Church of God News

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat depicting a demon performing an ancient abortion.

COGwriter

The US House of Representatives has denied ban gender-based abortions:

Proposal to Ban Gender-Based Abortions Rejected by U.S. House

San Francisco Chronicle – ‎ May 31 (Bloomberg) — The US House rejected legislation to ban abortions based on the gender of the fetus and to make performing or aiding such a procedure a crime punishable by as many as five years in prison…”History and eternity will condemn a ‘no’ vote on this bill,” said Representative Trent Franks, an Arizona Republican who sponsored the bill…The Obama administration opposed the legislation, White House press secretary Jay Carney said.

Today just before the above vote was tallied, the Living Church of God (LCG) put out the following:

Tragedy of Abortion! This week the United States Congress is debating a bill that would prohibit abortions on the basis of the sex of the unborn child. In a number of countries around the world baby girls are more frequently aborted than baby boys—a practice that appears to be increasing in America (cnn.com, May 31, 2012). Since abortion was legalized in America in 1973, more than 50 million babies have been aborted—about one in three or one in four babies conceived in America are murdered in the womb. Worldwide, t he figure is many times that number. While arguments for legal abortion center on a woman’s right to control her own body and risks to the woman’s health, studies reveal that the main reasons for taking the life of an unborn infant are personal preference and convenience (Wikipedia, “Abortion in the United States”). This is the tragic consequence when people turn away from God and ignore His laws. One of the Ten Commandments is “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). The prophet Jeremiah warned the ancient Israelites that when they turned from God and offered their own children as sacrifices to idols, “You all have transgressed against Me [God]… Also on your skirts is found the blood of the lives of the poor innocents” (Jeremiah 2:4, 29, 34). Jeremiah warned the rebellious Israelites that God would “hand them over to trouble” and “cause anguish and terror to fall on them suddenly” (Jeremiah 15:4, 8). Unless America repents and moves away from killing unborn babies—male and female—there will be serious consequences ahead!

Gender-based abortions tend to result in more female babies being aborted.  In essence, it become a type of female “gendercide.”

In June 2011, in an article by Wall Street Journal, Jonathan V. Last did an in-depth review of a book titled Unnatural Selection: Choosing Boys Over Girls and the Consequences of a World Full of Men by Mara Hvistendahl.

Mara Hvistendahl puts forth a figure that 163 million female babies were aborted since the late 1970s because of family preferences, mainly in India and China, for having sons. Of course, it is not just family preference. Part of why China is experiencing this phenomena is because its current “one child policy” (which it adopted in the early 1980s) forces most couples to only have one child. In China, male children tend to be the ones expected to provide for parents in their old age (and do not require huge expensive dowries as often do female children in India), this policy is a factor resulting in an excessively high male to female birth ratios–if parents feel that they need at son to support them and they can only have one child, often females get aborted away.

Female infanticide is not new, of course. Mara Hvistendahl noted that its practice in 4th century B.C. Greece and 19th century China coincided with bloody than usual periods in those lands. And while many associate poverty with higher level of violence, Jonathan Lust wrote:

In Chinese provinces where the sex ratio has spiked, a crime wave has followed. Today in India, the predictor of violence and crime for any given area is not income but sex ratio.

Furthermore, when there is a major imbalance, wealthier men tend to still get married, either locally or by securing brides from other lands (such as Vietnam for many Chinese). This tends to leave more poorer males unable to secure brides. Males who have less income and no wives tend to be more reckless and violent in their behavior.

While creating female infanticide, increased societal violence, and other costs likely were never the intent of abortion-rights advocates, the reality is that problems happen and others will as well.

These are terrible consequences of the right to choose death for female babies–and now the USA has decided to keep such a practice “legal.”

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? What do the Living Church of God and the Church of Rome teach?
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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
2012 – Ten Fulfilled Barack Obama Prophecies Barack Obama has already helped fulfill 10 predictions in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Here is a YouTube video on ten.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.

COGwriter

The latest issue (print date May 31, 2012) of The Journal just arrived here electronically.

One of the lead articles was about Stan Radar on 60 Minutes:

Mike Wallace cited Stanley Rader as notable interview…

Mr. Wallace, who died at age 93 on April 7, 2012, devoted four pages of his Close Encounters book (written with Gary Paul Gates) to his April 1979 encounter with Mr. Rader…

“As a responsible member of the press, [Mike Wallace] expressed himself as deeply concerned about violations of the First Amendment,” Mr. Rader wrote. “He led me to believe he felt we had a mutual interest in judicial and other Constitutional guarantees; he promised a balanced presentation.” But Mr. Rader was soon to conclude that Mr. Wallace “lacked integrity and was far worse than most legitimate journalists working in print or even television.”

God and mammon

The Wallace-Rader skirmish climaxed on Feb. 7, 1979, during the interview. An 18-minute edited version of the 41⁄2 hours of conversation in Mr. Rader’s office on the Ambassador College campus went out over the air two months later, on April 15.

I do remember watching that interview back then and because certain inaccuracies from Mike Wallace in it, I ceased regularly watching 60 Minutes.

The current edition of The Journal mentioned that CGI broke its own records in reaching people to attend its public lectures in Jamaica.  CGI in Jamaica, like LCG does all around the world (as now does UCG), uses public Bible lectures as a means of gospel proclamation.  LCG also broke records for public proclamation in the past year, but that was not covered in this issue of The Journal.

The Journal also mentioned a conference put on by Art Mokarow that also featured unitarian Anthony Buzzard.  One of the many issues I (COGwriter) have with The Journal is that it too strongly cover unitarianism.  There is also again an advertisement from a unitarian in this issue of The Journal and an ad opposing unitarianism.

There were articles about the ecclesiastical roles for women, of differing persuasions (for a biblically-based view, please see Women and the New Testament Church).  David Barrett’s new Fragmentation of a Sect book was also mentioned.  David Barrett contacted me about this several times years ago and I attempted to correct various errors he had in some of his materials.  Hopefully, the final version does not contain those and other errors.

The Journal itself in print is also available by paid subscription (though some subscriptions are free to those who cannot afford it).

Some articles of related interest may also include:

Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning This is a shorter article than the Binitarian View article, but has a little more information on binitarianism.
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?
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?
Teachings of the Church of God, International This article focuses on where CGI differs from the old WCG.
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.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

COGwriter

In his 5/30/12 post, James Malm, an independent internet poster and leader/owner of the Shining Light blog, has once again taken  false and misleading shots against me and the Living Church of God.  He posted:

Why will you be joined and become one with a false religion or a false doctrine? To be joined with, to mix God’s word on doctrine or prophecy with the false teachings of evil doers; is contrary to God’s word; makes us one with them; for even a little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Why does Bob Thiel and LCG not understand that using pagan sources to support a prophetic position; does NOT confirm that positions at all! If a prophetic position is supported from a multitude of pagan sources it is absolute confirmation that the teaching is FALSE!

The above post shows that James Malm misunderstands my and LCG teachings as well as the scriptures:

29 You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures (Matthew 22:29)

James Malm is mistaken and apparently does not understand the relevant scriptures on the subject of reaching outsiders and prophecy.

I, and those in the Living Church of God, are not improperly mixing the God’s word with pagan sources–we just try not be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).  What we are doing, and have done, is consistent with what the Apostle Paul did:

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”  (Acts 17:22-31)

Notice that the Apostle Paul quoted pagan sources to help explain his teachings about God and prophecy.

Furthermore, while James Malm, an individual who claims to have been associated with the old Worldwide Church of God for 8 1/2 years, seems to imply that trying to explain how non-biblical prophecies can affect humanity is a recent development unique to me and the Living Church of God, the reality is that decades ago the old Good News magazine quoted a lot of Catholic private prophecies to show that the one that we in the COG call Jesus seems to be referred to as Antichrist in certain Catholic prophecies.  For documented proof see: Hill David Jon.  Christ or Antichrist.  Good News magazine, Radio Church of God, April 1961 and Hill, David Jon. Will you be deceived by Antichrist? Good News magazine of the Radio Church of God, October 1964. These articles clearly prove that the old COG used Catholic sources and prophecies like I have (plus there are numerous other Catholic sources quoted in a lot of the old literature).

The Church of God position is not the pagan prophecies are correct or that we rely on them, but that people will be influenced by them–and that is also consistent with the writings of the Apostle Peter (2 Peter 2:3-7).

Additionally, let me state the James Malm is being hypocritical on this point.  Years ago he referred to Catholic prophecies indicating that the pope after Pope Benedict XVI will be the last one.  Perhaps it should be noted that his 5/30/12 post also contains the following:

Benedict is now on his last and could die at any time [I expect him to last for 2/3 more months; this has brought a large power struggle in the Vatican.

Why is that important to him?  Notice what James Malm posted in July 2008:

Roman Catholic tradition indicates that the next Pope will be the last one. While we should not stand on any non scriptural tradition, Benedict XVI at 80 is visibly slowing down. Benedict may be empowered and strengthened to last until the return of Christ, or he may go the way of all flesh. If he does pass on; who will replace him?

Catholic tradition, in this case, is based upon the same Catholic prophecies that James Malm has blasted me for mentioning and indicated that this makes me a false teacher of some sort. His continual hypocrisy here is outrageous.

He has previously written that if the current pope dies, there is an 80% that the Great Tribulation will begin this year.  Now, while James Malm is wrong about the timing of the Great Tribulation (it 100% cannot begin in 2012), hopefully people can see his hypocrisy and how he is misleading people with his attacks against me and the Living Church of God.

Now, as far as certain private Catholic prophecies go, let me state that I believe that Satan has revealed many parts of his plan through mystics and others.  These prophecies often somewhat confirm biblical ones, as Satan does know scripture (cf. Matthew 4:6).  Basically, and much of this is documented in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, Catholic prophecy teaches that at the time of the end, Catholics will be lax in their religion, this will result in civil unrest in Europe, and this will lead to militaristic leaders rising up (cf. Daniel 11:21-23).

A highly successful Catholic leader (cf. Revelation 13:4) will go to Jerusalem (Daniel 11:31), also persecute the Church of God to the point they will flee and become inconsequential (cf. Daniel 11:30-35; Revelation 12:14-17), and some will hide in the wilderness by caves (Revelation 12:14-16).  This leader will establish a new religious order (cf. Daniel 11:37-38), destroy the English peoples (cf. Daniel 11:39), this “prince of North” (Bible uses term “King of the North“), will eliminate the Islamic power (Daniel 11:40-43), will amass gold (Daniel 11:43), and will turn the world to support the final ecumenical religion (Revelation 13:4,8).  He and a pope that does miracles (Revelation 13:11-15 ), will reign for about 4 years (cf. Daniel 11:29-39; 7:24-25), and get basically the whole world to believe their modified Catholic faith (cf. Revelation 13:8).  They will come to their end after the issues related to Armageddon (Revelation 16:16).  And part of why this is SATAN’s plan is that Catholic prophecy teaches that Antichrist wins and destroys them–yet the Bible clearly teaches that it is Jesus who returns after the gathering at Armageddon and who destroys the Beast (AKA the King of the North, which Catholic prophecy calls the “prince of the North” or the “Great Monarch”) and the False Prophet (which Catholic prophecy sometimes refers to as the “Angelic Pastor,” while others, more correctly, call him the “antipope’) per Revelation 19:19-20.

The FACT that pagan prophecies, while twisted as sort of a “mirror image” of biblical ones, essentially confirm biblical prophecies, does not make understanding biblical prophecies false.  Yet, on May 30, 2012 James Malm posted “If a prophetic position is supported from a multitude of pagan sources it is absolute confirmation that the teaching is FALSE.”  He, of course, is wrong on that.

The Bible warns that deception will hit all but the elect (Matthew 24:24) and that false prophets will arise and deceive many (Matthew 24:11).  The Bible teaches that we who are Christian are not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).  And false prophecies are one of Satan’s many devices.

James Malm is not only wrong and misleading many on this, he errs not knowing the scriptures.  Those who rely on him will often be misled.

Some items of potentially related interest may include:

Error-Ridden James Malm Not Doing an Elijah Work James Malm is an ‘independent’ who misunderstands and improperly maligns.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Certain Catholic writings indicate this, while others take a different view, but what does the Bible show?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! is a highly documented book by Bob Thiel for those interested in the real truth about Fatima and how future apparitions may affect the future.
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?
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 22 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 22 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 22 já começaram a acontecer.

Mohamed Morsi (Photo by Mohammed Bin Abdullah)

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood’ candidate for the Egyptian presidency, Mohamed Morsi is seemingly promising more tolerance:

CWN – May 30, 2012

The Muslim Brotherhood’s candidate for the Egyptian president has promised that the country’s Christians would have full legal rights under his leadership…Morsi said that his government would not require women to wear the Islamic veil or to leave their jobs.

Morsi has focused his campaign rhetoric on a pledge of freedom…http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=14472 

This is the same Dr. Morsi was the overseer of the website of the Muslim Brotherhood. That website has the following:

Dr. Mohamed Morsi, candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood and its political arm the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) for the presidency, said that the party and the group have great confidence in the Egyptian people’s awareness and enlightenment, and that they shall willingly and jealously rally around the Renaissance Project…

Dr. Morsi said…“Needless to say, currently, the candidate of the FJP and the Muslim Brotherhood is the only contender who offers a clearly Islamic project.” http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=29910

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

The final Islamic Caliphate will not end up with Spain if I understand certain aspects of Bible prophecy correctly, but the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to Afghanistan, with possible coordination with Pakistan and/or Indonesia. (plus or minus).

It is clear that Dr. Morsi wants an Islamic government. And while not all in Egypt do, they may want a former supporter of Hosni Mubarak less as the Muslim Brotherhood has declared it will seek a more “moderate” form of an Islamic government than certain other political parties in Egypt.

And how has the website, under Dr. Morsi’s leadership, tended to view the United States?  Notice:

What is its stance toward Israel and the U.S.?
Unremittingly negative. In past decades, the group had a blatantly anti-Semitic agenda, translating Hitler’s Mein Kampf and the forged Protocols of the Elders of Zion into Arabic and disseminating them to foment hatred of the Jews. More recently, it has contented itself with railing against “U.S. and Zionist domination.”  (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/25/2011)

And while some ignore what the Muslim Brotherhood clearly wants and has posted, some are concerned anyway:

San Diego Jewish World 30 May 2012- ‎By Morton A. Klein NEW YORK – Following last week’s Egyptian first round of voting in the country’s presidential election, which has seen the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, Mohamed Mursi, win a plurality of the vote (44%), the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has pointed to continuing, alarming developments in Egypt. The ZOA is urging the US to address these developments, not to ignore or dismiss them,  as the State Department spokesman, Victoria Nuland, has been doing.

If certain American government officials and politicians really understood biblical prophecy they would have more concern.  But, alas, they normally do not.

The Bible tells the rise of a leader of a confederation that seems to be based south of Jerusalem. Likely one composed of nations in North Africa, the Middle East, and perhaps the Near East. The main leader of the King of the South could be Egyptian:

40 At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. (Daniel 11:40-42).

1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God:”Wail, ‘Woe to the day!’ 3 For the day is near,Even the day of the Lord is near;It will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles. 4 The sword shall come upon Egypt,And great anguish shall be in Ethiopia,When the slain fall in Egypt,And they take away her wealth,And her foundations are broken down.  5 “Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, all the mingled people, Chub, and the men of the lands who are allied, shall fall with them by the sword.”  (Ezekiel 30:1-5)

Ezekiel 30:1-5 is discussing an Arabic confederation that supports Egypt before the Day of the Lord that will not do well.   This is further support that the Egyptians will most likely have significant involvement with the king of the South (as does the fact their land does not escape the wrath of the King of the North). And while Dr. Morsi may not be the one who will the final King of the South, the group he is associated with would certainly be expected to support that type of Islamic confederation.

Moderates beware.  The King of the South will form despite any assurances by Dr. Morsi hinting the contrary.

The Muslim Brotherhood was originally established in Egypt and seems to have the most adherents currently there (though it has branches in most of the Arab nations, if not all of them). And while it may not necessarily win the presidency of Egypt this time, it is making major political inroads in Egypt (as well as Gaza, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and elsewhere).

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 or Grand Mufti or Caliph ( he could perhaps use a version one or more of those titles, with perhaps other ones with more of a modern political sound)–he is likely to have title more than simply “president” (though that could be used along perhaps with a religious title). The time may be now for him to start to rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups may play an important role.

Events supporting the rise of the final King of the South are happening. 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.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
2012 – Ten Fulfilled Barack Obama Prophecies Barack Obama has already helped fulfill 10 predictions in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Here is a YouTube video on ten.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
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?

VS.

COGwriter

CGPFK/CGPKG’s Ronald Weinland just made another post with a variety of false statements.  Here are some:

Pentecost of May 27, 2012
The day of Pentecost, 2012, will prove to be most important to the return of Jesus Christ. As a prophet, God gives to me prophetic interpretation and additional prophecy not previously given in scripture. He does not do it all at one time, but in a “progressive” manner, as in a “building” process that involves a growing revelation of His will. That has been the case with how God has led His prophets throughout the ages. Because of this, that which has been spoken by the prophets has never been the “complete” and final revelation of a matter until it is God’s time to actually bring a prophecy to the actual moment of fulfillment—to be made manifest. This has always given critics and non-believers ample room to twist and mock what they do not understand in prophecy.

So in many respects, my job as a prophet is simple, since I speak and write what God gives to me…

Still May 27, 2012
Who believes what I have said as God’s prophet and end-time apostle to God’s Church? It is only those who support and/or are part of the physical organization of the Church of God – PKG. May 27, 2012, stated as the day of Christ’s return, is looked upon by all others as foolishness and proof that I have been wrong and indeed evidence I am not a true prophet of God…

May 27th has come and gone, so how can I say this is still the day of Christ’s return? The answer is a matter of God’s revelation which is spiritual in nature, but having a definite physical outcome. It is prophetic. I did not know that when I stated this was the “day” of Christ’s coming…May 27, 2012, has come and gone, but it is the prophetic day of Christ’s coming…The vast accumulation of end-time prophecy recorded throughout 6,000 years of history is magnified in the book, 2008 – God’s Final Witness.

By saying that he simply speaks what God gives him, apparently Ron Weinland is blaming God for the fact that he was wrong about the return of Jesus and the great tribulation being over by May 27, 2012.  For years, I have warned that Ron Weinland would pretend to spiritualize away the return of Jesus, and now he is trying to actually do that.  Astounding gall.

Did God also spiritualize away the nuclear attack that Ron Weinland said was to happen before Pentecost in 2008 as well as the other he proclaimed before Pentecost in 2012?

Nonsense.

It is not God who spoke to Ron Weinland.  Ron Weinland is either getting his false prophecies and unbiblical explanations from his own imagination, the imaginations of others, and/or from demonic sources.  Of course, no one who believes the truth will listen to Ron Weinland.

Do not he and his supporters forget what the Bible teaches?

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

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

How many times does Ronald Weinland have to be wrong for his followers to open their eyes and believe the Bible over him?

Please do not let false prophets and false apostles like Ron Weinland turn you away from the God of the Bible.  Deception is a powerful thing, and Ron Weinland continues to try to deceive his followers

Some articles of possible interest related to prophecy may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012. Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? Why do Ronald Weinland’s own statements prove that he is a false prophet? Additionally, he has other views which show he is not truly part of the Church of God?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
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?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping taught that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world would end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
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?
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

The Vatican again has admitted something many within Catholicism believe about Mary:

Virgin Mary ‘greatest source of hope’ for Europe’s crisis

A top Vatican official called the Virgin Mary the “greatest source of hope” during the economic crisis now facing Spain and most of the countries of Europe.Cardinal Antonio Canizares, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, made his remarks during the traditional “Missa d’Infants” (Children’s Mass) in Valencia.http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/virgin-mary-greatest-source-of-hope-for-europes-crisis/

Most people do not realize that Catholic prophecy basically teaches that Mary will support the Great Monarch (who actually is the final Beast of Revelation 13 and the King of the North of Daniel 11).  Much of the deception about Fatima and the apparitions relates to the end time role of a “Lady” (cf. Isaiah 47).

Demonic apparitions, which throughout history various apparition seers have tended to falsely identify as Mary, have played an important role in the advancement of the Church of Rome and against the Church of God. Very few seem to know the truth about how “Marian apparitions” have impacted the professing Christian world.  My book,  Fatima Shock! also explains what appears to be Satan’s plans for apparitions in the future based upon biblical and other prophecies.  Fatima Shock! provides concerned Christians enough Catholic-documented facts needed to effectively counter every false Marian argument.

Fatima Shock! is available at www.fatimashock.com; Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Fatima-Shock-Truth-Future-Apparitions/dp/0984087176/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336687621&sr=8-3); AmazonKindle (http://www.amazon.com/Fatima-Shock-ebook/dp/B0081APXBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336687621&sr=8-1); Barnes & Noble Nook (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fatima-shock-bob-thiel/1110624059?ean=2940014385640).

Pope Benedict made a few interesting statements related to Babylon:

Pope likens world to latter-day Babel…

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The modern world is a latter-day Babel, where arrogance inspired by technological progress leads people to play God and sets them against each other, a predicament from which people can escape only through divinely inspired humility and love, said Pope Benedict XVI…Pope Benedict likened these developments to the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel, according to which men came to think themselves “strong enough to be able to construct on their own a path to heaven in order to open its doors and put themselves in God’s place.” http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1202209.htm

Oddly, some Roman and Byzantine Catholic prophecies claim that God will establish Babylon in the end times and that this is good.  The current pontiff seems to have a different view, but the next one may not.  Some information on that is covered in the article Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation.

If you want a deeper understanding of the Marian matters than can be covered in news posts, you should read Fatima Shock!

COGwriter

Germany wants the gold of certain European nations:

Europe’s debtors must pawn their gold for Eurobond Redemption

Southern Europe’s debtor states must pledge their gold reserves and national treasure as collateral under a €2.3 trillion stabilisation plan gaining momentum in Germany.

Telegraph, London – May 29, 2012   http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9298180/Europes-debtors-must-pawn-their-gold-for-Eurobond-Redemption.html

We will see how the above plays out.

But, notice what I wrote about three years ago in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe.

I felt then, as I do now, that there could be enough economic turmoil in Europe that the Euro could possibly be replaced, but still am not certain that it will be (but it could be and could possibly be part of an international basket of currencies).  But I did feel that the Europeans would go for gold, and this is a step in that direction (and there will be more: the final King of the North will end up with more gold per Daniel 11:43).  World events continue to line up with properly understood biblical prophecy.

While it is certain that there are problems with the European confederation, the Bible predicted them (cf. Daniel 2:41-43), so the recent developments are not unexpected (and I still expect more complaints about austerity, more unrest, etc. in Europe).

The Bible reveals that despite weaknesses (Daniel 2:41-43) there will be a reorganization in Europe (Revelation 17:12-13). The likelihood is that Europe is going to develop some technologies that will propel it into the front of the world economically–more than in the past. The Bible shows that it will make the world wealthy for a time (Revelation 18).

The Bible also shows that ultimately, a major dictator (and the person I currently suspect for that role currently holds no major government office) will rise up and rule end time European Babylon (Revelation 17:1-13), the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40).

While Europe is not yet ready to support the final King of the North, we in the Church of God have long taught that it will be.  And it likely will be relatively soon.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the role of Europe and how it is pivotal to end time biblical prophecy.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Hildegard Allegedly Receiving a Vision

COGwriter

Pope Benedict XVI made an announcement that will likely have Church of God (COG) ramifications:

Pope Benedict announced that he will proclaim St. John of Avila, a 16th-century Spanish priest, and St. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century German abbess, as doctors of the universal church Oct. 7 in Rome.

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1202209.htm

There are relatively few (33 others) “doctors of the universal church.”  Adding Hildegard is dangerous for those in the COGs.

Why?

Catholics basically put a lot of emphasis on certain statements from many people they declare to have been “doctors of the universal church.”

Hildegard, who died in 1179, clearly had visions that seem to be opposed to Bible prophecy.

Here is one from her:

Antichrist will make the earth move, level mountains, dry up rivers, produce thunder and lightning and hail… (Culleton, The Reign of Antichrist, p. 129)

Yet, the Bible does not teach that Antichrist “make the earth move, level mountains, dry up rivers, produce thunder and lightenings and hail”. The Bible teaches that God will have this done during the Day of the Lord (Revelation 16:12, 17-21).

Furthermore, she also taught:

Antichrist…His doctrine of faith will be taken from the Jewish religion and seemingly will not differ much from the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, for he will teach that there is one God who created the world, who rewards the obeyers of his commands and trespassers he chastises, who will raise all from the dead in due time. (Culleton, p. 127)

Yet, because the Bible shows that God will resurrect everyone else after the millennium (Revelation 20:5,13), this is certainly something that we would expect Jesus to teach. This is not a doctrine or Antichrist. Jesus, of course, practiced the “Jewish” religion, but the way that God, not certain rabbis, intended for it to be practiced.

Catholics need to understand that some prophets who have called themselves Catholic (such as Hildegard) are really warning against the returning Jesus Christ, and are referring to Him as Antichrist. Please do not be taken in by that.

Furthermore, Hildegard also claimed the following in another vision:

And fly from those who linger in caves and are cloistered supporters of the Devil. Woe to them, woe to them who remain thus! They are the Devil’s very viscera, and the advance guard of the son of perdition.

Therefore, O you My beloved children, avoid them with all devotion and with all the strength of your souls and bodies. For the ancient serpent feeds and clothes them by his arts, and they worship him as God and trust in his false deceptions…Because they are afraid of My people, they do not openly resist these institutions of Mine, but in their hearts and their deeds they hold them as nothing. By devilish illusion, they pretend to have sanctity; but they are deceived by the Devil, for if he were to show himself to them openly they would understand him and flee him…But because the Devil knows he has only a short time for his error, he is not hastening to perfect infidelity in his members; you, you evil deceivers, who labor to subvert the Catholic faith. (Hildegard of Bingen. Scivias. Paulist Press, Mahwah (NJ), pp. 301-302)

The teaching that Christians in something that sounds like the biblical place of safety in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16), as well as those that support them, are tools of Satan is something that should concern all who believe Church of God doctrines.  And the person who had this vision is essentially getting exalted as a higher level teacher/doctor.

As my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect points out the following related to Hildegard’s prophecy:

It would appear that the mystic was demonically-influenced as she is actually warning against supporting the true Philadelphian pacifist Christians (something that may happen, as some might try to join them per Isaiah 56:8). It is the Philadelphians who will be protected, yet she seems to be claiming that they are the “supporters of the Devil” (probably because they will oppose the final revised ecumenical church and because that church will have persecuted them). Because she calls them “the advanced guard of the son of perdition,” she apparently refers to a group of people who will be protected in caves just before Christ returns.

Notice also that she specifically warns against religious people in caves who are miraculously fed.

Yet she must not have realized that the Bible indicates that those who receive God’s protection in the wilderness during the end time (Revelation 12:14–16), and are in caves (Jeremiah 48:28), are His people (Isaiah 16:1–4 in Sela/Petra), will be religious (Revelation 14:12), and will be miraculously fed (Isaiah 33:15-16). Hence, the above vision does indicate that even the demons have known about a place of protection where some people will be miraculously fed, for quite some time.

However, those associated with the King of the North will then turn their attention to the rest of her seed, the non-Philadelphian Christians (which will be a “secret sect,” but will try to remain hidden, most likely, to avoid this persecution).

Even a commentator’s note in the Rheims New Testament agrees that the Church goes to a wilderness location:

The Church shall flee as to a desert in Antichrist’s time, but not decay or be unknown, no not for
so short a time.

Early Catholic leaders such as Irenaeus, Hippolytus, and Cyril also believed this. Hence Hildegard is once again not even faithful to Catholic positions on prophetic matters.

Furthermore, notice:

Bishop St. Victorinus (2^nd century): But the woman fled into the wilderness, and there were given to her two great eagle’s wings…to that…church…let them go to that place which they have ready, and let them be supported there for three years and six months from the presence of the devil.

Thus, the idea of true Christians fleeing, being supported, and being away from the devil for 3 ½ years is consistent with both biblical and certain Catholic teachings. No one should rely on Hildegard’s false admonition. The Greek Orthodox tend to believe that the faithful will flee to caves in the desert/wilderness for 3 ½ years.

Yet, Hildegard is being praised as one who is to be a “doctor of the universal church.”

Perhaps I should point out that she wondered if her visions were of demonic source at times. I suspect that many were.

Hildegard professed positions that were apparently opposed to biblical and certain Catholic understandings of end time events.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Certain Catholic writings indicate this, while others take a different view, but what does the Bible show?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
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 23 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 23 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 23 já começaram a acontecer.

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

COGwriter

Syria is again receiving international condemnation:

Annan warns Syria of grave concern, West pulls envoys

Reuters – ‎29 May 2012

By Joseph Logan | BEIRUT (Reuters) – Peace envoy Kofi Annan expressed “grave concern” to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday and Western nations threw out its envoys to protest against a massacre of 108 civilians, many of them children,in the town of Houla.France, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain and Australia said they were expelling the Syrian envoys from their capitals in a move that was coordinated with the United States and underlined Assad’s diplomatic isolation.

The killings in Houla drew a chorus of powerful condemnation from around the world, with the United Nations saying entire families had been shot dead in their homes.

Alarming Revelation About Syria Attack  5/29/12

BEIRUT — The U.N.’s human rights office said Tuesday that most of the 108 victims of a massacre in Syria last week were shot at close range, some of them women, children and entire families gunned down in their own homes.

Russia condemns its ally Syria over Houla Massacre29/05/2012

DP-News – agencies)

RUSSIA- Analysts indicated that Russia may be warning Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that he needs to change course or lose Moscow’s support, which has been a key layer of protection for the Syrian government during the uprising that began in March 2011.

A weekend massacre of more than 100 people emerged as a potential turning point in the Syrian crisis Monday, galvanizing even staunch ally Russia to take an unusually hard line against President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

Russia has grown increasingly critical of Damascus in recent months, but Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s latest comments were unusually strong.

Syria’s President Assad must realize that international condemnations, the recent US call for his removal (see Assad and Syria’s Latest Massacre), and Russia also condemning his regime suggest that the international community may actually eliminate him from running Syria.  And since he does not want that, he will either decide to cooperate or fight.  And if he does decide to fight Israel, he would likely do this in conjunction with Iran.

Some, including  Hal Lindsey (on his telecast) and Donald Blake (in the Wall Street Journal), have suggested that the stage is being set for Ezekiel 38 being fulfilled with Russia and Iran, and possibly Syria working together to invade Israel.  However, for many reasons, including the fact that the tiny nation of Israel is not really a nation of unwalled villages, it is not.   Ezekiel 38 is for a future time well after the USA itself is eliminated (some details are in the news article WSJ Suggests that Israel Should Destroy Iran; Ezekiel 38?).

So, what may be happening now?

Although Russia is once again condemning its ally Syria, it still seems to be willing to supply it arms.  Similarly, it has provided Iran with nuclear and some military technology, while sometimes criticizing it.  It may be that since Russia realizes that Iran and Syria are likely to have to have regime changes, that perhaps it wants them to function essentially as proxies in a war involving Israel and possibly the USA.

A regional war, that somewhat gets out of control and may involve Syria (who is becoming a closer Iranian ally at this time) and others (including many based in Lebanon), beyond Iran and Israel is something I have warned could happen for some time now and really could be a factor that ultimately leads to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27.

Both Iran and Syria have offensive capabilities that could hurt Israel as well as the USA  For example, if a “dirty bomb” (a bomb with radioactive materials), nuclear bomb, and/or EMP bomb were to be detonated in the United States because of Iran, this could cause the USA major problems. And while it is possible that Iran would not survive well what ever retaliation that the USA would likely provide, the USA could be partially crippled by some of its possible actions.  Syria is believed to have the capability of utilizing chemical and biological weapons.  These could truly damage Israel as well as possibly the USA.  And even if the USA suffers relatively little from it and/or related terrorism, the economic cost will effect the USA and strain its military.  Russia would tend to like that as it does not like the USA holding the position it currently does in the world (both economically and militarily).

If there is a regional war and Syria is highly involved, then there is a chance its capital will be destroyed as the Bible shows that ultimately Damascus will be (Isaiah 17:1)–and that is one reason that I believe supports the idea that Israel may hurt enough that it hits back hard.

Events are heating up in the Middle East. “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37). Ezekiel 38 is not about to be fulfilled, but other prophecies are getting closer to being fulfilled.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? 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? 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?
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?
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?

Baku, Azerbaijan (Gulustan)

COGwriter

In its latest TW News Prophecy E-Zine the Living Church of God has the following:

Rumors of war.

Tensions in a resource-rich region of central Asia threaten to disrupt a 25-year ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The two nations signed a treaty after the Nagorno-Karabakh War (1988-1994). However, in a direct provocation, Azerbaijani troops entered Armenia and killed three out-of-uniform soldiers. An Armenian military source stated, “The killing is a clear provocation, we have not reacted yet. I underline: ‘Yet’.” The “war rumor” has raised concerns in the EU, Russia, and the U.S. due to the critical importance of the region.

“In terms of direct threats to EU interests, it would increase oil prices by destroying the BTC pipeline from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean. It would also halt EU plans to reduce energy dependence on Russia by building a gas pipeline through the region.”

Russia’s 5,000 soldiers based in Armenia must intervene under a NATO-type Collective Security Treaty Organization agreement, if there is war. The U.S. also has hundreds of diplomats and thousands of Armenian-American passport holders in Armenia (EUobserver.com, May 14, 2012). As nations compete for spheres of interest, resources and recognition, “proxy wars can be expected” (German-Foreign-Policy.com, May 2, 2012).

Jesus prophesied that just before the end of this age, “nation will rise against nation,” and “wars and rumors of wars” would dominate world news (Matthew 26:6-7). For nearly 6,000 years, mankind has failed to find the way to peace (Isaiah 59:8).

Many Bible prophecies indicate that Jesus Christ will return to this earth and usher in an era of world peace in the Kingdom of God (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 9:6-7). “He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Micah 4:3).

For more information about major end-time events, request our free booklet Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.

Notice also the following:

Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative To UN Sends Letter To Secretary General

History of Truth (blog) – ‎28 May 2012

Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations sent a letter to UN Secretary General, expressing the protest in connection with Armenia’s military parade in the Azerbaijani occupied town of Khankendi…

“The Republic of Azerbaijan declares the strongest protest against Armenia’s warlike gesture, and irresponsible rhetoric of its leadership,” the letter said. “Such provocations as a military parade in the Azerbaijani occupied territories and the celebration of the occupying forces and the puppet armed gangs that are responsible for the heinous crimes committed against the Azerbaijani civilians during the war, are contrary to Armenia’s obligations on international law, and within the ongoing process of the conflict settlement.”

All the above-mentioned confirms that the Armenian policy still poses a serious threat to regional and international peace, security and stability and requires attention and response from the United Nations and the international community as a whole, the letter said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994.

Azerbaijan is located on the northern end of the Iranian border and has issues with Iran as well (see Azerbaijan grants Israel use of its air bases: Prelude to Iranian strike? and Azerbaijan irritating Iran).

Armenia, from a COG perspective, is interesting as it played a role in church history (see, for one example, The Pergamos Church Era).

Azerbaijan itself, is a relatively wealthy nation and is also  in the news for cultural reasons:

Azerbaijan Delights in Taking the Stage as Eurovision Host

New York Times – ‎27 May 2012

BAKU, Azerbaijan – Intent on making a flawless debut on the world stage as the host of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest finals, the government of Azerbaijan left nothing to chance…

That conflict with Armenia cast a shadow over Eurovision. Armenia pulled out of the contest, preferring to pay fines rather than participate with its enemy as host.

Elvin Kerivov, 29, a part-time musician who plays the synthesizer, said he was glad the roles were not reversed. “It’s better for Eurovision to be here in Azerbaijan than in Armenia. If Armenia won, our delegation would have to go to Armenia to sing, which is not good for our pride.”

As reported at the beginning of this article, wars and rumors of war are prophesied, and some will occur (Revelation 6:3-4, see also Red Horseman of War).

Some articles of possibly related :

The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church.  Discusses some Christians in Armenia.
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?
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?