Church of God News

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood is doing well in Egypt’s elections (though final results are many weeks away):

Egypt: Muslim Brotherhood says wants to form gov’t

By HAMZA HENDAWI, 30 November 2011

CAIRO (AP) — Partial results Wednesday showed the Muslim Brotherhood emerging as the biggest winner in Egypt’s landmark parliamentary elections, and leaders of the once-banned Islamic group demanded to form the next government, setting the stage for a possible confrontation with the ruling military…

Even before polls closed on Tuesday, Mohammed Mursi, head of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party, told reporters outside a polling center in Cairo that the majority in parliament must put together the government, which he said should be a coalition of the main parties.

Another top Brotherhood figure, Sobhi Saleh, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Mursi’s comments were a message to the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces not to act unilaterally…He spoke of the Brotherhood as the majority force that must be allowed to shape the next stages. He boasted that the group won 50 percent of the vote and “this percentage will be higher in the future.”  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jR-XtG6kC1qCg7GXE51JIfJV_gjQ?docId=02d4e9012424476b839dc83c7fef52be

Notice what the Muslim Brotherhood has indicated that it wants:

…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)

According to many Muslims, “Allah’s land” is supposedly all nations from Spain to Indonesia, although I believe that mainly the area from Morocco to possibly Afghanistan should be considered to be in play, perhaps even involving Pakistan and others.

While the USA has claimed that it would be satisfied if the Muslim Brotherhood made major gains in Egypt (see Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Satisfies US Government), this is a dangerous position as the Muslim Brotherhood historically has been negative towards the USA.

Notice also what Dr. R.C. Meredith of the Living Church of God has in his latest TW subscriber letter (which I did not receive in the mail until last night), plus what he wrote in an earlier one:

Right now…various Islamist groups—often foolishly called “moderate” by the mainstream media—are coming to power in Egypt, Tunisia and other African and Middle Eastern nations after the uprisings of the “Arab Spring.” The prophesied “King of the South” will soon emerge as these nations seek a “Mahdi”—a powerful religio/poltical leader who will bring them together under Islam. This “King of the South” predicted in Daniel 11:40 will no doubt be headquartered in Egypt or Saudi Arabia, not in Iran as some confused people foolishly predict. (Meredith RC. Tomorrow’s World subscriber letter, November 10, 2011)

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)

One of the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood may well become the King of the South that the Bible foretells (Daniel 11:40).

Many events are aligning with the LCG understanding of prophecy. More will as well.

Watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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?

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

A reader sent me the following, which he referred to as “Guttenberg calls himself a BEAST” :

“There’s no doubt whatsoever that I’m a political animal, a ‘zoon politicon’,” he told Die Zeit newspaper in what appeared to be a carefully orchestrated comeback after eight months away from the spotlight.   http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/11/24/idINIndia-60716820111124

“For Aristotle’s zoon politikon there are no persons beyond the walls of the city; outside the city there exist only beasts or gods.”

page 169, Urbanization and values, CRVP, 1991, By George F. McLean, John Kromkowski

If Karl zu Guttenberg becomes the King of the North (Daniel 11:40), he would also be the final Beast of Revelation.  Of course, his statement does not mean that he wishes people to think that he is the final Beast in Bible prophecy, but his comment is interesting none-the-less.

Basically, Baron Guttenberg is admitting that he is taking steps that a plotting politician would make.

The final Beast will ultimately become the leader of Europe.  And according to the Bible, he will have military abilities (Revelation 13:1-4) and apparently be popular and charismatic (cf. Daniel 7:20,11:21-24,31; Revelation 13:3-5).  Baron Guttenberg has displayed confirming characteristics.

He is one we all should watch (cf. Mark 13:37).

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? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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? How will Europeans be involved in this?

COGwriter

Armstrong Delusion (one of the anti-COG sites) apparently got a copy of a co-worker letter written by Gerald Flurry of the Philadelphia Church of God’s.  Here are some comments about finances and Armstrong Auditorium in that letter:

…our building fund donations are $700,000 less than they were last year. I want you to think about that.

Before we built Armstrong Auditorium, we sent a letter to our Church members only, asking for pledges to the building fund. We used those pledges to determine how much we could invest in construction and loan repayment until all the construction costs were repaid in full. We’ve enjoyed using the auditorium for over a year now, but we still have a big balance left on the loan–over $7Million…And if our ways are pleasing God, no recession or depression could make a bit of difference.

Now, presuming that the above is authentic (PCG co-worker letters, unlike those of groups like the Living Church of God, are not normally publicly posted), this confirms something I reported about over a month ago (see PCG No Larger Than 4th Size Among Groups with Origins in WCG) that PCG  may have shrank (shrinking membership would tend to be a factor in less donations, recessions would as well).

Because of its extra-biblical requirements for membership, etc., I am hesitant to conclude that PCG is actually a COG, but some of its members probably are part of it.

Overall, PCG seems to be smaller than it was several years ago.  Its building fund deficit and debt seem consistent with that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which claims to be faithful.
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.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains who he was and how he should be viewed today.

Beijing After Rain Beijing on a Normal Sunny Day

COGwriter

There was an article of interest in WND today:

China going bankrupt faster than U.S.?

China is going broke faster than the U.S., according to economic planner Kirk Elliott…

China’s debt is about $36 trillion yuan (or $5.68 trillion USD)...

China’s officially published interest rate of 6.2 percent is fabricated. In reality China’s inflation is 16 percent. This is eerily similar to the United States as well. The U.S. official inflation of around 3 percent is nowhere close to unofficial inflation estimates of 10-13 percent…

China’s officially published GDP growth of 9 percent is fabricated. The real number is a negative 10 percent!  http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=372457

The reported economic figures from both China and the USA have reasons to be challenged. While whether China will be bankrupt before the USA is possible, but I believe if it occurs that other items will be a factor.

Earlier this year, RC Meredith of the Living Church of Godwrote:

Many publications have suggested that the 21st century will be “China’s century.” Even though the Chinese are fiercely moving forward, and their progress in developing their industries is obvious, these publications are dead wrong for two reasons. First, the inspired word of God describes specifically how a coming European Union will be the dominant force in this world—obviously within the next several years. Therefore, brethren, I would like to focus your mind on this matter so you can more intelligently “watch” world events along this line as they unfold before your very eyes. In the coming years, you will perhaps even see a revolt of the peasants in the outlying Chinese cities, who have lagged far behind the standard of living afforded those who have moved to Beijing and Shanghai. Plus, the tremendous pollution of the water, air and foodstuffs may bring about massive disease epidemics and other problems for the Chinese.

In addition, distracting wars and other events may— as God chooses to guide it—greatly undermine the material progress now being made by the Chinese. Meanwhile, you will soon see the European Union evolve into an absolutely powerful and dynamic force in the world— ultimately to become the “Beast” as revealed in Revelation 17 in your own Bible!

So the 21st century will not be the “Chinese century!” Rather it will appear to become the European century for a few years, until the magnificent return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. From then on, the 21st century will be, indeed, “Christ’s century!” And all of us who are able to understand the “Big Picture” of world events from God’s point of view should be preparing to help straighten out the appalling degree of suffering, starvation and misconduct we find on this earth today in virtually every nation (Meredith R.C. An Inspiring and Successful Trip. Living Church News. May-June 2007, p. 21).

China will not be the great power of the 21st century. Beset by increasing financial and social problems, Chinese influence will wane and a German-led “European Empire” will surge to the fore in world affairs. (Meredith RC. What is Just Ahead for You? Tomorrow’s World magazine, Sept-Oct 2011, p. 5)

Now, the Eurozone crisis continues to be in the news.  Here are some items about that:

The crisis in the euro area is turning into a panic and dragging the zone into recession. The risk that the currency disintegrates within weeks is alarmingly high. http://www.economist.com/node/21540259?fsrc=scn/tw/te/ar/bewareoffallingmasonry

Euro Finance Ministers Discuss Radical Ideas to Avert Global Crisis

Among the previously taboo ideas being mentioned today are: countries ceding fiscal sovereignty to a central authority; some sort of elite group of euro nations that would guarantee one another’s loans but require strong fiscal discipline from anyone seeking membership.http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Euro-Finance-Ministers-wscheats-3060132077.html

Saving the eurozone from collapse: Countries vary wildly on recipes for averting disaster

‎Washington Post – ‎29 November 2011

As Europe’s debt crisis threatens to consume the global economy, the 17 countries that use the euro have very different solutions in mind…

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Chancellor Angela Merkel says in order for the eurozone to restore its financial credibility, its members need to give up more sovereignty, including surrendering some control of their budgets…

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New Italian Premier Mario Monti supports deeper European integration but his government has not said whether it would back a tighter fiscal union…

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Greece has long favored eurobonds…A small country with a big voice, Finland opposes jointly backed eurobonds.

The Bible is clear that the successor to the Roman/Byzantine Empire will be fragile and have issues of keeping together (Daniel 2:41-43).

Thus, the fact that Europe is having problems is not a surprise.  The Bible is also clear that before the end, Europe will reorganize (Revelation 17:12-13), so the fact that a variety of reorganizations are now being proposed is not a surprise either.

We will see what will happen to the Euro.

On the other hand, I believe that the Bible is fairly clear that the USA will be bankrupted (whether China or Europe will be before the USA is not that clear from scripture).  The USA has increased debt greatly and, unlike China and Germany, continues to import much more than it exports.  And while China and/or Europe may implode, the fact that they have tended to be net exporters (and even the EU does not run a trade deficit as large as the USA does) suggests that massive economic disaster will hit the USA.

Because of China’s pollution, financial misreporting, potential for significant social unrest, and how it is discussed in biblical prophecy, this shows that the 21st century will not belong to China. China will not become number 1, but Europe, whose economy is possibly larger than the USA’s currently, will be number 1 per Revelation 13 & 18 (and yes, Europe has some of the same category of problems as China, and I believe that it will have civil unrest and perhaps riots/wars).  To be number 1 does not mean that an economy has to be perfect, only that it is perceived to be stronger than the others–the USA is in the process of losing that perception, although many lack even more confidence, for the time being, in the economy of the European Union.

America itself is declining, and may be it history before the end of this decade, presuming that the Great Tribulation starts by then.

Watch and see.

Some articles involving the Asian peoples that may be of interest may include the following:

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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
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?
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?

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

Groups with goals like the Muslim Brotherhood seem to be gaining political power in Egypt’s elections, though final results are many weeks away:

The Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists are expected to be the biggest winners, seizing a plurality and possibly majority of parliament.In contrast, liberal, leftist and secular parties entered the race weak and divided…

Backers of the Brotherhood and Islamic groups like the ultraconservative Salafis turned out in heavy numbers, while others said their main goal in voting was to try to keep the Islamists in check.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5inMNm-kMHX-F636Akty5SQE7W5Ew?docId=8658ad66c24b4d31bbc5fec8525e6c04

The voting process, long and complicated, is staggered over the next six weeks across 27 provinces, divided into thirds with runoffs held a week after the first round in each location…

Islamist parties, which had all been officially licensed after Mubarak’s ouster, are expected to make big wins in the three-round elections that run through until January 10. http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/egypt-army-sees-unprecedented-turnout-on-day-2-of-vote-1.398499

The Muslim Brotherhood does not wish to accept a standard secular government, but instead longs for a pro-multinational Islamic caliphate that crosses current borders.

Notice what the Muslim Brotherhood has indicated that it wants:

“The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law. (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

…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)

According to many Muslims, “Allah’s land” is supposedly all nations from Spain to Indonesia, although I believe that mainly the area from Morocco to possibly Afghanistan should be considered to be in play, perhaps even involving Pakistan and others.

The show of power by the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and the statements a few weeks ago by the likely next Prime Minister of Tunisia (see Tunisia’s Expected Prime Minister Claims to be part of the Sixth Caliphate), demonstrate that the idea of an Islamic caliphate, which is the goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is a reality that many are trying to now bring about.

But this should not be a surprise to regular readers of this page. For years, based upon the understanding that we in the Living Church of God have concerning end-time biblical prophecy, I have warned that an Islamic confederation would rise up in the Middle East and North Africa.

The King of the South will rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood hopes to make its version of an Islamic empire reality. Events in the Middle East and North Africa are moving in that direction.  We in the Living Church of God have long taught that the Bible teaches that the King of the South would be supported by Egypt (Daniel 11:40-43).  We have also taught that it may be led by Egypt:

The northern Sudan, anciently referred to as Cush, was once part of the Egyptian empire—a region where the future King of the South may headquarter (News and Prophecy. World Ahead Weekly Update, May 24, 2007).

Egypt probably will be the King of the South…historically they have been…The King of the South is probably Egypt or possibly Saudi Arabia (Meredith RC. Where are we now in Bible prophecy? Sermon, Charlotte, NC, April 30, 2011)

Many events are aligning with our understanding of prophecy.  More will as well.

Watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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?

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

Another austerity budget has been proposed for the UK:

29 November 2011

George Osborne: Public sector pay rises capped at 1%…

Mr Osborne also confirmed that UK economic growth would be lower, and borrowing higher, than was forecast during the Budget in March…

He said borrowing was falling and debt would come down but “not as quickly as we wished”. In 2011-12 it is now forecast at £127bn – up from £122bn forecast in the Budget – £120bn in 2012-13, £100bn in 2013-14 and £79bn in 2014-15…

The chancellor conceded he would not be able to meet his aim of eliminating the structural deficit and to see national debt falling by 2014/15 – a year ahead of target – because “that headroom has now disappeared”.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15931086

Austerity programs have also been proposed for countries in Europe that use the Euro.  The economic situation in the European Union is currently a bit tense.  There will likely be more civil unrest and protests, and perhaps riots and civil war.

The fact that debt is still expected in the UK should be of no surprise to regular readers of this page.  On June 22, 2010, I posted:

But, I suspect that the United Kingdom will have various compromises, and will still end up with having too much debt. (see UK Proposing Budget Cuts and Tax Increases)

And that appears to be what has been happening.  The United Kingdom may also have other internal and external problems to make this worse than Chancellor Osborne seems to currently believe.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

14th Century Tapestry of the Third Horseman of the Apocalypse

COGwriter

Extreme weather is starting to affect food prices:

Extreme weather drives up food prices: report

Recent drought in Africa doubled or tripled crop prices

Nov 28, 2011

Extreme weather events caused by climate change are endangering global food supplies and driving up prices for consumers worldwide, says new research released Sunday by the humanitarian group…Oxfam Canada…

Oxfam’s briefing note also said that the recent drought in the Horn and East Africa dealt a severe blow to over 13 million people, with some crops doubling or tripling in price last July.  http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Extreme+weather+drives+food+prices+report/5776862/story.html

It should be noted that in North America, Texas (see 95% of Texas in Drought), Oklahoma (see TW on Earthquakes, Plus Oklageddon), the South (see USA’s South Hit by Drought and Floods), and Mexico (see Mexico’s Severe Drought) have been having severe droughts and other weather problems as well.

The Bible is tells of a time that there will be food shortages and serious food inflation:

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6)

Is this now starting to happen?

The sorrows and troubles are just beginning and will get much worse.

The four horsemen line up with something that Jesus said:

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

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.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What is the Book of Revelation trying to tell us about them? Does the first one deceive many?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death? What will it bring and when?
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?

World Currencies

COGwriter

The first item seems a bit bizarre:

Obama Presses EU Leaders on Resolving European Debt Crisis

‎BusinessWeek – Roger Runningen – Margaret Talev – 28 November 2011
President Barack Obama is pressing European Union leaders to keep moving quickly to resolve the two-year-old euro-zone debt crisis before it hobbles the global economy…About $4.6 trillion was wiped from the value of global equities this month on mounting concern that Europe’s debt crisis is spreading.

The eurozone really has only days to avoid collapse

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d9a299a8-1760-11e1-b00e-00144feabdc0.html

Fear is spreading through the financial markets as investors pull their money out of the crisis-stricken euro-zone countries. With Chancellor Angela Merkel opposed to using the ECB’s firepower to solve the crisis, the monetary union appears increasingly in danger of breaking apart. Some economists are even arguing for Germany to reintroduce the deutsche mark. By SPIEGEL Staff  http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,800285,00.html

In the past, certain European leaders have questioned the wisdom of listening to advice from the Obama Administration related to debt as the Obama Administration increased the national debt of the USA more quickly than any other administration  in the USA’s history (outside, perhaps on an inflation-adjusted basis for certain times of major war).  But, in times of crises, many unthinkable options become more plausible.

Some think that the indebted USA may somehow bail Europe out:

Should the Fed save Europe from disaster?

…Interbank lending has seized up. Much of the financial system is paralysed, setting off a credit crunch just as Euroland slides back into slump.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/8918784/Should-the-Fed-save-Europe-from-disaster.html

How the USA deals with all this may end up being inflationary for the USA.  The USA is greatly in debt itself.

As far as Europe goes, the Bible is clear that Europe will appear disconnected and never will be thoroughly unified (Daniel 2:41-43). Europe may have additional civil unrest and possibly civil war (see pages 79-81 of my 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book) if the Euro crisis expands and/or the Euro itself collapses.  And end-time civil wars and riots would likely be stopped by the final Beast (cf. Revelation 13:4), who is the final King of the North (Daniel 11:36-45).

As far as the the US dollar and Euro go, here is some of what I wrote in 2009 in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

Habakkuk 2:3,6–8…This prophecy, if it is applicable to the U.S.A, also suggests that American dollars will ultimately be of no value to creditors by then (or to probably anyone else)…

It would seem that once the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer. Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe.

Eventually, despite Europe’s problems (cf. Daniel 2:42-43), Bible prophecy shows that Europe will be THE major economic superpower for a short time. And as I have written many times at COGwriter, I expect the euro to drop in value from time to time, and even to plummet should major civil unrest occur, until the euro (or whatever replacement currency Europe would have should the euro be dropped, including a possible world currency) becomes the actual world reserve currency essentially replacing the US dollar.

I have long felt that there is a possibility that the Euro may be replaced and I am still convinced that the US dollar will NOT remain the world’s primary reserve currency. Yet, ultimately Europe will reorganize and become a powerful military force (Revelation 17:12-13; 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39-43).

The Bible shows that Europe will have to reorganize and ultimately fulfill the prophecies in the Bible about being the final Beast power of Revelation, the final King of the North of Daniel 11.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

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?
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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
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? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
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?
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?
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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 17 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16 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 18 já começaram a acontecer.

Yusuf al-Qaradawi
يوسف عبد الله القرضاوي

COGwriter

Israel is at least partially listening to requests from Jordan and Egypt:

Netanyahu delays demolition of Jerusalem bridge over Egypt, Jordan warning

Haaretz – Nov 28, 2011

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Jerusalem municipality and the Public Security Ministry on Friday to postpone for one week the demolition of the Mughrabi Bridge, which leads from the Western Wall Plaza to the Temple Mount, due to warnings from Egypt and Jordan of possible repercussions…

The dispute over the bridge has now become a key issue in Egypt’s elections. The Muslim Brotherhood’s spiritual leader, Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi, called Thursday on Jordanian King Abdullah to dissuade Israel from replacing the ramp. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/netanyahu-delays-demolition-of-jerusalem-bridge-over-egypt-jordan-warning-1.398111

The government of Israel must feel like it is always walking on a tightrope.  The bridge needs to be repaired, but Israel does not want to have to fight battles because of that, especially because of what is going on in Iran with its nuclear and anti-Israel ambitions. Notice the following related report that was in the news today related to that:

Speculation has intensified in Israel that it was preparing air strikes on Iran to hit nuclear facilities following a November 8 report by the UN nuclear watchdog strongly suggesting Tehran was researching atomic weapons.

Hajizadeh said last Monday the Revolutionary Guards’ “greatest wish” was for Israel to attack Iran, so they could retaliate and relegate the Jewish state to “the dustbin of history.”  http://www.defencetalk.com/well-hit-nato-shield-in-turkey-if-threatened-iran-38542/

Amir-Ali Hajizadeh is the commander of the aerospace division of the Revolutionary Guards of Iran.

So, Israel has Iran that wants to eliminate it, and of course, the goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is to make all nations whose lands were once dominated by Islam, Islamic–and that includes the tiny nation of Israel.

We are likely to see conflict and perhaps a major regional war in the Middle East relatively soon.  And while Israel would likely suffer heavy losses from such a war, the losses in Iran and/or its ally Syria may be worse.

This would tend to embolden groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.  But this may also lead to the deal of Daniel 9:27 (often it takes a war to bring about a peace deal).

The King of the South will rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood hopes to make its version of an Islamic empire reality. Events in the Middle East and North Africa are moving in that direction.  Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi is one to watch related to all of this as he wants a Caliph (a leader that may be the King of the South of Bible prophecy, cf. Daniel 11:40-43; see also Qaradawi Calls for Establishing a United Muslim Nations), and he is already an Islamic spiritual leader.

Remember, it was Jesus who told His followers to watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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”? Why might the covenant in Daniel 9:27 be a peace deal?  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?
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?

COGwriter

The following is from the latest LCG TW News & Prophecy:

Growing threat of super bugs.

For years, scientists have warned about the growing strength and drug resistance of bacteria. In Europe, nations are reporting drug resistance of up to 50% with some bacterial infections. This means that antibiotics used to treat certain bacterial infections are failing half of the time. Experts cite overprescribing and misuse as major reasons that antibiotics are failing (Reuters, November 17, 2011).Public health experts are fearful because of the lack of new and more powerful antibiotics. It is not economically feasible for drug companies to research and develop “last line of defense” drugs that will not be commonly used.

Jesus warned that disease epidemics–“pestilences”–would be one sign of the end of the age (Luke 21:11), and that they would be part of the “beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). As time goes on, we should expect to see more virulent and difficult-to-treat outbreaks of disease. No doubt the drug resistance being built up by the agents of infectious disease will play into God’s end-time scenario.

Notice some items from secular sources:

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed three cases of a new flu virus, which originated in pigs but apparently spread from person to person, in three Iowa children.” http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/story/2011-11-24/CDC-confirms-cases-of-new-swine-flu-virus/51384636/1

Sweden concerned over ‘useless’ flu vaccine stockpiles

“Tamiflu, the medication used to combat influenza, is useless in large parts of the world.”March 3, 2009 http://www.thelocal.se/17956/20090303/

CDC Warns of New Swine Flu Strain

ABC News – Nov 25, 2011 excerpt…U.S. health officials remain on the alert for additional cases of a new swine flu strain that infected three Iowa children this month…

The new flu strain is resistant to two commonly used antiviral drugs, rimantidine and amantadine, but based upon their genetic structure, would likely respond to osteltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/11/25/new-swine-flu-strain/

Relatively soon, serious pestilences are prophesied as they are part of what Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows”:

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

If humans quit eating pigs, the “swine flu” problem would probably go away. But since many still do, it is possible that something more serious may happen.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilence? What will it bring and when?