{"id":48169,"date":"2018-05-30T00:01:08","date_gmt":"2018-05-30T08:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=48169"},"modified":"2018-06-07T03:19:56","modified_gmt":"2018-06-07T11:19:56","slug":"did-wcg-and-the-bible-predict-loss-of-freedom-of-the-press","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wcg-news\/did-wcg-and-the-bible-predict-loss-of-freedom-of-the-press\/","title":{"rendered":"Did WCG and the Bible predict loss of &#8216;freedom of the press&#8217;?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-41555\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/freedom-of-the-press-300x213.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/freedom-of-the-press-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/freedom-of-the-press.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/cogwriter.htm\">COGwriter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Was freedom of the press and its demise prophesied?<\/p>\n<p>The old Worldwide Church of God correctly pointed out that it was:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>THE MOST important work in the world cannot be done without freedom of the press!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>What is that work?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>It is the work of announcing that God will restore His Government to the whole earth! But before the Government of God is restored, it must first be announced! The good news of that announcement \u2014 the Gospel of the Kingdom of God \u2014 must be preached (Matthew 24:14) to all nations (Matthew 28:19). And the nations must choose whether they will want it or resist it.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>In this day, God has made the MASS media available to accomplish His work. But reaching a mass audience with the good news of God&#8217;s soon-coming Government requires the freedom to PUBLISH. Notice Mark 13:10: &#8220;And the gospel must first be published among all nations.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Further, God lays a special duty on his messenger and Church to publicly disseminate certain warnings to certain nations. Ezekiel 33:1-7 describes God&#8217;s charge upon the watchman. When the watchman sees &#8220;the sword&#8221; come upon the land \u2014 a prophetic symbol of military devastation \u2014 he must &#8220;blow the trumpet&#8221; or God will hold him personally responsible.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>This duty requires that a message warning about some very unpleasant events be published as far and as wide as possible to the latter-day descendants of ancient nations.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Similarly, when God charged the prophet Jeremiah with a message, he also had an affirmative duty from God to spread it to as wide an audience as possible. Jeremiah was given a message so important he could hardly contain himself: &#8220;But his [God&#8217;s] word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones&#8230;&#8221; (Jeremiah 20:9).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>So God&#8217;s servants really have no choice as to exercising the right to publish their message freely. Their message is not for their personal benefit \u2014 but to the whole world!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Governmental Reaction<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>And yet while the Bible places a duty on God&#8217;s servants, it also warns that this world \u2014 even now and in the future \u2014 will not always allow the freedom to publish.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>In the past a government&#8217;s excuse for persecution was that God&#8217;s message IS TOO DISTURBING to be allowed to circulate freely.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>In the Old Testament, Elijah, for example, was hauled before King Ahab for the ancient equivalent of the crime of disturbing the peace: &#8220;Ahab said unto him [Elijah], Art thou he that troubleth Israel?&#8221; (I Kings 18:17).<br \/>\nElijah&#8217;s defense was that he wasn&#8217;t troubling Israel, only bringing some very distressing news from God to Ahab&#8217;s government (verse 18).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Likewise, the religious and political authorities of Amos&#8217; day tried to subject him to &#8220;prior restraint&#8221; \u2014 from speaking his message at all \u2014 because the message he brought from God was TO CONTROVERSIAL!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words&#8230;. Also Amaziah said unto Amos&#8230; prophesy not again any more at Bethel&#8221; (Amos 7:10, 12-13). Amaziah tried to deny Amos a forum for God&#8217;s message in ancient Israel. Amos&#8217; message was too upsetting to the political and religious establishments!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>The prophet Jeremiah was even subjected to an ancient form of book burning. God commanded Jeremiah to write down &#8220;all the words that I [God] have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations&#8230;&#8221; (Jeremiah 36:2).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Jeremiah put the words on a roll. Eventually, however, possession of the roll came to one of the king&#8217;s top aides, who read it to the king (verse 21). After reading &#8220;three or four leaves&#8221; of the scroll, the aide, ever eager to please a now distraught king, threw the roll into the fireplace (verse 23). Afterwards, the king attempted, unsuccessfully, to seize Jeremiah for putting God&#8217;s word to writing.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Earlier, Jeremiah had already endured actual imprisonment for the content of his spoken message (Jeremiah 20:2).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>In the New Testament, the authorities tried to prevent the apostles from preaching the Gospel. The apostles were forcibly brought before the council. The high priest asked them: &#8220;Did not we straightly command you that you should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine&#8230;&#8221; (Acts 5:28).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>In other words, the civil and religious authorities were seeking to regulate the content of their message!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>In response, the apostle Peter declared the firm rule that &#8220;we ought to obey God rather than men&#8221; (verse 29). Since Peter and company had a God-ordained duty to say what they were saying, the commands of the civil government of Jerusalem were in direct conflict with God&#8217;s.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>For the future, the Bible prophecy reveals that the time will come when most of this world&#8217;s nations will be led by Satan to abolish freedom of the press \u2014 and all related freedoms. Why? To prevent any publishing of God&#8217;s message from reaching any substantial number of people!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>`Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it&#8221; (Amos 8:11-12).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Elsewhere the Bible reveals how this prophesied press clampdown will take place. Revelation 13 describes a great religious-civil power that will arise in the place of the old Roman Empire. This prophesied power will not allow free speech, a free press or the free exercise of any religion \u2014 except the official religion of the state.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Why Free Press Important<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Gospel is the good news of a government that will REPLACE the governments of this world. Yet replace is a mild word! The prophet Daniel flatly declares that the Government of God will &#8220;break in pieces and consume&#8221; the nations of this world that resist Him (Daniel 2:44).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>The Gospel of the Kingdom of God proclaims that there is a higher power than human government, another and divine government to whom men, whether they know it or not, ultimately owe allegiance. For this reason early Christians were accused of doing &#8220;contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus&#8221; (Acts 17:7).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>No wonder the governments of this world have historically sought to suppress the publishing of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God \u2014 for it is ultimately the news of their overthrow by Christ at His return!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Some have tried to justify the suppression of press freedom on the grounds that the free circulation of false ideas would create havoc for human government.&#8221;Lying opinions, than which no mental plague is greater,&#8221; wrote Pope Leo XIII, &#8220;and vices which corrupt the heart and moral life, should be diligently repressed by public authority, lest they insidiously work the ruin of the state.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>The key error is the failure to see the difference between the government of man and the government of God. God does not reveal the whole of His spiritual truth to society at large \u2014 only to those He calls (see Romans 8:30).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Man, cut off from God, cannot be trusted to pass judgment on whether God&#8217;s truth is, in fact, &#8220;true.&#8221; The Bible reveals that Satan has deceived &#8220;the whole world&#8221; (Revelation 12:9).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Christ said his true church would be a little flock, not a majority of the political community (Luke 12:32). Thus, no human government can ever be really certain that it can tell a &#8220;lying opinion&#8221; from a true one.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Because men&#8217;s minds are limited, men must have the truth revealed to them by God. When God doesn&#8217;t reveal it, as He doesn&#8217;t to most of society, the safest course open to humans is the greatest possible circulation of ideas. The Bible supports this idea when it declares: &#8220;Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the MULTITUDE of counselors there is safety&#8221; (Proverbs 11:14).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Even if false ideas circulate under freedom of the press, at least God&#8217;s Word will also be able to go out unhindered.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Free societies pay a very high price for freedom of the press \u2014 pornography circulates freely because human courts say they can&#8217;t really tell the difference between pornography and other kinds of writing or expression. This is a very high price \u2014 but at least it does insure the free circulation of God&#8217;s truth, as well as other religious ideas.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>If you grant human government the authority to censor what is printed or spoken, you allow the government to stop any message it doesn&#8217;t approve of.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Government tried to suppress Elijah, Amos and Jeremiah; it is prophesied to suppress God&#8217;s true Gospel again in the future. The power to censor bad writing easily becomes the power to suppress good writing.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>There is a reason why God began, and based, his end-time work in the country on earth where freedom of the press is greatest \u2014 and why God&#8217;s Church has grown the most, as a rule, in countries where press freedom is substantial. Since the spreading of God&#8217;s Word is the most important activity on earth \u2014 the preservation of freedom of the press is one of the most awesome responsibilities God lays on human government. (Calkins J. FREE PRESS IN THE BIBLE? Was It Prophesied? Plain Truth. May 1981)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The <a href=\"\/philadelphiachurch.htm\">Philadelphia portion of the Church of God<\/a> did begin in the USA and its most faithful remnant, the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ccog.org\"><em>Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a>, is still based out of the USA.<\/p>\n<p>But now, in the USA and especially out of it, we are seeing more and more calls for restrictions and censorship.<\/p>\n<p>Notice that Pope Francis seems to be on the side of limiting speech of those who disagree with other&#8217;s religions. Notice something from 2015:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>January 15, 2015<\/p>\n<p>The pope, speaking to reporters as he flew from Sri Lanka to the Philippines, made the comments in relation to an attack by Islamists on the offices of the French satirical weekly <em>Charlie Hebdo, <\/em>known for its satirical attacks on Islam and other religions, that killed 12 people.<\/p>\n<p>Francis has defended freedom of expression, but he said it was wrong to provoke others by insulting their religion and that one could \u201cexpect\u201d a reaction to such abuse.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can\u2019t provoke, you can\u2019t insult the faith of others, you can\u2019t make fun of faith,\u201d he told reporters Thursday.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2018You cannot provoke\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>By way of example, he referred to Alberto Gasparri, who organizes papal trips and was standing by his side. Francis said: \u201cIf my good friend Dr. Gasparri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch. It\u2019s normal. \u2026 You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others. \u2026 In freedom of expression there are limits.\u201d \u2026<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEveryone has not only the freedom and the right, but the obligation to say what he thinks for the common good. \u2026 We have the right to have this freedom openly without offending,\u201d he said, according to Reuters. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.voanews.com\/content\/pope-francis-speaks-against-insulting-others-religions\/2599338.html\">http:\/\/www.voanews.com\/content\/pope-francis-speaks-against-insulting-others-religions\/2599338.html<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The Pope&#8217;s words go against the Bible. Limits on freedom of expression should NOT be limits on truth. People who are believing lies may well be offended at the truth, but the truth still needs to be told.<\/p>\n<p>The Bible teaches:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>1 Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Many are offended to be told that they are sinning, but the Bible says to tell them anyway.<\/p>\n<p>Is Pope Francis also trying to say that one cannot give one\u2019s opinion about religions that one feels is false?<\/p>\n<p>Whether he is or not, his comments are helping to set the stage for more censorship.<\/p>\n<p>Explaining that the Bible teaches that a Babylonian religion with daughters who oppose biblical doctrine should be warned against (Revelation 17-18) is something that the most faithful should be doing now (cf. Isaiah 58:1; Matthew 24:14)\u2013this is not the time to hold back out of fear of offense or being called names. Pope Francis has called it the &#8220;devil&#8217;s work&#8221; to oppose his interfaith plans, whereas the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew has stated that those who oppose ecumenical dialogue are \u201cunacceptably fanatical\u201d (see <a title=\"Pope Francis misunderstands the devil\u2019s unity\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/prophecy\/pope-francis-misunderstands-the-devils-unity\/\">Pope Francis misunderstands the devil\u2019s unity<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Even media sources like the <em>Guardian<\/em> of the UK are supporting censorship (see <a title=\"Permanent Link to Totalitarian controls getting closer\u2013The Guardian pushing internet censorship\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/prophecy\/totalitarian-controls-getting-closer-the-guardian-pushing-internet-censorship\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Totalitarian controls getting closer\u2013The Guardian pushing internet censorship<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>The faithful will be saying things that are not \u201cpolitically correct\u201d to the point that one or more governments will take action. This is especially the case, if we are saying, and I expect to help do this, that a certain individual is the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/kingofthenorth.htm\">King of the North<\/a> and that he will invade and destroy the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, etc., and then the Middle East\/North Africa. Many will hear that message.<\/p>\n<p>The King of the North will talk of peace and safety, but will bring destruction. This is prophesied:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>3 For when they say, &#8220;Peace and safety!&#8221; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:3-4)<\/p>\n<p>21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. 23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>29 &#8220;At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. 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. 32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for <em>many<\/em> days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time. &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>40 &#8220;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. (Daniel 11:20-24; 29-35; 39-40)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Yet, God\u2019s work still will be accomplished and the final phase of the work completed. Even lay Christians will be involved in this short work. Notice again, verse 33:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for <em>many<\/em> days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This is most definitely a reference to a SHORT WORK. The word &#8220;many&#8221; is not in the original Hebrew, but was improperly added by the NKJV translators. Notice it is &#8220;the people who understand shall instruct many&#8221; for days. These people are doing part of the short work&#8211;many of them are simply members of the true Church that volunteer to do what Jesus would have them do&#8211;they are Philadelphians who will not deny Him:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>7 &#8220;And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;These things says He who is holy, He who is true, &#8220;He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens&#8221;: 8 &#8220;I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (Revelation 3:7-8)<\/p>\n<p>32 &#8220;Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The work will get done&#8211;though many who claim to be Christian, including the Laodiceans, will not support it as they should (cf. Revelation 3:14-22):<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div>\n<p>Once the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/GospeloftheKingdomofGod.pdf\">Gospel of the Kingdom of God<\/a> as Matthew 24:14 teaches is sufficiently proclaimed as a witness according to God, the end will come. Notice again that the Prophet Amos was inspired to record the following:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p>11 &#8220;Behold, the days are coming,&#8221; says the Lord God,<br \/>\n&#8220;That I will send a famine on the land,<br \/>\nNot a famine of bread,<br \/>\nNor a thirst for water,<br \/>\nBut of hearing the words of the Lord.<br \/>\n12 They shall wander from sea to sea,<br \/>\nAnd from north to east;<br \/>\nThey shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,<br \/>\nBut shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Notice that the Bible tells of a time that will come when the word of God will not be found. And that would seem to be because truth from it will be taken off the internet. In the 21st century, the internet is accessed by people in every country, and thus some type of internet restriction\/suspension\/site removal is coming.<\/p>\n<p>We are getting closer to this time. More and more are starting to see that there are plans to censor speech from the internet.<\/p>\n<p>That is part of why we in the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ccog.org\"><em>Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> are <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/short-work.htm\">preparing for the &#8216;short work&#8217; (Romans 9:28) and the coming &#8216;famine of the word<\/a>.&#8217; That is part of why our booklet <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/GospeloftheKingdomofGod.pdf\">Gospel of the Kingdom of God<\/a> has been translated into 100 or so languages (for a language listing go to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ccog.org\">www.ccog.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>If you are or have been Laodican, realize that God wants you to not be off just on your own, but to support His work. A work that will be cut short (Romans 9:28), but a work that will be accomplished before Jesus returns (cf. Matthew 24:14).<\/p>\n<p>Do not be lukewarm about this (Revelation 3:14-22). Do not harden your heart (Hebrews 4:7). Do not let negative past experiences, no matter how much you may have been hurt, &#8220;take your crown&#8221; (Revelation 3:11). Support the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/philadelphiachurch.htm\">Philadelphian<\/a> end time work as Jesus would truly want you to (Revelation 3:7-13).\u00a0 For truly the famine of the word will be coming. As prophesied, true freedom of the press is going away.<\/p>\n<p><em>Some items of possibly related interest may include:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/short-work.htm\">Preparing for the &#8216;Short Work&#8217; and The Famine of the Word<\/a> What is the &#8216;short work&#8217; of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: <a dir=\"ltr\" title=\"The Short Work\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=M2KLJjzuISg\" data-sessionlink=\"ved=CBYQvxs&amp;feature=c4-overview-u&amp;ei=I55qVZSuEYuw-APzqoPgBw\">The Short Work<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/work.htm\">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?<\/a> 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 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/paul.htm\">Paul<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/herbertwarmstrong.htm\">Herbert W. Armstrong<\/a> expect from lower level leaders? A related sermon is available titled <a dir=\"ltr\" title=\"Priority of the Philadelphia Work\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4XuJ_kJwHzA&amp;list=UUOuL5Q2Xi9HZqU6GivhxveQ\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=kXoCVPTjCcim-QPUvoDAAQ&amp;ved=CB4Qvxs&amp;feature=c4-overview\">Priority of the Philadelphia Work<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a id=\"video-title\" class=\"yt-simple-endpoint style-scope ytd-video-renderer\" title=\"Internet Censorship and Prophecy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OOuaQrIeAlY\" aria-label=\"Internet Censorship and Prophecy by BibleNewsProphecy 5 hours ago 17 minutes 30 views\">Internet Censorship and Prophecy <\/a>\u00a0Are concerns about internet censorship limited to nations such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. But what about the USA, Canada, and Germany? What about the European Union? What about internet media companies such as Facebook, Google, YouTube, or email services like MailChimp? Has the attempt to control information been made by various ones over the centuries? Was the New Testament affected by it? What about the church throughout the centuries? Has the Bible already been partially censored? Which Bible prophecies point to coming Internet censorship? What about the Book of Amos? What about the coming 666 Beast and final Antichrist? Is there anything that can be done about this? Should Philadelphian Christians be working on anything now? Will preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God vs. a highly media-supported alternative lead to a \u2018famine of the word\u2019? More internet censorship is coming as various statements in the Bible support.<br \/>\n<span class=\"style17\"> <a id=\"video-title\" class=\"yt-simple-endpoint style-scope ytd-video-renderer\" title=\"Orwell's 1984 by 2024?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pBsBPeF4Mqc\" aria-label=\"Orwell's 1984 by 2024? by BibleNewsProphecy 2 days ago 16 minutes 88 views\">Orwell\u2019s 1984 by 2024?<\/a> In 1949, the late George Orwell wrote a disturbing book about a totalitarian government called \u201cnineteen-eighty four.\u201d Despite laws that are supposed to protect freedom of speech and religion, we are seeing governments taking steps consistent with those that George Orwell warned against. We are also seeing this in the media, academia, and in private companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. With the advent of technology, totalitarianism beyond what Orwell wrote is possible. Does the Bible teach the coming a totalitarian state similar to George Orwell\u2019s? What about the Antichrist and 666? Will things get worse? What is the solution? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more in this video.<br \/>\n<a class=\"yt-uix-sessionlink yt-uix-tile-link spf-link yt-ui-ellipsis yt-ui-ellipsis-2\" dir=\"ltr\" title=\"Canadian censoring of the Bible\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=toW0UxdjDLg\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=izZRWaaWKMuL_AP84oaABw&amp;feature=c4-feed-u&amp;ved=CL0BEKYeIhMI5oeytPfb1AIVywV_Ch18sQFwKJsc\">Canadian censoring of the Bible<\/a> In 2017, Lauri Skori of the Battle River School board told a religious school in Alberta, Canada that it could not teach\/read certain portions of the Bible. In 2002, a court in Canada ruled against one who referred to certain scriptures that some homosexuals objected to. In 2017, there was \u201cAn Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code\u201d related to those who wish to be considered transgendered. Government officials in Canada and elsewhere have been ruling against the Bible. Is any of this prophesied? Will this get worse? What was the prophet Amos inspired to write? This is a video.<br \/>\n<a id=\"video-title\" class=\"yt-simple-endpoint style-scope ytd-video-renderer\" title=\"Internet Control, Famine of the Word, and 666\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9b7arHvCGik\" aria-label=\"Internet Control, Famine of the Word, and 666 by BibleNewsProphecy 1 year ago 19 minutes 889 views\">Internet Control, Famine of the Word, and 666 <\/a> Is the internet going to be used to suppress the teaching of the word of God?<\/span><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/persecutions.htm\">Persecutions by Church and State<\/a> This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted&#8211;this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: <a title=\"The Coming Persecution of the Church\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Qsdtw-orm-M\" data-sessionlink=\"feature=plcp&amp;ei=3bBDUeunDtebhgG6i4Eo\">The Coming Persecution of the Church<\/a>. Here is information in the Spanish language: <a title=\"Permanent Link to Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ccog.org\/persecuciones-de-la-iglesia-y-el-estado\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/GospeloftheKingdomofGod.pdf\">The Gospel of the Kingdom of God<\/a> 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: <a title=\"The World's False Gospel\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=49-Ceoj6vxc\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=S_wEWLWDD8umc--SiugK&amp;feature=c4-overview&amp;ved=CCgQ0h4YACITCPXUzJWh4s8CFUvTHAodb4kCrSibHA\">The World\u2019s False Gospel<\/a>, <a title=\"The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HkR3WO-Gfxw\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=AGsGWPDAMoSictucsJgC&amp;feature=c4-overview&amp;ved=CC8Q0h4YACITCPDA9fH-5M8CFQSRHAodWw4MIyibHA\">The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments<\/a>, and <a title=\"The Kingdom of God is the Solution\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ggfT_8W7oyU\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=FbUHWL2iG9GScvO9lNAB&amp;feature=c4-overview&amp;ved=CDkQ0h4YACITCP2A-ta5588CFVGJHAod8x4FGiibHA\">The Kingdom of God is the Solution<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/called.htm\">Are You Being Called by God?<\/a> Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/IsGodCallingYou.htm\">Is God Calling You?<\/a> Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/WhatdidChristMean.htm\">What Did Christ Mean \u2013 Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen?<\/a> This article was by Raymond McNair.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/christian-repentance.htm\">Christian Repentance<\/a> Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: <a dir=\"ltr\" title=\"Real Christian Repentance\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lE7oGmk59Gg\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=zK9FWJGRJcmu_AO6zLG4DA&amp;feature=c4-overview&amp;ved=CCoQ-SUYACITCJGn763V3dACFUkXfwodOmYMxyibHA\">Real Christian Repentance<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/cogwriter.com\/repentance.htm\">Just What Do You Mean &#8212; Repentance?<\/a> Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? <a href=\"http:\/\/cogwriter.com\/herbertwarmstrong.htm\">Herbert W. Armstrong<\/a> wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/sin-repent.htm\">When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? <\/a>This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is <a dir=\"ltr\" title=\"Confess to God and truly repent\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DTNw03Zezx0&amp;feature=c4-overview&amp;list=UUOuL5Q2Xi9HZqU6GivhxveQ\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=Qz35Uuz0B4bB8gHFtIGwCQ&amp;ved=CCEQvxs&amp;feature=c4-overview-u\">Confess to God and truly repent<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/when-will-the-great-tribulation-begin.htm\">When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020?<\/a> Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the &#8220;beginning of sorrows&#8221;? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language:<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdlidd.es\/puede-comenzar-la-gran-tribulacion-en-2018-o-2019-es-el-tiempo-de-los-gentiles\/\"> \u00bfPuede comenzar la Gran Tribulaci\u00f3n en 2018 o 2019? \u00bfEs el Tiempo de los Gentiles?<\/a> You can also see the English language sermon videos: <a dir=\"ltr\" title=\"The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Cd-2nwJGpuQ&amp;list=UUOuL5Q2Xi9HZqU6GivhxveQ\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=gxwrU4PFJ86X-gO-soKQCQ&amp;ved=CCQQvxs&amp;feature=c4-overview-u\">The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives<\/a> and <a title=\"Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IpLRv6wXpLE\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=HFN4V73UMJHg-QP80Kz4Cg&amp;feature=c4-overview&amp;ved=CDsQ0h4YACITCL3SyJH81c0CFRFwfgodfCgLryibHA\">Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020?<\/a> A shorter video is: <a id=\"video-title18\" title=\"Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hpqkQVEDplc\" aria-label=\"Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018? by BibleNewsProphecy 2 hours ago 19 minutes 33 views\">Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/philadelphiachurch.htm\">The Philadelphia Church Era<\/a> 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 <em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ccog.org\">Continuing<\/a><\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ccog.org\"> Church of God<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/laodiceachurch.htm\">The Laodicean Church Era <\/a>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 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/when-will-the-great-tribulation-begin.htm\">Great Tribulation<\/a> if they do not repent. One video of related interest is <a dir=\"ltr\" title=\"17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DbQvPsFMVYo\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=sdMFVqb-BIrGqgX_j6eoBA&amp;feature=c4-feed-u&amp;ved=CDkQvxs\">17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/britishisrael.htm\">Anglo &#8211; America in Prophecy &amp; the Lost Tribes of Israel<\/a> Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: <a title=\"Anglo-Am\u00e9rica &amp; las Tribus Perdidas de Israel\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cdlidd.es\/anglo-america-las-tribus-perdidas-de-israel-2\/\">Anglo-Am\u00e9rica &amp; las Tribus Perdidas de Israel<\/a>. A video of possible interest may be <a dir=\"ltr\" title=\"Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dUMYa8s_Siw\" data-sessionlink=\"feature=c4-overview-u&amp;ei=QjjYUYLhMsufhgG_s4GgCw&amp;ved=CB8Q-SUoAA\">Will Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?<\/a><br \/>\n<a dir=\"ltr\" title=\"Leading the Final Phase of the Work\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=49QxsdejD2U&amp;feature=c4-overview&amp;list=UU02K8P8n6vjbukA8PpUgzyw\" data-sessionlink=\"ved=CCMQvxs&amp;ei=TIMfUrXYENSFhgH04oH4BQ&amp;feature=c4-overview-u\">Leading the Final Phase of the Work<\/a> Matthew 24:14 teaches &#8220;And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come &#8221; will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ccog.org\"><em>Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> been doing? This is a sermonette length video.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/kingofthenorth.htm\">Who is the King of the North?<\/a> Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdlidd.es\/quien-es-el-rey-del-norte\/\">\u00bfQui\u00e9n es el Rey del Norte?<\/a> Here is a link to a video titled: <a dir=\"ltr\" title=\"The Future King of the North\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHmF6qZbiU0&amp;feature=c4-overview&amp;list=UUOuL5Q2Xi9HZqU6GivhxveQ\" data-sessionlink=\"ved=CCYQvxs&amp;feature=c4-overview-u&amp;ei=Pn0fUqHEENiMhgHk3IDAAw\">The Future King of the North<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/usa-strongest-fortresses.htm\">USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses<\/a> Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XAgWKowHR1A\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=tiUVWML8JZDqqAWa9Y64Cw\">Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/king-of-the-west.htm\">Who is the King of the West?<\/a> Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy past Daniel 11:39? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: <a title=\"Permanent Link to \u00bfQui\u00e9n es el Rey del Occidente? \u00bfPor qu\u00e9 no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profec\u00eda del tiempo del fin?\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ccog.org\/quien-es-el-rey-del-occidente-por-que-no-hay-un-rey-del-occidente-en-la-profecia-del-tiempo-del-fin\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">\u00bfQui\u00e9n es el Rey del Occidente? \u00bfPor qu\u00e9 no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profec\u00eda del tiempo del fin?<br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/final-phase-of-the-work.htm\">The Final Phase of the Work<\/a> What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled <a title=\"The Final Phase of the Work\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VuBeDQoWAsk\" data-sessionlink=\"ei=YgN_UeyWNNGRhgGslIGoDg&amp;feature=plcp\">The Final Phase of the Work. <\/a> The written article has been translated into Spanish <a title=\"La Fase Final de la Obra\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ccog.org\/la-fase-final-de-la-obra\/\">La Fase Final de la Obra<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>COGwriter Was freedom of the press and its demise prophesied? The old Worldwide Church of God correctly pointed out that it was: THE MOST important work in the world cannot be done without freedom of the press! What is that work? It is the work of announcing that God will restore His Government to the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-prophecy","category-wcg-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48169"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48169\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49092,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48169\/revisions\/49092"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48169"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48169"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}