Church of God News

Vladimir Putin, Official Photograph

COGwriter

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin again called for a Eurasian union:

Russia’s Putin says wants to build “Eurasian Union”

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/russias-putin-says-wants-build-eurasian-union-222139037.htmlMOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said he wants to bring ex-Soviet states into a “Eurasian Union” in an article which outlined his first foreign policy initiative as he prepares to return to the Kremlin as the country’s next president…“We are…to achieve an even higher integration level in the Eurasian Union,” Putin wrote in an article which will be published in Izvestia newspaper on October 4.

The Bible tells of a time where an apparently Russian-led confederation of Asian nations will get together militarily. Russia has already made a variety of military and economic deals with nations such as China and India.

Notice that the Bible clearly states there is a group that will form from the far north:

3 O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal…6 from the far north and all its troops–many people are with you (Ezekiel 38:3,6).

14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog…15…you will come from your place out of the far north… (Ezekiel 38:14-15).

1 O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal; 2 and I will turn you around and lead you on, bringing you up from the far north (Ezekiel 39:1-2).

A Russian confederation is that only place on the planet that is in the far north and currently has massive military power. A northern confederation (that appears to be led by Russia) will destroy the European Babylon presuming this has end-time applicability:

9 For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon
An assembly of great nations from the north country,
And they shall array themselves against her;
From there she shall be captured.
Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior;
None shall return in vain. (Jeremiah 50:9)

41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon. (Jeremiah 50:41-42)

In the New Testament it is shown that a group of nations known as the Kings of the East will form:

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).

This concept of Asian involvement in a major battle is confirmed in the Book of Revelation. Notice the following:

13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed–by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths(Revelation 9:13-18).

Only China, and possibly India and others in Asia, which would apparently align themselves with a Russia confederation against the European Empire, are capable of fielding a two hundred million man army

The Bible shows that a Eurasian military union will happen involving those from the north AND the east will form and frighten the European King of the North:

…the king of the North… 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. 44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him (Dan 11:40,43-45).

And will all of that WILL happen, it is likely that it may be proceeded by various types of economic unions and/or treaties. Such as what Vladimir Putin has been proposing.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
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?
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?
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?

COGwriter

Many are familiar with the fact that the group calling itself “Jehovah’s Witnesses” knocks on doors, but how it views former members recently made the news in Australia:

A members-only version of the Watchtower magazine, which states official church doctrine, describes defectors from the religion as apostates and likens them to someone infected with a “contagious, deadly disease … who seeks to infect others”…

It also tells them they should never watch a TV show or visit websites that highlight “fabricated” criticism of the religion and reinforces a directive that parents should shun children who are expelled from or quit the religion…Figures from Jehovah’s Witnesses show that they have 65,000 active door-to-door preachers in Australia… http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/jehovas-witnesses-defectors-cop-a-blast/story-fn7x8me2-1226155212128

Of course, people should avoid fabricated criticism or the web, in print, and elsewhere.  But all should be willing to look at factual documentation (which is what my article on the JWs tries to provide–actually, I have received compliments from JW members for how accurate and careful my article on them is).

Ignoring obvious doctrinal differences, such as the Godhead, the two issues that I wish that JWs would consider is their lack of better understanding of Church History, which, I believe if more of them understood better, that would lead some of them to seriously consider the COG, and specifically the Living Church of God.  Also, the JWs prophetic understanding of many matters (including the end time and their misunderstandings about the final King of the North and King of the South) is leaving them vulnerable to end time deception.

Articles of related interest may include:

Similarities and Differences Between the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to represent the original Christian faith. Do you know much about them? Both groups have some interesting similarities, but many major differences. Would you like information on how to deal with Jehovah’s Witnesses?
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?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
The 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?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Do they matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (sometimes referred to as the continuation of Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years. It also discusses the concept of church eras.

COGwriter

During the United Church of God (UCG) and COGWA crisis, I have occasionally mentioned COGaIC’s David Hulme. David Hulme was the first president of UCG.

Somewhere around February 1998, after a variety of governance and managerial bickering, the UCG Board decided to not continue David Hulme’s presidency. And at that time, he and one board supporter (Peter Nathan) decided to leave the United Church of God and form COGaIC. And until the formation of COGWA, COGaIC was the largest group to have split from UCG.

Without going into all the details, I felt that from what I studied that the UCG Board was justified for removing David Hulme, but I also felt that the two doctrinal issues David Hulme then raised (better governance and being more proactive in proclaiming the gospel) suggested that COGaic may have less doctrinal errors than UCG (who continued to have some doctrinal changes as are documented in the article Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God).

Now I am less sure about the gospel and prophetic doctrinal aspects of COGaIC. Especially since UCG seems to have done more to publicly proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom now that David Hulme is gone than David Hulme’s current church does (though I still disagree more with UCG’s governance). My basic impression is that COGaIC believes that it reaches people a different way with a more intellectually modern message (mainly with its Vision magazine website) and hence that it feels that it adequately is proclaiming the gospel to the best of its ability.  And it terms of prophecy, COGaIC’s unwillingness to teach “church eras” (nor, does UCG officially) and explain current events in the light of end time Bible prophecy has been disappointing to me.

Although he is repeatedly referred to at the Vision website as  “Middle East scholar David Hulme,” as of this morning, the latest post shown on David Hulme’s Causes of Conflict: Thoughts on Religion, Identity and the Middle East blog is dated June 17, 2010. Apparently the “Arab Spring,” Middle East protests, and governmental changes in the past year have never been worthy of his thoughts and comments (I should perhaps add that David Hulme sometimes will tweet via Twitter an article on the Middle East from secular sources-but that is still not saying much).  The “causes of conflict” in the region are leading to the rising up of a power that appears likely to fulfill the prophesies related to the final King of the South that the Bible tells of (Daniel 11:40-43).

Considering all that has been happening in the Middle East (like in Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Libya, and in particular the rising of the Muslim Brotherhood), and the fact that David Hulme holds a doctorate in International Relations with an emphasis on the Middle East, this lack of coverage at the Causes of Conflict blog seems unusual. One might still ask, “Where’s the vision?”

And while the Vision website once had an Alexa ranking of about 100,000, which is quite good (COGwriter’s Alexa ranking is currently 147,699), Vision’s Alexa ranking dropped a lot and currently is 983,130 (the lower the Alexa number the greater the impact–Google and Facebook hold the first and second positions).  This is a huge drop from a ranking of 496,317 for Vision as late as February 2011.  These ranking drops suggests that Vision is having much less of an impact on the web than it once did.  And the web seems to be the primary media of public proclamation that COGaIC is currently utilizing. There are less people going to COGaIC’s Vision site.  The site has in many ways became vision-less.

If you are or were part of UCG/COGaIC/COGWA and are confused about what to do, please pray, fast, and study the Bible about this and the events of the past year, or even past 16-17 years. All should be “zealous” as Jesus said in Revelation 3:19 and not be satisfied with something less than a Philadelphia type of work and Philadelphia form of church governance.

Ask yourself what are the true priorities that the Bible indicates that the church most faithful to the words of Jesus would do and act appropriately.  This Holy Day season may be an excellent time to reflect upon that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Church of God, an International Community (COG aic) This is the group led by David Hulme. It seems to minimize parts of biblical prophecy and be restrictive on doctrinal statements.
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association Known as COGWA, this seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now essentially the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

Some in Germany celebrated its reunification today:

Germany celebrates the 21st anniversary of its reunification

Washington Post – ‎3 October 2011

By AP, BERLIN — Germany is celebrating the anniversary of its reunification 21 years ago after four decades of Cold War division. Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Christian Wulff are attending the main ceremony marking Monday’s anniversary in in Bonn, the former German capital.

The new capital is once again Berlin.

For decades we in the Church of God believed that Germany would reunite.  Notice one such statement, from decades ago:

Russia may give East Germany back to the Germans and will be forced to relinquish her control over Hungary, Czechoslovakia and parts of Austria…

There were various articles in the Plain Truth magazine in the 1960s (see, for example, the May 1962 edition) where we taught that both East and West Germany would reunite.

Because we in the Church of God taught that, and bolder statements later on the inevitability of reunification of the two Germanys based upon biblical prophecy, I recall in the early 1980s that TV Guide (which at the time had the largest circulation of any periodical in the USA) accused Herbert Armstrong of “bordering on lunacy.”

We in the Living Church of God have long taught that Germany (Assyria in end time prophecy) would be the driving force in the end-time European Beast power as well as having a future role in God’s kingdom. It is interesting that secular sources are more and more starting to indicate that we have long been correct about that.

We believe that over time, Germany will get more and more powerful.  And that is why we taught about reunification of Germany before it was a popular concept.

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”?
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? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?

COGwriter

The Christian Day of Atonement is based on the English translation of the Jewish Holy day Yom Kippur. It begins at sunset Friday, October 7, 2011 and ends at sunset October 8, 2011.

Here is a recent statement by LCG’s Rod McNair about Satan and the Day of Atonement:

Satan the Devil, Banished: After the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement comes just nine days later. With the burst of activity just before the Feast of Tabernacles, it’s easy to gloss over and miss the meaning of this vital Holy Day. Without the Day of Atonement—symbolizing the binding of Satan the Devil—the peaceful and prosperous Millennium simply would not happen.

As the Day of Atonement draws near, let’s meditate on its meaning for the world, for the Church, and for us personally. We have an enemy who is active day and night seeking to make us stumble and discourage us, especially as the Feasts draw near. But the Apostle Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9). It’s wonderful to contemplate what a profound difference it will make in society when this hateful being’s evil work is stopped. How grateful we can be to observe the Day of Atonement and learn how God will make that happen!

As Rod McNair indicated, we in the Living Church of God believe that one of the messages that the Day of Atonement teaches Christians (and others) is that Satan will be bound during the millennium (see also Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?). This is based upon passages in both the Hebrew scriptures (the Old Testament) and the Greek scriptures (the New Testament) which the “Azazel goat” a representation of Satan:

10 But the goat, on which the lot fell for Azazel, shall be set alive before Jehovah, to make atonement for him, to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:10, ASV)

1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven… 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-2, NKJV)

In an earlier commentary, LCG’s Michael Heykoop:

Those who keep God’s Holy Days, listed in Leviticus 23, are reminded each year of the seven crucial steps in God’s master plan. This includes the removal of Satan! The Day of Atonement pictures a time in the not-too-distant future when Satan will be taken out of the equation. John saw this in a vision and recorded it for us in the book of Revelation:

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while” (Revelation 20:1-3).

Satan will be bound for a thousand years, and then released for a short while before being put away for good! We do not need to remain on the edge of our seat, wondering who will be victorious. There is no contest. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and His word makes it clear that the devil’s end has been decided; that Satan’s days are numbered!

If you would like to know more about the powerful implications of events pictured by the Day of Atonement, or would like to discover the path to truly understanding God’s plan for all mankind, then please do not delay in reading online or ordering our free booklet titled The Holy Days: God’s Master Plan.

Now Satan was murderer and a liar from the beginning according to Jesus:

44…the devil…He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44, NKJV)

Since the devil understands that his being bound and sent away is pictured by the Day of Atonement, he likely does not care for what it pictures. Satan and his warring ways may get especially active this Atonement as the prophetic events are occurring and his days are numbered.

Satan, however, is not the only focus of the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement also pictures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and are reconciliation to God. It was kept by Jesus and His earliest followers. Should it not also be kept by you?

To learn more about it and the other Holy Days, please check out the following:

The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
Close Encounters of a ‘Spirit’ Kind discusses some experiences I believe were (demon) ‘spirit’ related.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Hebrew Calendar This John Ogywn writing explains why we in the Living Church of God use the calendar that we do and answers such questions as “Did Jesus Observe the Postponements?”
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
The Night to Be Observed What is the night to be much observed? When is it? Why do Jews keep Passover twice and emphasize the wrong date?
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
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”?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
LCG 2011 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this October feast.
Last Great Day study paper Was Jesus speaking about the 7th or 8th day of the Feast in John 7:37? UCG has said it is the 7th, but what does the Bible teach? This extensive paper reviews UCG’s old LGD study paper and includes comments as to where it erred.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2017, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood is gaining influence in Syria:

Anti-Assad Dissidents Form Syrian National Council

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: October 3, 2011

The Muslim Brotherhood is active in other Arab lands as well.  The USA itself has seemed to back the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria (see Obama Administration Picks Muslim Brotherhood in Syria?)

Here is some of what the official English-language website of the Muslim Brotherhood teaches about its history and some of its goals:

Al-Banna was chiefly responsible for formulating the policies of this association…the idea of universal muslim state was constantly implied due to the association’s focus on Islam. While strongly disapproving of local brands of Nationalism, particularly if they were Western-inspired and secularly-minded, Banna developed his vision of Pan-Islamic Nationalism, insisting that Islam and Nationalism were complementary, especially when the latter operated within the parameter of the Islamic truth, since, for the Muslim Brethren, Islam was of course both religion and state. Here we need to analyze what was the basic concept from which Hassan al-Banna initiated to establish such Islamic organization. Then we would also explore his thought of the causes of descend of Islamic society particularly in Egypt. However, his effort and works deserved great consideration of Islamic society in the revolution to the revival of Islamic state (Caliphate)…The Muslim Brethren…believe that the caliphate is a symbol of Islamic Union and an indication of the bonds between the nations of Islam. They see the caliphate and its re-establishment as a top priority, subsequently; an association of Muslims people should be set up, which would elect the imam“.

Pro-democracy Westerners need to realize that if given a real vote, a high percentage of Arabs will support less secular, more Islamic, candidates with agendas similar to those of the Muslim Brotherhood. Many in the Islamic world long for greater influence and suspect that the way to get it is to support groups that want more Islamic influence.

Of course, if there is a caliphate, then there needs to be a caliph. Those of us in the Living Church of God have known that an Islamic leader like that (sometimes called the Imam Mahdi when the religious aspect of his leadership is emphasized) will rise up, who will be the final biblical King of the South:

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

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

Interestingly, within Islam, there is a belief that someone who sounds like the biblical “King of the South” of Daniel 11, who they tend to call the Mahdi or 12th Imam will participate in a deal like the one in Daniel 9:27…the Bible predicts the rise in the end time of a Future King of the South—and this person may be the one that Muslims will consider to be their prophesied “Mahdi.” …“the Muslim World League issued a fatwa in October of 1976 commanding Sunni Muslims to believe in the concept of an Islamic Savior called the Mahdi.”…Shi’ites also would do well to recognize that just because someone may claim to be the final Imam (or Mahdi), does not mean that God will agree that he should be followed. Neither Sunnis nor Shi’ites should support one who will appear to possibly be the final Imam in the next decade; whoever claims to be will be defeated soundly (Daniel 11:40-43). (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, Nazarene Books, 2009).

Opinion polls show that significant majorities in many Arab countries favor the establishment of Sharia law, derived from the Qur’an and centuries of Muslim jurisprudence. Several nations, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen already have Sharia law in some form. Others, such as Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Pakistan, Syria, Qatar and United Arab Emirates, mix Sharia with other systems. To the great surprise of many Western analysts, University of Maryland researchers polled Arab nations and found that substantial majorities in Pakistan, Egypt and Morocco favored the establishment of the Caliphate—which would mean autocratic Islamist rule! Far from voting to establish liberal, Western-style democracies, Middle Eastern countries—if they are given the chance to vote— could very well choose Islamist governments like those of Gaza or Iran. Rather than establish a liberal democracy, the current democratic movements in Middle Eastern Islam could very well bring on a charismatic leader to establish a Caliphate and rule autocratically. What Western politicians hope will be the “Arab Spring” may turn out to be the “Islamic Winter.” (Wakefield D. Nine-Eleven Plus Ten. Tomorrow’s World magazine, September-October 2011, p. 24).

Whether known as a caliph, Mahdi, or some type of king/president/emperor/etc., ultimately the Bible tells of an Arabic confederation that will rise up with a leader (Daniel 11:40-43).

Regarding Syria, I have a couple of concerns.

First, notice that what is starting to be formed in the Middle East, and that will ultimately develop into the King of the South, will unsuccessfully turn against the final European King of the North:

40 At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. (Daniel 11:40-43).

Notice that the people of Syria are not listed as those that escape.  Other passages in the Bible seem to warn that Syria specifically will not do well.

The capital of Syria is Damascus (cf. Isaiah 7:8), and Damascus is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited city on earth.  Yet, 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)

Since the above has not happened yet, it is still a future event.  And possibly one that will be fulfilled very soon.

Although Damascus may be destroyed by the invasion of the King of the South by the King of the North, what first might happen is that Syria might support Iran and perhaps be involved in an invasion of Jerusalem and Israel.  If so, this might be how Isaiah 17:1 is fulfilled.

It may be that as Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad notices the growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood (as well as the impact of the recent economic sanctions from the EU against Syria), he may decide that working closer with Iran and supporting its objectives may be the way he feels he can best retain power.  Since Iran has repeatedly indicated that it wants to invade Israel (and last month at the UN stated that it will not recognize Israel as a state even if the UN recognizes Palestine as a state), the idea on an actual Iranian invasion with Syrian support seems plausible.

Additionally, as I have reported before, Iran is getting close to having its own nuclear weapons (Nuclear Iran in 2012? If So, Saudis May Want Pakistani Nuclear Support)–and since Israel has indicated that this would be unacceptable, Israel itself may launch a strike against Iran that could lead to a regional war–such a war may also involve Syria.  And FWIW, perhaps I should mention that technically, Syria is still at war with Israel as it never did sign a peace deal with Israel.  So an actual war involving Syria and Israel is quite feasible.  If so, Israel may hit back so hard that it might eliminate Damascus as Isaiah 17:1 says will happen.

Much is going on in the Middle East.

As Jesus said in Mark 13, we all should watch.

For more information, here are three articles of possibly related interest:

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

Patriarchate of Moscow

COGwriter

A Protestant archeologist’s views of prophecy were in the news:

Christian archeologist Dr. Jeffrey Goodman in his book “THE COMETS OF GOD” pokes a big hole in the theory long held by most evangelical Christians that Russia will be one of the bad guys during the end times. Based on misconceptions about Russia’s origins, many evangelicals believe Russia is to be the evil empire of Ezekiel 38-39 that is to attack Israel during the end times…

Most end times Bible prophecy authors…wrongly believe the “Scythians,” a group of nomadic tribes from Central Asia traveled across the Russian steppes, and came to live in the territory north of the Black Sea…

Goodman says that since Gog, Lydia (Magog) and their confederates no longer exist, Ezekiel 38-39 uses them as “historical types” of those who are to be involved in the end times battle described in Ezekiel 38-39…The Bible says this battle is to take place in the mountains (Ezekiel 38:8, 21 and Ezekiel 39:2, 4, 17) where God fights for Israel and reveals Himself to Israel. Moreover, the Bible’s books of Daniel and Revelation both indicate that a revived Roman Empire (in essence) will be involved in such a battle. http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/9509017871.html

While he is right that Ezekiel 38-39 are no where near to be fulfilled (this does not happen until well after Jesus returns), where he is wrong is that Russia will be part of the Ezekiel 38-39 scenario.  And again, while he is confused about timing, he is correct that the Bible in Daniel and Revelation teach of a revived Roman Empire will be involved in various battles.

Now, Dr. Goodman’s assertion that Gog and Magog no longer exist is in flat contradiction of scripture.  Notice for example the following:

7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. (Revelation 20:7-8)

There would be no point in mention Gog and Magog in future prophetic passages in both Ezekiel and Revelation if those peoples no longer existed–the descendants of Gog and Magog do still exist and Dr. Goodman is in error.

Perhaps I should also mention that Dr. Goodman is correct in implying that the Scythians are not not really Russians.  Interestingly, the Scythians were highly made up of peoples of the lost tribes of Israel–hence non-Russians.

Despite his errors, Jeffrey Goodman is not the only Protestant researcher who is realizing that the Bible talks about a revived Roman Empire being involved in end time battles.  Even people like Hal Lindsey realize that the Bible tells of a European power to rise up (though, Hal Lindsey still has various issues involving the timing of Russia wrong as well).

Those truly willing to look into this and believe the Bible can know the truth.

Those interested in learning more may wish to study the following articles:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Who are the Scythians?  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? 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?

London Riots, 2011

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link that had the following:

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)

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.”  4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.  (Revelation 6:3-4)

But an even worse hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10; Jeremiah 30:7).

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. Westerners need to realize that 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, civil unrest, famine, and worse. Of course, between the recent London riots in the UK (Ephraim) and “flashmobs” in the USA (Manasseh), and even this protest in New York, to a degree, this unrest has began.

And speaking of the Anglo-descended nations, in a recent co-worker letter, Dr. Roderick C. Meredith of the Living Church of God wrote:

So it seems that the “beginning of sorrows” has certainly been escalating in Ephraim and Manasseh! Maybe it will help some few people to actually “wake up”! (Meredith RC. LCG Co-worker letter, August 15, 2011)

The sorrows and troubles are just beginning and will get much worse.  Hopefully, people will wake up.

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?
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?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?

Hyphae of Fungus Hyaloperonospora Parasitica Haustoria

COGwriter

The latest TW News & Prophecy e-zine from the Living Church of God contains the following:

“The fungus, Candida albicans, is widespread among humans. It is relatively harmless to healthy people but can be fatal to hospital patients with weak immune systems.” It causes 25% of hospital blood infections and is an opportunistic infection that moves from the gut to the blood stream when body defenses are low. Like MRSA and C. difficil (“C. dif”), this fungus has the ability to develop resistance to treatment. At the recent Society for General Microbiology conference, Dr. Carol Munro of Aberdeen University acknowledged, “C. albicans does not infect as many people as MRSA but doctors are so scared of people getting infections that they bombard them with drugs from the start which weakens the immune system.” When severe infections set in, there is a 50% death rate from the disease (Telegraph, September 7, 2011).Disease and “pestilence” are some of the “signs of the end of the age” Christ listed in Matthew 24:7-8. In modern society, rather than live healthier lives and turn to God first for healing when sick (see James 5:13-16), most people put their complete faith and trust in doctors, hospitals and medicine. One day soon most diseases will disappear because of obedience to God’s laws (Exodus 15:26). What will that world be like–a world free of disease?

For more information on the topic of healing, review our booklet, Does God Heal Today?

Fungi are a unique type of organism that can reproduce quite rapidly–far beyond the rate of normal pathogens like bacterium or viruses.  I believe that they are MUCH more widespread problems (at least in the USA) than most medical doctors are aware of.  A detailed overview article I had published in The Original Internist is available for those interested in learning more Candida albicans and other infectious fungi is at the link:  Systemic Mycoses (Yeast): An Overview.

Because of their reproductive and invasive abilities, I have long felt that various fungi could be part of the pestilences that the Bible warned about for the end times. Jesus taught:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-8)

We seem to be in the time Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows”. There have been “earthquakes in various places” this year. There are some famines and they may increase soon.  Candida, other fungi, bacteria, and viruses are not the only pestilences starting to rise up either.  Another possible one currently seems to be ants:

Fast-moving species is on the march across the American Southeast

Associated Press

And they’re on the move in Florida, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. In Texas, they’ve invaded homes and industrial complexes, urban areas and rural areas. They travel in cargo containers, hay bales, potted plants, motorcycles and moving vans.  Full text at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44740822/ns/technology_and_science-science/

As Jesus said:

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

Two articles of related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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 happens in the “beginning of sorrows”? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter Peering into Ancient Thyatira (2008)

COGwriter

A reader sent me an article from an Israeli publication that contained the following:

…the Szekely Sabbatarians honored the Sabbath and kept many Jewish rituals, with their activities centered around the village of Bozodujfalu in Transylvania…

The Sabbatarian movement in Transylvania was founded at the end of the 16th century amid the jolt delivered to Christendom by the Reformation. According to most historians, Transylvania’s location as an independent buffer zone, a no-man’s-land straddling the Ottoman, Polish and Austrian empires, gave rise to religious diversity and tolerance unknown anywhere else in Europe at the time. This was fertile ground for the emergence of a broad variety of ideas, movements and religious sects. Some of them died out or were assimilated, their memory existing only in history books. Others are, to this day, considered dominant in the region.

This was probably the only environment in which the unique accident of history that engendered the Sabbatarian movement could have occurred…

Although Jews faced discrimination in employment, taxation and places of residence, the practice of Judaism was not considered a crime and its adherents were never forced to convert. Judaism in Transylvania was considered a tolerated religion: inferior and abhorrent, but not prohibited. The Sabbatarians, in contrast, were perceived as heretics, Christians who had committed the unpardonable sin of taking on themselves the precepts of the Jews. To the local residents, that was far worse than abandoning Christianity…

Most studies place the total number of believers at between a few hundred and a few thousand. The largest community emerged in Bozodujfalu, a village that lay in an isolated green valley in the heart of a region known as Szekely Land. In 1867, about a quarter of the village’s 700 inhabitants declared that they belonged to the Sabbatarian sect…

“Confusion in Hungary,” the Tel Aviv-based Davar reported in a front-page story in August 1941. “The Hungarian government is having difficulty in finding a solution to the legal status of the 1,200 non-Jewish Shabbat-keepers who live in Transylvania,” the report said. “The members of this sect are of Aryan origin but observe Shabbat and the Jewish dietary laws. As a result, the prohibition on kosher slaughter affects them, too…”…

Finally, on October 3, 1941, the Hungarian justice minister signed an order exempting the descendants of the Sabbatarians in Hungary, including the community of converts in Bozodujfalu, from the anti-Jewish decrees. To benefit from the exemption, the community’s members had to prove a certain percentage of Szekely roots in the family lineage. The order drew a distinction between Jews according to religion and Jews according to birth. The date of the conversion was also of importance in this connection.

In Bozodujfalu, 94 members of the convert community were granted exemptions from the “Jew laws.” Another 40 villagers who termed themselves Shabbat-keepers but were not circumcised were also exempted. But the Szekely Sabbatarians did more than save themselves: they could not remain indifferent to the persecution of the Jews. Many survivor testimonies from Romania and Hungary mention them as offering food and shelter to Jews on the run. http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/magazine/discovering-europe-s-non-jews-who-kept-the-faith-1.387208

(While I do not agree with everything in the linked portion of the article, the above gives information that I feel is of interest.)  One of the last acts of Romania’s Communist leader Nicolae Ceauşescu was to build a resevoir in order to completely flood Bozodujfalu in an attempt to destroy its memory.

Interestingly, years ago I met a man at a store from the region who was somewhat familiar with the Sabbath-keepers there as he grew up near them.

I have written about Bozodujfalu in the past as it is part of my article titled In Search of the Thyatira Church.

There is more to Sabbatarian history than most recognize.

Some articles of related interest may include:

The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Joyce’s Photos of Thyatira Thyatira is the fourth of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation.  Here some photos of our visit there.
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?
News Articles Related to Church History This link is to articles on Church history that were once published on the COG News Page.
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Do they matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (sometimes referred to as the continuation of Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years. It also discusses the concept of church eras.
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.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 from 31 A.D. to present: information on all of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3.
1. The Ephesus Church Era was predominant from 31 A.D. to circa 135 A.D. The Church of James, Peter, Paul, and John, etc.
2. The Smyrna Church Era was predominant circa 135 A.D. to circa 450 A.D. The Church led by Polycarp, Melito, Polycrates, etc.
3. The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church.
4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? What about the use of the cross, by the early Church?
Did The Early Christian Church Practice Monasticism? Or was monsticism unheard of in the early Christian church?