Church of God News

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COGwriter

Although the belief in a coming Madhi is primary part of Shi’ite Islam, some Sunnis also believe it.

The Madhi seems to have similarities to one that the Bible speaks of as the King of the South.

Notice the following:

Rasaullah [Muhammed] said: “There will be four peace agreements between you and the Romans [Christians].  The fourth agreement will be mediated through a person who will be the progeny of Hadrat Haroon [Honorable Aaron — Moses’ brother] and will be upheld for seven years (Richardson J. Antichrist: Islam’s Awaited Messiah. Pleasant Word, 2006, p. 48)

The above sounds similar to the seven year (one week in biblical language) agreement discussed in Daniel 9:27 that involves a “prince” who appears to be the one the Bible warns will become the King of the North and apparently the nation of Israel. It certainly would make sense that there would be Muslim representation in a peace deal.

However, the Bible shows that this deal will be broken (Daniel 9:27) and the King of the North will invade Jerusalem (Daniel 11:31) and ultimately the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). Notice that this too, however, seems to be consistent with some Islamic prophecy:

…a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar (Romans) which they will break and attack you  (Ibn Zubair Ali, Mohammed Ali. The minor signs of Last Days from: The Signs of Qiyamah. http://www.islamawareness.net/Prophecies/minor.html viewed 06/21/09).

Perhaps I should mention here that a preliminary deal to allow the Europeans and Northern Africans to co-operate did begin on July 13, 2008. And this deal involves a president for the North and a president for the South:

New York Times – July 14, 2008 PARIS — Leaders of 43 nations with nearly 800 million inhabitants inaugurated a “Union for the Mediterranean” on Sunday, meant to bring the northern and southern countries that ring the sea closer together through practical projects dealing with the environment, climate, transportation, immigration and policing.

But the meeting was also an opportunity for President Nicolas Sarkozy of France to exercise some highly public Middle East diplomacy…

The union has northern and southern co-presidents — to start, Mr. Sarkozy and President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt…

Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, who insisted that the Sarkozy project include all European Union members, called the session “a very, very good start for a new phase in the cooperation” between Europe and the south (Sarkozy Helps to Bring Syria Out of Isolation. New York Times, July 14, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/14/world/europe/14france.html?em&ex=1216094400&en=bfad08e20a1536e6&ei=5087%0A).

Thus, the idea that the Bible first shows cooperation between the Kings of the North and South (Daniel 11:27) appears to be becoming fulfilled in our day. The end of the cooperation is also going to occur (Daniel 11:40).

If the Madhi is supposed to be betrayed, why would any Muslims support him?

There are several reasons for this.

The first is that it is a tenant of Islam to “believe in the last days”, hence the understanding are to be believed (even though most Shi’a and Sunni disagree on the specifics).

The second is that many expect that the Madhi will make the world Islamic:

The Madhi will be victorius and eradicate those pigs and gods and the idols of this time…

The Mahdi…will cause Islam to be the only religion practiced on the Earth (Richardson J. Antichrist: Islam’s Awaited Messiah. Pleasant Word, 2006, pp. 46,50-51)

The third is that certain Muslims believe that Jesus returns after the Mahdi and hence that the Madhi is a necessary step. Notice the following:

The last days, as described in Islam, are marked by the figures of Gog and Magog (Juj wa Jajuj), the Mahdi, the Antichrist (Dajjal), and Jesus…Gog and Magog, representing the forces of chaos, have been kept at bay…At the end of time, chaos will break through the wall of Divinely imposed order, and the world will succumb to “outer darkness”. At the same time, it is believed, there will be a countercurrent, or a brief return to the state of spiritual lucidity and primordial integrity that obtained at the dawn of time. This is the reign of the Mahdi, the “rightly guided one”…

The reign of the Mahdi will be followed by that of the Antichrist… once the Antichrist has led away his followers, Jesus will then come to destroy the Antichrist in the closing moments of the cosmic drama.

Belief in the Mahdi has been rejected by noted Sunni authorities… (Glasse C. New Encyclopedia of Islam: A Revised Edition of the Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, 3rd edition, 2008, pp. 143, 316).

Some in Islam seem to essentially understand that the reign of the Beast and Antichrist will happen after the Mahdi’s death. Now this is true, for the Arab lands. However, the Beast (King of the North) and the False Prophet (Antichrist) will rule in Europe and in some of the American lands, though, prior to the European reign over Arab lands.

A major leader from Arabic stock (Psalm 83) is prophesied to rise up (Daniel 11:27), but ultimately be defeated (Daniel 11:40-43) (some Muslims seem to agree with that, while others disagree that he will be defeated before making the entire world Muslim).

Perhaps I should add that I heard a speech from the President of Iran a few years ago where he stated that the goal of the revolution in Iran was to help lead to the rise of this Mahdi leader.

Sunni and Shi’a Muslims need to be careful not to fall for such a leader.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?

Depiction of Levites Carrying the Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

In my post yesterday I referred to an item as a “surprise move” that “If WND is correct, this may happen tomorrow”.

Well, as far as I have been able to determine, there was no major announcement today by any in Ethiopia to display the “Ark of the Covenant”.

Some sources I checked with today indicated that World News Daily (WND) apparently relied on a mistranslation of an interview with a religious leader from Ethiopia.  Supposedly what was said was that the Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia (a common claim in Ethiopia) and that it could be revealed to the world today if the Ethiopians wanted it to be.

Perhaps someday, Ethiopia will reveal what many there believe is the Ark of the Covenant.  But for now, this simply did not happen as the WND article reported that it would.

LATE UPDATE:  WND posted the following update:

Hark! Where’s the Bible Ark?
Ethiopia’s Orthodox patriarch cops out on revealing plan for public viewing

Posted: June 26, 2009 4:16 pm Eastern © 2009 WorldNetDaily

The leader of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church today backed off on a much-anticipated announcement about the Ark of the Covenant — the ancient container holding the Ten Commandment — which he claims to have seen.

But no other evidence or, indeed, even any announcement, was made public today when word had been expected.

Ark hunters and Bible enthusiasts have been buzzing for two days on the report from the Italian news agency Adnkronos that Patriarch Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, said, “Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries.”

He had suggested the possibility the artifact might be viewable in a planned museum.

“I repeat (the Ark of the Covenant) is in Ethiopia and nobody … knows for how much time. Only God knows,” he said in the Adnkronos report available online.

The report said Pauolos reported the artifact “is described perfectly in the Bible” and is in good condition…

But according to a statement delivered to WND by the webmaster for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, there is no chance that the religious leaders and people in the nation will give up their custody of what they believe is the Ark.

“I think Abba Pauolos must be out of his mind. … An (artifact) should not be shown or touched other than the clergies but to put it on display is a reckless comment let alone doing it,” the statement said. “Not only the local clergies but the people of Ethiopia won’t allow it and it is not going to happen.”…

“The Ethiopian royal chronicles suggest that for 3,000 years, they had been guarding the ark, knowing that it had to go back to Israel eventually,” Jeffrey said.   http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=102274

Anyway, due to some type of miscommunication, the Ark was not shown.  The Ethiopians do claim to have the Ark and perhaps some day they will show it.

Some articles of possible interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?
Solomon’s TempleThis is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Were there Sabbath-keepers in Ethiopia? Will God call all the Africans?

Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople

COGwriter

The Eastern Orthodox expect to visit Rome this Monday:

Orthodox Delegation to Visit Rome

Will Attend Closing of Pauline Year

Unity with Rome has been a clear goal of Patriarch Bartholomew for some time (see Catholic/Orthodox: Ecumenicalism Required).

The Bible warns against a coming ecumenical Babylonian religion that is likely to call itself “Catholic”.  Yet Roman domination of the Eastern Orthodox in an re-established Babylon has been the goal of certain Catholics for over 800 years.  Around 1202 the Catholic Abbott Joachim prophesied:

A remarkable Pope will be seated on the pontifical throne, under special protection of the angels. Holy and full of gentleness, he shall undo all wrong, he shall recover the states of the Church, and reunite the exiled temporal powers. As the only Pastor, he shall reunite the Eastern to the Western Church…This holy Pope shall be both pastor and reformer. Through him the East and West shall be in ever lasting concord. The city of Babylon shall then be the head and guide of the world.

Rome, weakened in temporal power, shall forever preserve her spiritual dominion, and shall enjoy great peace…(Cited in Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno. Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, pp. 31-32).

Biblical prophecy states that there will be a major unifying religion that it calls “Babylon the Great” (Revelation 17:5)–but one that the Bible warns against (Revelation 18:4).

While Rome is expected to compromise on some doctrines for this to happen, the Orthodox (nor those who are part of the Church of Rome) should consider that this is a good thing.

Sadly, the stage for “unity” to form this Babylon keeps getting prepared.  And the Patriarch of Constantinople seems determine to try to make it happen.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Churches of God Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The Bible warns the Orthodox against this unity as do some Catholic prophecies. The Orthodox need to heed these warnings now.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Depiction of Levites Carrying the Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

In a surprise move, the patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia announced that he will unveil what he claims is the actual Ark of the Covenant:

‘Ark of the Covenant’ about to be unveiled?
Ethiopian patriarch tells pope he will show artifact to world

---

Posted: June 24, 2009 9:35 pm Eastern   © 2009 WorldNetDaily

The patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia says he will announce to the world Friday the unveiling of the Ark of the Covenant, perhaps the world’s most prized archaeological and spiritual artifact, which he says has been hidden away in a church in his country for millennia, according to the Italian news agency Adnkronos.

Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, told the news agency, “Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries.”

The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from the Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D’Acosta.

“The Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia for many centuries,” said Pauolos. “As a patriarch I have seen it with my own eyes and only few highly qualified persons could do the same, until now.”

According to Pauolos, the actual Ark has been kept in one church, but to defend the treasure, a copy was placed in every single church in Ethiopia.

He said a museum is being built in Axum, Ethiopia, where the Ark will be displayed. A foundation of D’Acosta will fund the project.

The Ark of the Covenant is the sacred container of the Ten Commandments as well as Aaron’s rod and a sample of manna, the mysterious food that kept the Israelites alive while wandering in the wilderness during their journey to the promised land…

The Book of Revelation says the Ark is in the temple of God in heaven (Rev. 11:19). Muslim scholars say it will be found near the end of times by the Mahdi – a messianic figure in Islam. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=102119

I have read various older reports that the Ethiopians have long claimed to have the original Ark of the Covenant and had wondered if they would ever make this a public matter.  If WND is correct, this may happen tomorrow.

Here is something I read from an account in 1710 (and yes, the English is hard to read as the source is difficult and some words clearly are spelled incorrectly as far as we in the 21st century are concerned as it has an “f” often where we would have an “s”):

Then the aforesaid Book proceeds to give an Account how the first begotten, at the Initi’gation of Azariah the Son of Sadoc the fable about Prieft, took an Oath to one another to carry away with them the Ark. Ark of the Covenant, which they call’d the Heavenly Sion and that going by Night to the Temple, Providence fo ordering it, they found the Gates open, and put the Ark upon a Cart, and being attended by abundance of People, with much Wealth, and great Acclamations, they travell’d to fwiftly, that Solomon, who went to recover the Ark, could not overtake them, and with the fame Expedition they crofs’d the ‘Red Sea as joyfully as the Children of Ifrael had done, with only this Difference, that the Ifraelites pafs’d it on Foot without being wet, and they flying in their Chariots ; fo that the Sea obey’d the “former, and the Air was fubfervient to the latter.

This Book farther tells us, that when Queen Maqueda underfood that her Son already made King was coming, and brought along with him all the firft begotten, as alfo the Ark of the Heavemly God of Sion, (he went out with great Solemnity to meet them, and plac’d the Ark in the Temp!e of the Laud of Maqueda, all the People of Ethiopia receiving the Knowledge of the true God (Balthazar Telles, John Stevens. The Travels of the Jesuits in Ethiopia. J Knapton, 1710, University of Lausanne, p. 69).

The above would not seem biblically likely, but the Ethiopians have long believed that the Ark is in their country and that a son of Solomon who is not mentioned in the Bible brought it there.

However, the Bible shows that well after Solomon’s sons would have died, that the Ark was still in Jerusalem:

35:1 Now Josiah kept a Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2 And he set the priests in their duties and encouraged them for the service of the house of the LORD. 3 Then he said to the Levites who taught all Israel, who were holy to the LORD: “Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, built. It shall no longer be a burden on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel (2 Chronicles 35:1-3).

Thus, if the Ark of the Covenant possibly made it to Ethiopia it was not until well AFTER the Ethiopians normally claim it first came there.

It is interesting, however, that many of the Muslims believe that there Mahdi will rise up after the finding of the Ark (the Mahdi of Islamic prophecy seems to be the same one that the Bible indicates will be the final King of the South).

I perhaps should add that certain Catholic prophecies indicate that the two witnesses (which they often consider will be Enoch and Elijah) will rise up after the Ark is found:

Bl. Dionysus of Luetzenberg…prophecies:

“After the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant, Enoch and Elias will restore the Holy Sacrament of the Altar; Because of the fact that the Ark of the Covenant will be in the possession of the two holy prophets and not in Antichrist’s hands, the Jews will recognize that Jesus is the true Messias…”

( Luetzenberg, Antichristus Chapter 29 as cited in Birch D.A. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph. Queenship Publishing, Goleta (CA), 1996, p. 509)

Now the Bible is clear that the Ark of the Covenant will be in heaven:

Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. (Revelation 11:19)

And it probably is there now.  But since both Islamic and Catholic prophecies suggest that it will be found, it is possible that some of them will point to the Ark in Ethiopia as proof that their prophecies are to be fulfilled.

I presume that if the Ethiopians want most people to take this possible announcement seriously that they will allow archaeologists and others to more thoroughly examine it.  However, if it is the actual Ark of the Covenant, this would seem to be quite dangerous from a biblical point of view:

1 Again David gathered all the choice men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the Name, the LORD of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. 3 So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill, accompanying the ark of God; and Ahio went before the ark. 5 Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the LORD on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals.

6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God. (2 Samuel 6:1-7)

Only Levites were supposed to move the Ark, and that is what David finally realized.  Non-Levites, like Uzzah were never supposed to touch it.

While it may be remotely possible that the Ark could be in Ethiopia (as I think the Bible more strongly indicates that it is in heaven and not on the earth), I remain highly skeptical that what is expected to be shown tomorrow will actually be it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament?  What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?
Solomon’s TempleThis is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Were there Sabbath-keepers in Ethiopia? Will God call all the Africans?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?

Pope Benedict XVI

COGwriter

In about two weeks, USA President Barack Obama is to meet with Pope Benedict XVI:

Obama to Meet With the Pope Next Month

President Obama will meet with the pope while he is in Italy for the annual G8 summit, which takes place in L’Aquila July 8-10.

FOX News – June 24, 2009

By Anne McGinn

President Obama will meet with Pope Benedict XVI next month to “discuss a range of issues, including their shared belief in the dignity of all people,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Wednesday.

Obama will meet with the pope while he is in Italy for the annual G8 summit, which takes place in L’Aquila July 8-10.

Among the likely topics of discussion between Obama and the pope will be the president’s support for abortion rights and embryonic stem cell research, which puts him at odds with the Roman Catholic Church’s teachings.

Within days of taking office, the president, who received 54% of the Catholic vote in his 2008 election, signed an executive order that reversed the Reagan-Bush policy banning federal funding for groups that discuss or provide abortions outside the U.S. Several weeks later he signed another executive order lifting restrictions on stem cell research.

Of course, this president isn’t the only U.S. leader to differ with the Vatican.  http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/24/obama-meet-pope/

Last November, Catholic Cardinal James F. Stafford called President-elect Obama “apocalyptic” (pertaining to end-time prophesies in the Book of Revelation) because of his positions on abortion (for more details see Cardinal: Obama Apocalyptic).

While I do not believe that either Barack Obama nor Pope Benedict XVI are the final antichrist, I do believe that both of them will help set the stage for the final Antichrist to rise up.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Catholic writings indicate this, but what does the Bible show?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? How might Barack Obama be involved with 2012?  Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the
great tribulation start before 2012?

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

The British economy was in the news again today:

UK to sink further into red than any major country, warns OECD

The UK is predicted to sink further into the red than any other major developed country next year, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Telegraph – June 24, 2009

The fiscal deficit is expected to rise to 14 per cent of economic output in 2010, compared to an average of 8.75 per cent in the 30 most developed markets, it says in a report.

The OECD warned that “public finances have deteriorated sharply” since the beginning of the recession and called on the UK to continue to develop “a strong and credible” framework for reducing the ratio of debt to output.

“To improve stability, the government should continue to develop a concrete and comprehensive plan to ensure that debt is on a declining path once recovery takes hold,” the OECD said.

The organisation said the state of the UK’s balance sheet meant the possibility of extra stimulus to the economy was curtailed. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/5621678/UK-to-sink-further-into-red-than-any-major-country-warns-OECD.html

The UK, along with the USA, has a major debt problem.  And while leaders from both nations will claim that they will be able to turn this around, the reality is that biblical prophecy suggests that this will not happen.  And that both of these highly indebted nations will be taken over and the peoples made slaves.

But this will not happen until at least 2012.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?

COGwriter

In what I consider to be a foolish statement, North Korea essentially threatened to “wipe the United States off the map” today:

NKorea threatens US; world anticipates missile

By HYUNG-JIN KIM, Associated Press Writer Hyung-jin Kim, Associated Press Writer – Wed Jun 24, 8:51 am ET

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea threatened Wednesday to wipe the United States off the map as Washington and its allies watched for signs the regime will launch a series of missiles in the coming days.

Off China’s coast, a U.S. destroyer was tailing a North Korean ship suspected of transporting illicit weapons to Myanmar in what could be the first test of U.N. sanctions passed to punish the nation for an underground nuclear test last month…

The new U.N. Security Council resolution requires member states to seek permission to inspect suspicious cargo. North Korea has said it would consider interception a declaration of war and on Wednesday accused the U.S. of seeking to provoke another Korean War.

“If the U.S. imperialists start another war, the army and people of Korea will … wipe out the aggressors on the globe once and for all,” the official Korean Central News Agency said.  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090624/ap_on_re_as/as_koreas_nuclear_91

This is foolish for many reasons, including the fact that the United States would likely wipe much of North Korea off the map if North Korea actually exploded a nuclear weapon within USA territory.

Despite posturing, North Korea is not going to be the nation to militarily destroy the United States.  But if it keeps up its rhetoric, it could make Washington upset enough to consider military action against North Korea.  And that could strain stretched US military commitments further as well as increase USA debt.

It remains my position that ultimately, North Korea will likely end up cooperating with other nations in Eastern Asia and will stop its policies of intentionally trying to enrage as many as it now seems to do.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Will it become a major economic player? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?  Will God save the Asians?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.

Gerald Flurry

COGwriter

Gerald Flurry’s, self-appointed prophet of his so-called Philadelphia Church of God, wrote the following:

June 22, 2009 | From theTrumpet.com

Barack Obama’s speech is a great turning point in this world...

.S. President Barack Obama traveled to the Middle East at the beginning of June. He met with the leaders of two key Arab nations and had private conversations with them. After visiting Saudi Arabia, he delivered his keynote foreign-policy speech at Cairo University in Egypt to define America’s relationship with the Muslim world.

Iran is the most important part of that subject. Iran is the king of terror and makes the Middle East tremble! But President Obama didn’t even mention the word terrorism in his speech!

I have no reason to doubt Mr. Obama’s sincerity, but his words will cause deadly problems…

President Obama thinks that through his words, he will have peace with Iran. But after the terrorists heard that speech, they had to be rejoicing! When America’s president gives a speech like that, the terrorists have contempt for such weakness and are stirred to fight even harder. They can smell the victory. So we can expect violent terrorism to intensify and shake the nations!

We won’t have long to wait to see who is right.

The Obama administration’s plan to deal with the head of the terrorist snake is to tell Iran and its terrorists, America has stopped using torture. He was mainly referring to American interrogators waterboarding three super-terrorists under the supervision of a doctor. Showing such weakness to the terrorists only adds fuel to the terrorist fire!

Those terrorist murderers go around cutting off people’s heads, shooting men, women and children, and blowing up buildings. Yet even if terrorists are captured and have information about the next bomb to be exploded—maybe a nuclear bomb—the president believes you can’t use waterboarding to get that information from them…

“And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him [here’s the Iranian king of terror—the king of the Middle East]: and the king of the north [the resurrected Holy Roman Empire in Europe] shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over” (Daniel 11:40). This is an end-time prophecy about how powerful and aggressive radical Islam is, and it’s rapidly growing stronger. Iran’s foreign policy is to bully and push its way into controlling the Middle East. It will take more than nice words to stop this pushy terrorist nation. That elephant in the room—the king of terror—Mr. Obama almost overlooks altogether!

President Obama’s speech has also shaken the European nations. It will lead to a clash between these two powers as Daniel prophesied. Europe can now see that America will do nothing to stop the king of the south, or the terrorist movement led by Iran.

So the European Union, which will become the Holy Roman Empire, is now moving into the Middle East. After President Obama’s speech, its presence there will speedily increase. Europe is heavily dependent on Middle East oil. It also has a strong spiritual interest in Jerusalem.

According to Daniel’s prophecy, America will not even be on the scene when this military clash occurs. That should alarm America, as well as Britain and the Jewish nation. It means that America is totally absent because of its economic collapse and lack of will to use its military power.

First, I would add that I agree with US President Obama that the USA should not engage in torture for many reasons, including the fact that the USA has signed various international agreements which says that it will NOT torture.

Second,  I would essentially agree to the implication of Gerald Flurry’s position that the USA will not stop the formation of the coming King of the South.  And although the USA may do something to stop certain aspects associated with that coming human kingdom, I have long felt that President Obama would enable the rise of the King of the South (as well as the King of the North).

Third, while Iran does pose potential problems for many reasons, it needs to be pointed out that Gerald Flurry is wrong that Iran will be the future King of the South.

The Bible shows that in Psalm 83 there will be a deal struck between various nations and Assyria–none of the nations listed are pointing to Iran.  This deal seems to be the same one listed in Daniel 11:27 between the Kings of the North and South.  The deal in Psalm 83 according to Herbert W. Armstrong’s old magazine involves the Arabs and the Europeans:

Just as there is yet to be a final “king of the north”…there may very well emerge in the same manner a final “king of the south”–an overall leader of an Arab-Moslem confederation, possibly bearing the very title Mahdi……a prophetic psalm (Psalm 83) provides additional insight into the Mideast picture. Germany (Assyria in Bible prophecy) and perhaps the rest of Europe will be in league in the future with a union of Arab nations…But in the end, this European-Arab alliance will prove short-lived…And the king of the north shall come against him [the king of the south]…The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the fact of invasion. (The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979)

The reality is that the incorrectly titled Philadelphia Church of God simply does not understand certain aspects of end-time prophecy and is not as consistent with the teachings of the late Herbert W. Armstrong as it claims to be.

Fourth, it should be mentioned that  PCG is correct in its implication that end-time events are lining up and ultimately the USA, the UK, their British-descended allies, and the Jewish nation of Israel will be no more–but it will not be because Iran is the final prophesied King of the South.

While PCG has some errors, what the Bible teaches will still come to pass.  People need to check out the teachings of self-appointed prophets (like Gerald Flurry) with what is written in their Bibles and not let current news events tip them to listen to those who teach doctrines contrary to scripture.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies 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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.

Joseph Stalin

COGwriter

In what seems to be a rather bizarre move, apparently there is a movement  a movement to have Joseph Stalin, the Great Depression and WWII era Soviet dictator and murderer, declared a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church (see Activist Speaks Out Against Russian Proposal To Canonize Stalin).

Religious icons bearing his likeness are being increasingly venerated by some small groups who claim to be affiliated with the Russian Orthodox.

Historians have estimated that between 10 and 20 million died because of his policies (and this does not include those killed in WWII related battles).

Of course, the Eastern Orthodox do not realize that Christians are not supposed to kill nor bow down to idols/icons.   But even still, common sense would suggest that the Russian Orthodox should realize that Joseph Stalin did not live his life as would be expected of a Christian saint.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? What about the use of the cross, by the early Church?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

In his latest commentary, LCG’s Wyatt Ciesielka wrote:

Claims are that more than a million Iranian demonstrators have taken to the streets with at least eight dead and many wounded.  The government is attempting to block international press coverage and its citizens’ Internet access.  Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is claiming victory, Hossein Mousavi is crying foul – and the world’s great powers are taking sides.

When analyzing the Mideast, it is dangerous to oversimplify.  Let’s consider these recent Iranian events through a religious, political, and Biblical lens.

Religiously: Iran is a powerful Shiite nation, and contrary to what many assume, Iran is far from a natural friend to its Arab neighbors.  Those who assume that Iran will naturally lead the Mideast powers fail to understand many facts; including the historic division, suspicion, and hatred between the rival Shiite and Sunni branches of Islam.

The Sunnis see Shia Iran as full of “apostates.”  Sunni strongholds such as the West Bank, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are not only strongly suspicious of their Shiite Iranian neighbor, but are often even more violently opposed to Iran than they are toward the U.S. or even toward Israel (The Atlantic, July/August, 2009).  This is profound when one considers that it was radical Sunnis (not Shia) who were behind the 9/11 attacks.

Politically:  Like many of their Muslim brothers, neither Ahmadinejad nor Mousavi (or their spiritual and political master, the Ayatollah) are friends of Europe or the United States. Ahmadinejad is infamous for threatening Israel and the U.S. with destruction.  But Mousavi is himself a “hardliner” who was “active in the Islamic revolution that overthrew the Shah.”  Mousavi then “defended the taking and holding of American hostages by Iranian militants in 1979.”  Mousavi also strongly opposed accepting U.S. aid during Iranian reconstruction (BBCNews, June 16, 2009).

It makes a lot of geo-political sense that Russia and China are strongly backing the Iranian government – whoever the presidential victor may be!  This strengthens China’s and Russia’s influence (biblically: eastern powers) in the region at European (biblically: a northern power) and American expense.

Meanwhile, France and other European nations have claimed electoral “fraud.”  And, the U.S. is encouraging Internet firms such as Twitter to ensure continued Iranian population access (Financial Times, June 17, 2009).  Internet communication of alleged election fraud and civil unrest helps foment continued instability within a country whose government is anti-European and anti-American.

Biblically: Iran is a major Mideast player with nuclear capabilities.  Iran will also continue to be a chess-piece that Russia and China use to counter European and U.S. regional influence.  And, while Iran may become part of a coming southern, Arab alliance, Iran is not the prophesied end-time “king of the South” (Daniel 11:40).

Iran is not historically, politically or religiously aligned with the Arabic Mideast powers.  Further, Iran is a Persian, not Arabic, nation – these are two very different and historically competitive civilizations.  Finally, Iran is due east of Jerusalem (not “south” of Jerusalem; from which biblical directions are given).  Thus, while Iran is not the king of the South, it is nonetheless a powerful participant in helping move many end-time prophecies forward.

You can click here for the complete commentary.

Despite various pronouncements, demonstrations keep occurring in Iran.  And even though Iran is not the King of the South, we live in tense times, and it must be very difficult for many in Iran now.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?  What will happen to the nation of Israel?