk About Baptism and Baptism, Infants, Fire, & the Second Death.
Baptism, the Early Church, and the Continuing Church Was it by immersion? Did it include infants? Does Polycarp prove infant baptism? Here is a link to some information in the Spanish language: Bautismo de infantes o bendición de los niños pequeños. A related sermon video is titled Baptism: What is it and how should it be done?
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.
Real Conversion Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion?
False Conversion! Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote an article on this important subject–but more scriptures have been added to it. How can you tell false conversion? A related video is also available: False Conversion. A Spanish language version is also available: Falsa Conversión.
All About Water Baptism What is baptism? Would you like to know more about it. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. As far as early history, see also Baptism, the Early Church, and the Continuing Church.
Laying on of Hands This is an elementary principle of Hebrews 6. Have you properly had hands laid upon you? Here is a link to a related sermon: Laying on of Hands and Succession.
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There are also two YouTube video related to this: Living as a Christian: How and Why? and Living as a Christian: Pure Milk of the Word.
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 N{ÇQsNŽOáNðv„\e‡zà.
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)?
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.
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.
Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders? Two related sermons are available The Work per HWA and the Bible and Priority of the Philadelphia Work.
Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work.
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.
4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy.
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.
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.
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.
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.

United Nations building
(photo from Pixabay)

COGwriter

The recent vote in the United Nations related to Palestine has upset various ones in Israel. Notice something related to rabbi Mendel Kessin:

Rabbi Mendel Kessin: “UN Declaring Palestinian State is Gog and Magog”

September 28, 2025

Rabbi Mendel Kessin is an internationally renowned lecturer and educator who has spoken extensively around the world. He began teaching about the end-of-days implications of current events and politics more than a decade ago. Rabbi Kessin recently released a statement condemning the move in the United Nations in which 157 of the 193 member states, or approximately 81% of all UN members, recognized the sovereignty of a “Palestinian state.”

“They did this on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the day of judgement. This would mean the following,” Rabbi Kessin said. “The United Nations is Gog and Magog.”

The rabbi noted that the gematria (Hebrew numerology) of ‘Gog and Magog’ (גוג ומגוג) is 70.

“The UN represents the world, basically 70 nations, and therefore they must defy Israel, which is, of course, to declare the Palestinian state,” Rabbi Kessin said. “They must do this before the New Year. We are now witnessing the actual defiance of the United Nations in terms of Gog and Magog trying to overthrow Israel, which is incredible, because that is a messianic event.”

The “Gog and Magog” prophecy, from the biblical Book of Ezekiel, describes an alliance of nations that will invade Israel. Indeed, declaring a Palestinian state inside the borders of Israel is effectively an attempt at invasion that wrests the Promised Land from the Jews.

“This had to happen this year, 5785 (תשפ״ה), because it is a Messianic event and it must happen before 5785. This means Moshiach (Messiah) is coming.”

The rabbi noted that 5786 is the exact value of the ten plagues that struck Egypt before the Children of Israel were redeemed. Jewish sources predict that all of the plagues will reappear in the final Redemption but in even more powerful forms. This reload of the Egyptian plagues was prophesied by Micah.

The above is nonsense for many reasons.

The United Nations represents 193 nations, not 70. Hence that part of the numerology is wrong.

Second, it was not the year 5785 nor is it now the year 5786. That year date was adjusted by subtracting over 200 years back in the 130s A.D. by the Jew.

As far as the biblical vs. Jewish wrong year goes, here is a video of possibly related interest, made 7 years ago:

Jewish scholars recognize their touted year is off by over two centuries. Hence, again, Mendel Kessin’s numerology does not make logical sense.

Nor is Gog and Magog of Ezekiel 38 the United Nations.

Ezekiel 38 is for over a thousand years away.

Let us look at what the Bible actually teaches.

This Gog Magog war is in Ezekiel 38, so let’s start with its first 7 verses:

1 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops — many people are with you.

7 “Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.

Verses 1-7 talk about a group getting ready to battle. Various nations such as Russia, Iran, Asians, and others are included here. Verse 5, mentioning Persia, is a reference to the land of Iran. That area that Iran currently occupies will one day be involved in this battle. This is NOT all the nations of the world, nor the United Nations.

Notice also the position of the old Radio Church of God as well as the old Worldwide Church of God:

Does Ezekiel 38 and 39 Refer to Russia?

Nearly all Bible students believe that Ezekiel’s amazing prophecy refers to Russia. Yet they totally misapply the time of its fulfillment. It is referring to an invasion of Palestine after Christ has restored His people Israel to Palestine. This has been amply proved in articles in The PLAIN TRUTH…Notice that it is Gog and Magog (Ezek. 38:2) which will come against the nation in which Christ’s capital will be located (verse 16). Notice again that Gog and Magog come “out of the north parts” (verse 15 ) where Russia is today. (Does Ezekiel 38 and 39 Refer to Russia? Good News, August 1954, p. 5)

Future Russo / China Alliance?

Ultimately allied with the Russians under Gog will be “many people” (Ezek. 38:6,9,15). These could hardly exclude the militarily weaker Chinese and their Asiatic kinsmen those eastern Magogites who “dwell securely in the coastlands” of the Pacific (39:6, The Amplified Bible). The People’s Republic of China the “many people” of Ezekiel 38 is thus pictured as being linked with Gog in the last days…

Linked with the Russians and the other nations of the Orient in the vast end-time Asian confederacy will be Persia, Cush, Phut, Gomer and Togarmah (Ezek. 38:5- 6). Who are these peoples today?

History and Scripture identify them as the very peoples of the South Asian region. Willingly or unwillingly, they will all be drawn into the Soviet sphere of influence in the years just ahead! Let us look at each one individually. Let us begin with Persia (Ezek. 38:5), the most easily identified. Persia is simply another name for modern-day Iran. The name Persia originated from a geographical region within southern Iran. This region was anciently known as Persis, the Greek form of Old Persian Parsa. Historically, the people of Iran have never used the name Persia for their country. (Southeast Asia in Prophecy. Ambassador College Press, 1985)

What does the Bible actually teach about the timing? Let’s continue in Ezekiel 38:

8 After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely. 9 You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you.”

10 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan: 11 You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’ — 12 to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land. 13 Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?’”‘

Israel has its walls and “iron dome” and military weaponry. Notice that it is against a ‘peaceful people’ in unarmed villages that the prince of Rosh is going against. This cannot happen until AFTER the return of Jesus. Furthermore, there simply is not a plan to take a lot of gold and silver out of Israel right now by the power of the far north, nor does the current nation of Israel have enough of it to likely justify an attack for that purpose (unless perhaps some hidden gold/silver mines or remaining treasure of David).

Notice the following:

Israel holds no gold reserves at all, according to a Bank of Israel spokesman. (Kopf S. Jerusalem of Gold. Jerusalem Post, February 16, 2011. http://www.jpost.com/Jerusalem-Report/Israel/Jerusalem-of-Gold viewed 07/21/14)

Israel Gold Reserves

1950 – 2019 | Monthly | USD mn | CEIC Data

Key information about Israel Gold Reserves

• Israel Gold Reserves was reported at 0.000 USD mn in Feb 2019
• This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 USD mn for Jan 2019
• Israel Gold Reserves data is updated monthly, averaging 3.425 USD mn from Dec 1950 to Feb 2019, with 753 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 61.915 USD mn in Mar 1964 and a record low of 0.000 USD mn in Feb 2019

https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/israel/gold-reserves accessed 09/28/25

According to Index Mundi, the nation of Israel was not among the top 48 producers of silver in the world, so its supply of this would also seem to be limited–it also confirmed that Israel does not have gold reserves (though there is some gold and silver in coins, etc. in Israel). Israel in the early 21st century is NOT the target of Ezekiel 38.

Earlier this year, we also produced the following video:

14:33

Iran, Israel, and Ezekiel 38?

Finally! The Gog/Magog war is upon us–or is it? Do some Protestant scholars think the Gog/Magog war is on the brink of fulfillment? Yes. Do several Rabbis think the Gog/Magog war is on the brink of fulfillment? Yes. Does a Former Grand Mufti of Egypt think the Gog/Magog war is on the brink of fulfillment? Yes. But is it really? Is it true that the much talked about Gog/Magog war of Ezekiel 38 is actually starting to take place right now, before our very eyes? Are we seeing the Ezekiel 38 prophecy being fulfilled right on our own YouTube channels and television stations? Is Iran’s (known as Persia in the Gog/Magog war of Ezekiel 38) escalating conflict with Israel just the beginning of the war? Does even the Bible teach that we are on the brink of the fulfillment of the Gog/Magog war? NO!! The reality is that the Gog/Magog war is really over a thousand years away. Watch this video as Dr. Thiel uses the word of God to lay bare the truth about the timing of the Gog/Magog war of Ezekiel 38 as he shines the light of Biblical prophecy on current world events.

Here is a link to our video: Iran, Israel, and Ezekiel 38?

Believe the Bible over headlines and improper interpretations from men.

Some items of possibly-related interest may include:

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?

United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? Two related videos include UN’s ‘New Universal Agenda’ is a False Gospel! and United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.

(UnSplash photo)

COGwriter

Nick Giambruno sent out the following:

World War 3 and the Collapse of the Dollar

September 16, 2025

Millions throughout history were financially wiped out—or worse—during the last world wars because they failed to grasp the Big Picture or take the right steps.

But what if you do see the Big Picture—clearly—while World War 3 unfolds?

You could avoid disaster and potentially position yourself for life-changing gains by acting on the investment implications before the rest of the world catches on. …

The US Dollar Will Lose Its Privileged Position …

The US government’s ability to hide the effects of its rampant money printing by offloading trillions of dollars to foreigners is nearing its end.

That’s terrible news for the US dollar. …

As World War 3 plays out, I expect we’ll see a multipolar world order emerge and the US dollar lose its privileged position as the world’s premier reserve asset.

An ocean of capital could flow into gold as the world looks for sound monetary alternatives to the fading US dollar … World War 3 and the emergence of a multipolar world order will add rocket fuel to the gold price.

While in many ways Nick Giambruno is right, biblical prophecies point to this happening a bit differently than he has laid it out.

Debt will end in disaster for not just the dollar, but the USA itself.

The time will come, according to Bible prophecy, when the nations of the world will no longer accept the pledges (US Treasury Bills and Notes) of the indebted one:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. …

6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him,
And a taunting riddle against him, and say,
‘Woe to him who increases
What is not his — how long?
And to him who loads himself with many pledges’?
7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly?
Will they not awaken who oppress you?
And you will become their booty. (Habakkuk 2:3, 6-7).

Please pay attention to the fact that that above is a prophecy for the appointed time of the end–essentially the time of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21)–which is the start of WWIII. The USA has been accumulating pledges in the form of US Treasury bonds and notes, and is the most indebted nation of all time. It is descendants of Israel, like the USA, that are prophesied to have debt issues with foreigners if they turn from God’s laws (cf. Deuteronomy 28:43-44)–that is consistent with Habakkuk 2:6-8. The above prophecy is NOT a reference to the nation calling itself Israel as it has nothing compared to USA debt.

The creditors rising up to takeover over the USA should be considered to be WWIII.

Now, what about gold?

I saw the Protestant author and commentator Joel Rosenberg state that Christians need to have gold, because of the unexpected.

Well no, I would state that the reason Christians in the end time may wish to consider owning gold is because of the expected. Because of prophecies in Habakkuk, it is certain that a highly indebted people will be taken over, that, also would mean that its currency would end up as worthless.

But what about gold?

While the Bible shows that the time will come when people will throw their gold into the streets (Ezekiel 7:19) and it is not proper for Christians to trust in gold (James 5:1-3), it also shows that gold will have value up until the fall of the prophesied final Babylon (Revelation 18:2-16).

What about the USA and gold?

The prophet Daniel was inspired to write down the following end time prophecy related to the final European King of the North who values gold before the USA is attacked:

37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things.

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:37-39)

The USA is the power with the strongest fortresses in the 21st century. Note that it is to be defeated in verse 39. Its dollar will then be worthless by someone who valued gold.

But what about gold afterwards? Continuing in Daniel 11, notice what else we see:

40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. … 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; (Daniel 11:40, 43)

This king of the North who will end up with gold is the coming European Beast power.

The old Plain Truth magazine published the following last century:

Why Gold? …

Voltaire concluded, “All paper eventually returns to its intrinsic value — zero.” In 1871 the British economist David Ricardo noted, “Experience has shown that neither a state nor a bank ever had the unrestricted power of issuing paper money without abusing that power.”

The United States, blessed with staggering wealth, vast natural resources, and phenomenal industrial and agricultural output, is in a serious financial situation. It makes no sense — except for the fact that national leaders were quite prepared to dilute the value of the nation’s money supply. The decision defrauded the citizens by stealing the purchasing power of wages and savings.

This sinister aspect of inflation was explained by the British economist John Maynard Keynes in 1919: “By a continuing process of inflation, governments can secretly and unobserved, confiscate an important part of the wealth of their citizens.” Mr. Keynes himself advocated this form of government policy. But as people begin to experience inflation and see their wealth quickly disappearing, they try to protect themselves through investing and speculating in more stable commodities, including gold.

Speculation in gold is a symptom, and a warning, of a distorted government-ravished economy. It is a sign of loss of trust and faith by men in their own system and political leaders. (Curry J. HOW GOLD, INFLATION AND GOVERNMENT IMPACT YOU. Plain Truth, April 1981)

Anyway, because of biblical prophecies, we can be certain that gold will have value after the USA’s dollar is worthless.

That is part of why in my December 2024 list of 25 items to prophetically watch in 2025 , I had the following:

Yes, gold will outlast the US dollar …

Gold will be an item of value in 2025 and at least a few years beyond. …

Gold will break records in US dollar terms.

Notice something from my January 2025 book available at Amazon Kindle: Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? as well as Amazon print Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?:

The USA dollar will ultimately crash and be worthless. That “pride” of American power will be broken (cf. Leviticus 26:19). …

Since many are now questioning the role of the USA dollar as the world’s reserve currency, more are looking into other currencies as well as gold.

Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms. …

Now, despite having ups and downs, as well as records hit in 2024, gold will set further records in U.S. dollar terms in the relatively near future.

Since the above came out in mid-January 2025, gold has hit daily record prices in US dollar terms over 3 dozen times through September 26, 2025 per data at https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/GCM25/performance.

Factors in this have included USA debt, trade policies, sanctions, international cooperation, desire to push aside the USA dollar as the world’s premier reserve and trading currency, as well as various bullying tactics from the government of the USA.

Things will NOT continue as they have been.

There are costs to US deficits, sanctions, tariffs, and bullying tactics.

Many nations are increasing their gold reserves while decreasing their holds of US dollars.

This will not end well for the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39; Isaiah 10:5-11).

The prophetic bottom line is that WWIII will lead to the end of the USA and its dollar. For at least 2 1/2 years after that, gold will have value, while the USA dollar will  basically be worth no more than the scrap value of the cotton-paper it is printed on.

That said, although metals will have value after the USA dollar becomes worthless, remember to NOT place your confidence in the US dollar, democracy, the Euro, silver, or gold, as it is “godliness” that “is profitable for all things” (1 Timothy 4:8), so remember “seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

Here is a link to our newest video:

14:09

WWIII, Gold, and the Collapse of the Dollar

Is World War Three coming soon? Changes in the world order are rare, history-defining events—with massive implications, both geopolitical and financial. Is owning gold by Christians for the unexpected as Joel Rosenberg has publicly stated or, perhaps, for those who believe biblical prophecies, for the expected? Will the US Dollar collapse? In a word, yes. Could the USA be the highly indebted nation that Habakkuk 2:6-8 refers to? WWIII will mean the end of the USA dollar when that nation is conquered per Daniel 11:39, whereas gold will continue to have value per Daniel 11:43 and the 18th chapter of the Book of Revelation. Prophecy indicates that the massive debt of the USA will result in the take over of the USA (Habakkuk 2). While gold will continue to have value after the destruction of the US Dollar, we should not put our confidence in either. Will gold one day be worthless? Put your confidence in God and His Word. Seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).

Here is a link to our video: WWIII, Gold, and the Collapse of the Dollar.

Bible prophecy confirms that is not wise to trust in the USA nor its dollar. Nor, ultimately gold for that matter–trust God:

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. (1 Timothy 6:17)

Yes, trust God. Which probably means you need to change certain things in your life.

Remember, WWIII is going to come.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What About Silver? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold and silver? Two videos of related interest may be: Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar and Silver, Science, and Scripture.
The End of US Dollar Dominance Is the USA losing its economic status?
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.
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 over 1,500 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.
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

The Continuing Church of God continues to get additional materials translated into the Spanish language.

Here are the latest translations that we received:

Letter to the Brethren: September 25, 2025

Carta a los Hermanos: 25 de septiembre de 2025

https://cdlidd.es/carta-a-los-hermanos-25-de-septiembre-de-2025/

Palestine’s President Abbas lays out plan to the UN–Could a version of this become the deal on Daniel 9:27?

El presidente palestino Abbas presenta un plan a la ONU: ¿Podría una versión de esto convertirse en el acuerdo sobre Daniel 9:27?

https://cdlidd.es/el-presidente-palestino-abbas-presenta-un-plan-a-la-onu-podria-una-version-de-esto-convertirse-en-el-acuerdo-sobre-daniel-927/

COGaic and Marcion of Pontus

COGaic y Marción del Ponto

https://cdlidd.es/cogaic-y-marcion-del-ponto/

EuroNews says most in Europe look forward to a digital euro, but others (as well as the ‘666 scripture’) see problems

EuroNews dice que la mayoría de los europeos esperan un euro digital, pero otros (así como la ‘escritura 666’) ven problemas

https://cdlidd.es/euronews-dice-que-la-mayoria-de-los-europeos-esperan-un-euro-digital-pero-otros-asi-como-la-escritura-666-ven-problemas/

Islamic NATO? Could this be a prelude to the coming King of the South?

¿OTAN islámica? ¿Podría ser esto un preludio del futuro Rey del Sur?

https://cdlidd.es/otan-islamica-podria-ser-esto-un-preludio-del-futuro-rey-del-sur/

What is Satan’s destiny? What is his role in sin?

¿Cuál es el destino de Satanás? ¿Cuál es su papel en el pecado?

https://cdlidd.es/cual-es-el-destino-de-satanas-cual-es-su-papel-en-el-pecado/

Germany working on a deportation deal with Syria as well as deporting Afghans

Alemania trabaja en un acuerdo de deportación con Siria y también en la deportación de afganos

https://cdlidd.es/alemania-trabaja-en-un-acuerdo-de-deportacion-con-siria-y-tambien-en-la-deportacion-de-afganos/

Sermon: 1 Timothy 1-2: God Wants All Saved, Be Modest

Sermón: 1 Timoteo 1-2: Dios quiere que todos se salven, sea modesto

https://cdlidd.es/sermon-1-timoteo-1-2-dios-quiere-que-todos-se-salven-sea-modesto/

Slovakia constitution amended to declare there are only two genders

Se modifica la Constitución de Eslovaquia para declarar que solo hay dos géneros

https://cdlidd.es/se-modifica-la-constitucion-de-eslovaquia-para-declarar-que-solo-hay-dos-generos/

Pope Leo XIV continues to push to ecumenical and interfaith ‘synergy’

El Papa León XIV sigue impulsando la «sinergia» ecuménica e interreligiosa

https://cdlidd.es/el-papa-leon-xiv-sigue-impulsando-la-sinergia-ecumenica-e-interreligiosa/

Super Typhoon Ragasa hits Asia; world hit by over 477,024 earthquakes through September 2025

El supertifón Ragasa golpea Asia; el mundo sufrirá más de 477.024 terremotos hasta septiembre de 2025

https://cdlidd.es/el-supertifon-ragasa-golpea-asia-el-mundo-sufrira-mas-de-477-024-terremotos-hasta-septiembre-de-2025/

ChatGPT concludes that Bible believers should be part of the Continuing Church of God, but those who prefer ‘authority of tradition’ the Roman Catholic Church

ChatGPT concluye que los creyentes de la Biblia deben ser parte de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios, pero aquellos que prefieren la “autoridad de la tradición”, de la Iglesia Católica Romana

https://cdlidd.es/chatgpt-concluye-que-los-creyentes-de-la-biblia-deben-ser-parte-de-la-continuacion-de-la-iglesia-de-dios-pero-aquellos-que-prefieren-la-autoridad-de-la-tradicion-de-la-iglesia-catolica-romana/

Should Christians imitate ‘Padre Pio’?

¿Deben los cristianos imitar al Padre Pío?

https://cdlidd.es/deben-los-cristianos-imitar-al-padre-pio/

Ezekiel warning? RS: Fall of the American Empire?

¿Advertencia de Ezequiel? RS: ¿Caída del Imperio Americano?

https://cdlidd.es/advertencia-de-ezequiel-rs-caida-del-imperio-americano/

Feast of Trumpets 2025 y español

Fiesta de las Trompetas 2025 en español

https://cdlidd.es/fiesta-de-las-trompetas-2025-en-espanol/

AfD is the most popular party, now, in Germany. What will happen? Wolfram Weimer sees antisemitism at 1930s level in Germany.

AfD es actualmente el partido más popular en Alemania. ¿Qué pasará? Wolfram Weimer prevé que el antisemitismo en Alemania alcanzará los niveles de la década de 1930

https://cdlidd.es/afd-es-actualmente-el-partido-mas-popular-en-alemania-que-pasara-wolfram-weimer-preve-que-el-antisemitismo-en-alemania-alcanzara-los-niveles-de-la-decada-de-1930/

Linus of Rome probably was a true Christian leader in Rome, but was not over the entire Christian church

Lino de Roma probablemente fue un verdadero líder cristiano en Roma, pero no estaba al mando de toda la iglesia cristiana

https://cdlidd.es/lino-de-roma-probablemente-fue-un-verdadero-lider-cristiano-en-roma-pero-no-estaba-al-mando-de-toda-la-iglesia-cristiana/

Rosh Hashanah 5786? Trumpets! Jesus returning?

¿Rosh Hashaná 5786? ¡Trompetas! ¿Jesús regresa?

https://cdlidd.es/rosh-hashana-5786-trompetas-jesus-regresa/

Scientists reveal habits that may help prevent dementia, but prophecy suggests it will increase

Los científicos revelan hábitos que pueden ayudar a prevenir la demencia, pero la profecía sugiere que aumentará

https://cdlidd.es/los-cientificos-revelan-habitos-que-pueden-ayudar-a-prevenir-la-demencia-pero-la-profecia-sugiere-que-aumentara/

Rwanda’s rules impacting churches, as Banned continues to spew nonsense

Las normas de Ruanda afectan a las iglesias, mientras Banned sigue difundiendo disparates

https://cdlidd.es/las-normas-de-ruanda-afectan-a-las-iglesias-mientras-banned-sigue-difundiendo-disparates/

BibleNewsProphecy: Are Christians required to confess sins to a priest?

BibleNewsProphecy: ¿Están los cristianos obligados a confesar sus pecados a un sacerdote?

https://cdlidd.es/biblenewsprophecy-estan-los-cristianos-obligados-a-confesar-sus-pecados-a-un-sacerdote/

EU conducted military exercises in Greenland, plus is also looking more at trading with nations other than the USA

La UE realizó ejercicios militares en Groenlandia y también está considerando más el comercio con países distintos a Estados Unidos

https://cdlidd.es/la-ue-realizo-ejercicios-militares-en-groenlandia-y-tambien-esta-considerando-mas-el-comercio-con-paises-distintos-a-estados-unidos/

The Continuing Church of God has a separate Spanish language website http://www.cdlidd.es. The term Continuing Church of God translates into La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios in the Spanish language, also called Castellano or Español.

We have also additional Spanish language videos on our CDLIDDSermones channel.

Our Spanish translator normally provides translated news items once or twice per month.

So, in addition to having magazines and books in the Spanish language, we also post news items in it as well.

This is another avenue we utilize to teach all that we can in accordance with Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:28-37, and Matthew 28:19-20.

The Continuing Church of God is reaching people around the world in multiple languages via the internet, printed literature, and human church leaders.

We also reach people over the radio and through videos in the English language.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play? Two videos of related interest are available: Will Mexico Regain USA Territories? and Donald Trump and Mexico’s future. A sermon of related interest is available: Latin America in Prophecy.

CDLIDDSermones channel. This contains messages in the Spanish language.

CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God and has articles in español/castellano.

Bible News Prophecy International radio. This has links to our non-English language online radio station as well as materials in multiple languages, such as Spanish.

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.

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?

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. Here is a link to a booklet titled: Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God.

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? Here is a link to a pdf. booklet titled Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido.Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese 一篇关于信仰的小文章

CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?

CCOG Animations channel. The Continuing Church of God has some animations to teach aspects of Christian beliefs.

Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them there.

ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos. Here is a link to a short intro: ContinuingCOG Channel.

CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo.

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 and European Gospel radio. This has an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos and other radio broadcasts. It is also available as a mobile app.

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

CCOGAFRICA.ORG This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.

CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.

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.

PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.

Study the Bible Course Want to learn more about the Bible? This new course is for you! Here is a: link to Lesson 1: Why Study the Bible? Here is a: link to Lesson 2: Here’s good news…the MESSAGE sent from Heaven. Here is a: link to Lesson 3: Christ Will Stop World Suicide! Here is a: link to Lesson 4: How to Study the Bible. Here is a link to Study the Bible Course: Test 1, for Lessons 1-4. Here is a: link to Lesson 5: The Millennium. Here is a: link to Lesson 6: Utopia! It is also available in French (Leçon 1 En francés), Kiswahili (Somo 1 Katika Kiswahili), Mandarin Chinese (™–˜u : N-Vý), Tagalog (KURSO SA PAG-ARAL NG BIBLYA), and Spanish (Lección 1 En castellano).
Youth Bible Lessons We have scores of lessons for the very young through teenage to learn about the ways of God.

COGwriter

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

14:44

Charlie Kirk and the Pagan Threat

Prior to his assassination Charlie Kirk wrote the forward to a book written by Lucas Miles titled Shielding the Church from the Pagan Threat in which he encourages people who claim to be Christians to become aware of the threats of Paganism, essentially from woke academia and the media. But is this new? Who were some of the earliest practitioners and teachers of pagan philosophies who tried to impact Christianity? What were their names? Do we know? And do we know what they taught? Who were the early Church of God leaders who stood up against them pushing what is falsely called knowledge? What were some key differences between the truly faithful and the so-called educated who pushed aspects of paganism? What was the faith once for all delivered to the saints? Was it different from the ‘Pagan Threat’ that Lucas Miles and Charlie Kirk were trying to warn us against? Were those ‘Pagan Threats’ already identified and warned against in the Bible in the letters from Paul and Jude? Watch this video as Dr. Thiel identifies and names the names of some of those philosophers and worldly educated men that first introduced paganism into the true Christian faith. Listen as Dr. Thiel cites verse after verse from the Bible that identifies those that identified and avoided paganism and still hold to the original catholic faith handed down from the Apostles.

Here is a link to our video: Charlie Kirk and the Pagan Threat.

Some items of related interest may include:

Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis? Here is a sermon in Spanish: La Igesia de Roman ¿ISIS e Mitras?
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.
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.
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.