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

COGwriter

The are more protests in Syria and, of course, responses from the Assad regime:

Syrian Attacks Continue as Mass Protests Spread

Ed Yeranian  May 18, 2012

Syrian government troops pounded the rebel stronghold, Rastan, and parts of the flashpoint city, Homs, Friday, amid widespread anti-government protests across the country. Meanwhile, the head of the United Nations observer forces urged both the government and the opposition to engage in dialogue to end the violence.

Witnesses say Syrian security forces fired tear-gas and live rounds to break up a student protest in Aleppo Friday. The demonstration was billed as the largest of its kind in Syria’s northern commercial hub since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011.

The protests come after Syrian security forces disrupted a student demonstration in Aleppo on Thursday. Video taken from a U.N. vehicle in Aleppo Thursday showed security forces beating student protesters.

On Friday, Syrian state television showed an empty boulevard in front of Aleppo University’s medical college, saying there were “no significant demonstrations.” But video posted by opposition groups on the Internet showed large crowds gathering in the streets.

Arab satellite channels also broadcast large protests in parts of Idlib province, Homs, Daraa and the capital, Damascus. Signs held up by the protesters called for “solidarity” with the student demonstrators in Aleppo.

Syrian government troops fired heavy artillery at Rastan Friday. Several videos showed shells hitting parts of the city. Other videos showed government troops shelling parts of nearby Homs…

Also on Friday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he believes al-Qaida was behind twin bombings in Damascus, last week, that killed 55 people.  He says such involvement would create “very serious problems.”

A group calling itself the “Nusrat Front” claimed responsibility earlier this week for the blasts.  However, many analysts say claims of al-Qaida involvement have yet to be proven and may not be credible.  http://www.voanews.com/content/syria-fighting/727261.html

Money is also going to the opposition from outside of Syria which will strengthen the opposition and give it a better chance to eliminate the Assad regime.  Since that is unacceptable to Syria’s President Assad, he eventually will likely take more desperate steps.

What many seem to overlook is that there is another, not desirable, option for Syria, along with its ally Iran: a war involving Israel.

I have been writing for some time, I suspect that the current Syrian government may decide the best way to preserve the Assad regime is to attack Israel. If so, I have also warned that it is likely that Iran will cooperate with Syria (so may parts of Lebanon and other lands in the area). Israel in the past has indicated that it is ready should Syria attack (Israel Ready to Strike Syria). Yet, this may not turn out well for either country if this ends up in a regional war involving Israel.

Back in biblical times (cf. Isaiah 7:8) and current times, the capital of Syria has been Damascus. Notice what the Bible shows will happen to it:

1 An oracle concerning Damascus:
“See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down,with no one to make them afraid. 3 The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,and royal power from Damascus;the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites,” declares the LORD Almighty. (Isaiah 17:1-3)

3 Thus says the Lord:
“For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment…5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus,
And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven,
And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden.
The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,”
Says the Lord. (Amos 1:3, 5)

Nearly four years ago, the Living Church of God reported:

What does the future hold for Syria and its capital city Damascus? God prophesied, “‘Against Damascus…. they have heard bad news. They are fainthearted….Damascus has grown feeble; she turns to flee…. Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day;’ says the LORD of hosts… ‘I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces…” (Jeremiah 49:23-27). This bears watching. (Davis D, Winnail S. Damascus Gears Up. LCG World Ahead Weekly Update, June 5, 2008)

Damascus will be destroyed.

But when?

Syria’s President might decide his personal best option is to more closely support Iran and perhaps be involved in an invasion of Jerusalem and Israel. If so, this might be how Isaiah 17:1 is fulfilled. And that could be in 2012 if not soon past that. If we are near the time that Damascus is prophesied to be destroyed and for a time ceasing being a city (Isaiah 17:1), major problems may soon be upon that area (more than the current uprisings in Syria have been so far). At this time, it would seem that the destruction of Damascus could happen if opponents to the Syrian Assad regime felt that they had been harmed so much that eliminating Damascus would be necessary.

Since Israel and the USA tend to be sensitive to international opinion, such prophesied destruction of Damascus suggests that somehow Syria will first inflict significant harm to one or more of its enemies and then cause a major retaliatory strike that could fulfill Isaiah 17:1.  Syria could use chemical and/or biological weapons, dirty bombs, and/or possibly terrorist strikes and/or take other actions to infuriate the Israelis and/or the USA.  If this is involving outsiders like Israel, it seems that the Bible suggests major complications could occur if Israel does attack Iran and/or Syria and that Iran and Syria strike back.

And FWIW, perhaps I should mention that technically, Syria is still at war with Israel as it never did sign a peace deal with Israel. So an actual war involving Syria and Israel is quite feasible. If so, Israel may hit back so hard that it might eliminate Damascus as Isaiah 17:1 says will happen.

Much is going on in the Middle East.

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?
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?
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?

European Central Bank, Frankfurt (Eric Chan)

COGwriter

The situation in Greece is getting more European attention:

Ex-ECB head unveils bold plan to save the euro

Reuters – May 18, 2012

Europe could strengthen its monetary union by giving European politicians the power to declare a sovereign state bankrupt and take over its fiscal policy, the former head of the European Central Bank said on Thursday in unveiling a bold proposal to salvage the euro. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/05/18/uk-eurozone-trichet-idUKBRE84H04320120518?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FUKBusinessNews+%28News+%2F+UK+%2F+Business+News%29&utm_content=Googl

 May 18, 2012, 2:48 p.m. EDT

Greece says Merkel asked for euro referendum

Group of Eight to focus on managing euro crisis, Obama says

By Polya Lesova, MarketWatch

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Germany’s chancellor reportedly proposed on Friday that Greece hold a referendum on its membership in the euro currency area, increasing pressure on the nation just as Group of Eight leaders are set to discuss the region’s debt crisis this weekend.

In a phone call with the Greek president on Friday, German leader Angela Merkel suggested that Greece could have a referendum on the euro when it holds national elections in June, according to media reports, citing a Greek government spokesman.  Whether she actually did make the proposal is in doubt — her spokesman denied it, but the Greek official then reiterated that Merkel made such a request.  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/greece-says-merkel-asked-for-euro-referendum-2012-05-18?link=MW_latest_news

On a related note, in today’s TW News & Prophecy, the Living Church of God reported:

Meltdown of Eurozone?

The mounting debt crisis in Greece is again prompting talk that Greece will or should depart from the Eurozone! Respected columnist Roger Bootle writes in London’s Telegraph newspaper that Greece’s departure from the Eurozone and its return to the drachma may be the only way for Greece to recover from its insurmountable debt. Returning to the drachma will allow it to print enough money to continue functioning. European and U.S. banks have been anticipating a Greek return to the drachma since 2009, and could make the switch relatively easily (Reuters, May 11, 2012). Bootle speculates that “this time,” the EU may indeed “let Greece go.”

The real problem could be to hold the EU together after such a departure–especially if Greece then begins a recovery (The Telegraph, May 13, 2012). The German finance minister has stated the eurozone can withstand Greece’s departure (EUObserver.com, May 11, 2012). But many fear that if Greece goes, the contagion could spread around Europe (Spain could be next)–leading to the return of a number of national currencies.

Although European instability will likely remain for a time, Bible prophecy indicates that order will ultimately come at least to part of Europe–the part that will be led by a strong Beast power and overseen by the Catholic Church (see Revelation 13 and 17)! Just before the return of Jesus Christ to this earth, a group of 10 kingdoms or nations will arise in Europe that will “give their power and authority” to the Beast for a short time (Revelation 17:13). Out of the present chaos in Europe will come a powerful, ordered group, at least for a time.

For more information on this vital topic, see our booklet The Beast of Revelation.

There certainly there are problems with the European confederation, yet the Bible predicted them (cf. Daniel 2:41-43).

I happened to watch a brief video of UCG’s take on this yesterday:

The Long View of the Greek/Euro Crisis
The Greek debt crisis is threatening to reshape the EU. Keep in mind what Bible prophecy tells us.

Basically the presenter (looked like Darris McNeely in glasses) said that despite what the situation looks like with Greece, that eventually Greece will support the coming European Beast power.  And that, as I wrote a couple of days ago, is what I also expect.

The Bible shows that despite weakness (Daniel 11:41-43) there will be a reorganization in Europe  (Revelation 17:12-13).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? 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?
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?

COGwriter

Scholars who have looked into the Bible and early church history are increasingly questioning the idea of Christians going to heaven:

May 17, 2012

(RNS) The oft-cliched Christian notion of heaven — a blissful realm of harp-strumming angels — has remained a fixture of the faith for centuries…But scholars on the right and left increasingly say that comforting belief in an afterlife has no basis in the Bible and would have sounded bizarre to Jesus and his early followers…

Wright and Morse work independently of each other and in very different ideological settings, but their work shows a remarkable convergence on key points. In classic Judaism and first-century Christianity, believers expected this world would be transformed into God’s Kingdom — a restored Eden where redeemed human beings would be liberated from death, illness, sin and other corruptions.

“This represents an instance of two top scholars who have apparently grown tired of talk of heaven on the part of Christians that is neither consistent with the New Testament nor theologically coherent,” said Trevor Eppehimer of Hood Theological Seminary in North Carolina. “The majority of Christian theologians today would recognize that Wright and Morse’s views on heaven represent, for the most part, the basic New Testament perspective on heaven.”

First-century Jews who believed Jesus was Messiah also believed he inaugurated the Kingdom of God and were convinced the world would be transformed in their own lifetimes, Wright said. This inauguration, however, was far from complete and required the active participation of God’s people practicing social justice, nonviolence and forgiveness to become fulfilled…“And so it’s not a Platonic, timeless eternity, which is what we were all taught,” Wright said. “It is very definitely that there will come a time when God will utterly transform this world — that will be the age to come.”  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/17/nt-wright-christian-heaven-is-wrong_n_1524117.html

May 17, 2012

N. T. Wright’s Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church. Rob Bell’s bestseller Love Wins follows Wright in putting the post-mortem emphasis on resurrected bodies in the context of a new heaven and a new earth. More recently Howard Snyder and Joel Scandrett, in Salvation Means Creation Healed, make an extended argument that salvation focuses not just on souls and not just on people, but presents the hope of a transformed and new earth…

The eschatological hope of reembodiment and a renewed earth doesn’t belong to Paul alone. Second Peter 3:13 reads that “in accordance with his [God’s] promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.” And of course there are chapters 21 and 22 of Revelation, in which the seer beholds “a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (21:1) and focuses on a resplendent New Jerusalem, into which the nations will proceed by the light of the Lamb and offer up all their glories (22:23–24).

Such texts suggest that the new view is not so new but is indeed a recovery of an old and more decidedly biblical view of death and the afterlife.  http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2012-05/life-after-life-after-death

There is no question that early Christians did not teach that believers go to heaven upon death, but instead taught that they would be part of the kingdom of God.

An anonymous, likely first century, document sometimes called I Clement states:

The Apostles received the Gospel for us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ was sent forth from God. So then Christ is from God, and the Apostles are from Christ. Both therefore came of the will of God in the appointed order. Having therefore received a charge, and having been fully assured through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and confirmed in the word of God with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth with the glad tidings that the kingdom of God should come. (42:1-3).

Although he had a lot of heretical views, Justin Martyr (considered to be a saint by both Catholics and Protestants, but not by those of us in the Church of God) in the second century wrote:

“For I choose to follow not men or men’s doctrines, but God and the doctrines [delivered] by Him. For if you have fallen in with some who are called Christians, but who do not admit this [truth], and venture to blaspheme the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; who say there is no resurrection of the dead, and that their souls, when they die, are taken to heaven; do not imagine that they are Christians” (Justin.  Dialogue with Trypho. Chapter 80).

Polycarp of Smyrna was an early Christian leader, who was a disciple of John, the last of the original apostles to die. Polycarp, around 110-135 A.D. taught:

Knowing, then, that “God is not mocked,” we ought to walk worthy of His commandment and glory …For it is well that they should be cut off from the lusts that are in the world, since “every lust warreth against the spirit; ” and “neither fornicators, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, shall inherit the kingdom of God,” nor those who do things inconsistent and unbecoming (Polycarp. Letter to the Philippians, Chapter V. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885).

While Greek philosophers and Mithraism taught going to heaven (see Do You Practice Mithraism?), the reality is that this was not a teaching of the New Testament nor early professors of Christ.  It should also be noted that Dr. Wright was correct that Christians practiced nonviolence (see Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare?).  However, since Mithraism was a military cult, when a follower of Mithras in the fourth century (the Roman Emperor Constantine, who opposed matters he considered to be Jewish, see Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter? ) decided to attempt to blend the religion of Mithras with Catholicism, most who professed Christ then not only adopted the view of heaven, but also the view that military service in this age was acceptable (see Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? and Do You Practice Mithraism?).

The modern doctrine of going to heaven upon death simply was not part of early Christianity or taught in the New Testament.

In the 21st century, Rod McNair of the Living Church of God explained:

Notice what the Apostle Peter said in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost: “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.… For David did not ascend into the heavens…” (Acts 2:29, 34).

David did not go to heaven! The Apostle Peter, speaking centuries after David’s death, confirmed that David was still in his grave where he had been placed at death, and was still awaiting the resurrection! What a contrast Peter’s words are to the mistaken belief, so pervasive among professing Christians today, that the saints, right now, are looking down at us from heaven!

Jesus Christ plainly explained, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven” (John 3:13). He indeed had come down from heaven, and did return to the throne of the Father in heaven (John 20:17). But, on His faithful testimony, no one else has done so!  (McNair R.  Festivals of Death.  Tomorrow’s World magazine.  Sep-Oct 2008)

Most know very little about early church history or where their doctrines came from–and what many think they know is clouded by misinformation and misconceptions.

But those willing to be called and led by God can find the truth in the Bible and the scattered records of early church history

Those interested in early Christianity may wish to read the following documented articles to learn more:

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?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Did Early Christians Believe that Humans Possessed Immortality? What does John 3:16, and other writings, tell us? Did a doctrine kept adopted from paganism?
Are The Wicked Tormented Forever or Burned Up? How does one explain Revelation 14:11 in light of Malachi 4:3? What happens to the incorrigibly wicked?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?
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?
Justin Martyr: Saint, Heretic, or Apostate? Justin is considered one of the first Christian theologians and scholars. But did he support a Gnostic version of Christianity? Do you know what he taught about souls going to heaven upon death? This article shows from his own writings, what Justin really taught.
Polycarp of Smyrna: The Heretic Fighter Polycarp was the successor of the Apostle John and a major leader in Asia Minor. Do you know much about what he taught?
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?

Colosseum of Rome (Photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

Tonight, the pro-Vatican news agency Zenit posted the following:

Eternal City Gives Its Own Message to March for Life

Multinational Group of 15,000 Gathered in Defense of Unborn

By Elizabeth Lev

ROME, MAY 17, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The monumental ruins of the Colosseum loomed large over those gathering last Sunday for the second annual March for Life in Italy.

Abortion is wrong and it is good that many Catholics now realize this.

Yet, the idea that Rome is “the Eternal City” is foreign to scripture (cf. Hebrews 13:14), and most Catholics would generally be surprised to hear that in the third century, Callistus Bishop of Rome, openly allowed abortion.

In circa 217 A.D., Callistus became bishop of Rome.  The Roman Catholic saint Hippolytus reported:

Callistus…a man cunning in wickedness, and subtle where deceit was concerned, (and) who was impelled by restless ambition to mount the episcopal throne…Whence women, reputed believers, began to resort to drugs for producing sterility, and to gird themselves round, so to expel what was being conceived on account of their not wishing to have a child either by a slave or by any paltry fellow, for the sake of their family and excessive wealth. Behold, into how great impiety that lawless one has proceeded, by inculcating adultery and murder at the same time! And withal, after such audacious acts, they, lost to all shame, attempt to call themselves a Catholic Church! And some, under the supposition that they will attain prosperity, concur with them. (Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies, Book IX, Chapter VII)

Notice that Callistus allowed (or at least permitted) abortion and adultery.

Note what The Catholic Encyclopedia admitted this about Callistus:

Callistus…permitted noble ladies to marry low persons and slaves, which by the Roman law was forbidden; he had thus given occasion for infanticide. (Chapman , Pope Callistus I)

Yet, the following is the official position of the Roman Catholic Church on abortion and was approved by the late Pope John Paul II and the current Pope Benedict XVI (when Benedict XVI was still known as Cardinal Ratzinger):

Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to moral law (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2271. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 606).

However, they seem to be ignoring the Roman Bishop Callistus (as well as later Popes and others) who did allow abortion.

Furthermore notice what one Protestant scholar wrote about other Roman Catholic Popes:

Most Catholics are not aware that the infallible Church and popes have changed their minds several times on this topic–unthinkable from today’s perspective.

From the fifth century onward, Aristotle’s view that the embryo goes through stages from vegetable to animal to spiritual was accepted. Only in the final stage was it human. Thus Gregory VI (1045-6) said, “He is not a murderer who brings about abortion before the soul is in the body.” Gregory XIII (1572-85) said it was not homicide to kill an embryo of less than 40 days since it wasn’t yet human. His successor, Sixtus V, who rewrote the Bible, disagreed. His Bull of 1588 made all abortions for any reason homicide and cause for excommunication. His successor, Gregory XIV, reversed that decree. In 1621 the Vatican issued another pastoral directive permitting abortion up to 40 days (Hunt D. A Women Rides the BeastHarvest House Publishers, Eugene (OR), 1994, pp. 519-520).

Quite similarly notice what one former Roman Catholic priest wrote:

Most Catholics assume that the soul is infused at conception…For fourteen hundred years until the late nineteenth century, all Catholics, including the popes, took it for granted that the soul is not infused at conception…

From the fifth century, the church accepted without question, the primitive embryology of Aristotle. The embryo began as a non-human speck that was progressively animated.

In the fifteenth century, moralists began to ask whether it was not possible in certain circumstances to get rid of the foetus without fault…Some went further. They said it was permissable to save a mother’s life even after the foetus was humanized…

Gregory XIII (1572-85) said it was not homicide to kill an embryo of less than forty days since it was not human…His successor, the tempestuous Sixtus V, who rewrote the Bible, disagreed entirely. In his Bull Effraenatum of 1588, he said all abortions for whatever reason were homicide and were penalized by excommunication reserved to the Holy See. Immediately after Sixtus died, Gregory XIV realized that, in the current state of theological opinion, Sixtus’ view was too severe. In an almost unique decision, he said Sixtus’ censures were to be treated as if he had never issued them (De Rosa, Peter. Vicars of Christ. Poolbeg Press, Dublin, 2000, p.p 374-375).

Even some Catholic monks put out instructions for how women could perform abortions in the Middle Ages:

Looking for Medical Miracles in Medieval Manuscripts

Spiegel – March 25, 2010   excerpts…

Obscure passages can also be found in “Macer floridus,” another standard work of monastic medicine. “When a pregnant woman takes in the scent of the wilting flower through her nose, this shall abort the fruit of the womb,” a monk wrote in punchy Latin hexameter. He was referring to the flower of the wild arum plant. The same effect could be achieved, he added, “if the crushed root is inserted into the uterus from below with a small wool suppository.”

The abortion method involving the suppository could even have worked. “Arum is quite toxic,” says Mayer. However, the intervention was probably not completely safe for the pregnant woman. “In the Middle Ages, toxic substances were used very often,” Mayer explains. “The people in the monasteries knew about the risks and side effects, but they often had no better alternatives.”

Monks giving abortion tips? The medical historian doesn’t find this outlandish at all. “The Catholic Church only formulated its rigid position on abortion in the 19th century,” Mayer explains. It was not as clear in the past, he adds.  http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,685432,00.html

Although there is no evidence that any legitimate Church of God leader endorsed abortion, sadly some affiliated with the Roman Church have.

Now, since Zenit, and others, tend to refer to Rome as “the Eternal City,” perhaps this claim should be looked at from a biblical perspective.

Notice what Jesus taught in Matthew and Paul taught in Hebrews using the Rheims New Testament and the New Jerusalem Bible (both are Catholic versions):

22…and you shall be odious to all men for my name, but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved. 23 And when they shall persecute you in this city, flee into another (Matthew 10:22-23, RNT).

14 For we have not here a permanent city: but we seek that which is to come (Hebrews 13:14, RNT).

14 There is no permanent city for us here; we are looking for the one which is yet to be. (Hebrews 13:14, NJB).

Thus, to claim that a city such as Rome could possibly be the “Eternal City” for Christians is to go against scripture as even Catholic renderings of scripture effectively prove that no single city, including Rome, could have remained the headquarters of Christendom for nearly 2000 years, if people are willing to actually believe what is written in the Bible.

Furthermore, it should be mentioned if there was to be one city from the beginning to the end, it likely would have had to be Jerusalem (cf. Revelation 21:2) as the Christian church began there (Acts 2) according to Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Church of God scholars.

So, while it is good that some Catholics now oppose abortion, Catholics may wish to consider that their church has sometimes held to different positions and realize that the idea that Rome is the “Eternal City” for Christians is opposed to scripture.

Most people, Catholic or otherwise, simply do not know enough about the real truth about early church history.

Some articles documenting these and other items of possibly related interest include the following:

Callistus (217-222) He is the first bishop known to have been a criminal prior to his election. He was also accused of a variety of corrupt acts, including allowing indulgences and infanticide (abortion).
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
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?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
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?

COGwriter

The USA sent a major war preparation signal to Israel and Iran:

US envoy to Israel: US ready to strike Iran if necessary

USA TODAY – ‎17 May 2012

JERUSALEM (AP) – The US has plans in place to attack Iran if necessary to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons, Washington’s envoy to Israel said, days ahead of a crucial round of nuclear talks with Tehran.  Dan Shapiro’s message resonated Thursday far beyond the closed forum in which it was made: Iran should not test Washington’s resolve to act on its promise to strike if diplomacy and sanctions fail to pressure Tehran to abandon its disputed nuclear program.

A few months ago, Iran’s Supreme Leader brushed this type of item off:

“Threatening Iran and attacking Iran will harm America,” Ayatollah Khamenei told worshipers in Tehran after Friday prayers, according to the Reuters news agency. “Sanctions will not have any impact on our determination to continue our nuclear course.”  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57370978/khamenei-attack-on-iran-would-harm-u.s/?tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.2

Iran does not have enough military power to win an actual war with the USA if such a war were to happen (though it could damage the USA and also have its surrogates cause damage).  It could, however, severely damage Israel, and since Israel knows that, it may decide it has to hit Iran quite hard if it does attack it or respond to an attack from it.  (But if it was able to set off some type of EMP, electromagnetic pulse, bomb or nuclear device in the USA it could cause some real damage.)

The situation over there is tense.  So tense, notice what Russia warned today:

Russia says action on Syria, Iran may go nuclear

Reuters  – ‎17 May 2012

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned on Thursday that military action against sovereign states could lead to a regional nuclear war, starkly voicing Moscow’s opposition to Western intervention ahead of a G8 summit at which Syria and Iran will be discussed…

Despite this, and other risks, Iran has its own agenda.  Iran’s current president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has publicly stated that the purpose of the Iranian revolution was to prepare the way for an Islamic leader, the 12th Imam, also called the Imam Mahdi, to rise up (this was several years ago, but he still seems to believe it). This Imam Mahdi sounds a lot like the final King of the South that the Bible warns against (though the actual one that many Shi’ites expect from “suspended animation” is not likely to be that King, but a Mahdi belief will likely be a factor in getting the final King of the South).  Last year, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed that it was the Imam Mahdi who was behind the revolutions in the various Arab lands as well as other events in the world (see Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: World Order About to Collapse, Mahdi Behind it). He also was part of a video last year that indicated that Iran intended to relatively soon invade and takeover Jerusalem so that the Imam Mahdi would rise up. The video hinted that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was somehow prophesied within Islam as a particular leader that would do that (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).  And this year notice what else has been heard:

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei… has been heard to say that the coming of the last Islamic Messiah, the Shiites’ 12th Imam Mahdi, is near and that specific actions need to be taken to protect the Islamic regime for upcoming events…Many in the Guards and Basij have been told that the 12th Imam is on earth, facilitated the victory of Hezbollah over Israel in the 2006 war and soon will announce publicly his presence after the needed environment is created.  http://www.wnd.com/2012/01/iran-preparing-now-for-armageddon/

Various prophecies of the Mahdi state that he would return in an even numbered year, like the end 2012 (the Islamic calendar runs differently than the Roman calendar, we are currently in Islamic year 1433). Iran’s two leaders basically suggest that the Imam Mahdi is working behind the scenes now, but will become public soon.

The Mahdi is supposed to be publicly recognized in an even numbered year, and since Ahmadinejad’s term ends in 2013 (Islamic year 1434 runs from November 15, 2012 to November 3, 2013), and he indicated he wanted to cause the Mahdi to arrive before he leaves office, he and others in Iran may cause enough chaos to try to cause this to happen soon.  A war involving the USA and/or Israel could do this.

Because I do not believe that Iran will be the final King of the South of Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:4-43), I have tended to believe that Iran may somehow get “neutralized” before this final king rises up (nuclear bombs can “neutralize”).  A serious regional conflict in the Middle East may neutralize Iran and neutralize much of its influence. And Syria (Isaiah 17:1) and parts of Lebanon and others, possibly even part of Iraq, may be involved.

The King of the South that the Bible foretells (Daniel 11:40) must rise up. And since it will not be Iran, the threats of war in the Middle East (as well as possible revolution within Iran) may be what eliminates Iran from the leadership role it wants for the Islamic world.  Of course, Iran could have a change of heart, but we will see.  Either way, it will not be the leader of the final King of the South.

“Watch” (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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?
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?
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? 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?

Roderick C. Meredith (Photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

In today’s commentary from the Living Church of God, its Presiding Evangelist Roderick C. Meredith has the following:

What Is God Thinking?

By Roderick C. Meredith | Thursday, May 17, 2012

My friends, America is increasingly acting as if there is no real God. Millions of young couples are simply “living together”—without benefit of marriage. Other millions are slowly going over to the dark side of human nature and getting into homosexuality—even “men marrying men”! Now, Barack Obama, the current President of what used to be called the “greatest Christian nation in the world,” has said that he approves of homosexual “marriage”! Hundreds of super-liberal media people are jumping on the bandwagon and rushing forward to add their endorsement of so-called “gay marriage.”

The Bible defends marriage and only defines it as between a man and a woman (cf. Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-10). Various pundits have opinions at odds with scripture.

The reality is that all forms of sexual immorality are harmful to humans:

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.  (1 Corinthians 6:18)

Sexual immorality leads to increased sexual transmissible diseases.  People who live together before marriage, have a higher divorce rate than those who do not.  Fornicators also have a higher abortion rate than those that attempt to live according to biblical standards.  Male homosexuals tend to die sooner, and get certain diseases more, than heterosexual males.  Those are just some of the individual consequences of sexual immorality.

However, many in Western lands seem to feel that since the individuals who sin sexually, pay for their sins (if they even believe in the biblical concept of sin), that allowing them to sin does not affect society–this is simply not true.  There are additional social costs for unwed mothers, increased divorced rates, and increased medical costs associated with fornication and homosexuality.  Plus, there are spiritual costs.

Additionally, God has held societies in the past to judgment for sexual immorality.

Notice what happened there between three thousand and four thousand years ago:

24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. (Genesis 19:24-25)

And why did it happen?

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Why mention this in the 21st century? Because God turned:

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did.  Countries, with so many Bibles, like the USA, are choosing to accept immortality.  God also condemns those who do not practices, but approve of, sexual immortality  (Romans 1:18-32).

The USA is setting itself up for ruin.  Watch (Mark 13, Matthew 24).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
God’s Plan for Happy Marriage This is an LCG booklet by Dr. R. Meredith.
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine. What does the Bible really teach?
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 following is the latest commentary from Adam West of the Living Church of God (LCG):

Be Careful What You See!

By Adam J. West | Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The statistics are shocking. The average age at which an American child first sees pornography online is eleven! Forty million Americans are regular visitors to Internet porn sites. In a typical month, 70 percent of American men aged 18–24 visit pornography Web sites. Twenty-five percent of all search engine requests—68 million a day!—are pornography related. This is an epidemic societal scourge!

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With these sobering statistics in mind, it is vital that we understand these words of Jesus Christ: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).

In essence, Jesus’ words are a magnification of the Seventh Commandment, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).  Why was Christ concerned with the commandments?  Notice what He said earlier in Matthew 5: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (v. 17).

The word translated as “fulfill” in verse 17 is the Greek pleroo, which means “to diffuse” or “to cram” or “to level up.”  Christ came to magnify God’s law—to reveal it in greater detail than before and show its spiritual depth. And He literally filled God’s law to the full by living a sinless life.

Each human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). As such, each is worthy of profound respect, and should not be objectified as the target of our lust. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). Sexual activity before marriage is called fornication, which is prohibited under the Seventh Commandment. It is thus vitally important, if one wants a healthy marriage, to take steps to overcome any desires for sexual activity outside of its God-ordained bounds.

How seriously should we take this?  Christ taught: “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:29-30).  Jesus was not telling us to hack off body parts.  Rather, we must be willing to discipline our eyes and hands and minds so that we do not fall into temptation. God assures us that it can be done (Mark 9:23). We should pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

If we fail, the consequences are severe.  Jesus warned that “it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:30). If you are having difficulty giving up the viewing of pornography, and you continue entertaining lustful thoughts in your mind, consider that if you are a converted Christian, and you persist in neglecting the Holy Spirit that God gave you—which will help you overcome your illicit lusts if you persevere—you are at risk of the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

Thankfully, there is hope! Turn to God, and the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). To maintain that peace, follow Paul’s wise counsel: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (v. 8).

To learn more, read our commentary, “Internet Pornography” and our Tomorrow’s World article, “Pornography: Pleasurable Pastime or Toxic Threat?” Do not give in to temptations that can destroy your marriage, your life and your eternal destiny! Be careful what you see!

LCG: Pornography, Who’s Tempting Whom? This is some information about the prevalence and dangers of pornography from the Living Church of God.
CG7 on Pornography This is an article excerpt from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about pornography.
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?
God’s Plan for Happy Marriage This is an LCG booklet by Dr. R. Meredith.
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine. What does the Bible really teach?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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?

 
European Central Bank, Frankfurt (Eric Chan)

COGwriter

In a move that seems ominous for Greece and the European Union, the European Central Bank (ECB) cut off some Greek banks:

ECB stops operations with some Greek banks

Reuters – May 16, 2012

The European Central Bank has stopped providing liquidity to some Greek banks as they have not been successfully recapitalized, the ECB said on Wednesday, confirming news earlier reported exclusively by Reuters.

The news sent the euro lower against the dollar, fanning concerns among investors and in Greece that the country may have to leave the euro zone. 

Unknowns Loom If Greece Exits Euro

Wall Street Journal – ‎16 May 2012

By GABRIELE STEINHAUSER BRUSSELS—Returning to a national currency after more than a decade of using the euro and having its money managed by the European Central Bank would catapult Greece into a financial, legal and political no-man’s land…The consequences of an exit from the euro for Greece and the rest of Europe would likely be so tumultuous that policy makers have been reluctant even to speculate on how it could work. And even though the taboo of mentioning a euro exit has fallen away in recent months, going back to the drachma would likely be messy, with many steps having to be improvised overnight.

If Greece leaves the Euro and/or the EU, it will have major ramifications around the continent.

There certainly there are problems with the European confederation, yet the Bible predicted them (cf. Daniel 2:41-43).

The Bible shows that despite weakness (Daniel 11:41-43) there will be a reorganization in Europe. The Bible also shows that ultimately, a major dictator (and the person I currently suspect for that role currently holds no official government office) will rise up and rule end time Babylon (Revelation 17:1-13), the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40).

As far as the Euro itself goes, regular readers of this page realize that I warned in my 2012 book that it could possibly be replaced. It still could be, but, biblically, the Euro does not seem to have to be replaced. Civil unrest is likely to occur to a greater degree in Europe (see also Is Greece Facing Civil War?). We will see.

And while Europe is not yet ready to support the final King of the North, we in the Living Church of God have long taught that it will be.  It remains likely, that directly or indirectly, despite what happens in the next month or so, Greece will ultimately support this European power.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? 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?
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?

COGwriter

Israel and the USA are making another moves that suggest they sending war preparation signals to Iran:

Israel to send fighter jets for joint exercises in the US

In shadow of Iranian nuclear program, the two militaries will also hold massive air defense drill in Israel at end of summer…

May 16, 2012

The Israel Air Force is soon to send fighter jets to take part in joint military exercises in the US,Channel 2 reported on Tuesday night. The IAF has not trained in the US for several years, the report said.

The exercises…will strengthen the relationship between the IAF and the US Air Force as they practice carrying out joint operations, according to the report. http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-and-israeli-air-forces-to-train-for-joint-operations/

Joint fighter jet training certainly sends Iran a signal.  I am fairly certain that Iran will, if it has not do so already, take note of it.

Because I do not believe that Iran will be the final King of the South of Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:4-43), I have tended to believe that Iran may somehow get “neutralized” before this final king rises up.  A serious regional conflict in the Middle East may neutralize Iran and neutralize much of its influence. And Syria (Isaiah 17:1) and parts of Lebanon and others, possibly even part of Iraq, may be involved.

The King of the South that the Bible foretells (Daniel 11:40) must rise up. And since it will not be Iran, the drum beats of war in the Middle East (as well as possible revolution within Iran) may be what eliminates Iran from the leadership role it wants for the Islamic world. The announcement of joint-fighter training exercises between Israel and the USA area could be a step towards neutralizing Iran.

But, caution is advised for any who think that attacks against Iran and/or Syria must be easy.  Iran and Syria are not Libya.  If they hit back with terrorism, chemical weapons, dirty bombs, biological weapons, and/or emp weapons, etc. (and/or delay doing so and catch the USA off-guard) they could make things difficult in certain ways for the USA and Israel.

Jesus said to “watch” (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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?
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?

COGwriter

Apparently a blood-based additive developed in the Netherlands is part of the processed food supply:

First pink slime, now ‘meat glue’

Seattle Times  excerpt…

The additive with the unappetizing nickname is used to produce meats found in supermarkets, in local delis and in restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining. Even vegetarian food isn’t exempt.

Marketing consultants and food scientists estimate — because no company will discuss sales figures — that 11 percent to 35 percent of all packaged and sliced ham, beef, chicken, fish, pizza toppings and other deli products are enhanced, restructured or molded using the meat glue, made from one of two brands of protein adhesive…Like the “pink slime” used as a cheap ground-beef filler, meat glue is not considered a health risk by federal food watchdogs…

One of the two most common forms of meat glue used in this country is…Fibrimex, made of enzymes extracted from pig or beef blood by a process developed in The Netherlands.  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2018184672_meatglue11.html

The Bible prohibits eating blood:

10 ‘And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ 12 Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.’  (Leviticus 17:10-12)

Humans continue to ignore much of what the word of God teaches, because of ignorance, greed, and believing lies. As far as greed goes, the federal government official who approved “pink slime” received over one million dollars from a particular meat processing company for her work in the industry.  So, I have issues with certain federal safety claims.

Interestingly, however, even as late as the early third century, those affiliated with the Roman Church would not eat blood (which is also prohibited in the Old and New Testaments). Notice that Tertullian that Christians considered the consumption of blood unlawful when he wrote to those who accused Christians of eating human blood:

To clench the matter with a single example, you tempt Christians with sausages of blood, just because you are perfectly aware that the thing by which you thus try to get them to transgress they hold unlawful. And how unreasonable it is to believe that those, of whom you are convinced that they regard with horror the idea of tasting the blood of oxen, are eager after blood of men (Tertullian. Apology. Chapter 9. Translated by S. Thelwall).

Notice what Acts states:

… we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath (Acts 15:20-21).

Of course, it is not just blood that people should avoid.  The Bible also teaches that no one should eat pork. While the pork industry wants to tout the alleged health benefits of pork, various news items have found health risks associated with consuming it (for some details see The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats). Pigs have always carried diseases that could hurt humans.

And most people are aware that consumption of pork/swine has been biblically prohibited:

7 and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. 8 Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch. They are unclean to you.  (Leviticus 11:7-8)

FWIW, there is no scripture in the Bible that shows that any one called of God in either the Old or New Testaments ever ate pork. Some may be surprised to hear that.

It may be of interest to note to some readers of this page that I was on the local NBC television news station (KSBY) earlier this week denouncing “pink slime.”  Pink slime is basically bits of animal that humans used to not eat, but is processed with ammonium hydroxide and added to hamburger.  “Pink slime” is not biblically unclean per se, it is just that it makes little sense to intentionally consume highly ammonia-processed food. “Pink slime” is essentially used to increase profitability for the meat industry–not to improve health.

There are enough environmental toxins these days to justify trying to avoid items such as ammonia and blood–and of course, true Christians try to live by biblical instructions.  Eating less processed foods is also normally a wise thing to do these days.

Check out what the Bible teaches and do not eat pork or blood

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous?
Obesity and Prophecy Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous?
UK Study Supports Daniel Diet Daniel and his companions looked better eating more vegetables and avoiding strange meats. Has modern science confirmed this?