Church of God News

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

COGwriter

In its latest weekly update, the Living Church of God had the following:

French-Caribbean Update

Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation in Haiti: On Saturday, November 19, a TWSP was held in Gonaives, in the northwestern part of Haiti. The presentation by Dr. Wilner Pierre was held at the Heberson Paradise Hotel. Much preparation and planning was needed to reserve a conference room large enough to accommodate at least 200 people. Mr. Jove Jean-Pierre, a deacon in the Pétion-Ville (Port-au-Prince) congregation, and Mr. Gary Blanc accompanied Dr. Wilner Pierre to meet the new group. One hundred and ninety people attended the event. Once the presentation ended, everyone stayed around to fellowship and enjoy refreshments. It was a wonderful experience to see so many people eager to learn about God’s Way of life. The brethren in the Pétion-Ville congregation, affectionately known as the “faithful little flock who survived the earthquake,” will soon be able to fellowship with new brothers and sisters in Christ.

New Prospects in Haiti: A group of more than 200 people in the city of Gonaives have been studying and reading the Church’s literature online, listening to recorded messages and keeping the Sabbath. Mr. Obed Cadestin of Gonaives first met with Dr. Pierre last July to tell him about this group (never a part of the Worldwide Church of God) that is interested in learning more about the Holy Days and God’s Way of life. They have expressed how much they are looking forward to being a part of the Living Church of God. Sermons by Dr. Pierre will begin with subjects that will help them build a strong foundation, for example: Tithing; God’s Holy Days; God’s True Church; Bible Prophecy; Marriage and the Family; the Ten Commandments; Prayer and Fasting; and Trusting God When We Need to be Anointed. These are topics the group would like to know more about.

Radio Broadcast in Haiti: One year ago, a new radio station began playing Mr. Apartian’s broadcast once a week, according to the contract. Dr. Pierre used local funds to pay the monthly fee to keep the broadcast on the air until the contract expired. After reviewing the new contract for this year, the owner of the station heard the broadcast and decided that he would now like to air it twice a day, six days a week, for the exact same price. What a tremendous blessing! We are receiving at least 30 calls a month. We now have five new prospective members attending services in Port-au-Prince as a result.

Martinique Spokesman Club and Advanced Leadership Training and Visit to Guadeloupe: Dr. and Mrs. Pierre will be visiting the brethren in Martinique this month to begin Spokesman Club and also to implement the Advanced Leadership Training Program for prospective Church leaders. A new family, previously in the Worldwide Church of God, will also be attending services in Martinique for the first time! Dr. and Mrs. Pierre are scheduled to visit the brethren in Guadeloupe in December as well. There are now eight people attending services in this French island!—Wilner Pierre

A “TWSP” is a Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation which is essentially a type of in-person evangelistic campaign that generally invites people who are believed to have interest in the truth of God to attend.

Jesus taught:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.  (Matthew 24:14)

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  (Matthew 28:19-20)

LCG is trying to fulfill the Great Commission wherever possible, including the French-Caribbean region of the world.

For more information, please see the following articles:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them? Is there a major earthquake prophesied?
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?

Devil	= Secret	+ Person	+ Garden

COGwriter

In the latest TW News & Prophecy E-Zine the Living Church of God (LCG) reports:

China to buy European infrastructure.

Plunging European real estate values have China eyeing future infrastructure purchases. Despite European nations being loath to sell their infrastructure to China (e.g., railroads, power companies, and factories), Chinese investors are circling and waiting for prices to “hit bottom.” China’s Minister of Commerce made the following statement this week: “Next year, we will send a delegation for promoting trade and investment to the European countries… Some European countries are facing a debt crisis and hope to convert their assets to cash and would like foreign capital to acquire their enterprises. We will be closely watching and pushing forward the process.”The EU reluctance to sell assets to non-European entities frustrates Chinese investors. So China points to the UK’s example–“one of the most open economies in the world”–as a nation that has welcomed Chinese investment in a new North-South railway project in Britain (EUObserver.com, November 28, 2011).

Although Bible prophecy does not specifically mention China buying European infrastructure, God warned ancient Israel (and its modern descendants) that because they reject Him, a nation will come “from afar,” “of fierce countenance” and “whose language you will not understand” and will lend them money and consume all of their goods (Deuteronomy 28:43-44, 49-51).

Many current EU nations descend from the ancient tribes of Israel. Which European nations might be the first to sell off their infrastructure? For more on this fascinating subject, see our booklet The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.

If you received this E-Zine from a friend and would like to begin receiving your own copy click here to sign up for free.

China has already been investing in parts of Europe, including Italy (see TW: China Buying Into Italy?).

China is increasing its influence around the world and is also very interested in Europe (amongst other reasons, it is looking for a market for its goods to augment and/or replace the USA).

The reality is that much of what China itself appears to be doing is consistent with what the late Deng Xiaoping once expressed,

China must hide brightness and nourish obscurity . . . to bide our time and build up our capabilities (Source: Times Online).

China as been increasing its influence, and the Bible indicates it will have an important role in the end time. But even more so, will Europe.

If it does invest a lot more, China may end up partially funding the rise of the final European Beast power.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters 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 China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel 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?  Are any European?  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?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

Iran is warning the world not to impose certain trade sanctions against it:

 By Ramin Mostafavi and Robin Pomeroy

TEHRAN, Dec 4 (Reuters) – Iran warned the West on Sunday any move to block its oil exports would more than double crude prices with devastating consequences on a fragile global economy.

“As soon as such an issue is raised seriously the oil price would soar to above $250 a barrel,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said in a newspaper interview.

Washington and EU countries were already discussing measures to restrict oil exports after the United Nations nuclear watchdog issued a report in November with what it said was evidence that Tehran had worked on designing an atom bomb.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/04/iran-sanctions-oil-idUSL5E7N404U20111204

While this suggests, to some, that Iran is trying to avoid conflict, the reality is that I believe that Iran simply is not ready yet with its nuclear program.  The two or so recent explosions in Iran may have set its nuclear ambitions back a bit–but it may have enough for its purposes sometime in 2012 (Iran Denies Israeli Involvement in Bomb Blast, But 2012 May Be a Different Matter).

Notice, also, a report on some timing factors that may influence decisions in Iran, based upon how Iran’s President Ahmadinejad and his boss view events:

As the Koran states the Mahdi will not return in an odd-numbered year, as world chaos is to precipitate his reappearance, as Ahmadinejad claims the Mahdi’s return will occur before his presidency ends in 2013, as a dying Khamenei claims the return will happen before his death, and as Iran stands on the brink of arming itself with nuclear weapons, Khamenei and Ahmadinejad view the planets as all falling into alignment for them. From the vantage point of these two fanatics, 2012 may be shaping up as the year of the Mahdi’s return. (Zumwalt J. Iran’s Dynamic Duo Dedicated to Global Destruction. August 13, 2010. http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=38528)

Now, if Iran acts on this basis, this would push the arrival of the Imam Mahdi no earlier than November 2012, as the next even-numbered year on the Islamic calendar, year 1434 goes from November 15, 2012 to November 3, 2013.

It is possible that the government of Iran may provoke something that it hopes will trigger the rise of this leader very soon–but apparently it is not ready yet. There is a video, which I viewed, that has clips of Iran’s President Ahmadinejad that essentially shows that Iran wishes to militarily take-over Jerusalem as a prelude to the Imam Mahdi rising up, and that it hopes that the rest of the Islamic world will follow Iran if it takes this step (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).

Events are moving forward in the Middle East, Iran, and other parts of the world for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Some of these events may happen in 2012.  Doubling oil prices could have serious consequences, as could regional war in the Middle East.

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?
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

Here is today’s commentary from the Living Church of God:

Commentary: Fathers Rearing Sons

By Sheldon Monson | Saturday, December 03, 2011

What is a man? What should a man believe? What are a man’s responsibilities? How ought a man conduct himself? These are among the most important questions in a boy’s life. Scripture shows us that fathers have a vital role to play in helping their boys become men.

Fathers, how much time and energy have you invested in the lives of your sons? Your presence in their lives is a key to their success. But presence alone is not enough. By far the most important investment fathers can make in the lives of their sons is to impart to them sound spiritual and moral values. If we wish our boys to one day become men of character, principled men, good husbands and fathers these values must be instilled within them beginning at an early age. These values must be taught. We cannot carelessly assume that our sons will somehow grow up and become good men without giving them guidance and direction along the way. When a son does something right, the wise father acknowledges it. He encourages and praises good behavior. A loving father also takes time to correct and instruct his son when he does wrong.

As fathers, we must teach our sons to be honest and upright. We must teach our sons to do the right thing, even when no one is looking! Proverbs 11:3 states: “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” When Dad establishes boundaries and upholds truth, a son’s character is strengthened. Boys need to know that there is an omnipotent, omnipresent God who has given us a code of conduct to live by—the Bible. And we must teach them that keeping God’s commandments leads to life, and that His laws are not a burden but a blessing. They should grow up knowing by first-hand experience that a Godly life is an abundant life!

One of a father’s main duties is to prepare his sons for marriage. Our sons must be instructed to love, respect, and honor the opposite sex. In Ephesians 5:25, Paul was inspired to write: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” In 1 Peter 3:7, Scripture instructs us to give “honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers not be hindered.” Boys need to learn that a real man has courage, and is willing to sacrifice his desires, his wants—even his life—for his loved ones.

Boys need to learn that it is a man’s responsibility to provide for his family. In 1 Timothy 5:8 we read, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Hard work is good for us—both physiologically and psychologically. Yet a work ethic does not come automatically. Fathers must help their sons develop a work ethic while they are very young. Even very young boys can learn to take on specific small chores around the house and yard. Teens may be able to take on more complex responsibilities, or even work outside the home when school is not in session. Without learning the value of hard work, boys will not grow up to be successful men.

In all this, fathers need to ask themselves, “What kind of example do I set?” Some boys grow up without a father’s example, and face special challenges in learning what it takes to be a man. As fathers, we should be especially respectful of the tremendous burden faced by widows and other single mothers rearing boys. When God has given us the amazing privilege of helping our sons grow into godly adults, how can we dare to shirk this important responsibility?

Great fathers not only know what they believe; they practice it. God is watching us, and our sons are watching us. With His help, we can become the kind of fathers that our sons truly need. To learn more, read our informative and helpful booklet, Successful Parenting: God’s Way.

This message is consistent with one that the Old Testament prophet Malachi was inspired:

⁴ “ Remember the Law of Moses, My servant,
Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel,
With the statutes and judgments.
⁵ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet
Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
⁶ And he will turn
The hearts of the fathers to the children,
And the hearts of the children to their fathers,
Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”  (Malachi 4:4-6)

The Bible wants fathers to spend time with their children, and that is something that I have tried to do (we have three sons), as well as advocate–in addition to advocating the observance of the commandments.

As various COG sermons have stated, since there is a commandment to “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12), this implies that parents have an obligation to be honorable.  Spending time with, and teaching children, is something that the Bible states that parents should do (cf. Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 11:18-21).

A few articles of somewhat related interest may include:

The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
Successful Parenting: God’s Way This is a new booklet by Dr. J. Fall.

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

In its latest TW News & Prophecy, the Living Church of God has the following:

Cries for Germany to lead Europe.

With the ongoing debt crisis in Europe, the specter of an EU break-up looms ominously over the continent. Many nations now see the negative repercussions of such a breakup and are calling for action to prevent it. This week Poland’s Foreign Affairs Minister made a sobering appeal from Berlin: “I will probably be the first Polish foreign minister in history to say so, but here it is. I fear German power less than I am beginning to fear German inactivity. You have become Europe’s indispensable nation.” He went on to say, “The biggest threat to the security and prosperity of Poland would be the collapse of the eurozone. And I demand of Germany that, for your own sake and for ours, you help it survive and prosper. You know full well that nobody else can do it” (Associated Press, November 29, 2011; EUObserver.com, November 28, 2011).

Not every European feels as the Polish Foreign Minister does. However, it is significant to see the i ncreasing power and influence of Germany, and the increasing willingness of certain nations to “give their power” and much of their national sovereignty over to Germany–despite its history over the last 100 years.

Revelation 17 clearly states that ten kings will give their “power and authority” to the Beast for a short time (verses 13-14). It is remarkable to see the “prophetic stage” being set–Poland, a nation that was subjugated by Nazi Germany in World War II, now requesting that modern Germany come to their rescue. And… just as God prophesied, prophecy IS coming alive before our eyes!

And this request for German power is consistent with some requests from Germany (see Germany’s Merkel Says Restructure with ‘More Europe’ Needed and German Finance Minister Calls for EU to Have More Power).  Notice also something from the Washington Post last night:

Only Germany can save the euro zone, therefore Germany must — such is the refrain heard around the world. For non-Germans, it is increasingly hard to understand why the country is not moving forcefully to stop the debt crisis…A global call for the use of German power was not what anybody thought they would ever hear again. And Germans themselves are only slowly waking up to the fact that they are now seen as Europe’s “indispensable power,” as the historian Timothy Garton Ash wrote…

But the Germans have discovered a contradiction: Europeans may call for German leadership, but they don’t want to be led by Germany…If the euro fails, it will be seen as Germany’s fault, not Greece’s or even Italy’s. To avoid the blame as well as the economic fallout, Berlin has little time left to act.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/in-euro-zone-crisis-germany-is-the-reluctant-savior/2011/12/01/gIQA4rJ8LO_story.html

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 and Europe will always have unity issues per 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?

جامعة الدول العربية
Jāmaʻat ad-Duwwal al-ʻArabiyya Arab League Flag

COGwriter

Egypt has finally announced the results of the first round of its election:

Cairo (CNN) — Two major Islamist political parties prevailed in the first round of Egypt’s parliamentary elections, an election official told CNN Saturday.

The Freedom and Justice Party, the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, received 40% and Al Noor Salafi Movement won 20% of the said Yousri Abdel Kareem, head of the executive office of the Higher Judicial Election council…

The Islamist movements made their strong showing after similar parties recently won elections in Morocco and Tunisia.  http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/03/world/africa/egypt-elections/

Cairo’s ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces was reportedly “vexed and concerned” by the apparent Islamist victory.

The London-based Arabic-language newspaper al-Hayat reported Saturday that Egypt’s Military Council was very displeased with polls suggesting that the radical Islamist parties have the majority vote in the first round, and was concerned of a similar achievement in the second and third rounds of the elections…In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, the Muslim Brotherhood called on its rivals to “accept the will of the people”: “We call upon everyone, and all those who associate themselves with democracy, to respect the will of the people and accept their choice. Those who weren’t successful … should work hard to serve people to win their support next time,” the Brotherhood added. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4156376,00.html

Notice, however, part of what has been called the election platform of the Muslim Brotherhood:

The Muslim Brotherhood’s “Kill the Jews” Election Platform

FrontPage Magazine – ‎Nov 29, 2011‎

We got a taste of what is to come from the Muslim Brotherhood’s co-sponsored “kill the Jews” pep rally held last Friday in Cairo.

Muslim Brotherhood rally calls to ‘kill all Jews‘

Jewish Telegraphic Agency – ‎Nov 27, 2011‎

JERUSALEM (JTA) — The Muslim Brotherhood held an anti-Israel rally in a Cairo mosque that reportedly called to “one day kill all Jews.” Some 5000 people participated in the Nov. 25 rally, during which they made the call about killing Jews — a quote from the Koran — a reporter for Israel’s daily Yediot Achronot reported from the Egyptian capital.

Yet, certain Western countries, like the USA, have cautiously supported the Muslim Brotherhood (see Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Satisfies US Government).  The public reason for that seems to be that the Muslim Brotherhood is considered to be easier to work with and more “moderate” than Islamist groups like the Al Noor Salafi Movement (that group, for example, seems to encourage persecution on non-Muslims more publicly than the Muslim Brotherhood does).

However, it should be clear that, as a rule, Islamist groups want an Islamic empire (called a caliphate) that will require its subjects to have less secular choices than the non-Islamist party backers want.

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

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

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

the goals which the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society was established for, that is, establishing the State of Islam, headed by the Islamic Caliphate, in order to establish Allah religion on Allah’s land…(Source: The Muslim Brotherhood – in its own words Translation of “Jihad is the way” by Mustafa Mashhur Leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, 1996-2002 by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik.  http://www.palwatch.org/STORAGE/special%20reports/Jihad_is_the_way_by_Mustafa_Mashhur.pdf viewed 04/30/11)

To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up.  One who Arabs would tend to respect–who might use or not use the title Imam Mahdi.  The time may be now for him to rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups may play an important role.

Notice also the following from the Living Church of God:

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

Morocco was one of the more moderate Western-leaning Islamic lands and it is now becoming more supportive of Islamic goals, while the likely next prime minister of Tunisia announced last month that he believes that the caliphate has just begun (see Tunisia’s Expected Prime Minister Claims to be part of the Sixth Caliphate).  And since we in the Living Church of God believe that Egypt is likely to be a major player in this (cf. also Daniel 11:42; Ezekiel 30:1-9,), the election results announced today suggest that Egypt is moving towards its prophesied role.

The Bible shows that a time is coming when the confederation with Egypt will be destroyed and it is in the FUTURE:

1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:

“‘Wail and say,
“Alas for that day!”
3 For the day is near,
the day of the LORD is near-
a day of clouds,
a time of doom for the nations.
4 A sword will come against Egypt,
and anguish will come upon Cush.
When the slain fall in Egypt,
her wealth will be carried away
and her foundations torn down.

5 Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia, Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt.

6 “‘This is what the LORD says:

“‘The allies of Egypt will fall
and her proud strength will fail.
From Migdol to Aswan
they will fall by the sword within her,
declares the Sovereign LORD.

7 “‘They will be desolate
among desolate lands,
and their cities will lie
among ruined cities.
8 Then they will know that I am the LORD,
when I set fire to Egypt
and all her helpers are crushed.

9 “‘On that day messengers will go out from me in ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish will take hold of them on the day of Egypt’s doom, for it is sure to come (Ezekiel 30:1-9, NIV).

And this seems to be the destruction of the King of the South by the King of the North in Daniel 11:40-43.

As there already is a flag for the Arab League, the idea within the Arab world that some type of confederation is a good idea exists even amongst many of the more secular Arabs.  The Arab League has mainly currently turned away from Syria.  Syria is a nation whose capital Damascus is prophesied to see destruction (Isaiah 17:1), and such destruction may precede Syria’s coming back into the Arab League fold much more closely (despite their views towards Assad, many in Syria favor an Islamic confederation).  Some Islamic prophecy supports the idea that the King of the South may end up in Damascus, and this may be consistent with certain biblical prophecy (Jeremiah 49:24-27)–but the verses in Jeremiah might instead happen about when or after Damascus is eliminated (Isaiah 17:1)–we will see.

We are getting closer for an Islamic confederation to form consistent with the biblical prophecies about the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40).  However, somewhat like the final Beast/King of the North power (Daniel 11:41-42), it looks like the Bible teaches that there will be some fragility and lack of total cohesiveness as the King of the South will apparently not be totally unified (cf. Daniel 11:42; 11:26).

Events for the rise of the final King of the South appear to be lining up.  Watch (Mark 13:37).

Some 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?
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?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
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?
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 is the “peace deal” of Daniel 9? 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?

Hillary Rodham Clinton

COGwriter

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made some about her trip to Myanmar:

Clinton sees signs that the country, ruled by a military junta for almost 50 years and which in the past cooperated with North Korea in missile technology, may genuinely be opening up — via its economy.

“They asked that I personally follow through with a request for the World Bank to send an assessment team, that we offer technical advice about how they can and should reform their economy,” Clinton told CNN.

But the military ties with North Korea have to go if Myanmar — called Burma by opponents of the regime and by U.S. officials — wants deeper political and economic cooperation with Washington and with nearby democracies, such as “South Korea, which has a great deal to offer in terms of development assistance,” Clinton said.  http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/02/world/asia/myanmar-clinton-visit/?hpt=hp_c1

It generally seems to be the case that Myanmar wants to have options other than China and North Korea for friends, so hopefully some positive reforms will happen in that nation.

While Bible prophecy would seem to indicate Myanmar will side with the other Asian powers in the future, I pray that the economy and living environment will improve for those in Myanmar until then.

The Living Church of God has long had members in Myanmar and it is an area of the world that, at least carnally speaking, needs a lot of prayer.

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? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?

Roderick C. Meredith (Photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

Dr. Roderick C. Meredith of the Living Church of God wrote:

As some of you may have heard, we were blessed to have more than 9,000 people attending the Feast of Tabernacles this autumn! That is a new record—for which we are thankful! Most of all, of course, God is concerned with the spiritual strength of our brethren and we certainly do want to emphasize that which is more important. However, we are grateful that God is adding to our numbers in the Church, and that we are continuing to have wonderful responses to the telecast nearly every week and that the impact of this Work around the world is certainly growing—especially as prophetic events speed up.

It is great to have more people coming with the Living Church of God and having record attendance at the Feast of Tabernacles this year.

FWIW, one of the reasons that I advise people to be cautious about James Malm is what he posted on 4 November 2011:

I have heard that LCG and PCG are down in actual attendees this year.  Please correct this anyone?

Where he “heard” LCG is down was obviously not correct.  I had already posted about PCG being down in late October 2011 (see PCG No Larger Than 4th Size Among Groups with Origins in WCG) and LCG being up in late November 2011 (see 11/29/11 post at News of the Living Church of God).  So, James’ source related to LCG was not accurate.

Hopefully, this post today will help correct his misunderstanding on this point.

Despite his frequent, and normally improper, criticisms of LCG, the fact is that LCG has been growing.  The Feast of Tabernacles’ figures help show this.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

COGwriter

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

Mexico’s drought blankets the nation.

“Mexico is being battered by its worst drought in seven decades, which has devastated farm life and is expected to continue into next year. The lack of rainfall has affected almost 70 percent of the country,” with the northern states experiencing the most severe drought. “The government has cut its forecast for corn production [the staple crop] two times in 2011,” and nearly half-a-million cattle have died in desert-like pastures. The deputy director of Mexico’s National Water Commission has noted that since the dry season is now underway, the nation’s hopes lie with rainfall next June. Corn and bean production are down drastically and if the weather does not change, Mexico will be forced to increase its food imports (Drover’s Cattle Network, November 25, 2011).

End-time prophecies highlight the fact that severe drought and famine will devastate the earth and result in massive starvation someday (Luke 21:11; Revelation 6:5-8). The current drought in Mexico and the U.S. Southwest is just a foretaste of what is to come. In the days ahead the world will see the sad results of God’s prophesied punishment for disobedience leveled against the Israelite-descended nations and the rest of the earth.

For more information on signs indicating the end of the age, review our booklet Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.

Many parts of the USA are also suffering from drought (see also TW Reports on Oklahoma Drought) as are parts of Africa and other lands. Droughts and floods contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines.

Weather-related troubles, with their related food issues, of course, are biblically expected:

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

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

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone:

16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:16-17)

And while that is true, a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10). And prior to that, we should expect to see higher food prices (cf. Revelation 6:5-6).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before 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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?

Anne Catherine Emmerich

COGwriter

What is Limbo? Do you know what happens to babies who die?

Growing up as a Roman Catholic, I was taught about Limbo. I was also told that certain Catholics (such as Anne Catherine Emmerich) had even been given visions of it. Basically, the belief was that babies who die without being baptized as Catholic were believed to go to a place that they did not suffer, but a place (known as limbus patrum) where they also did not receive the joys of being in God’s presence.

Actually, it was the teaching of both the Catholics of Rome and the Protestants of America on the status of dead infants that got me to look more closely at the old Worldwide Church Of God, whose teachings are now best preserved by the Living Church of God, concerning matters such as what happens to babies when they die.

Here was is some of what the old Catholic Encyclopedia taught about Limbo:

In the New Testament, Christ refers by various names and figures to the place or state which Catholic tradition has agreed to call the limbus patrum…

The New Testament contains no definite statement of a positive kind regarding the lot of those who die in original sin without being burdened with grievous personal guilt…On the other hand, it is clear from Scripture and Catholic tradition that the means of regeneration provided for this life do not remain available after death, so that those dying unregenerate are eternally excluded from the supernatural happiness of the beatific vision (John 9:4, Luke 12:40, 16:19 sqq., 2 Corinthians 5:10…) (Toner, Patrick J. Transcribed by Simon Parent. Limbo. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IX. Published 1910. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Yet, while Limbo was a widespread Catholic belief, it was not even mentioned in the latest revision the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Why?

Probably because the latest revision the Catechism of the Catholic Church was put together under the direction of Joseph Ratzinger, who is now the current Pope Benedict XVI (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995)–he apparently did not believe in it then (or now).

Pope Benedict XVI had a paper put out a while back that challenged the concept of Limbo and Limbo babies. Some time back, the Catholic News Service reported:

In a document published April 20, the commission said the traditional concept of limbo — as a place where unbaptized infants spend eternity but without communion with God — seemed to reflect an “unduly restrictive view of salvation.”…

But there is greater theological awareness today that God is merciful and “wants all human beings to be saved,” it said. Grace has priority over sin, and the exclusion of innocent babies from heaven does not seem to reflect Christ’s special love for “the little ones,” it said.

“Our conclusion is that the many factors that we have considered … give serious theological and liturgical grounds for hope that unbaptized infants who die will be saved and enjoy the beatific vision,” the document said.

“We emphasize that these are reasons for prayerful hope, rather than grounds for sure knowledge,” it added.

The 41-page document, titled “The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized,” was published in Origins, the documentary service of Catholic News Service. Pope Benedict XVI authorized its publication earlier this year…

Several years ago (before the Catholics took my “Hope of Salvation” title, I wrote a paper whose main title is Hope of Salvation. While I disagree with various Catholic concepts of salvation, I do agree that infants will have an opportunity for salvation.

Here is a quote from the Vatican paper titled The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized:

It is clear that the traditional teaching on this topic has concentrated on the theory of limbo, understood as a state which includes the souls of infants who die subject to original sin and without baptism, and who, therefore, neither merit the beatific vision, nor yet are subjected to any punishment, because they are not guilty of any personal sin. This theory, elaborated by theologians beginning in the Middle Ages, never entered into the dogmatic definitions of the Magisterium, even if that same Magisterium did at times mention the theory in its ordinary teaching up until the Second Vatican Council. It remains therefore a possible theological hypothesis. However, in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992), the theory of limbo is not mentioned. Rather, the Catechism teaches that infants who die without baptism are entrusted by the Church to the mercy of God, as is shown in the specific funeral rite for such children…

3. The idea of Limbo, which the Church has used for many centuries to designate the destiny of infants who die without Baptism, has no clear foundation in revelation, even though it has long been used in traditional theological teaching…

24…As for the expression “Limbo of Infants”, it was forged at the turn of the 12th-13th century to name the “resting place” of such infants (the “border” of the inferior region)…

26…Together with Catholic theologians of the Augustinian school, the Jansenists vigorously opposed the theory of Limbo…Papal interventions during this period, then, protected the freedom of the Catholic schools to wrestle with this question. They did not endorse the theory of Limbo as a doctrine of faith. Limbo, however, was the common Catholic teaching until the mid-20th century…

90…A major weakness of the traditional view of Limbo is that it is unclear whether the souls there have any relationship to Christ; the Christocentricity of the doctrine seems deficient. In some accounts, the souls in Limbo seem to have a natural happiness that belongs to a different order from the supernatural order in which people choose for or against Christ…

91. Where sin abounded, grace superabounded! That is the emphatic teaching of Scripture, but the idea of Limbo seems to constrain that superabundance. (The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized. The International Theological Commission, Vatican City, April 20, 2007. at http://www.campchabad.com/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070419_un-baptised-infants_en.html#_ftn2 viewed 02/07/09)

Thus, the Vatican does not really want to teach that there is a place called Limbo, admits that it is not in the Bible, admits that it came about in Middle Ages (hence was not an original teaching of the church), and that it does not know what prophecy teaches about what will happen to babies who die without baptism.

Unlike the Roman Catholics, we in the Living Church of God believe that we do have sure knowledge about what will happen to infants as our position comes from the Bible. Notice:

2 We have also a more sure word of prophecy (2 Peter 1:19 KJV).

In addition, I later put together, a longer article that from a scriptural perspective has the most verses from the Bible anywhere that I have ever seen which provides additional details titled Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis.

What Happens to Babies When They Die?

Unlike the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches, we in the Living Church of God teach that babies will be resurrected, live a physical life, and will be offered salvation. Salvation in the kingdom of God will be offered to all, but has not been offered to all in this age (for more information please see the article Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the True Doctrine of Apocatastasis).

Those uncalled now (including babies, toddlers, nearly all idolaters and others) will be given a real opportunity for salvation. This period of time is believed to be around 100 years. Isaiah 65:20 states,

20 No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.

Those who still are sinners after this period will also undergo the punishment of being cast in the lake of fire–but note that those who are infants have 100 years to fulfill their days.

And although he may not have understood it correctly, Irenaeus (circa 180 A.D.) mentioned that the Gentiles will be called as well as in this hundred year time:

Daniel also says this very thing: “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of those under the heaven, is given to the saints of the Most High God, whose kingdom is everlasting, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” And lest the promise named should be understood as referring to this time, it was declared to the prophet: “And come thou, and stand in thy lot at the consummation of the days.”

Now, that the promises were not announced to the prophets and the fathers alone, but to the Churches united to these from the nations, whom also the Spirit terms “the islands” (both because they are established in the midst of turbulence, suffer the storm of blasphemies, exist as a harbour of safety to those in peril, and are the refuge of those who love the height [of heaven], and strive to avoid Bythus, that is, the depth of error), Jeremiah thus declares: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye nations, and declare it to the isles afar off; say ye, that the LORD will scatter Israel, He will gather him, and keep him, as one feeding his flock of sheep…

And yet again does he say the same thing: “Behold, I make Jerusalem a rejoicing, and my people [a joy]; for the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. Also there shall not be there any immature [one], nor an old man who does not fulfil his time: for the youth shall be of a hundred years; and the sinner shall die a hundred years old, yet shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them themselves; and shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them themselves, and shall drink wine. And they shall not build, and others inhabit; neither shall they prepare the vineyard, and others eat. For as the days of the tree of life shall be the days of the people in thee; for the works of their hands shall endure” (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book V, Chapter 34, Verses 2-3,4. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

More on the above can be found in the article Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God Differs from Protestantism.

There is no actual place such as Limbo.

Even the Church of Rome is somewhat recognizing this. It also admits that Limbo is not in the Bible, and did not happen to enter Catholicism until the Middle Ages.

The idea behind Limbo that God is love (1 John 4:8,16) and God will not punish those who cannot see (John 9:41) is correct. It is simply that the place Limbo does not exist as God has a better plan than Limbo.

The Bible teaches that babies that die will be resurrected and will ultimately be given a chance for salvation.