Church of God News

COGwriter

While many Egyptians are rallying against the USA for its historical support for Hosni Mubarak, many in Israel and other nations believe that Barack Obama has betrayed a long-time ally:

Israel shocked by Obama’s “betrayal” of Mubarak

Reuters – Jan 31, 2011

If Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak is toppled, Israel will lose one of its very few friends in a hostile neighborhood and President Barack Obama will bear a large share of the blame, Israeli pundits said on Monday.Political commentators expressed shock at how the United States as well as its major European allies appeared to be ready to dump a staunch strategic ally of three decades, simply to conform to the current ideology of political correctness…

One comment by Aviad Pohoryles in the daily Maariv was entitled “A Bullet in the Back from Uncle Sam.”

…Who is advising them, he asked, “to fuel the mob raging in the streets of Egypt and to demand the head of the person who five minutes ago was the bold ally of the president … an almost lone voice of sanity in a Middle East?”…

Obama on Sunday called for an “orderly transition” to democracy in Egypt, stopping short of calling on Mubarak to step down, but signaling that his days may be numbered. [nN30161335]…

“Jordan and Saudi Arabia see the reactions in the West, how everyone is abandoning Mubarak, and this will have very serious implications,” Haaretz daily quoted one official as saying…

Writing in Haaretz, Ari Shavit said Obama had betrayed “a moderate Egyptian president who remained loyal to the United States, promoted stability and encouraged moderation.”

To win popular Arab opinion, Obama was risking America’s status as a superpower and reliable ally.

“Throughout Asia, Africa and South America, leaders are now looking at what is going on between Washington and Cairo. Everyone grasps the message: “America’s word is worthless … America has lost it.”  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/31/us-egypt-israel-usa-idUSTRE70U53720110131

The USA President is in a tough spot.  At minimum, US President Obama is trying to publicly distance himself from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.  On the one hand, Egyptians on the street are blaming the USA and him for supporting the Mubarak regime for so long.  On the other hand, Hosni Mubarak is a long-time supporter of certain aspects of American policy in the region.  Many act like the Obama Administration is confused and/or has flip-flopped on this:

On Thursday, Vice President Biden proclaimed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to be a friend of the United States and rejected the suggestions that Mubarak should step down or was a dictator. On Friday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sounded a little tougher, telling Mubarak not to use violence against his country’s protestors and to restore Internet communications that he had cut off. But, alas, “democracy” did not pass her lips. (The closest she came: “As President Obama said yesterday, reform is absolutely critical to the well-being of Egypt.”) Throughout the day, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley tweeted missives, such as, “We hope they choose a path of dialogue and reform.”By late in the day, it was safe to say no one quite understood what the Obama administration’s position was. So the president sallied forth with yet another statement. He assured us that he was monitoring the situation and called “upon the Egyptian authorities to refrain from any violence against peaceful protesters.”…

I would add one more suggestion: find a new foreign policy team; Obama’s current one is egregiously inept.  http://voices.washingtonpost.com/right-turn/2011/01/on_egypt_obama_offers_too_litt.html

While many in Israel seem to act like President Obama is now betraying Hosni Mubarak, other sources suggest that that Barack Obama was dissatisfied with what was going on in Egypt for a long time and wanted the type of change that many in Egypt now seem to be publicly asking for.

Yet, what it appears (to me at least) is that the USA President suspects that he will do best politically by publicly switching to the side/objectives of the protesters.  And while this is likely to be more consistent with Barack Obama’s internal views, it certainly does send a message to world leaders that even if they take very tough and unpopular steps in their own countries which agree with USA interests that the USA will not support them if the going seems a little tough for the USA.

And more people are wondering about that.  This strongly suggests that the USA is losing more of whatever “moral authority” it has had diplomatically and that it will face unprecedented crises in the future when its allies decide to distance themselves from it.

Without national repentance, the days of the USA are numbered, irrespective of what happens with Hosni Mubarak.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It 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 at the COGwriter website 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”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
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?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?

Pope Benedict XVI

COGwriter

Apparently many Anglicans are now considering accepting the Vatican’s offer acceptance as Roman Catholic:

British Anglicans Preparing Mass Defection to Roman Catholic Church

FOX News – Jan 30, 2011

LONDON — Hundreds of disillusioned Anglicans were preparing Sunday to defect from the Church of England to the Roman Catholic Church in time for Lent, Sky News reported.

It follows a campaign by a former Anglican bishop in protest at its stance on the ordination of women and gay clergy.

Father Keith Newton has encouraged Anglicans to join the Ordinariate — a special branch of Catholicism established by the Pope — to welcome protestant defectors.

Despite the efforts of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Anglo Catholics have begun leaving following the conversion of three Anglican bishops in mid-January.

The Church of England said that 1,000 of its 13,000 parishes were opposed to the ordination of women.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/01/30/british-anglicans-preparing-mass-defection-roman-catholic-church/

How many Anglicans will accept the Vatican’s offer is still unknown. Some will, and others will not.

Now this offer to the Anglicans included a little compromising on Rome’s part. For example, the Vatican is allowing the Anglicans to keep much of their liturgy and their leadership. And while there always has been an order within eastern Catholicism that allowed married priests, this has not been the case in the Latin (church of Rome in the west) for many centuries. Of course, early Christian leaders (including bishops) were often married, as the Bible endorses that (1 Timothy 3:2). But Rome has tended to change from some of those practices.

As reported at COGwriter, a few Anglicans were ordained to the Roman Catholic priethood a couple of weeks ago (Anglican Priests Becoming Catholic Priests)–whether more than a trickle will follow them is currently unknown.

Yet, various ecumenical moves that are expected to draw others in with the Vatican–yet this will ultimately prove disastrous according to the Bible (and even certain Catholic writings).  Anglicans need to look to the Bible and try to embrace the “faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Some articles of possibly related interest include the following:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved? Are women supposed to be ordained as elders?
Was Celibacy Required for Early Bishops or Presbyters? Some religions suggest this, but what does the Bible teach? What was the practice of the early church?
Did the Early Christian Church Practice Monasticism? Does God expect or endorse living in a monastery or nunnery?
Were the Early Duties of Elders/Pastors Mainly Sacramental? What was there Dress? Were the duties of the clergy primarily pastoral or sacramental? Did the clergy dress with special liturgical vestments? Can “bishops” be disqualified as ministers of Christ based on their head coverings?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Mohamed ElBaradei

COGwriter

Mohamed ElBaradei is getting more support for some of his ideas for Egypt:

By IBTimes Staff Reporter | January 31, 2011 2:19 AM EST

Nobel Peace laureate, Mohamed ElBaradei took a stand in Tahrir, or Liberation Square on Sunday calling for the ruling Mubarak regime to resign.

Fragments of the opposition group including the Muslim Brotherhood have grouped behind ElBaradei chanting the unified slogan “leave”.

“You are the owners of this revolution. You are the future,” the Associated Press quoted ElBaradei addressing the crowd after nightfall. “Our essential demand is the departure of the regime and the beginning of a new Egypt in which every Egyptian lives in virtue, freedom and dignity.”

The former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, ElBaradei has steered the association that organized the protests to pressurize the regime to quit.  http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/106806/20110131/elbaradei-muslim-brotherhood-egypt-mubarak-international-atomic-energy-agency.htm

Yet, there is still caution in the Muslim Brotherhood:

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (AP) — This Mediterranean coastal city is a bastion of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, and perhaps nowhere else are the strengths — and the weaknesses — of the powerful fundamentalist movement clearer as Egypt explodes with protests aimed at removing its long-ruling president.

The Brotherhood appeared to be caught flat-footed by the eruption of protests a week ago, fueled by young, more secular activists, and was slow to join in.

But once it did call out its membership, the result was that Alexandria saw the largest protests — and the fiercest clashes with police — of any city in Egypt, with tens of thousands marching through the streets, a sign of its organizing prowess.

Still, though it can bring out the sheer numbers, the Brotherhood is reluctant to present itself overtly as a leader or driving force in the protests, realizing that storming out with its hard-line slogans of “Islam is the solution” would disillusion secular groups, raise panic that it is trying to take over and bring a harsher government crackdown.

“This is a people’s revolution and it doesn’t belong to the Brotherhood,” said Amir Hussein, a 19-year old Brotherhood member who was among those in the streets of Alexandria over the weekend — the rhetoric echoed by many others in the movement from its lower ranks to upper leadership.

The question now is how the Brotherhood will deal with other opposition groups as the protest movement tries to coalesce and push through its demands that President Hosni Mubarak step down and his ruling party end its monopoly of power in Egypt. Particularly unclear is how it will relate with prominent reform advocate Mohamed ElBaradei, who some secular protesters are presenting as leader of the movement.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h_3Y8Yrzi9m3RcxPq5dZcTaIDh_g?docId=f4b51a7d4703404a978973644488986b

The Muslim Brotherhood is rising up, albeit cautiously.   Since Mohammed ElBaradei is a Noble prize winner, he has a recognized voice.  If he survives, I believe he could be an interesting one to negotiate one or more future deals with the Europeans (cf. Daniel 11:27; Psalm 83).

Yet, it is a group like the Muslim Brotherhood which has the potential to unify the Arab states under the coming King of the South–but it may have to wait until the situation gets more chaotic (food shortages and food inflation may end up being factors, as will likely Iran and Israel). I suspect that the King of the South will promise to appoint governors/presidents of various states or regions from a group that he is part of (and let some individuals in charge of various nations to keep their titles if they support him).

Those who have my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect are aware that certain Muslims have suggested that they have an ancient prophecy that indicates that a unifying Muslim leader would rise up in a time that the USA has a tall black man running it.  Which, presuming President Obama is re-elected and is that leader, means that if the “prophecy” is correct the leader would need to rise up in the next 6 years, or in the next 2 if Barack Obama is not re-elected (presuming he is not succeeded by another tall black man).

If protests continue in Egypt, and if even more Middle Eastern nations face unrest, this could trigger other events in the Middle East (like Iran deciding to try to show “leadership” through provoking/attacking Israel) which will lead to the King of the South gaining power.

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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic 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? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist?Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 14 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

The Abigail Cartwright (AC) site listed two more losses to UCG’s eldership:

Mr. Howard Wills (Local Elder, Miami, Florida), January 10, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Paul Cebrian (Local Elder, Mindanao, Philippines) January 30, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

According to the list at the AC site, UCG has lost 163 elders/pastors/ministers since June 0f 2010.  But this only represents about 1/3 of its pre-crisis eldership.  However, the losses have not seemed to have stopped and there are reporting delays, so UCG may be losing even more.

Today, UCG is having a conference apparently to determine who should fill some of the vacated COE spots, quell the crisis, and figure out how the organization should go forward.  By and large, UCG seems to be trying to tell its remaining membership that the organization is fine as it still has the majority of its elders, still will have Feast of Tabernacles sites, still will have youth camps, still is on television, and still is producing literature.  The conference may be a unifying one for UCG, but it also could result in some losses.  We will see.

UCG has concerns about misinformation.  On the Sabbath, I received a letter from UCG where its Chairman Melvin Rhodes reported:

It was in this spirit that Dennis Luker, president of the United Church of God, wrote in an open letter to the elders of UCGIA on Dec. 13, 2010: “I would that we were all at peace together, working hard to serve Christ and preach His gospel of the Kingdom… With all my heart I sincerely hope and pray that you will rethink and re-pray your position and truly unite with us. But if not, then we are at an impasse.” His concluding comment here was part of a longer letter, fragments of which have been unfortunately twisted and selectively quoted in three divisive documents from proponents of a breakaway organization.

Much false information was published in these three documents. What is the reality of this?

The reality is that this crisis has been a real struggle for those in or once part of UCG as parties on both sides seem to be offended by the actions of those on the other side.

I will simply add that some who have left UCG believe that falsehoods from UCG were factors.  And while two wrongs do not make a right, it seems, to me at least, that both sides believe that they are right and that Christ is leading them.

If you are or were part of UCG and are confused about what to do, please pray, fast, and study the Bible about this.

Ask yourself what are the true priorities that the Bible indicates that the church most faithful to the words of Jesus would do and act appropriately.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
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/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation?

COGwriter

In its update read yesterday, LCG reported:

Water Everywhere! The record rains that flooded huge parts of Australia’s northeast state of Queensland are now moving across the southeast state of Victoria toward the sea. The flood waters have created an “inland sea” some 55 miles long and 24 miles wide that has closed coal mines and swamped large areas of valuable agricultural land—in what has become “the nation’s most expensive natural disaster in history” (telegraph.co.uk, January 24, 2011). Across the Indian Ocean, flooding in eight of South Africa’s nine provinces has saturated farms and disrupted rail transport, which has affected coal, maize and chrome exports. The flooding in Australia and South Africa has brought death, destruction and rising prices for food and coal. Some parts of South Africa have received two to three times their normal amount of rain. Long ago, God warned, “if you do not obey the voice of the Lord… to observe carefully all His commandments … cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country” (Deuteronomy 28:15-19). Jesus also prophesied that natural disasters would increase just before His return (Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8). Global events are moving in that direction!

Other areas, like Pakistan, have really been hard hit because of floods:

Wretched of the earth

Ghazi Salahuddin
Sunday, January 30, 2011…

“Unicef survey shows almost a quarter of children under five are malnourished in Sindh province six months after floods”…It quotes deputy head of Unicef in Pakistan, Karen Allen, as saying: “I haven’t seen malnutrition this bad since the worst of the famine in Ethiopia, Darfur and Chad. It’s shockingly bad”. Dorothy Blane of Concern said: “This sort of thing doesn’t happen overnight. It indicates deep, slow-grinding poverty”.  http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=28422&Cat=9&dt=1/30/2011

There have also been flooding problems in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and elsewhere this year (LCG on Australia Flood, More than 500 Dead in Brazil, Plus Philippines and Sri Lanka).

Jesus, of course, warned about a time with such issues that many in the world are nows facing:

8 … And there will be…famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

We may be at this prophetic point as all the floods and other problems that have happened in the past year could be considered as “troubles”.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood has rejected Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak and his Vice Presidential designee Omar Suleiman:

…tens of thousands of protestors were making their way to the Tahrir Square in central Cairo. Al-Jazeera said the protestors were carrying signs calling on President Hosni Mubarak to resign and throwing stones at his picture. Military forces remained deployed in the area, observing the protestors. …

The demonstrators, however, called on the two leaders to resign. “Hosni Mubarak and Omar Suleiman, you are both American agents,” they chanted. “Mubarak, Mubarak, your plane awaits you.”

The Muslim Brotherhood opposition movement on Sunday afternoon rejected the appointments announced by Mubarak on Saturday. “This is an attempt to evade the people’s demands and prevent this revolution,” the party said in a statement. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4021178,00.html

Because of the lack of police in Egypt (many are in hiding) and increased confidence because of the protesters real, as well as political, criminals are being let out of jail:

At least 34 members of Egypt’s banned Muslim Brotherhood political party walked out of prison Sunday after protesters overpowered guards at detention centers.

A spokesman for the party made the announcement Sunday.  The Muslim Brotherhood members were among thousands of prisoners set free during the violent protests that have rocked Cairo, Alexandria, and other Egyptian cities since Tuesday…

On Saturday, Mr. Mubarak named intelligence chief Omar Suleiman as vice president – the first time the post has been filled in 30 years.

Egyptian opposition activist Mohamed ElBaradei reacted to Mr. Mubarak’s moves by saying new appointments were not enough.  In an interview with Al Jazeera, the Nobel laureate said protesters want a regime change and an end to what he called a dictatorship.  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Uncertain-Sunday-Dawns-in-Cairo-Israel-Monitoring-With-Vigilance-114893029.html

Mohamed ElBaradei continues to make public statements and may be considered one of the more “moderate” opposition public spokespersons.  He also said:

US ‘losing credibility by the day’ on Egypt

AFP – Jan 30, 2011

The United States is “losing credibility by the day” in calling for democracy in Egypt while continuing to support President Hosni Mubarak, leading dissident Mohamed ElBaradei said Sunday.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=TX-PAR-PFR31&show_article=1

Americans often do not understand Arabs as many in Egypt seem to be saying (including some I saw on CNN last night).

For the past couple of years I personally have wondered how a pan-Arabic entity would form–and I never considered that US-style democracy was the way.  And over the past couple of years at least two pan-Arabic unions have somewhat formed.  One is the Union of Mediterranean States which includes nearly all the Arab nations in somewhat of a pack with Europe.  The other is the monetary union that the Gulf-oil states have been working on (on December 15, 2009 Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar announced the creation of a Monetary Council to come up essentially with their own currency and to get away from the US dollar).

The tie of religion, which has existed for centuries among most of the Arabs, has always been in the back of my mind.  There have been supranational groups like the Taliban, Al Qaeda, Hamas, and the Muslim Brotherhood, but the time was not right for any of them to bring about pan-Arabic unity.  The first three groups have tended to be considered too radical, while many have considered that the Muslim Brotherhood was not radical enough (though this seems to be changing).  The Muslim Brotherhood, which was formed in Egypt in 1928, has long been banned in Egypt (which is why its members/leaders are sometimes jailed there).

As far as what the Muslim Brotherhood wants to accomplish, Wikipedia reports:

In the group’s belief, the Quran and Sunnah constitute a perfect way of life and social and political organization that God has set out for man. Islamic governments must be based on this system and eventually unified in a Caliphate. The Muslim Brotherhood’s goal, as stated by Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna was to reclaim Islam’s manifest destiny, an empire, stretching from Spain to Indonesia.

To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up.  One who Arabs would tend to respect.  The time may be now and the Muslim Brotherhood may play an important role.  The Muslim Brotherhood is is the world’s oldest and largest Islamic political group and has been called the “world’s most influential Islamist movement” (http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2010/11/2010111681527837704.html)–though some other group could emerge or form.

We in the Living Church of God have long expected such a leader, as have many Arabs:

The supreme office of caliph, originally elective, became hereditary…Eventually…caliphs became figurehead or “puppet” leaders…Many Arabs…seek to re-create the political and theological unity of the early Islamic caliphate (The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, pp. 9-10).

Al Qaeda named its Internet newscast, which debuted in September, ‘The Voice of the Caliphate.’…Kerem Acar, a tailor in central Istanbul {said} ‘…one day maybe my children’s children will see someone declare himself the caliph, like the pope, and have an impact’” (January 14, 2006).  Indeed, a coming “Mahdi” whose arrival Muslims are expecting—in Bible prophecy known as the “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40–45)—will soon arise and have a dramatic impact on world events. This powerful Muslim religious leader will unite many of the more than one billion Muslims. He will pose a genuine threat to the coming European Empire, which will have to crush that threat in order to continue exploiting Middle Eastern oil to further its military ambitions. (Meredith RC. Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs. LCG Booklet, 2007, pp. 16-17)

The timing seems to be right for such a leader to start rising up.  The events in Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, and elsewhere seem to be setting the stage of the Arabic peoples to be willing to consider some type of confederation with a strong leader to represent them.

If protests continue in the Middle East, this could trigger other events which will lead to the King of the South gaining power (though Iran/Israel may play a major role).

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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic 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? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist?Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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.

Asian Tiger Mosquito

COGwriter

Malaysia has a new biological weapon against dengue fever:

Malaysia became the second country in the world to release genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes into the wild in a trial whose timing has surprised international and local scientists as well as protesters.

The country’s Institute for Medical Research announced this week (26 January) that around 6,000 GM male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes had been released at an uninhabited, forested site in the inland district of Bentong in Pahang state…

Offspring of the mosquitoes die before reaching sexual maturity in the absence of the antibiotic tetracycline. It is hoped this strategy could be used to cut mosquito numbers and fight dengue fever, a disease whose incidence has risen dramatically in recent decades.  http://www.environmental-expert.com/resultEachPressRelease.aspx?cid=33596&codi=222037

While dengue fever is a problem in many of the wetter portions of the world, all should realize that the Bible warns:

12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12, NKJV)

Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) are going to cause problems.  While I do not know what will happen with Malaysia’s mosquito experiment, I do believe that at some point in time, GMOs will be responsible for crop failures and other problems.

Jesus Himself warned:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows (Matt 24:7b-8).

The increasing use (and in the case of the grain crops in the USA, increasing dependence) of GMOs is putting parts of humanity at risk of major unintended consequences such as famine and disease pestilences.

FWIW, my family has been to Malaysia.  Malaysia is part of Asia and has many islands.  Here are a couple of photographs from our trip:

I expect that we may go back to Malaysia again some day.  While I hope that Malaysia can eradicate dengue fever, I am not convinced that getting genetically-modified mosquitoes is the best answer.

Some articles of possibly related interest  may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? 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?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?

Mohamed ElBaradei

COGwriter

Protests are continuing in Egypt:

CAIRO — Egypt was engulfed in a fifth day of protests on Saturday but an attempt by President Hosni Mubarak to salvage his 30-year rule by firing his cabinet and calling out the army appeared to backfire as troops and demonstrators fraternized and called for the president himself to resign…

Cellphone service, cut off by the government on Friday, was partially restored although other elements of the communication shut down remained in force. The army moved to secure the Cairo International Airport on Saturday as the Associated Press reported that as many as 2,000 people flocked to the airport, many without reservations, in a frantic attempt to leave the country. International carriers reported delays and cancellations…

But the city remained on edge as tens of thousands of protesters gathered in central Cairo and army vehicles rolled through the streets. It remained unclear what new orders the army might receive as the government declared a new curfew for 4 p.m. on Saturday, or how its soldiers and officers might respond.

One of the protesters leaving a mosque near Cairo was Mohamed ElBaradei, an Egyptian who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the International Atomic Energy Agency and has since emerged as a leading critic of the government.

“This is the work of a barbaric regime that is in my view doomed,” he said after being sprayed by a water cannon.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/world/middleeast/30-egypt.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Mohamed ElBaradei seems to be rising up:

VIENNA, Jan 29 (Reuters) – It’s no surprise to those who have worked with Mohamed ElBaradei that the former International Atomic Energy Agency chief has reinvented himself as a campaigner for reform in Egypt.

But whether the veteran diplomat and Nobel peace laureate can be an effective force for change in his home country after so many decades working abroad is a huge unknown.

A possible candidate in Egypt’s presidential election this year, ElBaradei, 68, flew to Cairo on Thursday, putting himself at the centre of whirlwind of unprecedented protests against President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule….ElBaradei has said Mubarak should step down and has offered to help in a transitional government…

ElBaradei also did not shy away from criticising leaders in Arab states and said they had to take responsibility and reform rather than blaming other countries for their ills.

“The Arab world has introverted upon itself and has failed to identify its priorities. It denies the existence of serious problems,” he told Al-Hayat newspaper in 2008.  http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLDE70S07R20110129

I have looked at Mohammed el Baradei before as he has been a player in Egypt for the past couple of years.  As a Noble prize winner and because of his IAEA work, if he survives, I believe he could be an interesting one to negotiate a future deal with the Europeans (cf. Daniel 11:27; Psalm 83).

Could Mohamed ElBaradei become the King of the South?  It is too early to tell.  He seems to be a bit more of a behind the scenes player, but that could change.  It would seem that whatever actions he will take and any actions that the government of Egypt may take against him could be factors in the rise of the King of the South.  Things are changing in the Middle East.

The Muslim Brotherhood is rising up:

January 29, 2011 5:29 PM EST

The Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas are collaborating and seeking to increase their roles in Egypt…

The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic opposition party in Egypt, is picking up the pieces left by President Hosni Mubarak’s police force by forming committees to protect public property…

Moreover, there are unconfirmed reports that as Egypt’s border with Palestine becomes unpatrolled, “Hamas armed men are entering into Egypt” and seeking collaboration with the Muslim Brotherhood.  http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/106617/20110129/muslim-brotherhood-and-hamas-seek-to-increase-role-in-egypt-stratfor.htm

CAIRO Jan 29 (Reuters) – Protests that have rocked Egypt will not abate until President Hosni Mubarak steps down or announces immediate reforms, a lawyer representing the Islamist opposition group Muslim Brotherhood told Reuters on Saturday.  http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLDE70S0K820110129

A group like the Muslim Brotherhood has the potential to unify the Arab states under the coming King of the South.  I suspect that the King of the South will promise to appoint governors/presidents of various states or regions from a group that he is part of (and let some individuals in charge of various nations to keep their titles if they support him).

Interestingly as the Middle East has problems, the EU and Saudi Arabia have taken what seem to be opposite positions on the crisis:

CATHERINE ASHTON, EU FOREIGN AFFAIRS CHIEF

“I reiterate my call on all parties to exercise restraint and calm and I urge the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all peaceful demonstrators from detention.”

“I also reiterate my call upon the Egyptian authorities to urgently establish a constructive and peaceful way to respond to the legitimate aspirations of Egyptian citizens for democratic and socioeconomic reforms.”

KING ABDULLAH OF SAUDI ARABIA

“No Arab or Muslim can tolerate any meddling in the security and stability of Arab and Muslim Egypt by those who infiltrated the people in the name of freedom of expression, exploiting it to inject their destructive hatred.”  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/29/us-egypt-world-idUSTRE70S2B920110129?pageNumber=2

Western “meddling” may certainly be something that the King of the South will claim requires greater unity in the Arab World (King Abdullah seems to be referring to US President Obama and/or the EU).  While the EU is now commenting on what is happening in Egypt, because of its increasing Muslim population, Europe itself needs to prepare to deal with its own disenchanted Islamic population.

ICG’s Mark Armstrong mentioned:

Islamist radicals have determined that the time is now to try to overwhelm moderate governments with Iranian revolution-style tactics, and they’ve already achieved some success.  The conventional wisdom that radical Islamic ideology is in retreat, that the vast majority of the Muslim world is populated by moderate peace-loving Muslims is going up in flames before the eyes of the world.

How far will this uprising go?  Will it ultimately see Egypt, perhaps Jordan or (perish the thought) even some of the oil-rich gulf kingdoms succumb to radical revolutionaries?  We’d better hope and pray not.  The price of oil is already on the incline, and with our domestic resources having been effectively placed off limits by the politicians, all bets are off on the ultimate effect these events half a world away may have on our domestic economy.

The next concerns will be whether large Muslim populations elsewhere, in Europe and in the UK may follow suit and start their own “demonstrations.”  What a time we live in.  These developments couldn’t be any more crucially to the point along the lines of Bible prophecy.  If Egypt should end up going the way of Iran, which is suddenly a legitimate prospect, then the whole Middle East equation will change dramatically.

Let me go on record and again state that I firmly believe that there will be civil unrest in Europe, and that Islamic protests will be part of some of that unrest–the King of the North must rise up and civil unrest and religious issues are most likely going to be factors.  (There will also likely be riots, etc. in the USA, though the results will be different there.)

If protests continue in Egypt, and if even more Middle Eastern nations face unrest, this could trigger other events in the Middle East (like Iran deciding to try to show “leadership” through provoking/attacking Israel) which will lead to the King of the South gaining power.

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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic 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? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist?Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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?

COGwriter

COGWA has now listed its international congregations. It listed 40 of them, mainly in Latin America, but also in South Africa, Barbados, and New Zealand.  In addition, it listed 102 congregations in the United States. The congregation’s city, state, and minister/leading elder are in that list.

The Latin American list is shorter than I would have expected, so either it is incomplete or many are not intending to be associated with COGWA.  We will see.

COGWA is the largest group to form from the UCG. Former UCG president Clyde Kilough is one of its leaders. Some of the better known listed leaders/ministers today included Cecil Maranville, David Treybig, Jim Franks, Doug Horchak, and Ken Treybig. There are some other well known leaders that may not have been on that list that are part of COGWA  (Richard Pinelli and Ralph Levy who are part of COGWA comes to mind).

Yet, there are some such as Leon Walker and Larry Salyer who left UCG in 2010 that do not seem to officially be part of COGWA.

Now, Dixon Cartwright in his publication The Journal reported:

The conservatives, including those who are in the process of separating themselves from the UCG, are the diehard Herbert Armstrong fans. They include Leon Walker, Larry Salyer, Mike Hanisko, Ken Treybig, Mike Blackwell, Tom Kirkpatrick, Jim Franks, Dick Thompson and others who in recent days no longer sit on the council or occupy other positions because they have left the UCG. These folks are among the founders of the new Church of God a Worldwide Association.

But, I am still waiting to see more confirmation related Leon Walker and Larry Salyer. Certain Latin American congregations that broke away from UCG are not yet on the COGWA list. We will see who ends up where, and for how long.

This crisis has been a real struggle for those in or once part of UCG as parties on both sides seem to be offended by the actions of those on the other side.

LCG’s Dr. Meredith has written:

Right now, Satan has thrown thousands of brethren in the United Church of God into division and confusion. Charges and counter-charges are being hurled back and forth between the different factions of their ministry. As a result, many brethren are trying to understand and to figure out “what to do.”

If you are or were part of UCG and are confused about what to do, please pray, fast, and study the Bible about this.

Ask yourself what are the true priorities that the Bible indicates that the church most faithful to the words of Jesus would do and act appropriately.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
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/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Those Laodiceans in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will likely be affected sooner by the coming Great Tribulation than the Laodiceans in other lands.

Gamal Mubarak (http://brucesmideastsoundbites.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html)

COGwriter

In today’s World News & Prophecy, LCG reported:

Spreading Arab protests.

The “Tunisian wind” that toppled an authoritarian regime in Tunisia is spawning similar protests across the Arab world.

Thousands demonstrated in Yemen over corruption, lack of freedom, lack of jobs and authoritarian rule (telegraph.co.uk, January 23, 2011). In Egypt, protesters launched a “Day of Wrath” over similar grievances demanding an end to President Mubarak’s 30-year rule (telegraph.co.uk, January 23, 25 and 26, 2011). Egypt could be a barometer to watch as Egypt is the biggest Arab state (population 80 million) with the largest armed forces in the region. EU leaders urged Arab regimes on their southern fringe to “respect” the desires of their citizens for more freedom (euobserver.com, January 26, 2011).

Bible prophecies clearly indicate that “in the last days perilous times will come”–aggravated by pride, greed, and brutality (2 Timothy 3:1-4). These factors may contribute to the rise of a Muslim leader who will unite the fractious Arab world and as the “king of the South” move aggressively against western influence in the region (Daniel 11:40).

Here is a late development regarding Egypt:

CAIRO — Egypt’s embattled President Hosni Mubarak said early Saturday that he had asked his Cabinet to resign, and promised reforms in his first response to protesters who have mounted the biggest challenge ever to his 30-year rule.

But Mubarak also defended the crackdown by police on tens of thousands of demonstrators that drew harsh criticism from the Obama administration Friday and even a threat to reduce a $1.5 billion program of foreign aid if Egypt escalated the use of force.

A somber-looking Mubarak called anti-government protests “part of a bigger plot to shake the stability and destroy legitimacy” of the political system.  http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/28/egypt-deploys-military-to-stop-protests/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%7C198010

I would add that some have said that part of the reason for the protests in Egypt is that many do not want Gamal Mubarak, son of the current president, to take over once his aging father is no longer president.  Now, various analysts believe that “Egypt’s demonstrations are likely to make it virtually impossible for Gamal Mubarak, the president’s 47-year-old son, to succeed his father” (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/01/28/obama-administration-balance-reform-egypts-government/).

We in the Living Church of God suspect that the final King of the South could possibly come from Egypt.  What role if any, Gamal Mubarak, may play is a question mark at this stage.

While Shi’ite Muslims tend to look for the Imam Mahdi, some Sunni Muslims are looking for a spiritual leader, sometimes called the Caliph, to rise up.   Some think the crisis in the Middle East may be a factor:

“Radical extremists see the turmoil as their opportunity to institute the region-wide, anti-Western Muslim caliphate or union that they have dreamt of for centuries.  Some analysts believe Morocco also could be at risk, as well as the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally in the war on terror that boasts the world’s largest oil reserves.”

NewsMax – Jan 28, 2011  http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/Egypt-Explodes-Oil-Skyrocket/2011/01/28/id/384253

“If the will of the Arab Street rules in Egypt in the hours and days to come, we could see Egyptian authority as we know it topple. The Suez Canal could be endangered or restricted. A bedrock peace treaty with Israel will surely vanish. The border containment of Hamas terrorism in Gaza and Al Qaeda in the North Sinai might quickly end, setting off volcanic anti-Western actions initialized by Hamas, Iran, and Bin Laden contenders.

If Mubarak in Egypt falls, Hussein in Jordan could be next. If Egypt and Jordan renounce their peace treaties with Israel and their allegiance to the West, war with Israel could be imminent. If the Arab Street in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Lebanon link up, the world could quite easily see the re-emergence of the decades-long move for a single Arab nation. What type of nation that would be, whether a resurrected Caliphate or an international democratic federation, is anyone’s guess.”

FOX News – Jan 28, 2011 http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/01/28/egypt-protests-mideast-house-cards-brought-days-twitter-arab-street/

Whether he is called the Imam Mahdi or Caliph (or both), a Muslim leader is going to get power.

The reality is that this final King of the South is alive now and the protests in the Middle East may be a factor in his rising up. We will all have to watch and see.

Two 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?