Church of God News

COGwriter

This Thursday is the American holiday called Thanksgiving.

Whether on that date or others, the Bible teaches that God’s people should give thanks

4 Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name (Psalm 30:4).

The Bible is full of admonitions to give thanks to God.  In the NKJV the term “give thanks” is used 40 times and the term “giving thanks” is used 5 times–and nearly all of these verses are discussing giving thanks to God.

Pretty much all my life on Thanksgiving, when I have been anywhere other than a home I owned, American football has been playing on television.

For many, other than food and family, football is a major focus of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Should Christians support violent sports like American football?

The late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

Hostility toward the other is sin…Boxing at Ambassador College is definitely banned. God did not create the human brain and head to be pummeled and knocked senseless by an antagonist.

Wherever a game in sports involves antagonists–in hostile attitude to harm the other and/or to “get” from the other–to get the best of the other then a harmful, satanic and evil attitude enters in, and the sport is evil, not good…

Football (American football) is a violent body-contact sport. It is often played with an attitude of hostility and is dangerous and is fraught with physical injury. (Plain Truth, July-August 1984)

While I have even heard some thank God for football, it is not a sport that I believe that the God of love would condone.

“Love does no harm to a neighbor” (Romans 13:9), yet what do sports like American football and boxing do?

This is something that Christians, and others, should think about.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Thanksgiving: A Time To Give Thanks and Praise the LORD Is this American holiday appropriate? Why or why not?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show? This is the first time I have announced this article on this new page and it contains not only my views, but many quotes that Christians, as well as people who claim to be, should think about. Do you really want to know the answer to the question the title asks? If not, why not?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?

COGwriter

The Occupy movement is spreading:

15 ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. (Leviticus 19:15)

The end-time sorrows and troubles in society are still in the beginning stages (Matthew 24:5-8), and will get much worse according to the Bible (Matthew 24:21-22). I believe that class warfare and other protests will help weaken the USA, Canada, and their other Anglo-nations and may also be a factor in them being vulnerable to real warfare: invasion by the final Beast power.

As Jesus said:

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

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?
Is Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ from the ‘hour of trial”. It includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, showing that there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
LCG: Pornography, Who’s Tempting Whom? This is some information about the prevalence and dangers of pornography from the Living Church of God.
CG7 on Pornography This is an article excerpt from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about pornography.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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?
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.
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? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
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?

Ancient Smyrna (photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

The Living Church of God reported:

Catholics come home.

For some time, Catholics Come Home advertisements have aired in select media markets around the U.S. An ad campaign in Phoenix, Arizona in 2008 resulted in more than 3,000 people returning to the Catholic church, according to a spokesperson from the Diocese of Phoenix. Now, the church is poised to blanket the U.S. with 400 ads in more than 10,000 cities across the country, between December 16 and January 8. The hope is that the $3 million campaign will motivate about a million Catholics to return to the church.

According to a spokesperson, “People are looking for hope.” Some of those who have returned said they did so “because we were invited” (National Catholic Register, November 9, 2011). As time goes on, prophecy reveals that the Roman church will gain both popularity and power (Revelation 17:1-6, 18), in part from people who are “looking for hope” and waiting to be asked.

Although this “church of men” will not be able to fulfill the hope of billions, there is One who will–the coming Messiah–Jesus Christ. His return as King of kings and Lord of lords will reshape the world, bring freedom to the captives, and give hope to the hopeless. And His return is eminent!

For more details about indicators of Christ’s return, see our booklet, Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.

There are some other pieces of information that Catholics might find of interest.  Such as, for example, realizing that the first two times the term “catholic church” were used in the literature (which was in the second century), it was in reference to the Church of God in Smyrna and not the Church of Rome.

While most people would say that the Church of Rome was the original “catholic church”, that is actually not accurate.  According to The Catholic Encyclopedia and other early sources, it was the Church of God in Smyrna that was first referred to as the “catholic church.”  Here is what The Catholic Encyclopedia itself teaches:

The combination “the Catholic Church” (he katholike ekklesia) is found for the first time in the letter of St. Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans, written about the year 110. The words run: “Wheresoever the bishop shall appear, there let the people be, even as where Jesus may be, there is the universal [katholike] Church.” However, in view of the context, some difference of opinion prevails as to the precise connotation of the italicized word…by the beginning of the fourth century it seems to have almost entirely supplanted the primitive and more general meaning…The reference (c. 155) to “the bishop of the catholic church in Smyrna” (Letter on the Martyrdom of St. Polycarp, xvi), a phrase which necessarily presupposes a more technical use of the word, is due, some critics think, to interpolation…(Thurston H. Catholic. Transcribed by Gordon A. Jenness. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Published 1908. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Rome and its Greek affiliates later adopted the term “Catholic” and in 381 a Roman emperor declared that the expression “catholic church” could only be used to refer to the Greco-Roman groups that no longer had the same beliefs as the Church of God in Smyrna.

So, if Catholics really want to come home to the first and original church that was called the “catholic church,” which by the way, it claims was faithful to the teaching of the apostles and was founded by the apostles and their immediate successors, they should look beyond Rome.

Early church history is different than what the Catholics (including the Eastern Orthodox) and Protestants normally think it was.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Smyrna Church Era was predominant circa 135 A.D. to circa 450 A.D. The Church led by Polycarp, Melito, Polycrates, etc.  Was the Church of God in Smyrna the original “catholic church” according to early writings?  Check out the writings for yourself.
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?
What Was the Original Apostles’ Creed? What is the Nicene Creed? Did the original apostles write a creed? When was the first creed written? Are the creeds commonly used by the Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholics original?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

ICG’s Mark Armstrong had the following in his newsletter last night:

We may be deep into autumn, but the “Arab spring” protest movement is still under way. It appears that Egypt is spiraling further out of control. This time the Muslim Brotherhood Islamist movement is right out front about their organization and involvement in a renewed round of protests in Cairo with hundreds of thousands reported to be back in the square. It’s been ten months since Mubarak was forced from power, and the military is still running the show. Obviously the Muslim Brotherhood is anxious to take over the government and the military, and disrupting every semblance of normal life and business activity is their means.

As he indicated, there have been massive protests in Egypt in the past couple of days that have been at least partially organized by the Muslim Brotherhood:

Egyptian Police, Protesters Clash for Control of Tahrir Square

19 November 2011

CAIRO –  Police and protesters clashed for control of downtown Cairo’s Tahrir Square on Saturday, after security forces tried to stop activists from staging a long-term sit-in in the symbolic site.

Police, protesters clash in Cairo’s Tahrir SquareCNN International

Egypt has since been ruled by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. The military said it wants to transfer power to a civilian parliament and president.

But protesters on Friday were upset about proposed principles for the constitution, in which the military’s budget would not be scrutinized by civilian powers. They worry that the military would be shaped as a state within a state.

The outpouring reflected the power of Islamist forces in Egypt, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party.

Egypt’s Islamists dominate Tahrir Square’s dense Friday protest

Ahram Online

Hundreds of thousands of protesters descended on Tahrir Square Friday to call for one principal demand: an end to military rule and a swift transfer of power to an elected president by April 2012…Of the participating Islamists, the Muslim Brotherhood and its political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), were the most visible, outnumbering their counterparts…Apart from flags, shirts and green caps emblazoned with the groups logo, two criss-crossed swords, the Islamist group came readied with their banners bearing emblems of the FJP and the Brotherhood’s student groups. Several banners indicated the various members’ governorate of origin in a show of their mobilisation power.

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.  Much of the Egyptian military is used to having, however, a more secular government and its leadership seems to lean to that direction.  Yet, that is not what many in Egypt, especially the Muslim Brotherhood want.

Notice a translation of what some, who are part of it, write that the Muslim Brotherhood is trying to attain:

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

“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 this week 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.

But there are also possible complications that I have also written about.  For example, back on January 29, 2011, I wrote (see Egypt Protests Continue, Mohamed ElBaradei and Muslim Brotherhood Rising Up).

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

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

And, as I put in parenthetically, we may see Iran and Israel in a regional conflict, which may also encourage the rise of a unifying Islamic leader.

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.

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?

COGwriter

LCG had the following in today’s TW News & Prophecy:

The crisis in Europe has generated a myriad of opinions about its ultimate outcome. Some suggest a long and protracted period of crisis management. Others see a sleeker version of a two-speed Europe (The Economist, November 10, 2011). Some think Germany should leave the EU and take its friends with it (The Telegraph, November 16, 2011). Some are calling for a New Europe (Reuters, November 9, 2011). Still others hold to the idea that the EU can be saved only by making the “tough” decisions. In a recent article, geopolitical analyst George Friedman suggests that one way Europe may move beyond the current debt crisis is through the emergence of “… new political forces… that will completely reshape the European political landscape” (Stratfor, November 15, 2011).One idea that is common to many assessments is that the final solution will result in some type of “downsizing” of nations (fewer than the current 17 eurozone members), and that Germany will be at the helm. Bible prophecy has long foretold such a development. The Apostle John predicted the rise of a European Beast power eventually consisting of ten kingdoms that willingly give their power to a central government led by a strong individual (Revelation 17:12-16). This Beast will be influenced by a universal “mother church” (verses 1-5) that will direct nations to worship this Beast (Revelation 13:11-15).

What is now occurring in Europe will ultimately lead to radical changes in Europe’s political landscape, just as the Bible predicts. For more information on this topic, review our booklet, The Beast of Revelation.

Europe has been in the news a lot this week.  There were reports of debt problems in Italy, Greece, Portugal, and France.  There are reports that indicate that Germany in general, and its Chancellor Merkel in particular, are trying to arrange things so that Germany can change Europe more into its image.  There were also reports that Germany and others expect the United Kingdom, which never has adopted the Euro, to help bail out certain eurozone nations.

How it all will play out for now is not entirely clear.  But what is clear is that the Bible, in Revelation 17, shows that the Europeans will reorganize in the future:

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)

Steps towards this happening are continuing as we in the Living Church of God have long taught–and there will be bumps in the road and problems (major civil unrest, or worse, may occur).

Of course, the Bible is clear that the final European Beast power will not actually be highly unified as it will basically be a combination of strong and weak, or as the Bible more literally states, iron and clay:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-43)

According to Bible prophecy, a European power, despite its fragility, is destined to temporarily be the most dominant force in the world, ultimately conquer the Anglo-descended nations (Daniel 11:39), and later come to its end (Daniel 11:45).

But before it is destroyed (Daniel 11:21-44), the final Beast power must come together and get to the place where it has major economic influence.

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”? Using the Tower of Babel and “Beast” images suggests it is not concerned about its role as being part of the future Babylon of Bible prophecy.
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?
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?

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

COGwriter

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

Is war next for Syria?

The once close relationship between Syria and Turkey has rapidly deteriorated due to Syria’s continued violence toward its own protesting citizens. This week, “Turkey… suspended its joint oil exploration projects with Damascus and threatened to cut off electricity supplies to its neighbor in response to the continued violent suppression of Syria’s popular uprising” (Deutche Welle, November 16, 2011). The Arab Spring has slipped out of view of some media sources, but civil unrest and violent government crackdowns are still ripe in Syria.

While some have suggested that Syria could be expelled by the Arab League, other experts suggest that if tensions continue to increase, Turkey could take military action against Syria. Currently, Turkey is sending troops to its southern border with Syria to create a buffer zone between the two nations–an area where Syrian refugees might come for safety. Syrian unrest is a powerful reminder that all is not well in the Middle East, and that things will likely get worse before they get any better.

God predicted a time when Syrian leaders in Damascus will grow feeble and afraid, people will die in the streets of the city, and it will be consumed by fire (Jeremiah 49:23-27). He also said that Damascus would cease from being a city and would become a “ruinous heap” (Isaiah 17:1)–a prophecy that has not yet come to pass.

Events in Syria will be worth watching as Damascus and Syria will figure prominently in the fulfillment of God’s prophecies.

As regular readers of this page are aware, I have been reporting that Syria may get involved in a war, perhaps as an ally of Iran, against Israel.  Syria could also, or instead, have a major civil war that will break out beyond that which has happened there so far.

The Bible shows that, at some point in time, the Syrian capital of Damascus is doomed:

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)

Let’s also look at Jeremiah’s prophecy:

23 Against Damascus.

“Hamath and Arpad are shamed, For they have heard bad news. They are fainthearted; There is trouble on the sea;  It cannot be quiet.

24 Damascus has grown feeble; She turns to flee,  And fear has seized her. Anguish and sorrows have taken her like a woman in labor.
25 Why is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy?
26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, And all the men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord of hosts.
27 “I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, And it shall consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad.” (Jeremiah 49:23-27)

Much is going on in the Middle East, and biblically-speaking, Damascus, Syria is at risk.

As Jesus said in Mark 13:37, we all should watch.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

COGwriter

The man who recently was arrested because he wanted to assassinate Barack Obama has claimed that Obama is the Antichrist:

Federal authorities charged a 21-year-old Idaho man on Thursday with trying to assassinate President Obama. They said he had told friends that he believed the president was “the Antichrist” and that he “needed to kill him,” according to a complaint filed in federal court. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/18/us/attempted-assassination-charge-in-shooting-at-white-house.html

There are two obvious problems with this.

1) The Bible shows that Jesus has His army capture the final Antichrist and then gets him tossed into the lake of fire:

19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.  (Revelation 19:19-20)

Thus, no assassin on his own is going to be able to do this.

2) Barack Obama is not and cannot be the final Antichrist.  Here seven reasons why he is not from my 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book:

Here are seven claims that supposedly indicate that Barack Obama is the Antichrist, along with brief explanations as to why each of them is in error.

CLAIM 1. The Beast is 666.  6+6+6=18, the number of letters in Barack Hussein Obama, whose Chicago power base includes the 60606 zip code.  On November 5 —the day after the election —in Obama’s home state of Illinois—the evening “Pick 3” lottery number was 6-6-6.

The Bible says that the number is six hundred, and sixty-six (Revelation 13:18), rather than three sixes (see also Chapter 10).  Thus, nothing in  that claim ties Barack Obama to 666.

CLAIM 2. False Prophets Will Precede.  Antichrist will be heralded by false prophets.  Jeremiah Wright and Father Pfleger, who claim to be in the prophetic tradition, compared Barack to Jesus.  Louis Farrakhan called Barack “the Messiah.

Actually, the Bible teaches that one called the false prophet will do miracles and cause people to worship the image of the Beast (Revelation 16:13-14; 13:12-15).  Neither Jeremiah Wright nor the other two mentioned above have thus far qualified according to the Bible.

CLAIM 3. Satanic Palindrome.  Sasha is only the nickname of Obama’s oldest daughter.  Her legal name is NATASHA—the reverse of AH SATAN.

Natasha is the Russian version of the name Natalie.  It is a female given name: from a Latin word meaning “birthday.”  Those who claim that putting his daughter’s name backwards has something to do with him being Antichrist is a low blow. She has enough concerns as a president’s daughter. She does not need to be picked on because of her name.  His daughter’s name is simply not relevant.

CLAIM 4. Antichrist is a Charismatic Speaker Worshipped By The Masses.  The Book of Daniel says the Beast will arise in a country made up of “diverse” people from “all kingdoms” [which could describe the USA] …

The charismatic Barack is conceited and is worshipped throughout the world, including in the European Union—the successor to the Roman Empire.

The Beast is not the final Antichrist (see Chapter 12).  The Beast will be the King of the North, and  a European. The United States is not the heir to the ancient Roman Empire—Europe is.

CLAIM 5. New Nostradamus Quatrains Scholars for the Smithsonian Institute have uncovered new interpretations that may relate to Barack Obama …

Professor Eugene Randell, Deputy Director of the Smithsonian Institution Archives has released information pertaining to the up and coming US elections. The Institute which holds some very rare Nostradamus manuscripts, believes that some of the quatrains written by the 16th century soothsayer are very close to describing the fight for the White House that is happening now…

243 The great empire will be torn from limb, The all-powerful one for more than four hundred years: Great power given to the dark one from slaves come, The Aryana will not be satisfied thereby.

The above story (though popular on the internet) is apparent a satirical hoax.  There does not appear to have ever been a Professor Eugene Randell who was Deputy Director of the Smithsonian Institution Archives; nor is this new Quatrain 243 legitimate.  The publisher of the above (The Daily Squib) also would not verify, nor respond at all, concerning its story, even after two requests were made.

CLAIM 6. Mayan 2012 Calendar.  The Beast/Antichrist will rule for 42 months of relative peace and prosperity…in the middle of the fourth year of his reign…{is the} the Battle of Armageddon.  The fourth year of Barack’s presidency will be 2012, the year the Mayan calendar comes to an end, the year of a rare planetary alignment…

While Barack Obama’s first term as president includes the year 2012, the end will not come then as some believe that the Mayan 2012 prophecies indicate.

As the seven-year deal in Daniel 9:27 has not happened yet, it is not possible that the so-called “Battle of Armageddon” could begin in Barack Obama’s first term (plus the Great Tribulation needs to start about 3 ½ years before the Armageddon related battle, see Chapter 14).  And it is almost impossible for this battle to occur in his second term (presuming his reelection to a consecutive term).

The next claim is based upon someone’s “personal vision”:

CLAIM 7. Fulfilled Daniel 9:27. Very early in the morning, on Thanksgiving Day, I could not get back to sleep…I was very, very confident that the Lord was giving me a BRAND NEW REVELATION, further confirmation that on OCT. 29, 2008, OBAMA CONFIRMED THE COVENANT OF DANIEL 9:27, thrusting the world into the Final Seven Years…The Lord had called me to be a watchman many years ago…We have in circulation almost 10,000,000 tracts…2520 days (360 days X 7 Jewish years), after the 30 MINUTES OF SILENCE IN HEAVEN on Oct. 29, 2008, is Feast of Atonement. This is by divine design, not happenstance, or coincidence…There may be a peace treaty with Israel and the Antichrist in the near future, but it will NOT be 7 years in length and it will NOT be the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27. THE FULFILLMENT OF DANIEL 9:27 HAS ALREADY HAPPENED ON OCT. 29, 2008, WITH THE CONFIRMING OF THE COVENANT. TRY CONVINCING ALL OF THAT AWESTRUCK AUDIENCE IN HEAVEN, WHO WERE COMPLETELY SILENT FOR EXACTLY 30 MINUTES AS OBAMA GAVE HIS HISTORIC SPEECH that this was not the confirming of the covenant of Daniel 9:27…

Contrary to claims and visions, the deal in Daniel 9;27 has not been made (Barack Obama was not even elected president in October 2008).  The deal will be confirmed by a European as even most Protestant commentators recognize.  This deal still needs to be made.  It should also be noted that the Day of Atonement in 2015 will be on September 23rd, and therefore not 2520 days after October 29 as the above person claimed.  Hence, I would not wish to accept his vision as coming from God.

Barack Obama, contrary to various posts and emails floating around on the internet, is not the Antichrist.

I will add, however, that I do consider that Barack Obama is apocalyptic, and will help prepare the way for the final Antichrist.  My book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect goes into more details on that (chapter 8 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect is titled Barack Obama, Islam, and the End of America).

But despite what some will claim, since Barack Obama is not primarily a religious leader, etc. he cannot be the final Antichrist.

Some items 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? 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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Several More Reasons American’s Question Obama’s Religion Is Barack Obama a Christian? He claims to be. Others question that.
Many Americans Believe that Barack Obama is Muslim Is Barack Obama Muslim? Many feel that he is?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This 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:  at least 7 involving Barack Obama have 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 16-17 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16-17 já começaram a acontecer.

VS.

COGwriter

CGPFK’s Ronald Weinland charges have appeared on the internet according to two sources I have seen.  The IRS/government has five counts (basically a similar charge for each of 5 periods) it its indictment again him.  And as an example, here is the fifth charge:

COUNT 5      26 U.S.C. § 7201 On or about October 15, 2009, in Boone County, in the Eastern District of Kentucky, RONALD E. WEINLAND did willfully attempt to evade and defeat the payment of a large part of the income tax due and owing by him to the United States of America for the calendar year 2008, in the amount of $133,023.91, by failing to file income tax return, using COG contributions for personal use and not reporting the funds as income on his tax return, by failing to file a Report of Foreign Bank regarding an account in Switzerland, by failing to report the existence of that foreign account on the Schedule B of his income tax returns, and by failing to report any of the interest made on the foreign account as income, all in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201.

In total, Ronald Weinland is charged with evading $357,065 in taxes from 2004 through 2008, as he allegedly understated his income, used church money for personal expenses and tried to hide the existence of a Swiss bank account., according to a spokesman for Kerry B. Harvey, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Whether he is or is not guilty of that according to US law will be determined in a US court.  As mentioned before, I reported about this three or so years ago, and just being accused does not necessarily mean that one is guilty.

On the other hand, there is no doubt that Ronald Weinland is a false prophet and not one of God’s two witnesses as he claims.

Charge 1: He falsely claimed that he was given power on April 17, 2008 as that was the start of the Great Tribulation, according to him, and that the real others could not see this is that the Great Tribulation at that time was supposed spiritual.  His own testimony convicted him as he later claimed that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 2: He claimed that his wife Laura was the second of God’s two witnesses effective on April 17, 2008, the supposed start of the 3 1/2 years of the two witnesses gaining power (cf. Revelation 11).  Neither Ronald Weinland nor his wife Laura have displayed any of the miraculous powers of God’s two witnesses.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 3: He wrote in his 2008 God’s Final Witness book that various leaders in the Living Church of God, United Church of God, and Philadelphia Church of God would die towards the beginning of his Great Tribulation.  None have, and since according to his own statements, the Great Tribulation is mostly over.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE PROPHET AND CLAIMING TO BE ONE OF THE TWO WITNESSES AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 4: He falsely claimed that a little after April 2008, the US dollar would be worthless.  The US dollar is still valuable.  And apparently according to the IRS, so valuable to Ronald Weinland that he allegedly “did willfully attempt to evade and defeat the payment of a large part of the income tax due and owing by him to the United States of America for the calendar year 2008” on “or about October 15, 2009” according to federal documents.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE PROPHET AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 5: Ronald Weinland claimed that if the USA was not nuked by June 2008, he would resign, admit he was false, and never preach again.  The USA was not nuked, he did not resign, he continues to preach, and has not publicly admitted that he was false.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 6: He falsely claimed that the USA would not get a new president to take office in January 2009.  Yet, on January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became USA’s 44th president.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE PROPHET AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 7: He claims to be part of the Church of God, yet instead has repeatedly denied the deity of Jesus.  The Bible teaches that Jesus is God.  Verdict: GUILTY OF HERESY AND APOSTASY.

Charge 8: On August 8, 2009 he falsely declared that 2008 was God’s final witness.  That is false.  By definition the two witnesses are supposed to give a witness.  His own words again convict him.  Furthermore, he and his wife Laura have not been effective witnesses.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 9:  On December 19, 2009 he falsely declared himself to be the final Elijah.  Yet that 1) contracts his own writing {Weinland R.  The Prophesied END-TIME. 2004, pp. 73, 75, 85, 89, 106, 108} and 2) that simply is not true.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 10: Ronald Weinland continues to preach and teach false information about the Great Tribulation and the return of Jesus Christ–which he now claims will be May 27, 2012.  This is not possible as certain biblically-required events have not occurred (see, for example, Matthew 24).   Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

There are more acts he could be charged and found guilty for, but the above list should show that whether or not he is guilty of criminal tax evasion, he is guilty of being a false prophet, false witness, and speaking presumptuously.

The Bible teaches:

20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’– 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:19-22).

Ronald Weinland will also, no later that May 28, 2012 be proven wrong that Jesus, according to him, is supposed to return on May, 27, 2012.

Jesus will NOT return in 2012.

A few articles of possible interest related to prophecy may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012. Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? Why do Ronald Weinland’s own statements prove that he is a false prophet? Additionally, he has other views which show he is not truly part of the Church of God.?
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?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?

COGwriter

China getting upset enough about the USA troops to be stationed in Australia that it is dropping militaristic hints:

A Marine Base for Australia Irritates China

DARWIN, Australia — Fresh from announcing an expanded American military presence in Australia, a plan that has angered China, President Obama came to this remote northern town that will be the base of operations…

The Global Times, a state-run news organization known for its nationalist and bellicose commentaries, issued a stronger reaction in an editorial, saying that Australia should be cautious about allowing the United States to use bases there to “harm China” and that it risked getting “caught in the cross-fire.”  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/18/world/asia/obama-addresses-troops-at-final-stop-in-australia.html

Well, so it only took about a week from when I first reported that I thought that China would not like the US Marines in Australia for them to come up and start to complain, as well as to indicate that I am correct that China may use this as justification to attack Australia (see Obama Putting ‘Permanent’ Troops in Australia Because of China, But…).  Notice what I posted on November 10, 2011:

The presence of US troops in China may be used as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia.  The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA…The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous.

The hint by the Chinese that Australia risked getting “caught in the cross-fire” seems to be the first concrete step in that direction.

China is rising up and the USA is declining.   This does not bode well for the USA nor its allies like Australia.

The Bible suggests that the land of the Anglo-descended peoples will be conquered and divided (Daniel 11:39; Lamentations 4:16; Joel 3:2-3; Amos 7:17; Ezekiel 5:1-2,12; 6:8; Ezekiel 22:13-15; )

Without national repentance, the Australia is doomed. Period. So is the USA. Details are in the Bible and are more specifically explained in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

Many do not wish to accept that, either here, in New Zealand, or in Australia, but it is the truth. These nations will be taken over, and it may be that China will control part of the land.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? Might military alliances be part of the reason that non-US Anglo-nations get divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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.
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?
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 16-17 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16-17 já começaram a acontecer.

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

Tunisia’s likely prime minister made an interesting public admission:

Tunisia’s Islamists hail arrival of the ‘sixth caliphate’

The Islamist politician likely to become Tunisia’s first democratically elected prime minister has alarmed liberals and secularists by claimig the arrival of the “sixth caliphate”, a controversial term for a Muslim empire.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/tunisia/8894858/Tunisias-Islamists-hail-arrival-of-the-sixth-caliphate.html

Leader’s Islamist view sparks secular outcry

Hamadi Jebeli, the secretary-general of Ennahda, the moderate Islamist party that romped to victory in last month’s elections, told a rally in the city of Sousse: ”My brothers, you are at a historic moment in a new cycle of civilisation, God willing. We are in sixth caliphate, God willing.”

http://www.smh.com.au/world/leaders-islamist-view-sparks-secular-outcry-20111117-1nl7s.html#ixzz1dzqtU1Cq

November 17, 2011

Tunisian Pledges a New Caliphate

Secular Tunisians are expressing concerns after a leader of the country’s Islamist Al-Nahda movement said Tunisia’s emerging government marks “the Sixth Righteous Caliphate.”

The fifth caliphate, an Islamic imperial governing system, was abolished by Turkish secular Kemal Ataturk in 1924.  http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.10839/pub_detail.asp

The implementation of the sixth caliphate has long been the goal of the Muslim Brotherhood.  The Ennahda party, which recently won in Tunisia, is related to the Muslim Brotherhood.  I recently warned that the Tunisian election was going to “more towards an Islamic state” and “that the election in Tunisia will ultimately help groups like the Muslim Brotherhood” (Muslim Brotherhood Scores a Gain in Tunisia’s Election).

Specifically notice what the website of the Muslim Brotherhood wants:

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”. (zhyntativ. HASAN AL-BANNA AND HIS POLITICAL THOUGHT OF ISLAMIC BROTHERHOOD. IkhwanWeb, May 13, 2008. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=17065 viewed 09/22/11)

Notice what Wikipedia reports about the size of the caliphate that the Muslim Brotherhood wants to accomplish:

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

While I do not believe that they will get Spain, certainly the area from Morocco to possibly Afghanistan should be considered to be in play, perhaps even involving Pakistan and others.

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

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

…the Bible predicts that at the appointed time, a King of the North and a King of the South with rise. Various statements that Barack Obama has made suggest that he will implement policies that will likely help lead to the multi-national formations that will ultimately have these kings…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).

The Obama Administration has been supportive of the Muslim Brotherhood in many Arab nations (see Muslim Brotherhood Rising Up, Pan-Islamic State Will Too and Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Satisfies US Government) .  The Muslim Brotherhood wants an imam to be selected.  This individual would be expected to rule the “sixth caliphate.”

Declaring that he now hopes to be part of the beginning of the sixth caliphate Hamadi Jebeli is claiming that he believes that enough has been done for the establishment of a new-multi-national Islamic confederation to start to form.  Whether it has or not will be seen, but certainly the groundwork for such a confederation has been laid.

Now, some of the leadership in Tunisia may or may not now back-off from Hamadi Jebeli’s statements, but the reality is that when the right Arab leader rises up (the final king of the South of Daniel 11:40), I strongly suspect that those in Tunisia will support him.

And the public statement by Hamadi Jebeli clearly shows that this idea is something that he and Muslims support.

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?