Church of God News

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

COGwriter

The US debt ceiling situation continues to concern investors and apparently helped contribute to a record high price for gold today:

US debt impasse spooks markets

The dollar moved to an all-time low against the Swiss franc while gold touched a record high. Long-dated US Treasury bonds weakened while global stocks remained under pressure.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6f33e03c-b6d4-11e0-a8b8-00144feabdc0.html

The reality is that raising the debt limit, in the long run, will also likely contribute to a rise in the price of gold in US dollars (Kitco showed over US$1620 per ounce earlier today.  Here is a link to the latest price Gold and Silver Quotes/Prices).

Now, what is really going to happen on this debt crisis mess in the USA?

First, if the debt ceiling is not raised, this is NOT the end of the world for the USA, yet.  Whether a deal is made or not, the US dollar will continue to have value.  And while in theory it could significantly drop in value if there is no agreement to raise the debt ceiling, it is too early for a complete collapse of the value of the US dollar–there are still other prophetic events that I believe need to take place (such as the deal in Daniel 9:27), BEFORE the US dollar will become worthless.  The USA dollar will NOT totally collapse (become worth a fraction of its purchasing value) until shortly before the start of the Great Tribulation (cf. Habakkuk 2; Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:21).

Second, although national repentance is the only real long-term hope for the USA (and it seems to be too late for that), the political leadership in the USA has largely ignored that approach.  The carnal “solutions” offered by both political parties in the USA will not get it back on track economically.  Its economy may appear to do better for a while if a debt deal is reached, but in the long run, the USA does not have real solutions to its economic woes.  There are carnal solutions that the USA could do now (mainly related to energy production) that could help extend the situation, but too many of its leaders have rejected God and have the type of “reprobate mind” that prevents them from seeing even those “convenient” options (cf. Romans 1:18-32, KJV).  The debate I have heard from some politicians and pundits on the whole debt ceiling matter strongly suggests to me, at least, that many do not understand production, economics, and job-creation.

Third, it is likely that the USA will not fully default on its debt.  So, even if no deal is reached, the interest, etc. on the debt will be paid for some time.  There is no way that I believe that US President Obama is going to allow a massive default prior to the election date in November 2012.

Fourth, in the low possibility that the USA does default on its debt, this will have fairly major impacts on prices and imports for the USA.  And while, to a degree, I expect a future default (or enough inflation/increase of money supply that it is about the same as a default), that seems not highly likely right now.

Fifth, presuming some deal is papered together by the politicians, gold could drop in value for a while (though it may not for various seasonal and economic reasons).  Yet, while the USA dollar will ultimately be worthless, the Bible shows that gold will have value AFTER the nation with the strongest fortresses is taken over (Daniel 11:39-43).

According to Bible prophecy, the end of the Anglo-dominance of the world is coming, and the final age of the Gentiles will be here in a relatively few years. The debt of the USA is a strong indicator that not too many more years are left.

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?

Noynoy Aquino

COGwriter

Noynoy Aquino, the President of the Philippines made the news again for some bold statements about China:

25 July 2011…MANILA, Philippines (AP) — President Benigno Aquino III warned China in a major national speech Monday that the Philippines was ready to defend its Spratly Islands claims by acquiring more weapons and would elevate the territorial feuds to a U.N. tribunal…

Aquino’s tough rhetoric echoed past criticisms of China over the Spratlys, so may have been meant to project him as a strong leader dealing firmly with an issue about which many Filipinos feel emotional, political analyst Ramon Casiple said.

“He was playing to a domestic audience. It’s more of asserting to the people that he’s a leader,” Casiple said, adding that Aquino’s reiterated position was unlikely to surprise China.  http://news.yahoo.com/aquino-china-filipinos-defend-territory-105541946.html

The idea of directly confronting China in a limited way may be possible.  But in an all-out conflict, China would seem to have massive military advantages.

However, for the sake of its international trade and other international relationships, China might decide that this is not the time to pick a fight with the Philippines.

Ultimately, I suspect that the Philippines may feel that it will need to align militarily with China.  But for now at least, it seems to want to try to publicly discourage Chinese aggression.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Asian? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?

COGwriter

Over in Europe, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider seems to be making great strides:

Scientists may have caught their first glimpse of the elusive Higgs boson, which is thought to give mass to the basic building blocks of nature.

Researchers at the Large Hadron Collider at Cern, the European particle physics lab near Geneva, announced the findings at a conference on Friday.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/jul/22/cern-higgs-boson-god-particle

Yet, a week ago it was learned that CERN is prohibiting its scientists from making their own conclusions publicly on some of their research:

CERN ‘gags’ physicists in cosmic ray climate experiment

What do these results mean? Not allowed to tell you

The Register, UK – July 18, 2011

The chief of the world’s leading physics lab at CERN in Geneva has prohibited scientists from drawing conclusions from a major experiment. The CLOUD (“Cosmics Leaving Outdoor Droplets”) experiment examines the role that energetic particles from deep space play in cloud formation. CLOUD uses CERN’s proton synchrotron to examine nucleation. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/07/18/cern_cosmic_ray_gag/

This “gag” order is consistent with my belief that at some point in time it is likely that military technology will spin-off this project to enable Europe to fulfill certain biblical prophecies.

The CERN project continues to advance, and is apparently the biggest physics project in the world–and of course, it is a European, not American, project. Historically, large physics projects tend to produce military weaponry.

My book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect points out that the Large Hadron Collider may be used to give the future European military power that the entire world will marvel at:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect

Bob Thiel
…the Large Hadron Collider…is apt to provide the Europeans with unique military capabilities in several years…The Bible is clear that the final “Beast power” (which will be primarily European) will have such unique military capabilities that the entire world will marvel (Revelation 13:3-4). (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 85)

My book also discusses the destruction of the USA and certain others by the Europeans sometime after 2012. The Large Hadron Collider is discussed as one of the items that may provide the Europeans with the ability to overcome the USA’s military might. And while many think that this would be impossible, as the Europeans continue to uncover previously unattainable aspects of physics, it is getting more and more technology that could be developed in that direction.

The understanding of the Living Church of God that the Europeans will be able to attack and takeover the United States and its Anglo-descended allies (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39) is correct and will come to pass. And it appears, to me at least, possible that CERN”s recent successes and also the “gag order” are consistent with biblical prophecies.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? 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?
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 about Jerusalem? 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?
Large Hadron Collider may result in military applications The Europeans have the largest physics project on the planet. Some scoff, but might it result in military applications? May the Large Hadron Collider help fulfill Revelation 13:4?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This page contains some concepts and prophecies related to 2012 and a book. This also has YouTube videos related to 2012 and beyond.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta Nuevo 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.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel.  Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

In the latest issue of its The Bible Advocate, CG7-Denver has the following from its former President, Elder Calvin Burrell:

Do you allow women to serve on boards —as pastor, leader, elder, or deacon? Are there Bible verses for this? The Church’s position is a moderate one:
Women serve in various leadership positions, but not as elder or pastor. Many texts relate to this complex issue.

We find the many Bible examples of women in lead roles: Miriam, a worship leader (Ex. 15:20, 21); Deborah, a judge (Judges 4 and 5); Esther, a queen; Huldah, a prophetess (2 Kings 22:14;
several more prophetesses in both testaments); Priscilla, a teacher (Acts 18:26); and Phoebe, a deaconess (Rom. 16:1, 2).

We find general reports of women active in worship and other forms of service. In the New Testament, women were last at the cross, first at the empty tomb, first to evangelize Samaria, and
first to convert in Europe. The Holy Spirit inspires both men and women to dream and prophesy for the Lord (Acts 2:16-18; 1 Cor. 11:5a).

Leading women labored in the gospel with Paul (Phil. 4:2, 3), who cited several feminine names for recognition in Romans 16:1-16. Phoebe (v. 1) is called “deaconess” (RSV) — a female servantleader of the church. Deacon and servant translate from the same Greek word, diakonos.

On the other hand, we also find Paul’s restrictions on women’s teaching and preaching (1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:11-15). Reading these as firm church policy for all times and places can be  problematic, since that would conflict with the examples and general statements reported above. In an effort to deal fairly with these diverse strands of truth, CoG7 encourages women to
serve in a variety of congregational and denominational roles: teaching, music and worship leading, boards and committees, children and youth work, and many more — while the roles of elder and pastor are restricted to men.

CG7’s position on women’s roles are similar to my position as well as the Living Church of God.  LCG will ordain women as deaconesses, but does not ordain them as elders or pastors.

Of course, after the resurrection, there appears to be no difference in roles that God has for those who were male or female in this life.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Priscilla and Aquila An early Christian married couple from Rome who moved to Asia Minor.
Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

There have been developments in Greece:

Purported manifesto from Norway suspect plots European ‘civil war’

CNN – July 24, 2011 excerpts…

A rambling, 1,500-page manifesto purportedly written by the suspect in Friday’s bloody terror attacks in Norway lays out right-wing extremist views and vows that a “European civil war” will lead to the execution of “cultural Marxists” and the banishing of Muslims…“The situation is just chaotic,” he writes, noting that “thousands of Muslims” are coming into his country annually. “These suicidal traitors must be stopped.”   http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/07/24/norway.terror.manifesto/

Norway massacre’s links to right-wing extremismAnders Behring Breivik’s anti-Muslim, anti-PC manifesto filled with paranoia that echoes worst of Europe’s growing extremism.  Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/?source=cbs&q=&x=20&y=11#ixzz1T29v4F9g

The situation in many parts of Europe between the Europeans and their Muslim immigrants has long been tense.

For quite some time, I have been warning that it is highly likely that riots and civil unrest likely involving a combination of Islamic and economic issues will later propel a European leader to rise up. The final leader will be the one known as the Beast (Revelation 13:3-4) and final King of the North (Daniel 11:22-44) of Bible prophecy.

Additionally, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I discussed the possibility of civil unrest and/or civil war breaking out in Europe as that is consistent with both biblical and certain non-biblical prophecy. Here are a couple of captions from my 2009 book about that:

The Bible shows that prior to the real age of peace, a warring ecumenical religion  will take over much of the world through force and economic blackmail (Revelation 13:2–17).  And this is warring age will come to an abrupt end when God orchestrates it (Revelation 18:17–20)…

Some believe that God will punish the nominal Catholics with civil unrest and war in Europe. As there already has been civil unrest in Europe (and according to secular sources, more is expected), it is possible that the following (to some degree) also may come to pass:..

Monk Hilarion (15^th century): “The people of the peninsula of Europe will suffer by needless wars…”

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): “All over Europe there will rage terrible civil wars…A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe.”

Some believe this civil unrest will result in the rise of a militaristic leader who will quell that particular violence, establish a new religious order, and reign with a pope who will perform miracles…

One interesting 15^th century Catholic prophecy foretells a time when a “great prince” will rise up. “All Germany” will apparently convert to the ecumenical religion, and then massive conversions in “all countries” “will happen quickly…

The descriptions of the Great Monarch/Prince in many ways parallel the description of one the Bible refers to as the “prince” in Daniel 9:26–27, final “King of the North” in Daniel 11:27–45…

World events are aligning with prophecy.  The fact that one advocate of civil war in Europe to push out the Muslims was arrested does not mean that there will not be future civil unrest or war.

As I have been writing for some time, there will be ups and downs in Europe until the final European beast power rises up.

The Bible is clear that although there will be problems with the unnatural combination that we now call Europe, that it still will rise up. NOtice:

40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 45 Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold — the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure. (Daniel 2:40-45)

Notice that according to what it written in the Book of Daniel, a kingdom will arise that does not adhere well together–yet that it is certain to rise up anyway. Also notice that afterwards, the Kingdom of God will come and that the kingdoms of the world will be destroyed–and that is sure.

The types of protests and riots in Greece, and other parts of Europe, will likely have ups and downs.  The terror in Norway also has shown that unexpected events can occur almost anywhere in Europe. And it is almost certain that because of protests and other forms of civil unrest, that the Europeans will ultimately be more willing to accept the type of militaristic leader that the Bible teaches will lead the final beast empire (Revelation 13:1-4).

And this is despite the fact that to the outside world (as well as to Europeans themselves) the rise of the final Beast power will be partly strong and partly fragile. Many see Europe as fragile, and while they have a point, the Bible indicates that final human kingdom will rise up anyway (though the Kingdom of God will ultimately replace it).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
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?
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 about Jerusalem? 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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
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?
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.
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.

Dr. Douglas Winnail

COGwriter

In his latest update, LCG’s Evangelist Dr. D. Winnail had the following:

Watch and Be Ready! Today, we live in a mentally overwhelming world where a multitude of distractions compete for our attention. Television, computers, e-mails, iPods, jangling music, jobs and family concerns constantly pull our minds in different directions. Yet, the Scriptures warn that Christians must be alert and watch for the convergence of events that will mark the end of this age and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The admonitions to be alert and watch appear more than a dozen times in the New Testament (see Matthew 24:42-44; 25:13; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:34-36; Acts 20:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:6). The events making news today—droughts, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, spreading violence, wars—converging at the same time that we see the revival of a political power in Europe with definitive links to the ancient Roman Empire and promoted by an ecumenical-minded Roman Church, should be sobering to anyone with a knowledge of Bible prophecy. These developments should motivate us all to grow spiritually and prepare for roles we have been called to fill in the coming Kingdom of God. We also need to remember Jesus’ warning that if we do not watch, we will not be ready for His return (Revelation 3:3). However, Jesus also promised “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching …Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:37-40).

Dr. Winnail is back in Charlotte, NC after his recent trip to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

He conducted several evangelical campaigns (that we in the Living Church of God have titled as TWSPs, or Tomorrow’s World Special Presentations) during his trip.  Additionally he met with church leaders and members in those lands.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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? Who are the 144,000?
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.
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?

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

The situation with the Middle East and Egypt continues to be of prophetic interest.  First an item from LCG:

Hezbollah gains more power in Lebanon. While there were the congratulatory speeches in Israel last week surrounding the fifth anniversary of Israel’s second Lebanon War, Lebanon received delivery of advanced ballistic missiles from Syria. These missiles have the range to reach Israel, Jordan, and parts of Turkey. (DEBKA, July 20, 2011).Earlier this week, Hezbollah-supported Shiite Major General Abbas Ibrahim, was confirmed in the post of Lebanon’s General Security Director. This very powerful and extremely sensitive position will afford Hezbollah unprecedented access to high levels of security in Lebanon (The Daily Star [Lebanon], July 20, 2011). At least one conservative news source views these events as occurring almost unbeknownst to the Israeli military leadership (DEBKA, July 20, 2011). None of Israel’s Arab neighbors are pleased that Israel controls Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. Bible prophecies indicate that the nations surrounding Jerusalem will eventually besiege the city and that half of the city will go into captivity (Zechariah 14:1-2). Jesus also warned of a time when Jerusalem would be surrounded by Gentile armies and eventually “trodden under foot” by them (Luke 21:20-21). We are witnessing events now that will eventually lead up to this frightening time of the end of this age. For more information on this eye-opening subject, review our booklet on The Middle East in Prophecy. If you received this E-Zine from a friend and would like to begin receiving your own copy click here to sign up for free.

More and more “extremist” groups seem to be gaining influence in the Middle East.

Notice a couple of reports about Egypt:

New-found friends

Islamist forces are uniting in pursuit of power, writes Amani Maged

Islamist movements are hunkering down to talks despite the ideological and doctrinal differences which have frequently driven them to clash in the past.

Groups that were once at each others’ throats, such as the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafis, are now joining forces in informal alliances in an attempt to build a united front against secularists and secure more seats in the next parliamentary elections. Their representatives are to be found in a number of overlapping associations, including the Islamic Law Organisation for Rights and Reform, the Coalition of Islamic Forces, the Shura Council of the Ulema and Islamists for Egypt.  http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1057/eg8.htm

Egyptian army rulers promise transition to democracy

Reuters – Dina Zayed, Ahmed Tolba – ‎23 July 2011

Egypt’s interim military rulers are committed to transforming the Arab world’s most populous nation into a democracy, Field Marshall Mohamed Hussein Tantawi said in a televised address on Saturday.

What many Westerners have not fully grasped is that in the Middle East, democracy seems to tend to result in less secular, more militant, Islamic leaders rising up.  This is what happened in Iran decades ago, in Gaza years ago, in Lebanon recently, and what likely will happen in Egypt and many other lands, eventually.

It would seem that any secular-type governments that the “Arab Spring” temporarily install will not ultimately satisfy the Arab peoples.  Ultimately they would realize that they want something else.

Here are three more news items from today about events in other Arabic nations:

Syria Blames ‘Saboteurs’ for Deadly Derailment

Voice of America

July 23, 2011 Syria Blames ‘Saboteurs’ for Deadly Derailment VOA News The Syrian government has blamed “saboteurs” trying to “hide behind” anti-government protests for a train derailment that killed one person and left several injured.

CTV.ca

Libya rebels claim strike on regime officials Aljazeera.net – ‎23 July 2011 Rebels say rare RPG attack hit meeting in Tripoli attended by Gaddafi’s son, intelligence chief and prime minister. The Libyan capital was rocked by a series of explosions, thought to be the result of NATO airstrikes, in the early hours of Saturday

Hundreds of Jordanians seeking reforms protest US involvement in struggle

Boston Globe – ‎23 July 2011

It was a rare burst of anti-US sentiment in the proreform movement that has been holding rallies for months in Jordan, though at a smaller scale than the protests that shook Egypt, Tunisia, and other Arab nations. Protesters accused the United States of trying to co-opt their movement.

Chaos and protests often lead to more militant individuals and/or groups taking control.

Notice a translation of what some, who are part of the Muslim Brotherhood, write that the Muslim Brotherhood wants:

…the Islamic Ummah [nation] can regain its power and be liberated and assume its rightful position which was intended by Allah, as the most exalted nation among men, as the leaders of humanity…

He [Hassan al-Banna] felt the grave danger overshadowing the Muslims and the urgent need and obligation which Islam places on every Muslim, man and woman, to act in order to restore the Islamic Caliphate and to reestablish the Islamic State on strong foundations and to liberate the Muslims and defend them from any attack, and to spread the Da’wa (Islamic missionary activity) of Islam in the world and to establish this great religion, which Allah wanted for his servants…

Some think that Shahada (Martyrdom) causes loss and damages the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society, since it has lost influential people in action and Jihad. This is wrong, since the fall of the Shahid (Martyr) for the sake of Da’wa (Islamic missionary activity) is [seen as] provisions and fuel for the [next] generations, and as a symbol of self sacrifice in the way of the Da’wa until realization of the goals which the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society was established for, that is, establishing the State of Islam, headed by the Islamic Caliphate, in order to establish Allah
religion on Allah’s land…(Source: The Muslim Brotherhood – in its own words Translation of “Jihad is the way” by Mustafa Mashhur Leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, 1996-2002 by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik.  http://www.palwatch.org/STORAGE/special%20reports/Jihad_is_the_way_by_Mustafa_Mashhur.pdf viewed 04/30/11)

We in the Living Church of God (LCG) suspect that the Muslim Brotherhood may be part of making end time events happen:

The virtual “tsunami” of Middle East and North African nations overthrowing their secular rulers is coming along day by day even as I write. This—as we have explained—could clear the way for the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamic extremists to take over much of the Middle East. Such an event would “prepare the way” for the coming “Mahdi”—the Islamist religious/political leader who will no doubt become the biblically prophesied “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40). He will probably lead in the provocation of the “King of the North” described in that same inspired prophecy in Daniel 11. And this will set in motion the final chain of events leading up to “Armageddon,” and then Jesus Christ’s return as King of kings (Revelation 11:15)! (Meredith RC. Tomorrow’s World subscriber letter, May 9, 2011)

World events are lining up with LCG’s understanding of biblical prophecy.

There are troubles in the Arab World. Of course, Jesus told of troubles as part of the beginning of sorrows:

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

It is possible that the Muslim Brotherhood may be the vehicle to help establish a pan-Arabic leader. This will not truly solve all the “troubles,” but may seem to somewhat do so for a while.

The Bible tells of an end time King of the South that seems to rule over the much of the Arab world (Daniel 11:40-43; Psalm 83). Theevent in the Middle East and North Africa are aligning with what seems to be needed that that will encourage such a leader (who may well be Egyptian) to rise up.

Prophetic details concerning much of this can be found in the following articles:

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.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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? Who are the 144,000?

Earth cracked by quake in Japan (Danny Choo)

COGwriter

Another earthquake hit northern Japan:

TOKYO — Japan’s Meteorological Agency says a strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 has jolted northeastern Japan, the same region devastated by March’s massive quake and tsunami.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/23/japan-earthquake-northeastern_n_907565.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%7C219842

Jesus, of course, warned about a time with such issues:

8 … And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be…troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

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

Perhaps the earthquake can serve as another wake-up call to the Japanese and others that the world can change very quickly and that the time to repent is now:

30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17:30-31)

There are troubles and repentance is needed.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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.
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?

Quran

COGwriter

An anti-Islamic man is charged for the terrorism in Norway:

By Johan Ahlander and Victoria Klesty

OSLO | Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:24am EDT

(Reuters) – The Norwegian charged with going on a killing spree in which at least 91 people died is a former member of a populist anti-immigration party who wrote blogs attacking multiculturalism and Islam.

The suspect, detained after 84 people were gunned down at a youth camp and another 7 killed in a bomb attack on Friday, has been identified by Norwegian media as Anders Behring Breivik.

Website entries under Breivik’s name criticized European policies of trying to accommodate the cultures of different ethic groups, and claimed a significant minority of young British Moslems back radical Islamic militancy.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/23/us-norway-killer-idUSTRE76M1P420110723

[Update: 10:30 a.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. Oslo] The total death toll from Friday’s attacks has risen to 92 (85 from the shootings on Utoya Island, seven from the Oslo bombing), Norwegian police said.  http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/23/norway-attacks-latest-developments/

The man charged with killing at least 91 people, Anders Behring Breivik, appears to be a home-grown extremist whose deadly actions were directed at the ruling Labour Party.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/norway-slow-to-wake-to-the-dangers-of-homegrown-rightwing-extremists-20110723-1huov.html#ixzz1SwOE3CqA

As I posted earlier today, there seems to be some hypocrisy in Canada’s accommodations of Islam compared to how it is treating its more traditional Protestant and Catholic faiths.  Perhaps that also was occurring in Norway.  Now, even if so, that in no way justifies terrorism.  It is sad that some misunderstand scripture and kill in the name of religion or politics.

Notice some of what Jesus said:

2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.  3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.  (John 16:2-3)

While I do not know if any members of any COG were killed, I do not believe that the bomber/shooter was doing God a service.  The terrorist/s obviously have not truly known the Father or Jesus Christ (no matter what religion he or they may claim).  After Jesus returns, there will be an end to all this type of suffering:

3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.  (Revelation 21:3-4)

God’s Kingdom will change this world.

If currently Anders Behring Breivik is responsible for the bombing and/or shooting in Norway, he needs to apologize, try to assist the Norwegians, and repent.  While I have seen many news reports calling Anders Breivik a right-wing extremist, perhaps I should mention that even the head of Germany considers that multiculturalism is a failure (see Germany’s Merkel: Multiculturalism a Total Failure), but as she has demonstrated, one does not have to commit terrorism because of such beliefs.

My prayers continue to go out the families of the affected Norwegians.

Some articles of possibly related interest my included the following:

Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel?  Who is Norway?  Who is Sweden?  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 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.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

COGwriter

In its latest TW News & Prophecy E-Zine, the Living Church of God reported:

Religious confusion in Canada.

For three years, Muslim prayer services have taken place in a Toronto public school during school hours–catering to the student majority who are Muslim. Because of the press generated by the situation, an examination of Ottawa schools recently revealed that about a dozen other public schools also allow Muslim prayer services during the school day.

When questioned about the issue, school officials claimed, “As a public school board, we have a responsibility and an obligation to accommodate faith needs.” Yet at the same time, these school boards have banned recitation of the Lord’s Prayer because it “indoctrinates” children with one religious view. When religious leeway in public schools is granted to Muslims, but denied to Christians and Jews, this causes confusion. Still others are concerned because secularism is not being practiced, thus schools are failing to reinforce the notion that they are “godless shrines of learning” (National Post, July 5 and 12, 2011; Ottawa Sun, July 16, 2011).

Like the United States, Canada was founded on biblical principles. Yet, over the years the nation has drifted away from God. Today, the once-God-fearing Canadian society is giving greater privileges to unbiblical and pagan religions.

Long ago, God prophesied this would happen. “Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for what does not profit…you have forsaken the Lord your God” (Jeremiah 2:11-19). “…Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good” (Isaiah 1:16-17). This is one more sign that the end of the age is approaching.

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What is going on in Canada?

“Politically correct” hypocrisy seems to be occurring there, as it is in other places.

Despite having natural resources and many overseas international trading partners, because of its geographic location, its economic history, and what is recorded in biblical prophecy, Canada is tied in with the United States of America.  Many of its leaders, like those in many other lands, are getting further and further away from biblical doctrines.

The Bible warns that a hypocritical nation will be eliminated in the end:

5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. 6 I will send him against an hypocritical nation (Isaiah 10:5-6, KJV).

And while the USA is likely to be the main target, to a great degree, Canada is expected to share the fate of the USA, which ultimately will not be good.

(Though the European Assyrian empire will temporarily cooperate with Muslims per Psalm 83 and Daniel 11:27) it will not itself be an Islamic empire–the King of the South will be–the Assyrian Beast empire will turn on Islam after defeating the USA as indicated by the sequence in Daniel 11:39-40.)

Some articles of possibly related biblical interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What will happen to the nation of Israel?
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 about Jerusalem? 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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.