Church of God News

Depiction of solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere

COGwriter

NASA made some comments about solar flares:

Do solar flares pose an existential threat to the earth?

The State Column | Staff | Saturday, November 12, 2011…

There simply isn’t enough energy in the sun to send a killer fireball 93 million miles to destroy Earth, NASA heliophysicist Alex Young said…

The sun is indeed building up toward the peak of its 11-year activity cycle. But that peak is expected to come in 2013 or 2014, not 2012, researchers said, noting that NASA officials are closely monitoring the situation…

Still, NASA officials warned that the solar flare could disrupt an increasingly technological world. National power grids could overheat and air travel severely disrupted while electronic items, navigation devices and major satellites could stop working after the Sun reaches its maximum power in a few years.  http://www.thestatecolumn.com/science/nasa-solar-flares-do-not-pose-a-threat-to-planet-earth/#ixzz1dWi7ui4c

While the Bible itself warns of a time of scorching solar heat (Revelation 16: 8-9), it may be that increased solar activity or some human-made pulse bomb could set certain Western nations back many years.

As far as solar flares go, they were discussed in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Here are a few passages related to them:

Some scientists believe that there will be an increase in sunspot activity that will affect the earth in 2012. Notice the following from N.A.S.A.:

Solar Storm Warning: Researchers announced that a storm is coming—the most intense solar maximum in fifty years. The prediction comes from a team led by Mausumi Dikpati of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)…

Solar physicist David Hathaway of the National Space Science & Technology Center (NSSTC)…has confidence in the conveyor belt model and agrees with Dikpati that the next solar maximum should be a doozy. But he disagrees with one point. Dikpati’s forecast puts Solar Max at 2012… a storm is coming.

Solar outbursts have been proposed that could essentially wipe out modern civilization.

Notice a scenario that is based on a report from the U.S. National Academy of Scientists (although the precise date seems to be speculative):

IT IS midnight on 22 September 2012 and the skies above Manhattan are filled with a flickering curtain of colourful light…Within 90 seconds, the entire eastern half of the US is without power.

A year later and millions of Americans are dead and the nation’s infrastructure lies in tatters. The World Bank declares America a developing nation. Europe, Scandinavia, China and Japan are also struggling to recover from the same fateful event – a violent storm, 150 million kilometres away on the surface of the sun…

According to the NAS report, a severe space weather event in the US could induce ground currents that would knock out 300 key transformers within about 90 seconds, cutting off the power for more than 130 million people…

First to go – immediately for some people – is drinkable water…With no electricity to pump water from reservoirs, there is no more…
There is simply no electrically powered transport: no trains, underground or overground…For hospitals, that would mean about 72 hours of running a bare-bones, essential care only, service. After that, no more modern healthcare.

The truly shocking finding is that this whole situation would not improve for months, maybe years…

A N.A.S.A./N.O.A.A. report indicated that the next solar cycle peak may be later, like May 2013.

While solar flares will ultimately happen (Revelation 16: 8-9), and some that affect satellites and electricity may happen sooner, a new order is truly getting set up to happen.

There are real risks for the USA, Canada, UK, and other nations. But most ignore or dismiss the warning signs. Will you?

Some articles that might be of assistance in understanding end-time events may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradaumus 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?
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?
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 15-16 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 16 já começaram a acontecer.

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Israel seems to believe that not telling Barack Obama its plans is the best strategy:

Israel refuses to alert US over Iran attack

Adrian Blomfield, Jerusalem

November 14, 2011

ISRAEL has refused to reassure President Barack Obama that it would warn him of a pre-emptive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, raising fears that it may be planning an attack as early as the next northern summer.

The US leader was rebuffed when he demanded private guarantees that a strike would not go ahead without White House notification, suggesting that Israel no longer plans to ”seek Washington’s permission”, sources said.http://www.smh.com.au/world/israel-refuses-to-alert-us-over-iran-attack-20111113-1ndq4.html#ixzz1db6b3LQd

Of course, by not telling Barack Obama, the USA can claim that it did not know about an attack in advance.  This also may mean that Iran, and perhaps allies like Syria, will be emboldened to hit Israel harder militarily if the USA is not directly involved.

If so, I suspect that Israel will hit both Iran and Damascus (Isaiah 17:1) hard enough to fulfill one or more biblical prophecies.

Notice also two other news articles I saw today:

World must halt Iran nuclear drive: Israel PMTimes of India

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called on world governments to waste no time in stopping “Iran’s race to arm itself with a nuclear weapon.”

PM: Int’l community must stop Iranian nuclear programJerusalem Post

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the “international community must stop Iran’s race for nuclear weapons” as its success may put the whole world at risk.

It appears that Israel is trying to make the case that the world community needs to stop Iran, but if the world community will not do that, then Israel will do the world community a favor by taking care of Iran’s nuclear program itself.

And while some in the world community probably would like that, there will be a backlash against Israel for doing so.  Especially if Israel hits Syria hard enough to fulfill the following prophecy:

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. (Isaiah 17:1-2).

If Israel destroys Damascus and neutralizes Iran, there will likely be such sabre-rattling from the Islamic world that Israel will be pressured into a peace arrangement that may fulfill the prophecy of a seven-year confirmed treaty in Daniel 9:27.

US President Barack Obama must be frustrated by the lack of information on this from an ally.  However, Israel is an ally that believes that its legitimate concerns have not been taken seriously enough by Barack Obama, so this is not really a surprise.  Israel also knows that the Obama Administration’s positive overtures to the Muslim Brotherhood and related groups in the Middle East is putting Israel in a no-win situation as well.  Hence, Israel probably figures since it will not be able to truly rely on Barack Obama, it is better off having the element of surprise on its side.  And although I do not agree with the old expression, “it is easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission,” Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu would be familiar with that expression and probably believes a version of it.

Events are moving forward in the Middle East, Iran, and other parts of the world for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Some items 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?
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? 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.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? 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? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, at least 17 have already started to come to pass–about seven of which involve Barack Obama.

COGwriter

In the announcements read today, the Living Church of God (LCG) had the following news item:

Fear for the Australian Dollar. Currently, the Australian dollar is relatively strong on the world currency markets. However, Australia’s increasing reliance on exports to China concerns some experts. In recent years, Chinese companies have been hoarding metals—especially copper—to use as collateral. With the slumping value of copper, Australian exports to China are predicted to drop drastically, which will negatively affect the Australian dollar (Money and Markets, October 22, 2011). Economists seldom connect their concerns with areas outside their field. Yet religious interest in Australia is not strong and Australia boasts some of the largest “Gay Pride” celebrations in the world. The Bible clearly reveals there will be negative consequences to Israelite-descended nations because of their increasing rejection of God and His ways. Moses predicted that the Israelite nations will become the tail, while outside nations will become head over them (Deuteronomy 28:43-45). If copper prices tumble, due to the trade relationship between Australia and China, we might expect the Australian dollar to tumble down with it. Moses warned about trusting foreign nations instead of God (Deuteronomy 28:49-50).

New Zealand is also vulnerable for many reasons, but also including that problems with the Australian economy tend to affect it negatively as well.  New Zealand also has debt:

Key: Private sector debt NZ’s biggest concern

‎New Zealand Herald – Adam Bennett – 11 November 2011
Prime Minister John Key yesterday acknowledged private sector, rather than Crown debt is the bigger problem for New Zealand as the worsening European debt crisis threatens the global economy…New Zealand’s economy was also showing some signs of strain yesterday as Treasury reported lower than forecast tax revenue, the Reserve Bank published a gloomy report on the state of our financial sector, and Standard & Poor’s said risk had risen in our banking industry.

New Zealand also has the highest rate of female promiscuity according to a report I have seen.  Sin can result in debt according to Bible prophecy (cf. Deuteronomy 28:42-45).

The Bible indicates 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; Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52)

Without national repentance, the Australia and New Zealand are doomed. Period. So is the USA, Canada, and UK.

Many do not wish to accept that, but it is the truth. The Anglo-descended nations will suffer economic ruin and be taken over.

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?

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

Some in Germany celebrated its reunification today:

Euro states must give EU more power: German finance minister

Reuters – ‎12 November 2011

BERLIN (Reuters) – Euro zone states must do more at a European level and pass some of their responsibilities for budget setting and fiscal policy to European institutions to find a way out of the debt crisis, Germany’s Finance Minister was quoted on Saturday as saying.

The Bible, in Revelation 17, is clear that the Europeans will reorganize in the future and given more of their power to a central authority:

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)

More and more we are hearing calls that are consistent with that prophecy.  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).

Why?

The Bible is also 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).

We in the Living Church of God have long taught that Germany (Assyria in end time prophecy) would be the driving force in the end-time European Beast power as well as having a future role in God’s kingdom. Germany has been the main economic engine behind the EU (the Netherlands is also a major, but sometimes overlooked, major economic power there as well).

We believe that over time, Germany will get more and more powerful and that a stronger union would form in Europe.   More leaders in Europe are starting to advocate a stronger European union publicly.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

Iran is threatening Israel with attack:

Iran threatens Israel invasion

UPI – Nov 11, 2011

Iran is threatening an attack on Israel in response to reports of a possible Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities, an Iranian news agency says.The Iranian Fars news agency, which is associated with the Revolutionary Guards, said some 30,000 Syrians and Palestinians have been training to infiltrate Israel via the Syrian border to carry out suicide missions, Ynetnews reported Friday.

Fars said the men have sent a petition to the Syrian government expressing their willingness to help it through “any crisis” that may arise with Israel.

“They have asked the Syrian government for authorization to infiltrate occupied Palestinian land and carry out suicide missions against Israeli soldiers,” the Fars report said. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/11/11/Iran-threatens-Israel-invasion/UPI-56801321050962/

As regular readers of the COGwriter news page are aware, I have been warning for some time that Iran and Syria may be involved together in an attack on Israel whether they attack Israel first or Israel attacks on or both of them.  The above news report is confirmation that the Iranians are clearly thinking about the same thing.

My speculation has been based upon current events and situations as well as Bible prophecy.  Both Isaiah 17:1 and Daniel 11:40-43 have been factors in that speculation.  Three years ago, LCG reported:

“Should Israel or the United States attack Iran, it would be the start of another World War,” an Iranian general warned on Saturday. Jordan’s King Abdullah warned, “any military action against Tehran will have serious consequences on all of the Middle East, and the states in the region will be forced to deal with the situation” (Jerusalem Post, August 31, 2008). Iran’s allies, Syria and the Lebanese Hezbollah have apparently stockpiled thousands of rockets for retaliation purposes (DEBKA, August 31, 2008). God prophesied through Isaiah that Damascus would “cease from being a city” and would become “a ruinous heap” (Isaiah 17:1)—powerful words for a city which many consider to be one of the oldest “continuously inhabited” cities on earth. As we see powerful Middle Eastern events continue, it will be interesting, yet sobering, to see how God uses nations to fulfill His end-time prophecies.

That prophecy in Isaiah 17:1 seems to be timed to be fulfilled prior to Daniel 11:39 (where the “strongest fortresses” of that USA and its Anglo-allies are taken over) and seems to be a sign to watch for that the Great Tribulation is close.

As far as Iran goes, notice the following that was in a news report yesterday:

Ayatollah Khomeini’s teaching are followed by Ayatollah Mazbah Yazdi, a spiritual advisor of Ahmadinejad who was publicly recruiting would be suicide bombers to enlist with the “Lovers of Martyrdom Garrison.” Yazdi and his student Ahmadinejad are preparing for the Islamic equivalent of Armageddon that would bring back the messianic Islamic Mahdi who is regarded as the 12th Imam, or righteous descendant of the Prophet Mohammad. Mahdi is said to have gone into “occlusion” in the ninth century, at the age of five. His return will be preceded by cosmic chaos, war and bloodshed. After a cataclysmic confrontation with evil and darkness, Shiites believe that the Mahdi will lead the world to an era of universal peace. Ahmadinejad seems to accept that belief. In his debut speech to the United Nations he said, “I emphatically declare that today’s world, more than ever before, longs for just and righteous people with love for all humanity; and above all longs for the perfect righteous human being and the real savior who has been promised to all peoples and who will establish justice, peace and brotherhood on the planet.”  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/haggai-carmon/iran-to-bomb-or-not-to-bo_b_1085424.html

I would add that Ahmadinejad more than seems to accept that belief.  In February 2011, he claimed that the Imam Mahdi was behind the developments in the world, implying the changes in the Egypt and Tunisia, etc. were part of what the Iman Mahdi was orchestrating (Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: World Order About to Collapse, Mahdi Behind it).

The type of religious leader that Iran and other Muslim want is supposed to unify much of the Islamic world.  And while this leader will not really be a being that has been around since the 9th century as Shi’ite Muslims tend to believe, the Bible does tell of a leader called the King of the South who likely will fill the role of a multi-national Islamic leader.

Events may “spin out of control” for this to happen.

Notice something that happened today in Iran:

“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are ready to respond to any threat,” Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said on Saturday.  http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9007273093

The implication is that Iran is powerful enough to fend off any attack.  That being said, if Israel were to be involved in battles with Iran, Israel would likely conclude that it would have to strike Iran, and probably its ally Syria, very hard in order to prevent its nation from being totally destroyed (which is consistent with what Iran’s President Ahmadinejad has called for in the past Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).

However, since Iran is not really south of Jerusalem, we in the Living Church of God have specifically taught that Iran will not be the leader of the final King of the South (though groups like the Philadelphia Church of God do, incorrectly, teach that).  And since Iran is an Islamic nation with significant military power, I have long taught that it may somehow be neutralized and its influence somewhat minimized so that the final King of the South could arise.  An unsuccessful regional conflict involving Israel is something that I felt may be a factor in that.  And since Damascus, the capital of Syria, has destruction prophesied for it in Isaiah 17:1,  this is part of why I have been warning that something like this could happen.

Although it was announced today that unless its changes tactics in the next few days Syria is to be suspended from the Arab League (see Arab League votes to suspend Syria over bloodshed) and has lately been somewhat isolated within it, do not believe that all Arabs are opposed to Syria.  Notice one somewhat correct observation that was in the news today:

Any Israeli military attack against Iran would serve first and foremost to gather Arab and Muslim popular sympathy to the benefit of the Islamic Republic of Iran.  http://english.alarabiya.net/views/2011/11/12/176677.html

And while various Arabs would like to see Iran neutralized, many don’t really want to see Israel succeed.  The reality is that a strong attack by Israel would likely be a factor in many Arabs (and certain other Muslims) concluding that their best option would be to unify across national borders to create an empire that Israel could not neutralize and one that could destroy Israel itself–such an alliance is prophesied (cf. Psalm 83:4-8).

Events are moving forward in the Middle East, Iran, and other parts of the world for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

As Jesus said:

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

Some items 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?
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? 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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter

In today’s TW News & Prophecy, LCG reported:

Thailand’s epic flooding continues.

Three months of flooding across the nation has left more than 500 dead and one quarter of Thailand’s 76 provinces still feeling the effects of flood waters. For three weeks, much of the nation’s capital, Bangkok, has been submerged under waist-deep water. The sad part is that the water has nowhere to go and is predicted to remain for several more weeks.

Analysts estimate that 1,000 factories are closed due to flooding and at least one major airport is under neck-deep water. The president’s offices have been moved twice due to rising waters. According to one reporter, “By many measures, Thailand is working at half speed.” Food and water are becoming scarce in some areas and mosquitos are swarming (New York Times, November 8, 2011).

Across the Pacific Ocean this week, the “Bering Sea Superstorm” smacked into Alaska bringing hurricane-force winds of 90 miles per hour, more than a foot of snow in some places, and tidal surges 10 feet (two meters) high (WashingtonPost.com, November 9, 2011). Worldwide weather is getting more extreme.

Jesus warned that “pestilences” and “fearful sights” will come more frequently as the end of age approaches (Luke 21:11). For more information on this topic, see our booklet, Who Controls the Weather?

The situation in Thailand is a concern, and is one that I have reported on before (see ).

Jesus warned about a time of troubles called the beginning of sorrows:

8 … And there will be…famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

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, like those in Thailand? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011 or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.

(Choo photo)

COGwriter

Today’s TW News & Prophecy from the Living Church of God has the following:

More earthquakes.

Saturday, November 5, Oklahoma was hit by the largest earthquake on record in the state–a quake of 5.6 magnitude. While the quake did little damage, it scared many people who are used to tornados, but not earthquakes. The quake was felt as far away as Washington, DC, and South Carolina–1,000 miles away (Reuters, November 6, 2011).

Oklahoma has about 50 small quakes a year. However, last year (2010) the state experienced 1,047 quakes! This sudden surge in earthquakes has puzzled scientists. Some suspect that hydraulic fracturing of rocks to release natural gas may be contributing to the quakes (Associated Press, November 7, 2011).

The record-breaking Oklahoma quake comes after a 7.2 magnitude quake hit Eastern Turkey on October 23, killing more than 500, and a 7.4 magnitude quake hit deep underground in the Kermadec Islands region in the South Pacific, on October 21 (www.usgs.gov). These recent quakes are noteworthy both because of their magnitude and their locations.

Jesus predicted, almost 2,000 years ago, that “earthquakes in diverse places” would be just one of the signs that would precede His Second Coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:7). As time goes on, expect to see more earthquakes, with more devastating power, occurring in more diverse places.

And while there are earthquakes in many places this year, AccuWeather has a report calling what happened in Oklahoma, Oklageddon:

Oklageddon

What a Year in the Sooner State!

2011 has been the year of extremes for the state of Oklahoma, with residents experiencing a wide variety of over-the-top weather events. From extreme heat and historic drought to powerful, record-setting tornadoes and earthquakes, Oklahoma has seen it all this year.

http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/57651/oklageddon-what-a-year-in-the.asp

Montana had a quake of local interest today:

Western MT earthquake felt hundreds of miles away

KPAX-TV – ‎11 November 2011

MISSOULA- Friday morning’s magnitude 3.3 earthquake that struck western Montana sure has a lot of people talking.

Jesus, of course, warned about a time earthquakes and troubles:

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

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

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

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

There are troubles and repentance is needed. Things are going to get much worse than this.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy Contains a cool up-to-the-hour update of earthquakes around the world from USGS. It also explains what did Jesus teach about earthquakes and how the Bible describes “the big one” (as well as when it is expected).

VS.

COGwriter

The day after CGPFK’s Ronald Weinland once again declared that he was one of God’s two witnesses and that Jesus would return on May 27, 2012, I posted about that and included the following:

Sadly, Ron Weinland is one of many who are fulling the following prophecy:

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber (2 Peter 2:1-3).

He has, and sadly will, continue to cause the way of truth to be blasphemed.  Notice also the last line above about judgment and destruction.  Well Ron Weinland’s judgment apparently has not been idle and his destruction seems not to have slumbered.  Interestingly, the day after I posted that he got indicted by the US federal government according to the following news reports:

Local minister indicted for tax evasion charges

Posted: Nov 10, 2011 2:29 PM PST Updated: Nov 10, 2011 2:51 PM PST

By Ethan Goldsmith

A Union, KY minister was indicted on Thursday by a federal grand jury for attempting to evade thousands of dollars in income taxes…

Weinland is a minister at the Church of God – Preparing for the Kingdom of God. According to their website, the church believes that Jesus Christ will return to Earth on May 27, 2012. He is also author of the books The Prophesied End-Time and 2008 – God’s Final Witness.

Minister indicted for tax evasion

Cincinnati.com – ‎11 November 2011

Ronald Weinland, 62, of Union evaded $357065 in taxes from 2004 through 2008, according to a federal indictment. The minister understated his income, used church money for personal expenses and tried to hide the existence of a Swiss bank account., said a spokesman for Kerry B. Harvey, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Weinland also allegedly failed to report any interest made on that Swiss account as income.

Union minister is indicted on income tax-evasion charges

By Josh Kegley — jkegley@herald-leader.com

Posted: 12:00am on Nov 11, 2011…

The indictment followed an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service. A grand jury in Covington indicted Weinland after the case was presented to them by the U.S. Attorney.

If convicted, Weinland faces a maximum prison sentence of five years.

I do not know if Ronald Weinland is guilty of any of this.  I do know that the investigation of him by federal tax authorities has gone on for years–notice something that one of the anti-Weinland sites posted in 2008:

Ronald Weinland is being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Internal Revenue Service. They are looking into his taxes beginning with tax year 2004 and including all of years since. An investigation by the IRS CID should not be confused with a more common taxpayer audit.

The IRS CID is described:
“The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is the IRS police department. With the help of the court system, CID puts people in jail. They don’t wear uniforms like police, but they carry gold badges and guns like police. If somebody says they are from CID of the IRS, you or somebody you know is under criminal investigation and may go to jail.”

So since apparently no later than 2008, there has been a federal “judgment” if you will going on with him. At that time I reviewed certain documents that convinced me that Ronald Weinland was under federal investigation, but whether or not he was guilty of anything criminal was not something I could determine based upon what I saw in 2008.

Ronald Weinland’s own false “prophetic” statements have caused destruction and loss of his followers over the years.  Those still with him need to realize that Ron Weinland is NOT God’s prophet or one of His two witnesses.

Whether or not he is guilty of tax evasion, the reality is that Ron Weinland is a false prophet.  He was proven that in the past, and will be proven wrong by the end of May, 27, 2012.

Jesus will NOT return in 2012.  Ronald Weinland is, and has been, guilty of being a false prophet.

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?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Some believe Israel is about to strike Iran as soon as December 2011:

Israel may launch strike on Iran as soon as next month to prevent development of nuclear weapons

Daily Mail, UK – Nov 10, 2011 excerpt…

Israel will launch military action to prevent Iran developing a nuclear weapon as soon as Christmas, intelligence chiefs have warned…with logistical support from the U.S.

A senior Foreign Office figure has revealed that ministers have been told to expect Israeli military action, adding: ‘We’re expecting something as early as Christmas, or very early in the new year.’

Officials believe President Barack Obama would have to support the Israelis or risk losing vital Jewish-American support in the next presidential election. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2059462/UN-report-Iran-IS-trying-build-nuclear-bomb-warns-William-Hague.html?ITO=google_news_rss_feed

I have reporting this possibility for a while, though it could be into 2012 instead of December 2011 depending upon what the Israeli government decides (presuming it will do this).  The government of Iran itself seems to act like it does not care-yet while many Iranians do not want war, some of the top leadership in Iran believes that it needs to attack Jerusalem before an Islamic leader–who the Iranian Shi’ites call the Imam Mahdi and the Sunnis tend to call the Caliph (though many of them also believe in the Imam Mahdi), but who the Bible seems to refer to as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40)–can rise up.  Iran has made public statements indicating that it will not just sit back and put up with an Israeli strike without massive retaliation:

Iran vows to counter US or Israeli strike with ‘iron fist’

Christian Science Monitor – 10 November 2011

“Anybody who takes up the idea of an attack on Iran, should get ready to receive a strong slap and an ironfist” by the Iranian armed forces, said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei…

Israel sees Iran as an existential threat, citing Ahmadinejad’s calls for Israel’s destruction and Iran’s support for Arab militant groups.

As the situation with both Iran and Syria continue to draw more international attention, it would not surprise me if they have some type of a mutual deal to start an attack Israel and/or to both agree to attack Israel if either of them are attacked by Israel.

If so, this might be how Isaiah 17:1 is fulfilled:

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).

Israels has recently indicated that it is willing to also strike Syria (Israel Ready to Strike Syria).  If Isaiah 17:1 is to be fulfilled prior to the start of the Great Tribulation, the destruction of Damascus should be a clear sign to those who discount biblical prophecy that other Bible prophecy will also come to pass.  Damascus has claimed to the longest continuously inhabited city on the earth and its destruction would be unprecedented.

FWIW, perhaps I should mention that technically, Syria is still at war with Israel as it never did sign a peace deal with Israel. So an actual war involving Syria and Israel is quite feasible, especially if Iran is involved.

It may be that it will take a regional war, perhaps one more destructive than the Israelis, Iranians, and/or Syrians believe could happen, in order for a biblically-indicated peace deal of Daniel 9:27 to take place.  As Jesus said,

35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming–in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning– 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:35-37)

And the goings on in Israel and the Middle East are certainly areas that He was referring to (cf. Mark 13:14).

Prophetic events seem to to lining up.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
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?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 17 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
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? Why do some believe that a seven-year peace deal must come first?

COGwriter

The USA is getting concerned about China enough to station troops in Australia:

BARACK OBAMA is to announce that the US will begin rotating Marines through an Australian base in Darwin in a permanent new military presence, intensifying the alliance in a sign of heightened concern about China.

He is scheduled to make the announcement with the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, when they visit Darwin next Thursday during Mr Obama’s first visit to Australia as president. The 26-hour visit will mark the 60th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance…

Professor Dupont, a former Australian Defence official and intelligence analyst, said the ”Australian strategic rationale is that we are also hedging against increasing Chinese military power and their capacity to destabilise maritime trade routes. And we want to get closer to the US. http://www.smh.com.au/national/us-marine-base-for-darwin-20111110-1n9lk.html#ixzz1dKSfoZPG

Why is the U.S., at time of economic trouble and declining military deployments abroad, creating an all-new marine base in the land that Australians call Oz? Australia is a small-ish country by any measurement except for acreage, which is actually a poor way to understand the relative strength of nations…Yes, it’s about containing China’s military reach…

Could Australia be the new Saudi-style U.S. client? If the U.S. wants to build the kind of presence in East Asia that it could be closing out of the Middle East, it will need a reliable and pliant client state in the region. Japan is too powerful on its own and too independent; Indonesia might worry about a domestic backlash if it moves too close to the U.S.; South Korea is too worried about North Korea; and the nations of Southeast Asia are still not quite stable enough. But Australians are democratic, speak English, don’t have ideological reasons to oppose the U.S., and could really use a powerful sponsor, especially as China becomes more dominant. “Australia is like [the Persian] Gulf, cant possibly defend itself, relies on US protection. Politically can’t rock the boat, just like Gulf,” Australian journalist Tom Gara wrote on Twitter. This explains why Australia has joined every single American war, including Vietnam, which even the British wouldn’t touch.”   http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/11/5-lessons-of-us-plan-for-a-permanent-military-presence-in-australia/248266/#

This suggests that the USA may even end up with a big military presence in Australia.

But…

Relying more on a declining military power is not the answer for Australia.  And even if the presence is not huge, just having US troops ‘permanently’ stationed in Australia shows more reliance by Australia on the USA’s military.

I have had concerns about China and Australia for some time. Here is something from my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect on that:

There is also an ancient Chinese prophecy that might hint that areas like Australia and/or New Zealand could end up as part of China…Perhaps it should be mentioned that the dividing of the conquered lands also seems to be foretold in the Bible in Lamentations 4:16 and Joel 3:2…

The ancient Chinese prophecy states, “Population mouth takes territories south of the Yangtze river.  The capital is moved again.  The two divide up the territories, of which each maintains and defends.”

This may be related to a deal that perhaps the Chinese will make in the future with Europe, as opposed to military conquest.  It also may not be related to the taking of Australia or New Zealand, but perhaps might be.

This Chinese prophecy, combined with Bible prophecy and recent developments,  possibly should be of concern to those living in Australia or New Zealand.

Furthermore, notice the following Catholic prophecy:

American Catholic Prophecy (c. early 20th century): The yellow hordes of the Rising Sun and the middle kingdom will pour out their wrath on the people of the island kingdom which had gathered riches through trade (Dupont, Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973 , p. 78).

Japan is the “land of the rising sun” and China is the “middle kingdom”.  Australia is an island nation that gains wealth through trading.  It may be that the above prophecy is intended toward Australia (and/or possibly New Zealand).

The Australians themselves have had various concerns about China, but while they seem to feel that allowing the USA in the country in a bigger way will protect them, I have a different view.  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 and thus, since the USA owes them money, taking over Australia will help settle that debt.

China is rising up and the USA is declining militarily relative to it and Europe right now. This does not bode well for the USA nor its allies like Australia.  The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous.

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.