Church of God News

Chinese Submarine (Yuan-class SSK)

COGwriter

China’s growth and territorial assertiveness is causing concerns:

26 July 2012

(Reuters) – China has adopted a more aggressive stance in recent weeks on territorial disputes in the South China Sea as hard-line officials and commentators call on Beijing to take a tougher line with rival claimants.

China’s supreme policymaking body, the Politburo Standing Committee, is made up entirely of civilians, but outspoken People’s Liberation Army (PLA) officers, intelligence advisers and maritime agency chiefs are arguing that Beijing should be more forceful in asserting its sovereignty over the sea and the oil and natural gas believed to lie under the sea-bed.

Most of them blame the United States’ so-called strategic “pivot” to Asia for emboldening neighbouring countries, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam, to challenge China’s claims.  http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/07/25/china-southchinasea-idINDEE86O0IO20120725

China expanded its presence earlier this week by putting just over 600 people on a rock of an island in an effort to get some type of international recognition of certain of its territorial claims:

July 25, 2012

Official Chinese media just announced the founding of a city that spans a series of tiny coral reefs, some often submerged…China’s establishment of Sansha City in the disputed, resource-rich South China Sea shows the nation’s commitment to edge out five other claimants to most or all of the ocean area in a tense sovereignty dispute and keep the United States at bay – all without using military force…

Other claimant countries, already miffed that Beijing declined to sign a South China Sea code of conduct at the East Asia Summit in Cambodia earlier this month, may follow China’s lead by raising their own actual presence in the 3.5 million square-kilometer (1.4 million square-mile) sea area…

China’s rivals to sovereignty over the sea are Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.  http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2012/0725/Why-China-is-founding-a-new-city-on-a-coral-reef

China is upsetting many of its neighbors (government officials from the Philippines, for example, have rigorously protested this).  The Chinese press is not overly concerned by Filipino comments as the following suggests:

The Philippines has three options in dealing with the South China Sea issue. First, cooperate with China for joint development. Second, challenge China with the United States’ help and continue making trouble for China. Third, make use of both the US and China. The Philippines may trade with China and seek a security guarantee from the US at the same time.

The messages sent so far by Manila are confusing, even self-conflicting. President Aquino III says his government will solve the South China Sea dispute through peaceful and diplomatic manners. But he also compares the Huangyan Island to “the backyard” of the Philippines.

No matter which option he chooses, he should be aware of one basic fact: The Philippines’ sovereignty claim to parts of the South China Sea and Huangyan Island has no historical and legal support.

Something I read earlier this week by the Philippines’ President stated that he felt that China had no legal right.  Whether it does or not, will the USA and the Philippines fight China over this now that China is there?

Despite strains between China and the Philippines, ultimately, the Bible suggests cooperation among many of the far eastern nations (Revelation 16:12).  Circumstances and alliances in the world often change, and will again.

Now China itself is currently becoming a military distraction for the USA and others (and China is a real threat to Australia, New Zealand, and nearly all of the Asia nations), and while its threat to the USA appears carnally valid, the reality is that China is not, of itself, prophesied to takeover the USA.

Even though China will have some prominence in the end times (and will fairly certainly be one of the “kings of the east” of Revelation 16:12 and provide many soldiers in the 200,000,000 man army of Revelation 9:13-21), it will not end up as the top economic force in the 21st century. Europe will (cf. Daniel 11:39).

But partially because of increasing Chinese economic and military influence, the USA will apparently expend so much energy preparing for military possibilities involving China that it will not be prepared for what is coming out of Europe.  This is something that the press in general has tended to overlook.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? Might military alliances be part of the reason that non-US Anglo-nations get divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?

Soviet Chemical Weapons Canisters

COGwriter

Syria’s chemical and biological weapons are becoming more of a public concern in Israel and may trigger some type of Israeli military action or attack:

25 July 2102

(CBS/AP) JERUSALEM – Israel’s foreign minister warned on Wednesday his country will act immediately if it discovers Islamic militants are raiding Syria’s chemical or biological weapons stocks, while Israelis rushed to stock up on gas masks as the bellicose rhetoric swells…Besides biological agents such as anthrax, Syria is believed to have hundreds of tons worth of chemical weapons ranging from paralyzing nerve agents like Sarin and VX to old-fashioned blister agents like mustard gas…

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Israel Radio that the government would not tolerate seeing Syria’s chemical weapons fall into militant hands as tensions rise along his country’s northern border.

“For us, that’s a casus belli, a red line,” he said.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57479652/official-israel-will-act-if-militants-raid-syrian-chemical-or-biological-weapons-stocks/?tag=stack

This bold assertion by the Israeli Foreign Minister may be problematic as the Assad regime has stated that it will use those chemical weapons against a foreign attack (see Syrian Official Acknowledges Having Chemical Weapons and Declares Syria Will Use Them If Attacked).  Hence, if Israel does try to take steps to prevent the opposition in Syria from getting them, the Assad regime may feel that it is justified in quickly using them against Israel.  And any Israeli attack might provoke Iranian involvement.

The situation in Syria (and Iran) must change (this could include modified government or a completely changed one) and that is consistent with both Islamic and biblical prophecy (The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy).

The Bible specifically shows that Syria’s capital city Damascus (Isaiah 7:8) will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). Whether this will happen because of internal civil war and/or an attack involving Israel or others remains to be seen. The use (or even the threat or simple possession) of chemical weapons by Syria could be a major factor in Damascus being destroyed.

Israel also suggested today that it may attack Iran preemptively:

25 July 2012

Barak: Nuclear Iran far more dangerous than preemptive Israeli strike

And if a preemptive strike against Iran were to happen soon, the possibility that Syria (under the current regime) would support Iran is quite high.

What may happen is a regional and/or the current civil war in Syria may somewhat get out of control and may involve others  beyond Iran and Israel (like the USA and/or Lebanon, etc.), could be a factor that ultimately leads to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27 (which seems to be a peace deal).  And Daniel 9:27 will come to pass.

The situation in the Middle East remains tense and the tension seems to be rising.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? 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”? Is there a needed peace deal first in the Middle East? 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?

London Riots, 2011

COGwriter

Protests and riots have continued in Anaheim, California for the fourth consecutive night:

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

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (Revelation 6:3-4)

More protests and riots remain to come.  But an even worse hour of trial is coming later (Revelation 3:10; Jeremiah 30:7).

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 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.
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? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
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?

A slightly difficult uphill and narrow way in Tobago

COGwriter

The July-August 2012 issue of CG7-Denver’s Bible Advocate has the following by Arlo Gieselman:

Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven (Matthew 12:31). Blasphemy had a death penalty (Leviticus 24:16), and the wages of sin is still death. Jesus did not sin but died for our sins. No one will be forced to accept Him as Savior. You can pay for your own sin in the resurrection of damnation if you wish. Everyone has the choice of eternal death or eternal life. The unpardonable sin comes in two forms. The first is refusing to repent. This does not mean a one-time refusal by someone first told about Jesus or salvation. It is an attitude or lifestyle of unrepentance over a lifetime. I offered a Bible to a Muslim woman, who calmly said, “No, I just believe what my parents taught me.” Not having God’s Spirit, she did not commit the unpardonable sin. Her chance for salvation will be when God opens her mind. God wants all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). There are physical harvest seasons and spiritual harvest seasons. In the Old Testament, only a few were called to knowledge of the truth. Joseph in Egypt did not reveal himself to his brothers the first time, just as Jesus hasn’t revealed Himself to most Jews yet. Joseph revealed himself the second time (Acts 7:13), just as Jesus will be revealed to all Jews during the one thousand-year reign (Romans 11:25-32). As many as 50 billion people have lived and died. Most never heard of Jesus, the only name for eternal life (Acts 4:12). If these are the only days of salvation and most of those 50 billion are lost, then Christianity is a logical failure. God has several resurrections at the millennium of Revelation 20, while Satan is bound. All the dead will be resurrected but not all the same day. Verse 6 guarantees eternal life to all in the first resurrection. The resurrection of damnation at the end is for those who committed the unpardonable sin. Between the two are the resurrections of grace (1 Corinthians 15:23). The sin of blasphemy is as simple as refusing to repent after the Spirit of God reveals truth. The second way to commit the unforgivable sin is to fall from grace and turn back. We can enjoy sin so much that we refuse to quit, which is why we are warned to remember Lot’s wife. Hebrews 6:4-6 says it’s impossible to bring people back if they had the Holy Spirit but fall away. This would be like a dog returning to his vomit (2 Peter 2:22). If we sin willfully after having knowledge of the truth, there is no longer a sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:26). To struggle against sin while trusting in Christ is not unpardonable, but to abandon self to sin and unbelief may be irreversible.

Despite the fact that perhaps a couple of things should have been slightly re-worded, I was very pleased that CG7 agreed to publish the above. A couple of years back I spoke to the editor of the Bible Advocate, Calvin Burrell about the idea that God had a plan to offer salvation to all who ever lived.  And he told me then that although it was not the official teaching of CG7, that there were many in CG7 who believed it.  He and I also discussed biblical texts that supported that belief and he asked me to send him my article Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis, which of course, I did.

Now, the not-so-good news is that CG7 still does not officially teach this doctrine as it decided to put the following disclaimer after that particular article:

Arlo Gieselman attends the Church of God Kansas City in Independence, MO, and conducts a ministry to truckers at nearby truck stops. Though Arlo is a good friend of the editor and of CoG7, not every idea in his Viewpoint necessarily represents positions adopted by the Church.

But despite the disclaimer, this is a positive doctrinal step for CG7.  And while in many respects, CG7-Denver has lost a lot of prophetic knowledge over the years, the fact that it went so far to publish Arlo Gieselman’s article is a real positive.

God’s plan for humanity is to show love through the forgiveness of sins, to ultimately reveal His loving plan of salvation to all, to give more to human beings than they can even imagine, and so that all will to be able to show love to others throughout eternity.  CG7 is starting to grasp more of that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What is the Unpardonable Sin?What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Hope of Salvation: How the Genuine Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?

COGwriter

Reginald Killingley sent the following:

In Memory of Kayte Wolverton

After a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer Kayte (Youngblood) Wolverton, 64, passed peacefully on Saturday morning, July 21, in Vancouver, Washington. Almost two years ago Kayte and her husband Monte, board member of Plain Truth Ministries and Associate Editor of The Plain Truth magazine, relocated from southern California to the peaceful and serene countryside just outside of Vancouver. Anticipating Monte’s semi-retirement, and wishing to live near their daughter Monika, their son-in-law Simon and granddaughter Annika, Kayte and Monte planned and built their retirement home in a beautiful valley on the banks of the Lewis River.

Following a Wolverton family tradition, Kayte served for several years as a full time employee of Plain Truth Ministries and later as a part-time proofreader. Monte’s father Basil started the Wolverton history with The Plain Truth in the 1950s as he wrote and illustrated the serialized “Bible Story.” In later decades of the 20^th century Monte continued the Wolverton Plain Truth legacy with his writing and art, and then in the 1990s with the transformation of the message and mission of Plain Truth Ministries, Monte, Kayte and their daughter Monika continued to grace the pages of the new Plain Truth with their editing and creative contributions.

Kayte is survived by her husband Monte, her mother Esther, stepfather John Livingston, her daughter Monika Spykerman, son-in-law Simon, granddaughter Annika, foster daughter Gadiela Gallant, her husband Daniel, their children Kate and Matthew and by her two beloved Rat Terriers, Meg and Kirby.

Memorial services for Kayte will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112^th Avenue, Vancouver, Washington, 98684, on Sunday, July 29, at 12:30…

Cards may be sent to:

Monte Wolverton

18907 NE Cole Witter Road

Battle Ground, WA 98604

I did not know Kayte.  Like most in the old WCG, I was familiar with the artwork of Basil Wolverton, Monte’s father (and some of Monte’s).

COGwriter

Was the Colorado killer demonically possessed or influenced?  A reader sent the following news items:

“Was he (Holmes) demon-possessed? Was he influenced? We don’t know. We can’t see into the spiritual realm. But I would say at the very minimum, Satan was whispering in his ear if not fully controlling his heart,” said Stier.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/james-holmes-went-to-church-weeks-before-colo-shooting-78629/

The governor, when talking about the alleged shooter, did not mince words. He described Holmes as being “demonic” and “twisted” adding that he was “almost as a terrorist.”

http://presspass.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/22/12887760-post-show-thoughts-analyzing-the-colorado-theater-shooting?lite

“He looks demonic,” David Sanchez said after Holmes’ bizarre, semicatatonic first court appearance in Colorado, where prosecutors are considering the ultimate punishment.

“He had demonic eyes. There’s something crazy about him. “He sat there so calm. So remorseless.

“It’s like he’s not even human.”

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/dark-knight-theater-shooter-james-holmes-face-capital-charges-court-appearance-aurora-colorado-article-1.1119988

BATMAN killer James Holmes stared with demon eyes as he faced his victims’ families yesterday.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/263740/Crazed-stare-of-Batman-monster/

One does not need to be a Satanist nor embrace  The Satanic Bible to be influenced by Satan.  And there have been others that have made the news for what appears to be fairly severe demonic influence (see Man-Eating Zombies? No, But Likely Demonic Influence).

Whether or not the Colorado shooter was demonically-possessed is uncertain.  Some who are so possessed have a different appearance, at least at times (cf. Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:2-5; Luke 8:27; 9:39), so it is certainly possible that he was or is.

But as far as being Satanically-influenced, notice the following scriptures about Satan, his desires, and his influence:

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.  (John 8:44)

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.  (Ephesians 2:1-3)

9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.  (Revelation 12:9)

While Satan has deceived the whole world, those who are not properly converted remain under his influence.

Satan is opposed to God, the truth of God, and the laws of God.  The Colorado shooter was influenced by Satan.

My prayers continue to go out for the victims of this Satanically-inspired tragedy.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Close Encounters of a ‘Spirit’ Kind discusses some experiences I believe were (demon) ‘spirit’  related.
Mardi Gras: The Devil’s Carnival?   Do you know that in Bolivia the carnival/Mardi Gras time is part of a celebration known as the Devil’s Carnival?    Did Jesus celebrate Carnaval? Where did it come from?
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
Christian Soldiers How are Christians to be like soldiers? How are they to be different?
What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
True vs. False Conversion Are you really converted or willing to be? What is true conversion? What is false conversion? What are the dangers of false conversion? Evangelist Roderick Meredith provides information on those important questions.
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 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?

COGwriter

Some rice paddies in India now resemble the photo above as delays in this seasons monsoon rains are contributing to drought there:

India frets over delayed monsoon damaging crops

24 July 2012

NEW DELHI (AP) — Cracked earth. Failing harvests. Drying streams and sinking hopes.

Indians have grown increasingly desperate waiting for the long-delayed deluge of this year’s monsoon, the annual rains that replenish India’s rivers and quench crops to keep this vast, agricultural nation of 1.2 billion fed through the year.

As cities swelter and farmers helplessly watch their harvests wilt and profits vanish, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured the nation Monday the government was ready “to address any situation that may arise due to any rainfall anomalies.”

So far, the rains were at least 22 percent below normal, several states faced drought and farmers feared grave losses. Some analysts put the rain deficit at 31 percent.

A drought would be devastating since about 60 percent of India’s population work in agriculture and that sector contributes 16 to 20 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. It could also worsen inflation of food prices.  (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jkobnmRYrQWGgo9f7dPpzy3uBjRQ?docId=eb60adacab50471494070ec9cf9f7e74)

And of course, in 2012, weather problems, including drought and heat have affected more than the India (see, for example, 2012 Drought Declared USA’s Largest Ever Natural Disaster, Drought Reducing Wheat Yields in US, Australia, Russia, and Ukraine, and Weather Extremes in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK).

Notice also something today related to Europe:

Europe Heat Wave Wilting Corn Adds to U.S. Drought

July 24, 2012

Heat waves in southern Europe are withering the corn crop and reducing yields in a region that accounts for 16 percent of global exports at a time when U.S. drought already drove prices to a record.  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-07-24/europe-heat-wave-wilting-corn-adds-to-u-dot-s-dot-drought-commodities

Droughts and weather problems contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines. Food inflation seems to be occurring (see Corn Prices Rise 33%, More Food Problems Ahead).

Back in 2009, my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect mentioned the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters.

Matthew 24:7

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

Matthew 24:8

Droughts and odd weather problems should serve as a wake-up call. Weather-related troubles with their related food issues, of course, have been biblically expected:

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

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

Troubles and sorrows that Jesus predicted are happening.  The droughts in many areas of the world are only a part of that.  More sorrows are coming.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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 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.

COGwriter

UCG recently put the following online:

“Election Armageddon” coming to America?

Will traditional capitalism prevail, or will America choose to go even further down the dangerous road of socialism? Never before has the country faced such a clear-cut choice.

Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, stated that the upcoming November elections in the United States will be “the most ideological presidential election in American history” and that “the outcome of this contest will profoundly impact the kind of country the U.S. is going to be” (“Election Armageddon,” May 7, 2012).

Will traditional capitalism prevail, or will America choose to go even further down the dangerous road of socialism? Never before has the country faced such a clear-cut choice.

Already, nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population resides in a household where at least one person received a benefit check from the government in the first quarter of last year. As the baby-boom generation gets older, percentages like this one are likely to increase substantially (see Phil Izzo, “Half of U.S. Lives in Household Getting Benefits,” The Wall Street Journal, May 26, 2012).

To make up the difference, the pressure to increase the tax burden on the already burdened working taxpayer greatly intensifies. And as more people become dependent on the government, the government becomes increasingly more powerful in controlling people’s lives.

Mr. Forbes wrote bluntly, “Barack Obama and the extreme left know that if he loses the White House their dream of a government-dominated America à la France and Italy goes with him.”

But perhaps even more disturbing is the prospect of further hostility against the Bible by the administration in a second four-year term. Researcher David Barton, an expert on America’s religious and constitutional heritage, has catalogued this anti-biblical treatment in detail in an article titled “America’s Most Biblically-Hostile U.S. President” (WallBuilders.com, Feb. 29, 2012).

The latest examples consist of “attempts to require Catholics to go against their own doctrines and beliefs.”

UCG is normally not so political, or in this case, perhaps semi-political, as to oppose (or endorse) a national elective candidate.  And while UCG did not endorse (nor mention) Barack Obama’s expected rival, the Mormon Mitt Romney (hence I did not include his photo above), it seems to be hinting that he would be better for the USA.  Though, again, that is not directly stated.

We in the genuine Church of God do not vote in presidential elections and hence I will not endorse any political candidate.  While one candidate may be carnally better than the other, I will pray that God’s will would be done in the USA presidential election as well as others in other nations.  This is consistent with scripture (cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-3).

The political leadership of the USA, irrespective of who wins the presidential election this year, will ultimately end up fulfilling many Bible prophecies, including getting the USA to the point that it will be taken over and be no more.  And that will happen no matter which of the candidates wins, unless national repentance happens soon.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
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.
Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) and the Real Church of God The genuine Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains some differences and a couple of similarities. Also, might certain LDS prophecies apply to Mitt Romney.

Soviet Chemical Weapons Canisters

COGwriter

Syria and its chemical weapons are in the news:

Syria says will use chemical weapons if attacked

23 July 2102

BEIRUT (AP) — The Syrian regime threatened Monday to use its chemical and biological weapons in case of a foreign attack, in its first ever acknowledgement that it possesses weapons of mass destruction.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi stressed, however, that Damascus would not use its unconventional arms against its own citizens.  http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_SYRIA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-07-23-08-06-13

This bold admission/assertion indicates that the Assad regime is concerned and will take whatever steps it can.  It is commonly believed that Russia supplied these to Syria in the past, something that Russia has not denied.  Israel has suggested in the past that Syria’s possession or possible use of chemical weapons could lead to an attack (see Syria’s Chemical Weapons, Israel, the USA, and Turkey), so today’s admission by a high-level Syrian official suggests that perhaps Syria is trying to possibly provoke an attack by Israel (which at minimum could have major affects on the internal civil war in Syria).

Of course, the Bible shows that Syria’s capital city Damascus (Isaiah 7:8) will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). Whether this will happen because of internal civil war and/or an attack involving Israel remains to be seen.  The use (or even the threat) of chemical weapons by Syria could be a major factor in Damascus being destroyed.

Syria’s Assad remains a close ally to Iran and Iran keeps taking steps that may provoke a regional (with Israel) or larger war (the USA itself could sustain damage). But whether it is involved in a war involving Israel or not, eventually, Damascus has to be destroyed, and probably relatively soon.

What may happen is a regional or even the current civil war in Syria, that somewhat gets out of control and may involve others (including many based in Lebanon) beyond Iran and Israel, may happen and could be a factor that ultimately leads to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27 (which seems to be a peace deal.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? 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”? Is there a needed peace deal first in the Middle East? 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

The Europeans, who have historically objected to fishing stock depletion, are apparently contributing to this problem in Africa:

EU Is Helping Devastate African Fish Stocks: Over the last six years, the EU has spent more than £500 million (about $780 million USD) purchasing fishing rights in the developing world—primarily Africa. This, because the EU has almost exhausted its own fishing stocks. One conservative MP and former MEP noted how “wrong” this action has been: “These deals—funded with taxpayers’ money—are morally wrong. It is depleting the stocks and taking the fish from locals” (Times, June 24, 2012). Some sources calculate that “a European super-trawler can catch and process in one day the amount of fish that 50 traditional fishing boats would take in a year” (ibid.). But the EU is not the only one to blame. Russian, Lithuanian, Chinese and Icelandic fishing factories are also overfishing in African waters (Guardian, April 2, 2012). Long ago, God placed humans on earth to “tend and keep” or be good stewards of the earth (Genesis 2:15). God also gave principles for ensuring the survival of species, by leaving enough for species perpetuation (Deuteronomy 22:6-7). Modern factory fishing takes even the smallest of fish, reducing species perpetuation. The earth today actually cries out in agony, desperately awaiting right government and stewardship (Romans 8:19-23). Christ Himself warns that He will destroy those who selfishly destroy the earth (Revelation 11:18). Thankfully this selfish, Satan-inspired world is coming to an end and will soon be replaced by a world of peace and abundance. There will be a time in the future when fish stocks are renewed and people will enjoy fishing again in a more godly way (Ezekiel 47:10). For more information on that fantastic future time, review our free booklet, The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?

The fish depletion is not just a European or African problem. Much of the world is starting to notice that fishing stocks in the ocean are being depleted.

Greed and lack of international cooperation are currently the biggest causes of this crisis.

When more food shortages and food inflation take place, this too will increase pressure on fish stocks.

The Bible warns of famines of course (Matthew 24:7-8; cf. Revelation 6:5-6) as part of the beginning of sorrows. But it also warns that the time will come when fishing stocks will be even more dramatically affected (Revelation 8:8-11) and ultimately they apparently will be gone (Revelation 16:3).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
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?