Bob Thiel's Blog, page 1236

Sermon: What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas?

‘Christmas Wreath’ in UK (Richard Croft) COGwriter The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce its recommended sermon this week from its ContinuingCOG channel: 1:07:40 What do Catholic and other scholars teach about Christmas? Was December 25th observed by early Christians?  Since that date does not come from the Bible, where did it come [...]

USA nuclear weapons down by 85% (plus)

COGwriter The USA reported that it has 85% less nuclear weapons than it did at the height of the Cold War and it hopes to make further reductions: State Dept: U.S. Nukes Down 85%, From 31,255 to 4,804 Dec 19, 2014 The State Department’s Rose Gottemoeller, under secretary for arms control and international security, spoke at the [...]

Despite obstacles, Vatican pushing inter-faith and ecumenical agendas

Ecumenical Service COGwriter The Vatican is pushing forward with its inter-faith and ecumenical plans, while it acknowledges that there are obstacles: December 19, 2014 Vatican City - The president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue believes the Pope’s actions promoting interreligious dialogue in Turkey were both simple and clear. … When asked for his reaction [...]

UCG dropping ‘Good News’ title for ‘Beyond Today’

UCG’s Logo for Beyond Today COGwriter The United Church of God (UCG) announced that it is dropping the ‘Good News’ title and replacing it: December 18, 2014 In this new Inside United Podcast, United Church of God president, Victor Kubik, talks about the Church’s proclamation efforts and the recent approval by the Council of Elders to [...]

CT on December 25th and Christmas

Solis Invicti coin (Jastrow) COGwriter While I have tended to have articles about how the Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholics have viewed Christmas, a reader sent me something that was ran long ago in the misnamed publication Christianity Today. Here are some excerpts: Why December 25? The month and day of Christ’s birth have been [...]

71 attended CCOG youth camp in Kenya

Some attendees at the CCOG youth camp in Kenya COGwriter Pastor Evans Ochieng of the Continuing Church of God sent the following: It is of great joy and happiness to report that the Continuing Church of God is not only making progress towards the Everlasting Kingdom with only the old but pushing and training everyone [...]

Frank McCrady died

COGwriter Frank McCrady, a former UCG pastor, who later went to the the Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGWA) has died.  A reader sent me the following: From Ken Treybig, pastor, Ruston, LA & East Texas, TX: Thank you very much for your prayers over the almost four years since Mr. Frank McCrady’s massive [...]

German anti-Islamization marches highlight concerns

COGwriter Some in Germany have held marches protesting the Islamization of Germany, with more protesting planned.   Minister for Foreign Affairs gave a speech reminiscent of one given in support of the rise of the so-called Third Reich. A reader just sent me the following: ‘Anti-Islamization’ Marches Increase Tensions In Germany Published December 17, 2014 Anti-immigrant [...]

John Chyrsostom on Holy Days, Paganism, and Christmas

John Chrysostom (Istanbul, Turkey. May 2008) COGwriter John Chrysostom a ‘doctor’ of the the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. The improperly named Protestant publication Christianity Today went so far as to claim he was the “Early church’s greatest preacher.” In the late fourth century he made various comments about paganism, Christmas, and biblical Holy [...]

EU court rules Hamas is NOT a terrorist group, then EU pushes for Palestinian recognition; peace hopes for Middle East in 2015

Hamas logo COGwriter A European Union court ruled that Hamas should be taken off a list of terrorist organizations today: December 17, 2014 A European court has ruled that the Palestinian militant group Hamas must be removed from a European Union list of designated terror groups. The General Court of the European Union said Wednesday [...]