{"id":49066,"date":"2018-06-05T05:00:08","date_gmt":"2018-06-05T13:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=49066"},"modified":"2018-06-05T04:54:50","modified_gmt":"2018-06-05T12:54:50","slug":"department-of-homeland-security-compiles-list-of-all-bloggers-journalists-social-media-influencers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/prophecy\/department-of-homeland-security-compiles-list-of-all-bloggers-journalists-social-media-influencers\/","title":{"rendered":"Department Of Homeland Security Compiles List Of All Bloggers, Journalists, & “Social Media Influencers”"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"
<\/em><\/p>\n

COGwriter<\/a><\/p>\n

The USA, which has long prided itself on being the bastion of free speech in the world, is becoming like nations it has criticized related to free speech. A reader sent me info on to the following:<\/p>\n

\n

Department Of Homeland Security Compiles List Of All Bloggers, Journalists, & “Social Media Influencers”<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many were hoping that once Barack Obama was out of office we would see less of this Big Brother surveillance nonsense, but instead it seems to be getting even worse.\u00a0 In fact, the Department of Homeland Security has just announced that it intends to compile a comprehensive list of hundreds of thousands of \u201cjournalists, editors, correspondents, social media influencers, bloggers etc.\u201d, and collect any \u201cinformation that could be relevant\u201d about them.\u00a0 So if you have a website, an important blog or you are just very active on social media, the Department of Homeland Security is going to put you on a list and will start collecting information about you.\u00a0 The DHS has already announced that it will hire a contractor to aid in monitoring media coverage, and they will definitely need plenty of help because it is going to be\u00a0a very big job<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n

As part of its \u201cmedia monitoring,\u201d the DHS seeks to track\u00a0more than 290,000 global news sources<\/strong>\u00a0as well as social media in over 100 languages, including Arabic, Chinese and Russian, for instant translation into English. The successful contracting company will have \u201c24\/7 access to a password protected, media influencer database, including journalists, editors, correspondents, social media influencers, bloggers etc.\u201d in order to \u201cidentify any and all media coverage related to the Department of Homeland Security or a particular event.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny and all media coverage,\u201d as you might imagine, is quite broad and includes \u201conline, print, broadcast, cable, radio, trade and industry publications, local sources, national\/international outlets, traditional news sources, and social media.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If this sounds extremely creepy to you, that is because it is extremely creepy. …<\/p>\n

I run several prominent websites including\u00a0The Most Important News<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0The Economic\u00a0 Collapse Blog<\/a>, and so without a doubt I will be on this list.\u00a0 And if I was just a name on a list in some database somewhere, that would be bad enough, but instead it sounds like the DHS will be collecting any\u00a0\u201cinformation that could be relevant\u201d<\/a>\u00a0about all of us\u2026<\/p>\n

As\u00a0Gizmodo<\/em>\u00a0noted<\/a>, the DHS\u2019 vagueness is also a concern. It leaves itself an opening for collecting\u00a0\u201cany other information that could be relevant\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0about these influencers, and there\u2019s no hint as to what that could be. Is it strictly functional information like work histories, or sensitive data that could be abused? Either way,\u00a0the database could be troublesome for bloggers and social media stars who aren\u2019t usually under such close government scrutiny.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This is one of the reasons why I wanted to get to Washington.\u00a0 This kind of Orwellian monitoring of our freedoms is unnecessary, it is a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars, and it violates our most basic freedoms. …<\/p>\n

Freedom of speech is one of our most foundational rights, and many are concerned that \u201cmonitoring and tracking\u201d are initial steps that could lead to a significant crackdown on Internet activity.\u00a0 Just check out what is about to happen\u00a0over in Europe<\/a>.\u00a0 The Internet has made it possible for ordinary people to communicate with one another on a massive scale, and any efforts by national governments to interfere with that must be greatly resisted. 06\/03\/18 http:\/\/endoftheamericandream.com\/archives\/the-department-of-homeland-security-plans-to-compile-a-list-of-all-bloggers-journalists-and-social-media-influencers<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A couple of months ago, the DHS put out a request to get assistance to do this (see DHS is monitoring all journalists, bloggers, and media influencers: Will this affect press freedom and lead to the fulfillment of prophecies?<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Years ago, George Orwell wrote a book called nineteen-eighty four<\/em>. It warned about a totalitarian government that had electronic surveillance everywhere. One of the statements repeated in the book was “Big Brother is watching you.” Monitoring the press and classifying reporters\/bloggers is a dangerous and Orwellian step. It is another step towards restricting press freedom.<\/p>\n

Disturbingly, the USA is doing more and more of this.<\/p>\n

Consider the following from the Bible:<\/p>\n

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation;
\nPreserve my life from fear of the enemy.
\n2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
\nFrom the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
\n3 Who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
\nAnd bend their bows to shoot their arrows \u2014 bitter words,
\n4 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless;
\nSuddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.<\/p>\n

5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter;
\nThey talk of laying snares secretly;
\nThey say, \u201cWho will see them?\u201d
\n6 They devise iniquities:
\n\u201cWe have perfected a shrewd scheme.\u201d
\nBoth the inward thought and the heart of man are deep. (Psalm 64:1-6)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

With electronic media, “big brother” (the government) can watch you in ways that were not possible in the past. And, perhaps it should be mentioned that conceivably, everyone who posts on platforms such as Facebook is a blogger. And while they have apparently only compiled a list of 290,000 so far, that does not mean the government will stop there.<\/p>\n

While you may not think that this could affect you, consider the following poem by Martin Niem\u00f6ller:<\/p>\n

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out\u2014
\nBecause I was not a Socialist.<\/i><\/p>\n

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out\u2014<\/i>
\nBecause I was not a Trade Unionist.<\/i><\/p>\n

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out\u2014<\/i>
\nBecause I was not a Jew.<\/i><\/p>\n

Then they came for me\u2014and there was no one left to speak for me.<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Martin Niem\u00f6ller (1892\u20131984) was a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps.<\/p>\n

It was not just Adolf Hitler\u2019s regime that restricted speech and arrested dissenters. African and other nations are looking more into this (see Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania potential censorship laws<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Although you might think that if you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear from surveillance or speech restrictions, consider that many in the governments of the West consider that those not supporting homosexual marriages<\/a>, etc. are extremist. I also saw someone once on a documentary that stated that people who believed in the millennium<\/a> could not be trusted and should be considered as potential terrorists. The fact that we in the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> would be considered pacifists<\/a>, does not change the fact that, since we hold to millennial and other biblical views, we can be improperly classified as extremist by government employees with various agendas. Having biblical views are becoming more problematic in the world (see ZH: Germany has killed freedom of speech and expects the rest of the EU to do the same<\/a>). Canada does not want certain biblical verses to even be quoted (watch Canadian censoring of the Bible<\/a>). Some are concerned that the State of California may be trying to ban the Bible (watch Banning the Bible?<\/a>).<\/p>\n

While the Europeans and North Americans decry internet and speech restrictions in various countries in Asia and elsewhere, they are also implementing restrictions themselves.<\/p>\n

Consider what is happening now with the following in mind:<\/p>\n

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13, KJV)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sadly, I fully expect technology will result in real and fake statements being attributed to me and others in the Church of God by evil people who hate the Bible.<\/p>\n

Something similar, but worse is coming.<\/p>\n

Jesus said:<\/p>\n

\n

4 \u2026 the night is coming when no one can work. (John 9:4, NKJV)<\/p>\n

4\u2026 the night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4 KJV)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In an October 23, 1980 co-worker letter, Herbert Armstrong wrote:<\/p>\n

\n

The Bible warns us the time is just ahead when NO MAN CAN WORK\u2014in the Lord\u2019s Work. We must sacrifice now as never before for this Work that we may FINISH the Work that Christ has called us to do. Pray as never before, for this Work.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Prophet Amos was inspired to record the following:<\/p>\n

\n

11 \u201cBehold, the days are coming,\u201d says the Lord God,
\n\u201cThat I will send a famine on the land,
\nNot a famine of bread,
\nNor a thirst for water,
\nBut of hearing the words of the Lord.
\n12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
\nAnd from north to east;
\nThey shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
\nBut shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

There was a certain type of ‘famine of the word’ during the time of the infamous Spanish Inquisition. It got people to also refrain from making statements as they realized that they were often being monitored and could be turned over to the government.<\/p>\n

The old Worldwide Church of God reported the following about press freedom back in 1981:<\/p>\n

\n

THE<\/em> MOST important work in the<\/em> world cannot be done without freedom of<\/em> the<\/em> press!<\/p>\n

What is that work?<\/p>\n

It is the<\/em> work of<\/em> announcing that God will restore His Government to the<\/em> whole earth! But before the<\/em> Government of<\/em> God is restored, it must first be announced! The<\/em> good news of<\/em> that announcement \u2014 the<\/em> Gospel of<\/em> the<\/em> Kingdom of<\/em> God \u2014 must be preached (Matthew 24:14) to all nations (Matthew 28:19). And the<\/em> nations must choose whether they will want it or resist it.<\/p>\n

In this day, God has made the<\/em> MASS media available to accomplish His work. But reaching a mass audience with the<\/em> good news of<\/em> God\u2019s soon\u2013<\/em>coming Government requires the<\/em> freedom to PUBLISH. Notice Mark 13:10: \u201cAnd the<\/em> gospel must first be published among all nations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Further, God lays a special duty on his messenger and Church to publicly disseminate certain warnings to certain nations. Ezekiel 33:1\u2013<\/em>7 describes God\u2019s charge upon the<\/em> watchman. When the<\/em> watchman sees \u201cthe<\/em> sword\u201d come upon the<\/em> land \u2014 a prophetic symbol of<\/em> military devastation \u2014 he must \u201cblow the<\/em> trumpet\u201d or God will hold him personally responsible.<\/p>\n

This duty requires that a message warning about some very unpleasant events be published as far and as wide as possible to the<\/em> latter\u2013<\/em>day descendants of<\/em> ancient nations.<\/p>\n

Similarly, when God charged the<\/em> 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: \u201cBut his [God\u2019s] word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones\u2026\u201d (Jeremiah 20:9).<\/p>\n

So God\u2019s servants really have no choice as to exercising the<\/em> right to publish their message freely. Their message is not for their personal benefit \u2014 but to the<\/em> whole world!<\/p>\n

Governmental Reaction<\/strong><\/p>\n

And yet while the<\/em> Bible places a duty on God\u2019s servants, it also warns that this world \u2014 even now<\/em> and in the<\/em> future \u2014 will not always allow the<\/em> freedom to publish.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

In the<\/em> past a government\u2019s excuse for persecution was that God\u2019s message IS TOO DISTURBING to be allowed to circulate freely.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

In the<\/em> Old Testament, Elijah, for example, was hauled before King Ahab for the<\/em> ancient equivalent of<\/em> the<\/em> crime of<\/em> disturbing the<\/em> peace: \u201cAhab said unto him [Elijah], Art thou he that troubleth Israel?\u201d (I Kings 18:17).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Elijah\u2019s defense was that he wasn\u2019t troubling Israel, only bringing some very distressing news from God to Ahab\u2019s government (verse 18).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, the<\/em> religious and political authorities of<\/em> Amos\u2019 day tried to subject him to \u201cprior restraint\u201d \u2014 from speaking his message at all \u2014 because the<\/em> message he brought from God was TO CONTROVERSIAL! \u201cAmaziah the<\/em> priest of<\/em> Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of<\/em> Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the<\/em> midst of<\/em> the<\/em> house of<\/em> Israel: the<\/em> land is not able to bear all his words\u2026. Also Amaziah said unto Amos\u2026 prophesy not again any more at Bethel\u201d (Amos 7:10, 12\u2013<\/em>13). Amaziah tried to deny Amos a forum for God\u2019s message in ancient Israel. Amos\u2019 message was too upsetting to the<\/em> political and religious establishments!
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The<\/em> prophet Jeremiah was even subjected to an ancient form of<\/em> book<\/em> burning. God commanded Jeremiah to write down \u201call the<\/em> words that I [God] have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the<\/em> nations\u2026\u201d (Jeremiah 36:2).
\nJeremiah put the<\/em> words on a roll. Eventually, however, possession of<\/em> the<\/em> roll came to one of<\/em> the<\/em> king\u2019s top aides, who read it to the<\/em> king (verse 21). After reading \u201cthree or four leaves\u201d of<\/em> the<\/em> scroll, the<\/em> aide, ever eager to please a now<\/em> distraught king, threw the<\/em> roll into the<\/em> fireplace (verse 23). Afterwards, the<\/em> king attempted, unsuccessfully, to seize Jeremiah for putting God\u2019s word to writing.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Earlier, Jeremiah had already endured actual imprisonment for the<\/em> content of<\/em> his spoken message (Jeremiah 20:2).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

In the<\/em> New Testament, the<\/em> authorities tried to prevent the<\/em> apostles from preaching the<\/em> Gospel. The<\/em> apostles were forcibly brought before the<\/em> council. The<\/em> high priest asked them: \u201cDid not we straightly command you that you should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine\u2026\u201d (Acts 5:28).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, the<\/em> civil and religious authorities were seeking to regulate the<\/em> content of<\/em> their message!
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

In response, the<\/em> apostle Peter declared the<\/em> firm rule that \u201cwe ought to obey God rather than men\u201d (verse 29). Since Peter and company had a God\u2013<\/em>ordained duty to say what they were saying, the<\/em> commands of<\/em> the<\/em> civil government of<\/em> Jerusalem were in direct conflict with God\u2019s.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

For the<\/em> future, the<\/em> Bible prophecy reveals that the<\/em> time will come when most of<\/em> this world\u2019s nations will be led by Satan to abolish freedom of<\/em> the<\/em> press \u2014 and all related freedoms. Why? To prevent any publishing of<\/em> God\u2019s message from reaching any substantial number of<\/em> people!
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

`Behold, the<\/em> days come, saith the<\/em> Lord God, that I will send a famine in the<\/em> land, not a famine of<\/em> bread, nor a thirst for water, but of<\/em> hearing the<\/em> words of<\/em> the<\/em> Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the<\/em> north even to the<\/em> east, they shall run to and fro to seek the<\/em> word of<\/em> the<\/em> Lord, and shall not find it\u201d (Amos 8:11\u2013<\/em>12).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Elsewhere the<\/em> Bible reveals how this prophesied press clampdown will take place. Revelation<\/em> 13 describes a great religious\u2013<\/em>civil power that will arise in the<\/em> place of<\/em> the<\/em> old Roman Empire. This prophesied power will not allow free speech, a free press or the<\/em> free exercise of<\/em> any religion \u2014 except the<\/em> official religion of<\/em> the<\/em> state. <\/span><\/p>\n

Why Free Press Important<\/strong><\/p>\n

The<\/em> Gospel is the<\/em> good news of<\/em> a government that will REPLACE the<\/em> governments of<\/em> this world. Yet replace is a mild word! The<\/em> prophet Daniel flatly declares that the<\/em> Government of<\/em> God will \u201cbreak in pieces and consume\u201d the<\/em> nations of<\/em> this world that resist Him (Daniel 2:44).<\/span><\/p>\n

The<\/em> Gospel of<\/em> the<\/em> Kingdom of<\/em> 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<\/em> doing \u201ccontrary to the<\/em> decrees of<\/em> Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus\u201d (Acts 17:7).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

No wonder the<\/em> governments of<\/em> this world have historically sought to suppress the<\/em> publishing of<\/em> the<\/em> Gospel of<\/em> the<\/em> Kingdom of<\/em> God \u2014 for it is ultimately the<\/em> news of<\/em> their overthrow by Christ at His return!
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Some have tried to justify the<\/em> suppression of<\/em> press freedom on the<\/em> grounds that the<\/em> free circulation of<\/em> false ideas would create havoc for human government.\u201dLying opinions, than which no mental plague is greater,\u201d wrote Pope Leo XIII, \u201cand vices which corrupt the<\/em> heart and moral life, should be diligently repressed by public authority, lest they insidiously work the<\/em> ruin of<\/em> the<\/em> state.\u201d
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The<\/em> key error is the<\/em> failure to see the<\/em> difference between the<\/em> government of<\/em> man and the<\/em> government of<\/em> God. God does not reveal the<\/em> whole of<\/em> His spiritual truth to society at large \u2014 only to those He calls (see Romans 8:30).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Man, cut off from God, cannot be trusted to pass judgment on whether God\u2019s truth is, in fact, \u201ctrue.\u201d The<\/em> Bible reveals that Satan has deceived \u201cthe<\/em> whole world\u201d (Revelation<\/em> 12:9).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Christ said his true church would be a little flock, not a majority of<\/em> the<\/em> political community (Luke 12:32). Thus, no human government can ever be really certain that it can tell a \u201clying opinion\u201d from a true one. Because men\u2019s minds are limited, men must have the<\/em> truth revealed<\/em> to them by God. When God doesn\u2019t reveal it, as He doesn\u2019t to most of<\/em> society, the<\/em> safest course open to humans is the<\/em> greatest possible circulation of<\/em> ideas. The<\/em> Bible supports this idea when it declares: \u201cWhere no counsel is, the<\/em> people fall: but in the<\/em> MULTITUDE of<\/em> counselors there is safety\u201d (Proverbs 11:14).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if false ideas circulate under freedom of<\/em> the<\/em> press, at least God\u2019s Word will also be able to go out unhindered.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

F<\/span>ree societies pay a very high price for freedom of<\/em> the<\/em> press \u2014 pornography circulates freely because human courts say they can\u2019t really tell the<\/em> difference between pornography and other kinds of<\/em> writing or expression. This is a very high price \u2014 but at least it does insure the<\/em> free circulation of<\/em> God\u2019s truth, as well as other religious ideas.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

If you grant human government the<\/em> authority to censor what is printed or spoken, you allow the<\/em> government to stop any message it doesn\u2019t approve of<\/em>.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Government tried to suppress Elijah, Amos and Jeremiah; it is prophesied to suppress God\u2019s true Gospel again in the<\/em> future. The<\/em> power to censor bad writing easily becomes the<\/em> power to suppress good writing.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

There is a reason why God began, and based, his end\u2013<\/em>time work in the<\/em> country on earth where freedom of<\/em> the<\/em> press is greatest \u2014 and why God\u2019s Church has grown the<\/em> most, as a rule, in countries where press freedom is substantial. Since the<\/em> spreading of<\/em> God\u2019s Word is the<\/em> most important activity on earth \u2014 the<\/em> preservation of<\/em> freedom of<\/em> the<\/em> press is one of<\/em> the<\/em> most awesome responsibilities God lays on human government. (Calkins J. FREE PRESS IN THE BIBLE? Was It Prophesied? Plain Truth. May 1981)<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Human governments now do grant themselves the<\/em> authority to censor what is printed or spoken, you allow the<\/em> government to stop any message it doesn\u2019t approve of<\/em><\/strong>.<\/span> This is leading to something warned about in scripture.<\/p>\n

Related to Amos 8:11-12, in a sermon on November 27, 1982 titled \u201cU.S. of Europe is Coming,\u201d WCG\u2019s Herbert W. Armstrong<\/a> stated:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnyway this whole United States of Europe, when it goes together, is going to trigger nuclear World War III. Now let me tell you what else it\u2019s going to do. It\u2019s going to END OUR WORK! OUR WORK WILL BE THROUGH of getting the gospel to the world<\/strong>. That is, very shortly after it goes into force and effect; because they will move in such a way that it will end it. And then I\u2019ll tell you what will happen<\/em>. As you read here in Amos, the 8th chapter and verse 11 of Amos. Amos 8:11<\/em> \u2018Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread \u2026<\/em> but of hearing the word of the LORD.\u2019 \u201d<\/em> (http:\/\/cog-ff.com\/html\/pcomments_07_04_08.html, viewed 10\/03\/13)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In a November 22, 1982 co-worker letter, Herbert Armstrong wrote:<\/p>\n

\n

\u2026 brethren and co-workers, the prophesied Great Tribulation (nuclear World War III) will start soon after the European unification. That means OUR WORK OF SPREADING THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD WILL BE FINISHED! We have not now much more time. Soon shall come a FAMINE of hearing the Word of the Lord (Amos 8:11). God says, work while it is day, for the night is coming when no man can work \u2013 in the Work of God! Nothing else is important in our lives, now, but this all-important Work of God. (http:\/\/cog-ff.com\/html\/pcomments_07_04_08.html, viewed 10\/03\/13)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

So, 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 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–this will one day happen to the Continuing<\/em> Church of God!<\/p>\n

The Bible teaches:<\/p>\n

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

Many are offended to be told that they are sinning, but the Bible says to tell them anyway.<\/p>\n

Notice also the following related to some of what we have been seeing:<\/p>\n

\n
\n

The existential crisis a free America is facing right now is thought control on a scale potentially worse than totalitarian tyrannies of the past and present \u2026<\/p>\n

\n

Yes, you can still wear a sandwich board on public streets and \u201cprotest\u201d \u2013 in most cases without serious consequences. But that\u2019s the kind of expression and dissent the new elite corporate gatekeepers, what I call the \u201cDigital Content Cartel,\u201d Christians and conservatives would be relegated to if the corporate thought-police overlords of Google, Facebook, et al, get their way.<\/p>\n

Their goal is nothing short of starving to death the independent media. \u2026<\/p>\n

\n

America\u2019s universities employ speech codes that would make North Korea blush. Little children are being indoctrinated from the earliest age in government schools that this nation\u2019s heroic founders were no more than racist, misogynist, imperialist oppressors of the poor and downtrodden. Hollywood and the Big Media besiege Americans with one narrow worldview, treating with utter contempt liberty lovers and followers of the God of Creation.<\/p>\n

Now, the \u201cDigital Content Cartel,\u201d that sees the world much like those other powerful cultural institutions, is in near total, hammerlock control of the means of distribution of news and information on the internet because they control more than 90 percent of the advertising revenue, search engine power and technical infrastructure that is necessary to reach massive audiences effectively.<\/p>\n

Never before have so few controlled so much debate.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re in danger of losing the essential components of a free society \u2013 including the right to shout out in loud voices that cannot be stifled that we are losing our legacy of liberty. 03\/15\/18 http:\/\/www.wnd.com\/2018\/03\/never-before-have-so-few-controlled-so-much-debate\/#EIkj0z4Y1J4ecE8w.99<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

As the above indicates, we have already seen actions against those who dare to hold certain biblically-related positions that some governments as well as internet media companies oppose.<\/p>\n

Now the government is proactively seeking people to monitor and classify online writers and ‘media influencers.’ This does not bode well for actual freedom of the press.<\/p>\n

When the Beast finally rises up in Europe, precedents for monitoring and restrictions of speech (cf. Revelation 13:14-18) will have sadly been well established in the USA and many other lands.<\/p>\n

Until then, we in the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> will continue to work to fulfill Matthew 24:14, 28:19-20, Romans 9:28, and Isaiah 58:1.<\/p>\n

Some items of possibly related interest may include:<\/em><\/p>\n

Preparing for the \u2018Short Work\u2019 and The Famine of the Word<\/a> What is the \u2018short work\u2019 of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work<\/a>.
\nThe 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: The World\u2019s False Gospel<\/a>, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments<\/a>, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution<\/a>.
\nThe Spanish Inquisition and Early Protestant Persecutions<\/a><\/span> Was the Church of Rome really responsible for this? What happened? Here is a link to a related video sermon: The Past and Future Inquisition<\/a>.
\nPersecutions 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\u2013this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church<\/a>. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado<\/a>.
\nInternet Censorship and Prophecy <\/a> Are 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.
\n<\/a><\/span>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.
\nCanadian 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.
\nInternet Control, Famine of the Word, and 666 <\/a> Is the internet going to be used to suppress the teaching of the word of God?
\nAbortion, the Bible, and a Woman\u2019s Right to Choose<\/a> Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt<\/a>.
\n<\/span> The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA<\/a> Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?<\/a>
\nAnglo \u2013 America in Prophecy & 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: Anglo-Am\u00e9rica & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel<\/a>. A video of possible interest may be Will Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?
\n<\/a>Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation<\/a> discusses the largest church since the second\/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses \u201ceighth day\u201d worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Europe and the \u2018Holy Roman Empire\u2019<\/a>.
\nLeading the Final Phase of the Work<\/a> Matthew 24:14 teaches \u201cAnd 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 \u201d 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 Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> been doing? This is a sermonette length video.
\nThe 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: The World\u2019s False Gospel<\/a>, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments<\/a>, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution<\/a>.
\nBeware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction!<\/a> What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their \u2018mother church\u2019 in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan<\/a>. Famine of the Word?<\/a> God inspired the Prophet Amos to write that the time would come when there would be a famine of hearing the words of the Lord (Amos 8:11<\/a>-12). Are we seeing anything that is leading up to this? Is the Christian message already too \u2018politically incorrect\u2019?
\nDonald Trump in Prophecy<\/a> Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill?\u00a0 Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill?\u00a0 Is a Donald Trump presidency proving to be apocalyptic?\u00a0 Two related videos are available: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic?<\/a> and Donald Trump’s Prophetic Presidency<\/a>.
\nTrump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy?<\/a> BBC<\/em> reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
\nDonald Trump and America\u2019s Apocalypse<\/a> This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 from the following link: Donald Trump and America\u2019s Apocalypse<\/a>.
\nDonald Trump and America\u2019s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition<\/a> This electronic version of the 188 page print 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 \u0019s Free<\/strong> Reader Apps<\/a>. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to\u00a0Donald Trump and America\u2019s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition<\/a>.
\nBanning the Bible?<\/a> Could we see a ban of the Holy Bible in North America? Have there been partial bans proposed and enforced by government officials in Canada? Do any USA politicians consider any biblical teachings as fraudulent and hence banning them is NOT a violation of the 1st amendment to the Constitution of the USA? Are there risks associated with AB 2943? Have politicians like Hillary Clinton and California Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi called for long-held religious beliefs to change and \u201cevolve with the times\u201d? What about Jude 1:3 and 2 Timothy 3:14? Are there biblical prophecies about not being able to hear the word of God? Might we see more restrictions on explaining teachings of the Bible on the Internet and other forms of media? What are some of the verses that various government people do not want made public? Dr. Thiel provides facts on these issues and more.
\nBible News Prophecy<\/a> channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy<\/a> channel. And you can find them there.
\nContinuingCOG<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

COGwriter The USA, which has long prided itself on being the bastion of free speech in the world, is becoming like nations it has criticized related to free speech. A reader sent me info on to the following: Department Of Homeland Security Compiles List Of All Bloggers, Journalists, & “Social Media Influencers” Many were hoping […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-49066","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-prophecy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t