Church of God News

1630 Depiction of Beasts of Daniel 7

COGwriter

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

Will the BRICS gain economic domination?

Two weeks ago in New Delhi, the BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa held their annual meeting. Critics note that “nothing appreciable” resulted from the meeting. Others wonder what future effects this alliance between nations representing almost half of the world’s population might have.

One meeting resolution was to “press ahead with plans to create a ‘south-south’ development fund that might one day rival the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.” They also agreed to push for greater IMF voting rights for developing countries, and to oppose western military intervention in Iran (Guardian.co.uk, March 29, 2012).

The creation of a “development fund” is interesting because Russia, China and India already have military ties and perform joint military exercises annually. Although the BRICS are unlikely comrades, future joint economic ventures might draw these nations closer together.

Bible prophecies reveal that near the end of the coming “great tribulation,” a vast army from north and east of Jerusalem will “trouble” the European Beast power, which will overrun the king of the South (Daniel 11:44-45). This 200 million-man army will ultimately destroy one-third of mankind (Revelation 9:13-19; 16:12-16). These “kings of the East” will likely spring from alliances of several very populous nations.

For more information on this topic, review our free booklet Armageddon and Beyond.

And while they are objecting to the powers of the West, the reality is that the BRICS tend to somewhat trust the Europeans.  The BRICS are starting to try to form a stronger alliance and that is consistent with the rise of the times of the Gentiles that the Bible refers to (cf. Luke 21:24).  But the primary dominant economic power then will be Europe (Revelation 13:1-4; 16-17)–the Beasts that Daniel saw (Daniel 7:2-7; 19-25) were compromised mainly of people of which now are considered to have European, not BRICS, heritage.

As far as the BRICS go, they will try to maneuver take steps to replace the US dollar as well as US influence. And while they have not yet succeeded, the time will come when Europe, and not the USA, is the major economic player in the world (cf. Revelation 13:16-17).

And while all the BRICS will apparently cooperate with Europe for a time, it is likely that Russia, China, and probably India and perhaps South Africa will turn against Europe (Brazil is possible, but seems prophetically to be the least likely).  BRICS cooperation now is probably helping set the stage for that.

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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?
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-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?

COGwriter at site of “Church of the Apocalypse/Revelation” on Patmos

COGwriter

Recently, there have been a variety of news items suggesting that various events signal the apocalypse (end of the world as we know it).  Here is one of them:

Strange Sound Heard Throughout Costa Rica

Is it the mysterious sound of the so-called coming Apocalypse? Some think that the mysterious sound heard in Costa Rica at around 12:30am this morning is exactly that…This news has rattled the social web whereas Costa Ricans and the world over are scrambling to figure out what this mysterious sound could have been…a YouTube video showing how it sounded. The second video was filmed in Kiev, Ukraine where the sound has also appeared.

It is important to note that this is not the wind nor was it filmed anywhere near the ocean. The sound was heard throughout the entire country from Heredia to Perez Zeledon. http://www.costaricanewssite.com/5832/strange-sound-heard-throughout-costa-rica/

I have seen the Ukraine video on this previously.  At this instant, I cannot tell if the sound is natural, human made, or demonic.  If it is the latter, it may have prophetic ramifications (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

Here is a Mexico “Mayan” item:

Strong earthquake strikes off the coast of Mexico

AP – April 12, 2012

On Facebook, doomsday prognosticators posted cartoons of Mayan characters with slogans that read “we apologize for the inconvenience, we are working,” in reference to the belief that the Maya predicted the end of the world for December 2012.

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/strong-earthquake-strikes-off-1415279.html

Earthquakes, of themselves, are not signs of the apocalypse nor necessarily Mayan 2012 prophecy.  However, the increase of them is consistent with the time Jesus referred to as the beginning of sorrows (Mathew 24:4-8) which may have began in 2009 (see also TW on weather and tornadoes; increase in earthquakes in Middle America).

The situation with Syria, Israel, and Iran have made the news and some are concerned:

Salt Lake Tribune – April 11, 2012

It’s time again for some Christians to imagine the end is near.  They see the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran as the buildup to Armageddon, the cataclysmic final battle described in the Bible…For example, the biblical prophet Isaiah predicted that Syria’s capital, Damascus, would be destroyed and ultimately abandoned. Today it is the site of ongoing tensions and potential devastation…The Book of Revelation predicted that the Euphrates River would dry up as a sign of the end times, and, according to several studies, it is, Kerby writes.Psalm 83 describes an unsuccessful attack on Israel by those intending to “wipe her off the map,” which is precisely what Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly said.  http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfaithblog/53894374-180/armageddon-israel-kerby-according.html.csp

As regular readers of this page are aware, I consider that the situation with Iran, Israel, and Syria is more of a prelude to the deal of Daniel 9:27 (as well as Isaiah 17:1) and then ultimately the Great Tribulation as opposed to Armageddon per se; some who hold to that Armageddon view erroneously believe that Russia will be the King of the North in confederation with Iran, but Russia is not the biblical King of the North (see Is Russia the King of the North?) and its deal with Iran/Persia (Ezekiel 38; see also WSJ Suggests that Israel Should Destroy Iran; Ezekiel 38?) does not come for some time from now.   It should also be noted that this is not yet the time for the final drying of the Euphrates (it has at least seven years from now), but certainly shows that the Euphrates can dry up (I also reported about this in 2009, see Euphrates Drying Up?).  I should add that the above article is also misinterpreting Psalm 83 which will not be fulfilled until closer to the time of the Great Tribulation (see also Is There A Future King of the South?).

The following item about Europe was interesting:

Euro-Armageddon is still coming, and it’s the result of Europe’s insane, one-size-fits-none economic policy

Telegraph – April 11, 2012  http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielknowles/100150188/euro-armageddon-is-still-coming-and-its-the-result-of-europes-insane-one-size-fits-none-economic-policy/

Basically, the above warns that Europe consists of weak and strong nations that cannot really co-exist together as is.  Regular readers of this page will recall that the Bible teaches the following:

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)

The Bible, thus, clearly warns that Europe will have weaker and stronger members and what we are seeing in Europe is consistent with that.  Europe will likely have various upheavals and crises before the final Beast power fully rises up there.

The most faithful realize that it is important to keep scriptures in mind as that is from where:

19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed… (2 Peter 1:19, KJV)

Secular reporters rarely have a huge grasp of the details of Bible prophecy.  But it is interesting that so many are using prophetic biblical terms to try to describe and/or make sense of what is happening now.

Some articles of possible interest may include the following:

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?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, 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?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? 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?

Unleavened Bread

COGwriter

Today is the last day of unleavened bread.

Here is the latest Living Church of God commentary:

Commentary: Gumption, Grit and Gratitude

By Davy Crockett | Thursday, April 12, 2012

Sometimes, colloquial expressions–those well-worn, time-honored phrases that have come into common use–are passed from generation to generation as a part of the culture. Hokey? Yes, they can be, but these pithy expressions can convey some wisdom if one actually listens and gives them some thought…

Some expressions have to do with human relationships. “Keep your words sweet, because you may have to eat them.” And, “Be kind to people on the way up, because you may need them on your way down.” A few promote perseverance, such as the Japanese proverb that says, “Beginning is easy, continuing is hard.”

I am certain that you know many such sayings, and that you probably find yourself using a few from time to time. Many seem to come back to the recurring themes of gumption, grit and gratitude. Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines “gumption” as, “shrewd practical common sense, especially as applied to the problems of life.” Webster’s defines “grit” as “firmness of mind and spirit, unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.”

Those two attributes seem to be in short supply today as we face so many challenges personally and nationally. “Common sense” is often very uncommon today, and the attribute of “stick-to-it-iveness” or perseverance seems to be a rarity. Putting these two character traits into practice would solve many common problems, and would improve the outcome of many crises that people face.

Then, there is “gratitude”—the state of being thankful. Webster’s defines “thankfulness” as being “appreciative of benefits received.” Many people today feel more entitlement than thankfulness, and we seem to live in a time when demands are more common than requests. Too often we lament over what we do not have, instead of being genuinely thankful for what we have.

Not only is a thankful attitude pleasing to those around us; it is pleasing to God, who admonishes us: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Without going into all the details, which can be found in places like John 13-19, the Bible shows that from the time Jesus took up unleavened bread for His last Passover to His crucifixion, Jesus displayed gumption, grit, and gratitude.

On this last day of unleavened bread, many of us have had to take off a day from work or school.  Which, depending on the circumstances, may display gumption and/or grit.  And all of us should have an attitude of gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the knowledge of His plan of salvation that comes from keeping the same Holy Days that He did.

This last Day of Unleavened Bread lasts until sunset tonight (April 13, 2012).  Are you keeping it? If not, why not start now?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean?  How do the Holy Days picture God’s plan of salvation?  Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

(Illustration by Camilo Sanchez)

COGwriter

A British Commander, Major Gen Julian Thompson, claims, that Argentina is getting close again invading the Falkland Islands:

April 12, 2012

Argentina to invade Falklands after 30th anniversary furore dies down, commander warns

Argentina is likely to reinvade the Falklands once Britain drops its guard after the furore over the 30th anniversary events dies down, the former commander of British land forces has said.

The war for the Falkland Islands was from 2 April 1982 – 14 June 1982.  “A cease fire was declared on 14 June and the commander of the Argentine garrison in Stanley, Brigade General Mario Menéndez surrendered to Major General Jeremy Moore the same day” (Wikipedia).

The British are apparently planning on reducing military support to the Falklands at the end of 2012.  Perhaps they will change their mind.  The Falkland Islands is one of the old British empire’s remaining “sea gates” and Argentina has tried a variety of tactics to obtain it over the years.

On 12/29/11, the Living Church of God reported:

Britain has controlled the Falkland Islands since the 1830′s and most residents want to remain under British rule. However, world pressure for Britain to relinquish its control over the Falklands is increasing.

Thousands of years ago, Isaac’s wife Rebekah was told that her descendants would “possess the gates of those who hate them” (Genesis 24:60). God’s Church has for many years understood that these gates include powerful sea gates around the globe that have long been held by the U.S. and Britain. Gibraltar and the Falklands alone remain under British control─for the time being. As Britain continues to stray from God, these gates, too, will likely be removed!

Despite British claims and statements, it seems logical to conclude that the remaining “sea gates” that the UK has such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands will be separated from UK control.

Notice more detail about what was told to the wife of Isaac:

“Our sister, may you become The mother of thousands of ten thousands; And may your descendants possess The gates of those who hate them” (Genesis 24:60).

We in the Church of God have been teaching for decades that the United Kingdom and USA would ultimately lose its sea gates–we believe they possessed them because of blessings from God and would lose them because of blatant disobedience.

And despite British hopes, this will also ultimately include the loss of the Falkland Islands, which the Argentinians refer to as the Malvinas.

For many years, the major sea gates of the world were possessed/controlled by the United States (Panama Canal and certain locations in the Pacific ocean) and the British Empire (Straits of Malacca, Singapore, Suez Canal, Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Simon’s Town/Cape of Good Hope, etc.). And while that is no longer the case for many of them, they seem to have been prophesied to be taken away for disobedience as well (c.f. Deuteronomy 28)—and certainly these nations have disobeyed the God of Abraham, as well as actually have lost many of those gates. Thus, it seems logical to conclude that the remaining “sea gates” that the UK has such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands will be separated from UK control.

As far as South America itself goes, it is my belief that based upon biblical prophecy that most of South America will ultimately align itself with the rising European power (which will ultimately not be nice to the British).  And it would strongly appear that Argentina will be one of the nations that will support the final European power.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English-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?
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 and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012?  Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?

COGwriter

Secular sources seem to be wondering about weather and its relationship to scripture:

As weather gets biblical, insurers go missing

Reuters – April 11, 2012

It is interesting that Reuters suggested that the weather problems were “biblical” and “punishing.”

The Hebrew scriptures warn of weather and other punishments because of wickedness:

20 “The Lord will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me… 22 The Lord will strike you…with scorching, and with mildew…23 And your heavens which are over your head shall be bronze, and the earth which is under you shall be iron. 24 The Lord will change the rain of your land to powder and dust; from the heaven it shall come down on you until you are destroyed.  (Deuteronomy 28:20,22-24)

Jesus taught:

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

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)

Increases in severe weather certainly are troubles.   Back in 2009, my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect mentioned the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters.

Matthew 24:7

The world is actually in a berserk transition, as the real age of peace is not yet here. It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows.

Matthew 24:8

A late 2011 report from the NRDC said nearly 3,000 weather records were broken in the U.S. up to the end of October, 2011 (see NRDC: All US States Had Extreme Weather; Confirms 2012 Book Prediction)

An increase of “punishing” and “biblical” weather has happened.

Speaking of odd weather, notice something in Saudi Arabia:

Unusual hail, heavy rain, snow hit southern Saudi

April 12, 2012

High areas in the southern Saudi province of Aseer witnessed unusual rough weather that included the fall of heavy rain, wind, hail, snow that resulted in the drowning of two children and two men.

Some areas of the southern region were covered in almost a white sheet of snow as rain continued to fall on Wednesday.

Also, there were significant, though not highly damaging, earthquakes this week:

Indonesians feel lucky after escape from quakes

The Associated Press – ‎12 April 2012
By FAKHRURRADZIE GADE, AP – BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) – Residents surveying damage from two powerful earthquakes that reignited memories of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami said Thursday they could hardly believe their luck…The first quake, measuring 8.6, triggered a tsunami watch in more than two dozen nations and island territories, from Australia and India to as far off as Africa. Hours later, a powerful 8.2-magnitude aftershock hit.

Major earthquakes hit off US, Mexico coasts

FOX News – April 11, 2012 excerpt…

An earthquake of magnitude 7.0 was reported on Mexico’s Pacific Coast on Wednesday, following on the heels of a major but lesser quake off the coasts of Oregon.

The Mexican earthquake reportedly was centered in a sparsely populated area in the mountains of western Mexico but still caused tall buildings to sway more than 200 miles away in Mexico City.

The magnitude 5.9 earthquake off the U.S. coast struck about 160 miles west-northwest of the coastal city of Bandon, Ore., with no reports of damage.

6.9 quake in Gulf of California – another strong tremor to shake Earth in 24 hours

April 12, 2012

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake has jolted Mexico’s California peninsula. The tremor’s epicenter was 10.3 kilometers below the surface, and 133 kilometers from the town of Guerrero Negro.

Certainly, there are “earthquakes in various places” as Jesus foretold.

Bible prophecy is coming to pass.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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).
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? 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.
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 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?
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 21 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.  Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition).  This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of many of the predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
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 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
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 21 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 21 já começaram a acontecer.

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

Notice the following:

America’s Debt Is Greater than Entire Eurozone’s (and U.K.’s) Combined Debt

While I believe that the writer of the above should have used the term “European Union” instead of Eurozone in two places above, the fact is that the USA does have higher per capita debt than Europe.  Furthermore, irrespective of how successful that various European “austerity” programs will be, the reality is that Europe has been more serious than the USA has about reducing debt.

The latest projected budgets from the Obama Administration show the debt of the USA greatly increasing over time.  And that is partially based upon what seems to be a somewhat optimistic scenario about the economy of the USA.

As I have written before, the European Union does not have to have a perfect economy for the world to follow it.  Basically, it needs to have one that the international community considers safer than that of the USA.  The differences in dealing with the debt issues in much of Europe vs. the USA suggests that many of the Europeans recognize the dangers of debt increases more than many of the Americans do.

According to Bible prophecy, the end of the Anglo-dominance of the world is coming, and the final age of the Gentiles will be here in a relatively few years. The debt and other financial issues in the USA are indicators that not too many more years are left before the start of the Great Tribulation.

It is not the Europe and other portions of the world will not have their own issues, it just is that since they have not quite followed the USA into the debt creation machine to the same degree, they will completely fall apart later than the USA does.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British-English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? 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? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled by him?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? 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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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?

“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Forget a chip in your forehead – the ‘mark of the beast’ is the cell phone

April 10, 2012

The development of a new microchip for cell phones that knows the user’s location to within a few centimeters confirms the fact that contrary to biblical fears about mandatory implantable microchips, people have willingly exchanged their privacy for convenience and that the cell phone itself is the de facto “mark of the beast”.

…reports MIT Technology Review.  “In theory, the new chip can even determine what floor of a building you’re on, thanks to its ability to integrate information from the atmospheric pressure sensor on many models of Android phones. The company calls abilities like this “ubiquitous navigation,” and the idea is that it will enable a new kind of e-commerce predicated on the fact that shopkeepers will know the moment you walk by their front door, or when you are looking at a particular product, and can offer you coupons at that instant.”

Over 82% of Americans own cell phones, with around half of these being smart phones. In the near future, the majority of Americans will own smart phones that will have the ability to track their location down to a few centimeters.  http://www.infowars.com/new-microchip-knows-your-location-to-within-centimeters/

While cell phones will not be the “mark of the beast,” the reality is that modern technology is certainly making spying on large populations easier.  And even though I personally do not own a cell phone, I do not believe that owning them is something that the Bible prohibits.

According to the Bible, the “mark of the Beast” is not a good thing to have:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  (Revelation 13:16-17)

1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. 2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.  (Revelation 15:1-2)

20 ..he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. (Revelation 19:20)

11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. (Revelation 14:11)

2 So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. (Revelation 16:2)

The ability to control buying and selling, etc. would be vastly aided by modern technology.

Cell phones, though are not the mark of the Beast.  But they, and related technologies, are making it easier for the Beast to gain control once he rises up.

Some articles of related interest, which contain many scriptures to search to verify what I am saying, include the following:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? 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?

Bo Xilai

COGwriter

A significant public scandal is happening in China:

April 11, 2012

China Lashes Out at Disgraced Politician

Stephanie Ho | Beijing

China’s worst political scandal in decades dominated newspaper front pages in the Chinese capital Wednesday: a high ranking politician suspended from his key central party post and his wife suspected in the death of a British businessman.

The articles say Bo Xilai’s conduct has seriously violated the party’s disciplinary rules and has badly harmed the image of the party and country…

Bo is a former commerce minister and most recently was the party secretary of Chongqing, a huge city in southwestern China. He is the son of a famous revolutionary and was widely expected to eventually join the top echelons of Communist party in an important party conference later this year.

One of the final nails on his political coffin came late Tuesday night, in a brief dispatch from the state-run Xinhua News Agency that said Bo was being suspended from his membership in the party’s central committee. Another report announced that Bo’s wife, Gu Kailai, is facing a criminal investigation in relation to the death of British businessman Neil Heywood last year.

Scandal, a reflection of party infighting?

Veteran writer Dai Qing, who closely follows Chinese politics, likens the unfolding events to a stage play – in which the audience watches, but cannot affect the outcome.

She says the latest political scandal illustrates a high-level and internal fight within the Communist party. She says most Chinese people have no say in matters and can only watch from the sidelines.

Xinhua says Gu and Heywood had business dealings, but they had a conflict about economic interests that had intensified. Heywood’s death in Chongqing in November was not considered suspicious at the time, but police are now re-opening the case.

Dai says, if Gu committed murder or if Bo was indeed some sort of accomplice, then officials have to show proof of wrongdoing.

Dai says she is absolutely sure that Gu will receive a stiff sentence. She says she believes this is because it is, in her words, “the least damaging outcome for the party.”

She adds that the Chinese Communist party wants to present a united front before a major meeting this fall. The session which takes place once every five years, is significant because the party will name the country’s new top leaders…

Michael Anti, a political columnist and blogger…agrees that the scandal is indicative of a high-level power struggle.  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Key-Chinese-Official-Removed-for-Scandal-146962025.html

There have been numerous rumors/reports this year that China has had attempted coups to change the leadership there.  And that is one of the reasons that Chinese government takes steps to restrict internet content:  it does not want a lot of people to think that there are big problems as it hopes to not have vast segments of the population rise up and overthrow the government.

While China has grow tremendously economically, one of the things that most Westerners do not realize is that China has a system that prevents its citizens from agrarian areas from having the same rights as those in urban areas.  Even people who move from agrarian regions to the cities, still are registered as agrarian and do not get the same rights or even education for their children.  This disparity, combined with severe pollution, corruption, and a host of other problems, will affect China more than most realize.  And, of course, individual politicians have their own personal interests in mind.  And a combination of rural disappointment and political miscalculations could greatly affect China.

Notice what RC Meredith of the Living Church of God wrote related to China and its future:

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

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

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

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

China is beginning to show some of its problems despite the government’s attempts to keep such matters internal. Other problems are expected.

And even though China will have some prominence in the end times (and will fairly certainly be one of the “kings of the east” of Revelation 16:12 and provide many soldiers in the 200,000,000 man army of Revelation 9:13-21), it will not end up as the top economic force in the 21st century.  Europe will.

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?

Unleavened Bread

COGwriter

Today is the fifth day of unleavened bread.  This was a time that early Christians observed.

The Bible makes various comments about these days as well as comments about what leaven pictures.

Perhaps before going further, I should quote and comment 1 Corinthians 5:7:

Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

Notice clearly that the Corinthians must have been observing the Days of Unleavened Bread because the Apostle Paul stated “you truly are unleavened.”   The problem that the Corinthians had was that they were not unleavened spiritually. That is why Paul continued and told them to also spiritually be unleavened “with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” This is what the Bible shows that the Apostle Paul was teaching.

Furthermore, in Romans 3:25 it states, “in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed”. Does this mean we are to continue is sin? 

Of course not!

A few verses later Paul wrote, “On the contrary, we establish the law” (Rom 3:31). So while most understand that the Passover pictures a remembrance of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice (I Corinthians 11:24-26), many seem to not understand that we are not to continue in sin.

Why?

Maybe one of the reasons is that they do not observe the Days of Unleavened Bread.

Leaven

In the world, leaven is all around. Not only is it in baked goods, it is now in many other products. Leaven spreads and most of the items it becomes part of crumble. In the Bible, leaven normally pictures malice, wickedness, and hypocrisy (I Corinthians 5:8; Mat 16:6,12; Luke 12:1), while unleavened bread pictures sincerity and truth (I Corinthians 5:8). The Old Testament states, “no leaven shall be seen among you” (Deut 16:3), whereas the New Testament states, “His Son cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:7) and that “sin is lawlessness” (I John 3:4).

Leaven pictures the teachings of the Pharisees (Mat 16:6,12; Luke 12:1) whom Jesus called hypocrites (Mat 23:23,25,27,29). According to Strong’s, the Greek word Jesus used that was translated as hypocrite means, “an actor under an assumed role”. The Pharisees were false religious leaders who pretended to keep God’s law, but really did not (Mat 15:3-9).

Notice that leaven is a symbol of false doctrine and hypocrisy that Jesus warned against:

6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.”

8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? 11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? — but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:6-12)

Jesus further described the Pharisees by saying, “you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Mat 23:28). Jesus thus tied leaven (the Pharisees teachings, Mat 16:12) to false religion (being hypocrites) and sin (since “sin is lawlessness”, I John 3:4).

Physically, leavening agents include yeast, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), and baking powder. Physically, leavening agents “puff up” grain containing products and make them look larger than they would be otherwise. Since the Bible teaches:

15 On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses (Exodus 12:15).

Those who attempt to obey God follow this and remove most breads, crackers, etc. from their houses, clean out their toasters, and otherwise remove physical leaven from their lives just prior to the start of the Days of Unleavened Bread each year. Since the removal involves work, and the term for day in Exodus 12:15 is Miyowm (Interlinear Transliterated Bible. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc.) which is different than the Hebrew term for day, Uwbayowm, in Exodus 12:16 (despite the fact that Strong’s uses the same number, 3117, for both words)–this suggests that the removal perhaps should be done before the start of the first day, which is a holy convocation. And this is consistent with other statements in Exodus such as for all of the “seven days no leaven shall be found in your houses” (Exodus 12:19) and “U nleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters” (Exodus 13:7). The only way for no leavened bread to be seen in one’s quarters for those seven days is if it is gone prior to the start of those seven days.

In Exodus it states that the Days of Unleavened Bread, “shall be a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD’s law may be in your mouth” (13:9). Keeping seven days of unleavened bread pictures that we are to live in sincerity and truth by keeping God’s law–that we are not continue in false religion, not to continue in sin.

Why seven days?

In the Bible God seems to use the number seven to show completeness. There are seven days in a week (Exodus 20:6), seven days of creation (Genesis1), seven Churches in Rev 2&3, seven candlesticks (Rev 1:20), seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34), etc. The seven Days of Unleavened Bread seem to picture that after our sins have been forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus (Rom 3:25, I Corinthians 5:7)), that we are to no longer continue in the old ways but to walk in the true ways of the Bible (I Corinthians 5:8). The Days of Unleavened Bread help us to understand that sin is to put out of our lives; throughout the year it reminds us that false religion is all around and needs to be avoided.

People who do not keep the Days of Unleavened Bread are not reminded about false religion and sin through this symbol during the year; maybe they do not want to be.

A Warning

Now it is interesting to note that Jude warned that, “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).

This is interesting because in the next verse he ties this problem with deliverance (from Egypt) during the Days of Unleavened Bread (which should be kept as an annual reminder of sin and deliverance, Exodus 13:3-10, I Corinthians 5:8).

“But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe” (Jude 5). In like manner, just because of the sacrifice of Jesus “God had passed over the sins that were previously committed” (Rom 3:25), he may afterward destroy “those who did not believe”. How do you know if you truly have faith and believe? By doing what God says.

James warned, “You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead (Jas 2:19-20). In a similar way Paul wrote, “for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified” (Rom 2:13). Paul also warned, “For if we sin willfully after we have received knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation” (Heb 10:26-27).

Like the Old Testament (Exodus 12:15,19), the New Testament teaches us “Therefore purge out the old leaven” I Corinthians 5:7. From a physical standpoint it is easy to not obey these teachings. Physically it is easier not to purge or remove all the leaven from our dwellings. But spiritually, by not keeping the Days of Unleavened Bread, many fail to understand that they have to live the way of life that Jesus taught–many accept a false outward religion! Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). By not keeping the Days of Unleavened Bread, many have fallen for a religion based upon traditions of men instead of God’s commands!

The Bible vs. ‘Traditions of Men’

Believe it or not Jesus ran into the same problem in His day. The religious rulers (the Pharisees) were condemned because “you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition” (Mathew 15:6). Although traditions of men say that Jesus condemned the Pharisees for keeping the law, the opposite is true. Remember that Jesus said to them that “inside you are filled with lawlessness and hypocrisy” (Matthew 23:28). Actually, they pretended that they believed the Bible, but taught that their understandings (hermeneutics in modern terms) were more important than the literal commands in the Bible (Mark 7:8-9).

This problem exists even to our day.

The Days of Unleavened Bread last until sunset Friday.  Are you keeping it?  If not, why not start now?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
UCG and Its Unleavened Bread Study Paper What does the Bible say about eating unleavened bread for seven days? What has UCG officially said about it?
Marcus, the Marcosians, & Mithraism: Developers of the Eucharist? Marcus was a second century heretic condemned for having a ceremony similar to one still practiced by many who profess Christ. Might he also be in the apostolic succession list of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria?
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by 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.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

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

COGwriter

For some time, I have warned that Russia may turn against Syria’s Assad.  Notice what is now being reported:

Russia appears to be running out of patience with Assad’s heavy hand, and is preparing to push the Syrian leader for political and humanitarian concessions.

By Fred Weir, Correspondent / April 10, 2012…

“We never supported Assad’s regime,” says Andrei Klimov, deputy chair of the State Duma’s international affairs committee. “Our point was always that both sides have to share in the responsibility. There has to be ceasefire, and they both have to stop shooting. Assad promised everybody, including Russia, that he will end this outrage. Let us see whether he is able to keep this pledge. If he doesn’t, then Russia may change its attitude towards him, because it will mean that he has fallen out with us as well.  http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2012/0410/Russian-comments-on-Syria-hint-at-mounting-disapproval-of-Assad

Russia had been one of the strongest supporters of Syria’s President, and now they are distancing themselves from him, as well as specifically from his regime.

This is something I have indicated at this news page that could happen. Russia would prefer to assist and trade with Syria, but when it comes down to it, other international issue (and markets) are more important to them.

Quelling dissent has not yet worked completely for President Assad.  Many are angry with him for not complying with a cease-fire he said he would support:

Syria defies cease-fire plan as peace hopes fade

‎

Newsday – Originally published: April 10, 2012

BEIRUT – (AP) — Syrian troops defied a U.N.-brokered cease-fire plan Tuesday, launching fresh attacks on rebellious areas, but special envoy Kofi Annan said there was still time to salvage a truce that he described as the only chance for peace.

More than a year into the Syrian uprising, the international community has nearly run out of options for halting the slide toward civil war…Facing a Tuesday deadline to pull back its tanks and troops, the Syrian government had said it was withdrawing from certain areas, including the rebellious central province of Homs. But France called the claims a “flagrant and unacceptable lie,” and activists said there was no sign of a withdrawal.

Syria does not have many international friends left–its closest ally is Iran, and Iran has its own major issues–though the two nations could end up supporting each other against a common enemy to them, like Israel.  And apparently Russia expects a regional war involving Iran and Israel by the summer (which I suspect, if it occurs, might well also involve Syria):

Russia Is Massing Troops On Iran’s Northern Border And Waiting For A Western Attack

April 9, 2012

WASHINGTON – The Russian military anticipates that an attack will occur on Iran by the summer and has developed an action plan to move Russian troops through neighboring Georgia to stage in Armenia, which borders on the Islamic republic, according to informed Russian sources…Russian Defense Ministry sources say that the Russian military doesn’t believe that Israel has sufficient military assets to defeat Iranian defenses and further believes that U.S. military action will be necessary.  http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-thinks-an-israeli-attack-on-iran-by-the-summer-is-almost-certain-2012-4

While Russia, along with China, want to keep supporting Syria (and Iran), neither are so committed to Syria that they will not change their positions (how far Russia would really go in assisting Iran is also likely limited).

And Russia is now publicly stating something about Syria that last year would have been considered nearly impossible to publicly state.  The “We never supported Assad’s regime” statement is not how various others have previously viewed Russia’s actions.  This is clearly a public change towards Damascus.

The Bible shows that Syria’s capital city Damascus (Isaiah 7:8) will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). Whether this will happen because of internal civil war or an attack involving Israel remains to be seen.  But eventually, Damascus has to be destroyed, and probably relatively soon.

Russia (along with China) will try to do what is in its best interest.  Syria is simply not important enough for Russia to back Assad under all scenarios. Russia may have supported earlier international statements against Syria if it had not felt so betrayed by what it thought it backed related to Libya last year and what the West ended up doing there. But just because Russia is not encouraging the West to overthrow Syria militarily does not mean it simply will not support Syria against all odds. What was reported today clearly confirms that.

Much is going on in the Middle East. The King of the South will rise up (Daniel 11:40) and Syria (directly or indirectly) is likely to play a role in that occurrence.  As well as end up being a supporter of that king–thus the situation in Syria must change.

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

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