Archive for June, 2011

ICG & COGwriter on Middle East

Saturday, June 4th, 2011


Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

In his latest newsletter ICG’s Mark Armstrong wrote the following:

The Middle East remains ablaze with rebellion fever and Islamic passion.  Every day now brings more news of demonstrations being met with deadly force and all kinds of mayhem.  Yemen is back in the current news, with a shelling attack on the presidential palace killing seven and wounding the Yemeni president Saleh.  For many consecutive days we’ve heard reports of escalating street battles, scores shot dead.  Reuters reports, “More than 370 people have been killed, at least 155 of them in the last 10 days, since a popular uprising began in January against Saleh’s long rule. (33 years)  “Global powers are worried that Yemen, home to a wing of militant al Qaeda known as AQAP and bordering the world’s biggest oil exporter Saudi Arabia, could become a failed state raising risks for world oil supplies.”  Ah, just another beautiful day in the so-called “Arab spring” that has so enraptured the mainstream media and benefited from encouragement from our current U.S. administration.

News out of Syria is similarly worrisome.  Demonstrators numbering an estimated 100,000 flooded the streets of Hama, where in 1982 Hafez al Assad sent in the army to crush an Islamic Brotherhood uprising killing over 10,000 and destroying much of the city.  Now protestors are commemorating that event, trying to bring down the regime of the son, Bashir al Assad.  The protest was broken up with gunfire that killed a reported 34.  Reports have come from Syria every day of protesters shot down in the streets, some kidnapped and tortured with no end in sight.  It is developing as another “humanitarian disaster”, and calls are intensifying for western intervention like we see in Libya…

The Muslim Brotherhood has condemned the killing of bin Laden.  Reports from the Jerusalem Post show that Egypt’s mosques now serve as political party headquarters for Muslim Brotherhood activists.  Their line of logic holds that terrorist attacks are legitimate “acts of resistance” so long as Israel remains intact.

All this pressure is ultimately building against Israel.  It appears that anarchy will continue to escalate under the pretext that all would be well if only Israel would give up Jerusalem.  Just two weeks ago, President Obama even made the suggestion that the key to peace would be for Israel to retreat behind the pre-1967 lines.

Something not mentioned above is that there are now problems in Kuwait and that the Muslim Brotherhood is rising in many Middle Eastern countries.

I would add that “all this pressure” that Mark Armstrong alluded to will not just affect Israel (some of what will affect Israel is in the article Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel), but will result in the rise of the final prophesied King of the South.  Now that Osama bin Laden is dead, the Arab World, and not just those who are part of the more extremist side of Islam, are looking for such a leader.

As it turns out, one considered to have been Osama bin Laden’s potential replacement was killed last night:

The militant group “Harkatul Jihad al-Islami” confirmed Saturday that its leader Ilyas Kashmiri was killed in a U.S. drone strike in northwest Pakistan’s South Waziristan tribal region late Friday night…Kashmiri was thought to be one of potential successors to the slain al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden.

So, al-Qaida is having problems, yet notice another headline from today’s news:

Muslim Brotherhood Riding the Crest of Arab Spring

NewsMax.com – Walid Phares – ‎Jun 3, 2011‎

So, despite al-Qaida’s problems, the Muslim Brotherhood appears top be in a growth mode.

Furthermore, if the Muslim Brotherhood gets a lot of politicians in elected in Egypt (and it has a lot of candidates officially running for various positions, for some examples, see Muslim Brotherhood Trying for 1/2 of Egypt’s Parliament), it will likely build a power-base in Egypt that will influence other Islamic states (and that has already started to happen).

We in the Living Church of God (LCG) expect a pan-Arabic leader, and believe it may involve the Muslim Brotherhood:

The fact is that food prices, the Muslim Brotherhood or any number of other political or religious factors are only contributing reasons for the current Arab-world turmoil. The underlying reason is that the Almighty Creator God is allowing geopolitics to align according to His will, and according to His time! Scripture is clear that God supremely reigns over all nations and all empires (2 Chronicles 20:6, Daniel 4:25), and He sometimes allows demonic principalities to influence people, nations, and rulers (Daniel 10:20, Ephesians 6:12).

Is the current Arab crisis setting the stage for a future king of the South? While the timing is entirely up to God, the simple answer is that yes, Arab geopolitics are moving ahead exactly as Bible prophecy has long foretold! Read more

The groundwork for the final King of the South is being laid.  The “Arab Spring” combined with the growing influence of Islamic organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood appear to be setting the stage for this leader to rise up.

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.
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.
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 Jerusalem and 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?

The Immanuel Prophecy

Saturday, June 4th, 2011

COGwriter

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

Isaiah delivered the Immanuel prophecy: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin (the `almah) shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). God would deliver Judah from Israel and Syria, and Israel and Syria would be “laid waste” before that infant would come of age (v. 14-16).

Isaiah uttered this prophecy around 735bc. Samaria and the northern kingdom of Israel would both be destroyed within about fourteen years (ca. 721bc). As God promised, Judah was spared temporarily. However, Judah’s temporary deliverance foreshadowed a future deliverance by a future Deliverer—for the entire house of Israel, and eventually for all humankind.

Isaiah 7:14 promises the Immanel, born of a virgin (`almah).  The word `almah occurs nine times in the Old Testament. Twice, `almah is used as a musical term (1 Chronicles 15:19-20; Psalm 46). Seven times, `almah refers to young, unmarried women (Genesis 24:43; Exodus 2:8; Psalm 68:25; Proverbs 30:19; Song of Solomon 1:3, 6:8; Isaiah 7:14). The word never refers to a married woman.

Some who seek a historic-only fulfillment of the Immanuel prophecy attempt to identify the mother as Ahaz’ wife, and the child as Hezekiah. However, Ahaz’ wife was a married queen, not an unmarried virgin (`almah). Others point to Isaiah’s prophetess fiancée and the subsequent birth of Isaiah’s son, Maher-shalalhash-baz as the historic fulfillment of the prophecy (cf. Isaiah 8:1-4, 18). However, Scripture reveals the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy.

Matthew records that according to God’s prophecy through Isaiah, Mary (an `almah) would give birth to a Son to be named Jesus and Immanuel (Matthew 1:20-23). Jesus would give His life so that those who would believe in Him could be delivered from death into everlasting life (John 3:16; Galatians 1:4; 2 Timothy 4:18). After three days, Jesus would be resurrected to sit at the right hand of God (John 20:17; Hebrews 1:13)! And soon, Jesus will return as conquering King (Matthew 6:10; Revelation 1:7)!

Jesus came.  Jesus will return.

Bible prophecy has proven trustworthy and will again.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Jesus is God, But Was Made Man Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what?
Virgin Birth: Does the Bible Teach It? What does the Bible teach? What is claimed in The Da Vinci Code?

LCG: World Hunger Increasing

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

COGwriter

In today’s TW News & Prophecy, the Living Church of God reported

World hunger increasing

According to an Oxfam spokesperson, “All the signs are that the number of people going hungry [worldwide] is going up… By 2050 demand for food will rise 70 percent yet our capacity to increase food production is declining.”

Factors contributing to the increase in world hunger include, flat-lining yields, a scramble for fertile land and water and rising food prices.” Severe weather conditions were not considered by the Oxfam report, but are also likely to impact food costs and availability. Regrettably, financial speculation–the practice of essentially “gambling” on future food prices–inflates food prices and intensifies world hunger conditions. In addition, using grains (corn or maize) as bio-fuels reduces the availability of food for human consumption. The cumulative impact of all these factors point to increasing world hunger in the years ahead (arabnews.com, May 31, 2011; oxfam.org, May 31, 2011).

The Apostle John foresaw rising prices, growing food shortages and hunger when the Four Horsemen ride as the end of the age approaches, “A quart of wheat for a denarius [one day’s wages], and three quarts of barley for a denarius…” (see Revelation 6:6-8). However, God also prophesied of a future time of abundance after Christ’s return, “Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine…” (Amos 9:13).

There is good news beyond the bad!

Food problems are becoming more noticeable.

Jesus foretold on a time of famines as part of “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:7-8), and as the above mentions, the Book of Revelation (16:8-11) tells of a time of even greater disturbances during “the Day of the Lord”. These will go beyond what normally have occurred in the past century. World events are aligning towards the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16). But a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10).

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Tougher times are coming. And for some parts of the world these tougher time may be here now. People who can prepare, should. Both spiritually and physically. And this will not only affect people in places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East–the Anglo-descended nations of the West will themselves suffer hunger and famine. And apparently price increases prior to that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011 or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?

Jewish Priests at Temple Mount

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

The Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

An interesting development has happened in Israel:

First Time: Temple Mount Priestly Blessing on Jerusalem Day
Israel National News – June 2, 2011

Hundreds of religious Jews from all streams were able to happily commemorate the 44th anniversary of the first-ever entry of Israeli soldiers onto the TempleMount.

For the first time in the history of Israeli restrictions on Jewish entry to the Temple Mount, the recitation of the Priestly Blessing was permitted there. It happened on Wednesday, Jerusalem Reunification Day, when hundreds of visitors – all of whom immersed in a mikveh (ritual bath) prior to coming and took other precautions required by Jewish Law – were allowed to enter the Temple Mount in groups of 30-40.

Among them were several Cohanim (descendants of Aharon the Priest). http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/144701

In order for animal sacrifices to resume, at least part of the Jewish/Levitical priesthood will need to be involved.  This development is another step in that direction.

Historically, the courts in Israel have tended to confirm that Jews have the right to sacrifice in the Temple Mount area, but because of political tensions, Jews must wait until a later time (and this happens pretty much every time permission is asked for). The Bible is clear that sacrifices will start in the area of Jerusalem as well as be stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31). Jesus indicated that the actions associated with stopping those sacrifices (by putting up the abomination) would signal that it is time for His most faithful to flee (Matthew 24:15-20).

As the Europeans and Americans are now working on a peace plan for the Middle East it may be possible that a peace plan could allow for some type of temple activities (cf. Daniel 9:26-27).

It should perhaps be pointed out that a temple in Jerusalem is NOT required for Jews perform sacrifices according to the Bible (Ezra 3:6) and certain Jewish sources (like the current Sanhedrin). Bible prophecies related to sacrifices can be fulfilled even if no third temple is built during this age.  But having since having priests involved is required, this development is an interesting step which will likely lead to the biblically-prophesied sacrificing.

An article of related interest would be:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times? The Bible teaches that the sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), but do Jewish sources or the Bible mandate a completed temple for those sacrifices? What did Ezra do when there was no temple?
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?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.

Drought in EU, USA, and China

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

COGwriter

Severe drought conditions are happening in the EU, USA, and China:

Drought in US, EU stressing crops, farmers
Food prices ‘will double by 2030’

UK Drought

One-fifth of apple harvest is ruined
China drought ignites global grain supply concerns
Drought parches China’s ‘land of fish and rice’
Direct economic losses from drought seen near $2.3 billion

Millions face food poverty as northern Europe is hit by worst drought in 35 years

With Northern Europe facing its worst drought since 1976, politicians in the West are expecting protests from farmers, consumer discontent and a strain on budgets…Meteorologists say that Northern Europe has had 50 per cent less rain than normal over the past two months, while temperatures have been 4C higher than usual. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/millions-face-food-poverty-as-northern-europe-is-hit-by-worst-drought-in-35-years/story-e6frg6so-1226065483805

As far as Europe is concerned, for a couple of years I have been writing that it will have civil unrest and probably riots as these may be factors in the rise of the final King of the North beast power.  Financial problems, food shortages/inflation, and religion (like issues with those who profess Islam) are likely factors in that.  Drought causes food shortages and often contributes to food inflation.

Texas has had major perhaps the worst drought conditions in the USA (see Drought Affecting USA Wheat and Beef Supplies and Droughts Affecting Russia and Parts of USA).

LCG has long had a booklet of possibly related interest titled “Who Controls the Weather? ” that is available for those interested in more on the weather and Bible prophecy.

While Jesus foretold on a time of natural disasters as part of “the beginning of sorrows”, the Book of Revelation (16:8-11) tells of a time of even greater disturbances during “the Day of the Lord”. These will go beyond what normally have occurred in the past century. World events are aligning towards the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.  As I have been writing for a while, I suspect that in October 2011 we will likely see food shortages and/or significant food inflation.

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16). But a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before 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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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?
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?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
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?

Moody’s: USA Risking Credit Downgrade

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011


“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

Moody’s rating service is having serious concerns about the creditworthiness of the USA:

By , Updated: Thursday, June 2, 12:46 PM

The credit rating agency Moody’s warned Thursday that it is considering downgrading the United States’ credit rating as the odds increase that the government will default on its debt.

Moody’s said that even if Congress agrees to raise the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling, the country could face a downgrade if lawmakers don’t include a comprehensive package that meaningfully reduces the annual budget deficit.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/moodys-if-debt-deal-fails-us-risks-credit-downgrade/2011/06/02/AGKVsTHH_story.html

The USA has lived on borrowed money too long, and this will end in catastrophe according to Bible prophecy (cf. Habakkuk 2).

LCG evangelist Dr. D. Winnail wrote about the suddenness of what will happen:

Handwriting on the Wall! On July 4, the United States, currently the most powerful nation in the world, celebrated 234 years of independence. The following day, on Monday, July 5, British-born Harvard professor and economic historian Niall Ferguson opened the 2010 Aspen Ideas Festival with a stark warning that the American “empire” could suddenly collapse—possibly within the next two years—due to the country’s rising debt! (Winnail W. LCG World Ahead Weekly Update, July 8, 2010)

The U.S. and the British-descended peoples have enjoyed living off the resources of the world, but the prophet Habakkuk warns: “… Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the people shall plunder you” (Habakkuk 2:7–8). (Winnail D. Sudden Calamities Ahead! Tomorrows’ World, Volume 10, Issue 5. Sept-Oct, 2008)

Hebrew prophets also warned repeatedly that the future demise of God’s chosen Israelite peoples would come “suddenly” and unexpectedly (Isaiah 9:14–15; 29:5; 30:13; Jeremiah 6:26; 15:8). Modern financial analysts realize this could happen if the nations lending to America decide to dump the dollar and call their loans. The prophet Habakkuk’s warning to the ancient Babylonians, “Will not your creditors rise up suddenly?” (Habakkuk 2:7)—may also ring true for debt-plagued nations like America and its Israelite cousins. Prophetic scripture contains a sobering message: debt and disobedience lead to the demise of nations! (Winnail, D. Debt, Disobedience and Demise of Nations. Tomorrows’ World, Volume 12, Issue 2. March-April 2010, p. 27)

Prophecy moves forward–significant personal repentance is probably the only way out.   National repentance for the USA seems highly unlikely as does seriously properly eliminating the debt.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama?
Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
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 by him?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
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? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
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 14-15 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.

Syria Keeps Killing

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011


Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (Source: Agência Brasil, Wikipedia)
بشار الأسد

COGwriter

Syria continues to deal with demonstrators with force:

Jun 2, 8:11 AM EDT

Syria troops renew attack on central town; 15 dead

By BASSEM MROUE
Associated Press

BEIRUT (AP) — Activists say Syrian government troops are pounding a central town with artillery and gunfire, killing at least 15 people.

The Local Coordination Committees, which help organize and document the country’s protests, said the deaths occurred in the town of Rastan Thursday. With the latest deaths, at least 58 people have been killed in the town in the past three days…

Since mid-March, when protests swept Syria inspired by uprisings across the Arab world, the regime has killed more than 1,100 people, according to human rights groups. There were no reports of protests Thursday in Rastan.  http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_SYRIA?SITE=NYNYP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

June 1, 2011

Syria’s latest crackdown kills 33; girl dies

Child deaths on rise as rights groups say at least 25 kids have died in regime’s violent response to revolt http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/06/01/501364/main20067972.shtml?tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.3

The situation in Syria and the rest of the Middle East will likely be chaotic until a strong leader rises up in that region that will transcend current national boundaries. No matter what the Syrian government attempts to do to stop this, an pan-Arabic confederation is going to form which will cross current national boundaries.

Those of us in the Living Church of God believe that Bible prophecy tells of a time when the Arab nations will unite under a leader shown as the final King of the South in the Book of Daniel (e.g. Daniel 11:40). Many Muslims seem to be looking for such a leader, though they tend to use the title Caliph or Mahdi. We also believe that an Islamic confederation will take place that certain Europeans will support that will not turn out well for the Anglo-Israel descended peoples (Psalm 83).


Mosque in Damascus

Interestingly, at least two Islamic sources that I have found state that the Mahdi will end up being based in Damascus, Syria:

“Having done this his next step would be to proceed on to Damascus, where the bulk of the Nasara (Christian) forces along with the tribe of Kalb would be deployed, as was previously mentioned. In Damascus, the Imam will set up his headquarters. From here, he will conduct military operations against the enemies of Islam and defeats them (such as the ones in Jerusalem), and from here, he will rule.”

“The Mehdi will be very just and his capital will be Damascus. The Mehdi is NOT a prophet but he is the final Rightly Guided Khalifah. The Mehdi will lead Muslims to a great victory against the Sufyaani and the Romans. This great war or Armageddon…”

A December 1979 Plain Truth article by Keith Stump’s titled The Arab World in Prophecy provides insights into who may be the future king of the South mentions Syria’s participation:

Mahdi, the expected end time messiah who is to cleanse and restore the Islamic faith…to usher in a seven-year golden age just before the end of the world…The expectation of a coming Mahdi (in Arabic, “the divinely guided one”) is prevalent among virtually all Moslem sects, though they often differ in the specifics of the concept

The prophecy of Daniel 11 details events…But who is the “king of the south”?…Just as there is yet to be a final “king of the north”–called in the Bible symbolism “the beast”–who will arise as superdictator over an end-time European confederation, 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. And these two individuals will eventually find themselves in a head-to-head confrontation–possibly over oil–which will ultimately lead to devastating war in the Middle East!…

“They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom [Esau or modern-day Turkey, a non-Arab but Islamic nation], and the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; of Moab [part of Jordan[, and the Hagarenes [anciently these peoples dwelt in the area known as Syria today]; Gebal [Lebanon], and Ammon [modern Jordan], and Amalek [part of the Turks]; the Philistines [the modern Palestinians] with the inhabitants of Tyre [Lebanon]; Assur [whose descendants, the Assyrians, migrated to Germany] also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot [Jordan and Western Iraq]” (Psalm 83:4-8)..

What is currently happening in Syria seems to aligning with the rise the leader of a pan-Arabic confederation that all should watch for.

Now, the capital of Syria is Damascus (cf. Isaiah 7:8) and notice what the Bible shows will happen to it:

1 An oracle concerning Damascus:
“See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down,with no one to make them afraid. 3 The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,and royal power from Damascus;the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites,” declares the LORD Almighty. (Isaiah 17:1-3)

3 Thus says the Lord:
“For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment…5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus,
And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven,
And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden.
The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,”
Says the Lord.  (Amos 1:3, 5)

Putting all this together, it is possible that the future King of the South may for a time be in Damascus and this may be part of why it will be destroyed or perhaps it could instead be related to the current government and its relationship with Iran.  If it is for years from now, this destruction may be related to the prophecy of the King of the North eliminating the King of the South in Daniel 11:40-43.  The government military actions currently going on in Syria will not prevent this, either way.

Some 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? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
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? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?

Allegorization: The Vain Path

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

COGwriter

Many people feel that the Bible should interpret itself. At theological schools they teach that there are various forms of biblical interpretation. Theological schools (and their graduates) tend emphasize one or more styles of what they call biblical exegesis–some of them, such as an excessive emphasis on allegorization, which are vain and overlook what the Bible teaches.

Notice what the prophet Isaiah taught:

Whom will he teach knowledge? And whom will he make to understand the message?…For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little”… But the word of the LORD was to them,  “Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little,” (Isaiah 28:9,10, 13 NKJV).

In other words, the Bible was supposed to be understood based upon what it says in many places.

Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV).

In other words, scripture is given by God for doctrine and contains enough information that the man of God may be complete.

Notice what the Apostle Peter taught:

15…also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:15-16).

Thus, even back then people who would not learn from the apostles were twisting scriptures–claiming they meant something other than what they said.

Allegorizing May Have First Developed in Alexandria And Was Held By Followers of Simon Magus and Valentinus

Gnostic and pre-gnostic leaders took a different approach to biblical interpretation in the first and second centuries. They tended to accept allegory over what the Bible actually taught.

This practice may have first developed in Alexandria, Egypt. Here is some of what Eusebius said Philo (c. first century) taught about those who made some profession of Christ in Alexandria (any bolding mine):

3. In the work to which he gave the title, On a Contemplative Life or on Suppliants, after affirming in the first place that he will add to those things which he is about to relate nothing contrary to truth or of his own invention, he says that these men were called Therapeutæ and the women that were with them Therapeutrides. He then adds the reasons for such a name, explaining it from the fact that they applied remedies and healed the souls of those who came to them, by relieving them like physicians, of evil passions, or from the fact that they served and worshiped the Deity in purity and sincerity.

4. Whether Philo himself gave them this name, employing an epithet well suited to their mode of life, or whether the first of them really called themselves so in the beginning, since the name of Christians was not yet everywhere known, we need not discuss here…

7. Philo bears witness to facts very much like those here described and then adds the following account: “Everywhere in the world is this race found. For it was fitting that both Greek and Barbarian should share in what is perfectly good. But the race particularly abounds in Egypt, in each of its so-called nomes, and especially about Alexandria

9. And then a little further on, after describing the kind of houses which they had, he speaks as follows concerning their churches, which were scattered about here and there: “In each house there is a sacred apartment which is called a sanctuary and monastery, where, quite alone, they perform the mysteries of the religious life. They bring nothing into it, neither drink nor food, nor any of the other things which contribute to the necessities of the body, but only the laws, and the inspired oracles of the prophets, and hymns and such other things as augment and make perfect their knowledge and piety.”

10. And after some other matters he says:

“The whole interval, from morning to evening, is for them a time of exercise. For they read the holy Scriptures, and explain the philosophy of their fathers in an allegorical manner, regarding the written words as symbols of hidden truth which is communicated in obscure figures.

11. They have also writings of ancient men, who were the founders of their sect, and who left many monuments of the allegorical method. These they use as models, and imitate their principles”…

15…Philo’s words are as follows:

16. “Having laid down temperance as a sort of foundation in the soul, they build upon it the other virtues. None of them may take food or drink before sunset, since they regard philosophizing as a work worthy of the light, but attention to the wants of the body as proper only in the darkness, and therefore assign the day to the former, but to the latter a small portion of the night.

17. But some, in whom a great desire for knowledge dwells, forget to take food for three days; and some are so delighted and feast so luxuriously upon wisdom, which furnishes doctrines richly and without stint, that they abstain even twice as long as this, and are accustomed, after six days, scarcely to take necessary food.” These statements of Philo we regard as referring clearly and indisputably to those of our communion.

19. For they say that there were women also with those of whom we are speaking, and that the most of them were aged virgins who had preserved their chastity…by their own choice, through zeal and a desire for wisdom

20. Then after a little he adds still more emphatically: “They expound the Sacred Scriptures figuratively by means of allegories. For the whole law seems to these men to resemble a living organism, of which the spoken words constitute the body, while the hidden sense stored up within the words constitutes the soul. This hidden meaning has first been particularly studied by this sect, which sees, revealed as in a mirror of names, the surpassing beauties of the thoughts”…

23. In addition to this Philo describes the order of dignities which exists among those who carry on the services of the church, mentioning the diaconate, and the office of bishop, which takes the precedence over all the others (Eusebius. Church History, Book II, Chapter XVII. Translated by Arthur Cushman McGiffert. Excerpted from Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series Two, Volume 1. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. American Edition, 1890. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

So Eusebius claims that Philo (c. 1st century) reported that those in Alexandria were ascetic, had mysteries, seem to have been gnostics (ones who claimed to have special knowledge/wisdom was essential for salvation), had some promotion of celibacy, allegorized scripture, and had a bishop–and Eusebius seems to claim that they are part of the Catholic Church (see vs. 17 above)–even though the Roman Church did not have celibacy rules at that time (please see the article Was Celibacy Required for Early Bishops or Presbyters?). This seems to have been where a major departure from the true faith occurred.

Hippolytus, who also appeared to be a Roman supporter, in the early third century, wrote this about the heretic Simon Magus:

Now Simon, both foolishly and knavishly paraphrasing the law of Moses, makes his statements (Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies, Book VI, Chapter IV. Translated by J. H. Machmahon. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

Simon then, after inventing these (tenets), not only by evil devices interpreted the writings of Moses in whatever way he wished, but even the (works) of the poets. For also he fastens an allegorical meaning on (the story of) the wooden horse and Helen with the torch, and on very many other (accounts), which he transfers to what relates to himself and to Intelligence, and (thus) furnishes a fictitious explanation of them. (ibid Chapter XIV).

Simon Magus came on the scene about the same time Philo wrote about the Alexandrians.

Alexandria was also the original home of the heretic Valentinus (who later went to Rome), and it seems like some of the leaders in Alexandria adopted some of his traits. The historian HOJ Brown noted:

Alexandria was the home of the celebrated gnostic Valentinus. Valentinus adopted Philo’s method of allegorical interpretation…For a time, Valentinus and his followers existed with the orthodox Christians of Alexandria. (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, p. 86).

Valentinus, even though condemned by Polycarp of Smyrna, when Polycarp visited Rome, ca. 155, was also tolerated by, and existed in, the Roman Church until at the 170s A.D. when he was finally put out after he had greatly influenced the church there.

Speaking of Polycarp, in his famous Letter to the Philippians he uses essentially a literal, not allegorical approach to understanding scripture. The simple truth is that the actual early (prior to the third century) leaders of the church (outside of Alexandria), that the Roman Catholics consider non-heretical, did not try to promote an allegorical method of understanding scripture. But the heretics did.

Demetrius is in the list of successors for the Orthodox Church of Alexandria from 188-231. During that time, Demetrius encouraged the heretic Clement of Alexander.

Yet Clement mixed gnosticism with his form of Christianity:

Unlike Irenaeus who detested it, Clement refers to secret tradition, and his affinities to gnosticism seems to go beyond mere borrowing of gnostic terms. (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, p. 87).

Clement, most famous of the Alexandrian college faculty and a teacher of Origen, boasted that he would not teach Christianity unless it were mixed with pagan philosophy (Wilkinson BG. Truth Triumphant, ca. 1890. Reprint: Teach Services, Brushton (NY) 1994, p. 47).

In other words, many scholars understand that Clement of Alexandria, who is often listed as a major leader in Alexandria held some gnostic views.

Here is some of what Clement wrote hinting that Greek philosophy was given to call Greeks:

Our book will not shrink from making use of what is best in philosophy and other preparatory instruction…

Accordingly, before the advent of the Lord, philosophy was necessary to the Greeks for righteousness. And now it becomes conducive to piety; being a kind of preparatory training to those who attain to faith through demonstration. “For your foot,” it is said, “will not stumble, if you refer what is good, whether belonging to the Greeks or to us, to Providence.” For God is the cause of all good things; but of some primarily, as of the Old and the New Testament; and of others by consequence, as philosophy. Perchance, too, philosophy was given to the Greeks directly and primarily, till the Lord should call the Greeks. For this was a schoolmaster to bring “the Hellenic mind,” as the law, the Hebrews, “to Christ.” Philosophy, therefore, was a preparation, paving the way for him who is perfected in Christ…

The Greek preparatory culture, therefore, with philosophy itself, is shown to have come down from God to men…

And our much-knowing gnostic can distinguish sophistry from philosophy, the art of decoration from gymnastics, cookery from physic, and rhetoric from dialectics, and the other sects which are according to the barbarian philosophy, from the truth itself. And how necessary is it for him who desires to be partaker of the power of God, to treat of intellectual subjects by philosophising! And how serviceable is it to distinguish expressions which are ambiguous, and which in the Testaments are used synonymously! (Clement of Alexander. The Stromata, Book I, Chapters 1,5,7,9)

Scripture has called the Greeks pilferers of the Barbarian philosophy…Accordingly, the Barbarian philosophy, which we follow, is in reality perfect and true…

As, then, philosophy has been brought into evil repute by pride and self-conceit, so also gnosis by false gnosis called by the same name (Clement of Alexander. The Stromata, Book II, Chapters 1,2,11)

It should be noted that Clement claimed that he only kept the true portions of philosophy of the Greek and not untrue portions–but that is essentially what all Gnostics claimed.

And Clement influenced Origen.

It may be of interest to note that in the second century, allegory was condemned by the Roman supporting Irenaeus (who is a Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox saint):

11…But if any one, “doting about questions,” do imagine that what the apostles have declared about God should be allegorized, let him consider my previous statements, in which I set forth one God as the Founder and Maker of all things, and destroyed and laid bare their allegations; and he shall find them agreeable to the doctrine of the apostles, and so to maintain what they used to teach (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book III, Chapter 12, Verse 11. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

It was also opposed by Nepos of Arsinoe in the third century. Here is what The Catholic Encyclopedia reported:

An Egyptian bishop, Nepos, taught the Chiliastic error that there would be a reign of Christ upon earth for a thousand years, a period of corporal delights; he founded this doctrine upon the Apocalypse in a book entitled “Refutation of the Allegorizers” (Chapman, John. “Dionysius of Alexandria.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 5. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1909. 14 Aug. 2008 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05011a.htm>.)

Thus, a treatise against the allegorists was written when it became apparent that allegorists were gaining influence.

The allegorists were also opposed by Lucian of Antioch in the third century:

Lucian of Antioch…The opposition to the allegorizing tendencies of the Alexandrines centred in him. He rejected this system entirely and propounded a system of literal interpretation…(Healy P.J. Transcribed by Joseph P. Thomas. Lucian of Antioch. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IX. Published 1910. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Dr. Williston Walker thus describes:

With Antioch of this period is to be associated the foundation of a school of theology by Lucian, of whom little is known of biographical detail, save that he was a presbyter, held aloof from the party in Antioch which opposed and overcame Paul of Samosata, taught there from c. 275 to 303, and died a martyr’s death in 312…. Like Origen, he busied himself with textual and exegetical labors on the Scriptures, but had little liking for the allegorizing methods of the great Alexandrian. A simpler, more grammatical and historical method of treatment both of text and doctrine characterized his teaching (as quoted in Wilkinson BG. Truth Triumphant, ca. 1890. Reprint: Teach Services, Brushton (NY) 1994).

Augustine Understood Something, then Allegorized

The Catholic doctor Augustine wrote:

Accordingly, in regard to figurative expressions, a rule such as the following will be observed, to carefully turn over in our minds and meditate upon what we read till an interpretation be found that tends to establish the reign of love. Now, if when taken literally it at once gives a meaning of this kind, the expression is not to be considered figurative.

If the sentence is one of command, either forbidding a crime or vice, or enjoining an act of prudence or benevolence, it is not figurative. If, however, it seems to enjoin a crime or vice, or to forbid an act of prudence or benevolence, it is figurative. “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man,” says Christ, “and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” This seems to enjoin a crime or a vice; it is therefore a figure, enjoining that we should have a share in the sufferings of our Lord, and that we should retain a sweet and profitable memory of the fact that His flesh was wounded and crucified for us. Scripture says: “If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink;” and this is beyond doubt a command to do a kindness. But in what follows, “for in so doing thou shall heap coals of fire on his head,” one would think a deed of malevolence was enjoined. Do not doubt, then, that the expression is figurative; and, while it is possible to interpret it in two ways, one pointing to the doing of an injury, the other to a display of superiority, let charity on the contrary call you back to benevolence, and interpret the coals of fire as the burning groans of penitence by which a man’s pride is cured who bewails that he has been the enemy of one who came to his assistance in distress. In the same way, when our Lord says, “He who loveth his life shall lose it,” we are not to think that He forbids the prudence with which it is a man’s duty to care for his life, but that He says in a figurative sense, “Let him lose his life”–that is, let him destroy and lose that perverted and unnatural use which he now makes of his life, and through which his desires are fixed on temporal things so that he gives no heed to eternal. It is written: “Give to the godly man, and help not a sinner.” The latter clause of this sentence seems to forbid benevolence; for it says, “help not a sinner.” Understand, therefore, that “sinner” is put figuratively for sin, so that it is his sin you are not to help (Augustine. Translated by J.F. Shaw. On Christian Doctrine, Book III, Verses 15-16. Excerpted from Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series One, Volume 2. Edited by Philip Schaff, D.D., LL.D. American Edition, 1887. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

So, Augustine had some understanding.

However, sadly, even though Augustine claimed that using allegory lead to not understanding God’s ways, he and and parts of the Roman Catholic Church decided that allegory was the way they would look at the Book of Revelation (which they term the Apocalypse):

St. Augustine has perhaps more than any one else helped to free the Church from all crude fancies as regards its pleasures. He explained the millennium allegorically and applied it to the Church of Christ on earth (Van Den Biesen C. Transcribed by Michael C. Tinkler. Apocalypse. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume I. Copyright © 1907 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

St. Augustine was for a time, as he himself testifies (De Civitate Dei, XX, 7), a pronounced champion of millenarianism; but he places the millennium after the universal resurrection and regards it in a more spiritual light (Sermo, CCLIX). When, however, he accepted the doctrine of only one universal resurrection and a final judgment immediately following, he could no longer cling to the principal tenet of early chiliasm. St. Augustine finally held to the conviction that there will be no millennium…The struggle between Christ and His saints on the one hand and the wicked world and Satan on the other, is waged in the Church on earth; so the great Doctor describes it in his work De Civitate Dei. In the same book he gives us an allegorical explanation of Chapter 20 of the Apocalypse…at all events, the kingdom of Christ, of which the Apocalypse speaks, can only be applied to the Church (De Civitate Dei, XX 5-7). This explanation of the illustrious Doctor was adopted by succeeding Western theologians, and millenarianism in its earlier shape no longer received support (Kirsch J.P. Transcribed by Donald J. Boon. Millennium and Millenarianism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

This is sad as the early church truly taught the millennium, multiple resurrections, and the future kingdom of God, yet Augustine was now teaching directly against them in the 5th century–even though he originally held to them!

A problem with allegorization is that allows the allegorizer to use his or her own imaginations to justify just about anything.  The Bible warns about this:

16 Thus says the Lord of hosts:

“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you.
They make you worthless;
They speak a vision of their own heart,
Not from the mouth of the Lord.  (Jeremiah 23:16)

26 How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart (Jeremiah 23:26).

Allegorizers seem to most often value their opinions than the mouth (or Word) of God.

Essentially, one of the reasons that many of the false prophets I have denounced at this website are false is they first rely on their own imaginations, and then to act like they do not, they allegorize away the plain meaning of many prophetic passages in the Bible to try to justify their dates and predictions.  People such as Ron Weinland and Harold Camping come to my immediate mind when I think of prophetic allegorizers in the 21st century.

While there are some passages in the Bible that are intended to be understood allegorically, one way to test “prophets” is to see how much of what they say is literally from the Word of God (or at least not in contradiction to its direct statements.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
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?
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.

COGwriter Reached 117,722

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

The Above Map Shows the Number of Internet Users By Country

COGwriter

This morning, I noticed how many people visited COGwriter in May 2011: 117,722 different computers accessed COGwriter.com and the site had over 300,000 page views.

A “page view” is when someone goes to a webpage or link.  In the case of COGwriter, some of the “pages” are nearly 100 8.5 x 11 pages long when printed out on standard US paper.

What were the most popular “pages”?

Here is a listing of the top ten most popular articles (as opposed to news items or games) for last month:

  1. Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping teaches that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world will end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
  2. 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? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
  3. How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
  4. 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.
  5. Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
  6. Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
  7. Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group, led by David Pack, claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise.
  8. Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind?
  9. Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012. Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He has other views which show he is not part of the Church of God.
  10. Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues”?

So a blend of prophetic, doctrinal, and COG articles.  Now, the fact that Harold Camping was number 1 (for the only month ever) at COGwriter in May 2011 is logical as he falsely claimed that the Bible “guaranteed” that Jesus would return on May 21, 2011 (which he had erroneously claimed was Pentecost, even though Pentecost is on June 12 in 2011).

Here are the next five in terms of popularity for May 2011:

  • 11 Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
  • 12 Parable of the Mustard Seed Jesus told many parables. Why? What might this one mean?
  • 13 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.
  • 14 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.
  • 15 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?

Most of the top 15 articles have been updated in the last couple of months and you may wish to check them out even if you may have before.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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 Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
How Much Did You Cost? Some have complained that the total costs spent to proclaim the gospel as a witness is too high since it does not (in their opinion) result in enough conversions. Is that how God sees it?
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this past decade or so.
Parable of the Mustard Seed Jesus told many parables. Why? What might this one mean?