Church of God News

 
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

COGwriter

The July-August 2012 issue of CG7-Denver’s Bible Advocate has the following by one of its pastors, Brian Franks:

In February 2012, Washington became the seventh state (Maryland has since become the eighth) to legalize gay marriage. Civil unions were previously recognized here. Now marriage has been redefined as being between two consenting people without respect to their gender. According to the news, the bill was signed with raucous applause, and the governor beamed with pride. As a Christian, I don’t favor this latest twist and could be up in arms over it, but I’m not. I have not abandoned hope that America will yet see the wisdom of God’s ways, but it won’t be easy. Long ago we began to push Him away in matters of evolution (Scopes Monkey Trial aftermath, 1925), abortion (Roe v. Wade, 1973), and now homosexuality and gay marriage…

Few people deny the Old Testament’s opposition to homosexuality (see the “grievous sin” of Genesis 18:20; 19:1-13 and the “abomination” of Leviticus 18:22), but some believe the New Testament changes that. Look at two key texts:

• Romans 1:26, 27 says, “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” Some say that only a certain kind of homosexuality is condemned here, not the kind that represents a long-term love relationship between two same-sex partners. However, this overlooks
the consistent evidence of God’s Word on the matter.

• First Timothy 1:9-11 says, “We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers — and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.” All these sins are contrary to sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel.

The increased acceptance of homosexuality and/or marriage amongst homosexuals is happening in many parts of the world, and is rapidly happening in the USA.   And I agree with Brian Frank’s scriptural citations related to the homosexuality matter.

But, while he seems optimistic that the USA may repent, I do not believe that the USA will.  And there are consequences for societies that become more accepting of the homosexual agenda.

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,
NKJV)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did.

Of course, not everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah were homosexuals as those that strictly practice that could not reproduce. Yet, notice that the destruction that hit their cities destroyed all that were there and notice that something like this is to happen again according to Jesus:

26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:26-29)

Homosexuality is damaging to the individuals who practice it and is dangerous for society.  Without national repentance soon, the USA and its Anglo-allies are doomed.  And while it is remotely possible, realistically Christians should realize that this is not likely to happen.  Especially as we get nearer to the end of the 6,000 years God gave humankind to rule itself (see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), the Great Tribulation, will begin not too many years from now (When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014?).

Some items 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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
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?

Wheat

COGwriter

While many in the USA are celebrating its Independence Day today, others are concerned that the extreme weather and heat are affecting its ability to produce enough wheat:

EU wheat touches contract high on US heat worry

‎Reuters

HAMBURG, July 4 (Reuters) – European milling wheat futures touched new contract highs on Wednesday on spillover support from a U.S. weather rally, but a holiday closure of grain markets in the United States curbed gains in Paris…

* Relentless heat in the key U.S. corn and soybean-growing areas drove benchmark Chicago corn futures to their biggest eight-day rise in 3-1/2 years on Tuesday as drought and a heatwave in the U.S. brought worries about world grain supplies. U.S. Soybean prices jumped to their highest levels since 2008.

* Hot, dry weather stressing U.S. corn crops remained the focus of EU grain markets on Wednesday.

France Poised to Beat US in Wheat Exports After Drought‎ Bloomberg

U.S. farmers, the biggest wheat shippers, are poised to lose their advantage over French growers in export markets after the worst Midwest drought in more than a decade wilted grain crops and drove prices to a 10-month high.

Russian wheat price reaches historic highs

‎RT – 4 July 2012

Prices for Russian fourth-grade milling wheat skyrocketed due to the drought in the US and Latin America.

In the past, there have been reports that the USA controls more of the wheat market than Saudi Arabia does the oil market, that Asians (particularly Korea and China) are buying up a lot of the wheat, and that food supplies are tightening.   The rise in prices and exports look to benefit the economies of France and Russia and not the USA.

Speaking of the Anglo-descended nations, in a recent co-worker letter, Dr. Roderick C. Meredith of the Living Church of God wrote:

So it seems that the “beginning of sorrows” has certainly been escalating in Ephraim and Manasseh! Maybe it will help some few people to actually “wake up”! (Meredith RC. LCG Co-worker letter, August 15, 2011)

The sorrows and troubles are just beginning and will get much worse.  Hopefully, people will wake up.

Droughts and floods contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines.

My 2009 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

Jesus taught:

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)

The Bible also shows we should expect to see a time of much higher prices for wheat and other foods (cf. Revelation 6:5-6).

Tougher times are coming. And for some parts of the world these tougher time may be here now. People who can prepare, should: both spiritually and physically. Westerners need to realize that this will not only affect people in places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East–the Anglo-descended nations of the West will themselves suffer hunger, civil unrest, famine, and worse. Super wheat will not be the solution–it is much more likely to contribute to a disaster.

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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
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?
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?

COGwriter

CERN’s progress with its Large Hadron Collider (LHC) made the news again:

Reuters – ‎4 July 2012 Chris Wickham and Robert Evans | GENEVA (Reuters) – Scientists at Europe’s CERN research center have found a new subatomic particle, a basic building block of the universe, which appears to be the boson imagined and named half a century ago by theoretical physicist Peter Higgs…Two independent studies of data produced by smashing proton particles together at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider produced a convergent near-certainty on the existence of the new particle. It is unclear whether it is exactly the boson Higgs described…

He predicted further investigation by the CERN teams would probably confirm the particle is at least related to his idea: “It would be very odd if it were not any kind of Higgs boson.”… “For physics, in one way, it is the end of an era in that it completes the Standard Model,” he said of the basic theory physicists currently use to describe what they understand so far of a cosmos built from 12 fundamental particles and four forces.

A New Particle Could Be Physics’ Holy Grail

By DENNIS OVERBYE

Published: July 4, 2012

ASPEN, Colo. — Physicists working at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider said Wednesday that they had discovered a new subatomic particle that looks for all the world like the Higgs boson, a potential key to understanding why elementary particles have mass and indeed to the existence of diversity and life in the universe.

“I think we have it,” said Rolf Heuer, the director general of CERN, in an interview from his office outside of Geneva, calling the discovery “a historic milestone.”…

“It’s great to discover a new particle but you have find out what its properties are,” said John Ellis, a theorist at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Trying to prove the existence of the theoretical Higgs Boson has been a major goal for CERN and the LHC project.

Explaining a Higgs boson is fairly complicated.  Here is some of how Wikipedia describes it:

In the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics, the Higgs boson is an elementary particle that gives mass to other elementary particles such as quarks and electrons through the Higgs mechanism. It belongs to a class of particles known as bosons, characterized by an integer value of their spin quantum number. The Higgs field is a quantum field that has a non-zero value in its ground state. The Higgs boson is the quantum of the Higgs field, just as the photon is the quantum of the electromagnetic field. The Higgs boson has a large mass however, which is why a high energy accelerator is needed to observe it.

Explained another way, many believe that a Higgs boson is a type of subatomic particle that gives a gravitational charge (which most people would mainly consider to be weight or mass) to other particles.  By understanding its nature, this is a major advance for the scientific community and should produce some highly advanced products, including likely military ones.

Finding the Higgs boson, or something like it, may propel Europe into a new level of technology that will accelerate its rise on the world scene.

CERN is the European Organization for Nuclear Research. And it keeps coming up with more and more scientific discoveries (see CERN’s Large Hadron Collider Particles Faster than the Speed of Light?, CERN Announces Progress, But Prohibits Its Scientists From Making Public Conclusions, and CERN Makes Major Strides with Antimatter), which while assisting the scientific community, mainly will be of benefit to the Europeans.

Notice the following items about physics and who will benefit from the LHC:

Europe leaps ahead on physics frontier…

The buzz of activity at CERN’s Swiss campus dramatically illustrates a changing of the guard on the frontier of physics, with Europe taking over from the United States. For the past 14 years, Europeans have taken the lead role in building and financing the $10 billion Large Hadron Collider, which was started up on Wednesday. The U.S. federal government kicked in $531 million for construction.

The LHC is just this week’s most obvious example of Eurocentrism in science: Less than 200 miles (300 kilometers) away, an even costlier international physics project, the $13 billion ITER fusion research center, is just getting started in southern France. And European officials are currently considering how to move forward with yet another fusion project, the $1 billion HiPER laser-fusion facility (Boyle A. Europe leaps ahead on physics frontier. MSNBC, September 11, 2008).

Collider Sets Record, and Europe Takes U.S.’s Lead…

Large Hadron Collider…Officials at CERN, the European Center for Nuclear Research, which built the collider, said that the collisions lasted just a few minutes as a byproduct of testing, and that the Champagne was still on ice in Geneva. But in conjunction with other recent successes, those tiny fireballs displaced American physicists as the leaders in the art of banging subatomic particles together to see what nature is made of… “Particle accelerators and detectors (initially with the bold and innovative ideas and technologies) have touched our lives in many ways and I have no doubt that this will continue,” Dr. Kim wrote in an e-mail message. Those spinoffs now will invigorate the careers and labs of Europe, not the United States, pointed out Steven Weinberg, a physicist at the University of Texas in Austin…(Overbye D. Collider Sets Record, and Europe Takes U.S.’s Lead.  New York Times, December 9, 2009.  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/science/10collide.html).

The Germans are also working on their own particle accelerator called FAIR (see Germany Approves FAIR Particle Accelerator Project), which, along with the LHC, seems to be putting them and the other Europeans ahead of the USA in such developments.

I believe that Germany’s FAIR, along with the LHC, will help the Europeans produce military weaponry to fulfill certain end time prophecies (e.g. Revelation 13:4)–since Revelation 13:4 is discussing what seems to be a unique type of warfare, this warfare likely includes certain high-tech weapons that will be effective for a while (ultimately the Europeans will be overcome but what appears to be a Russian-led, mainly Asian, confederation, cf. Jeremiah 50:41-43 & Daniel 11:44, possibly by exploiting some technological flaw, like creating a software virus, etc., while also amassing troops, etc.). The FAIR and the LHC projects are also likely to spin-off economic benefits that may help propel Europe to be (for a short while) the economic leader of the world (cf. Revelation 18).

My book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect long has pointed out that CERN’s Large Hadron Collider may be used to give the future European military power that the entire world will marvel at:

…the Large Hadron Collider…is apt to provide the Europeans with unique military capabilities in several years…The Bible is clear that the final “Beast power” (which will be primarily European) will have such unique military capabilities that the entire world will marvel (Revelation 13:3-4). (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 85)

the Rise of the European King of the North…the Bible foretells the rising up of a great economic power (Revelation 13:17; 18:3)…the King of the North…(2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, pp. 76,123)

Here is more of what the Bible teaches about the first beast:

⁴…they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” ⁷…It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 13:4, 7). (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 192)

My book also discusses the destruction of the USA and certain others by the Europeans sometime after 2012. The Large Hadron Collider is discussed as one of the items that may provide the Europeans with the ability to overcome the USA’s military might. And while many think that this would be impossible, as the Europeans continue to uncover previously unattainable aspects of physics (and not just possibly the Higgs boson, but, antimatter–see CERN Makes Major Strides with Antimatter) it is getting more and more technology that could be developed in that direction.

The understanding of the Living Church of God that the Europeans, essentially under Germanic leadership, will be able to attack and takeover the United States and its Anglo-descended allies (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39; Zechariah 10:6-11) is correct and will come to pass. And it appears, to me at least, possible that CERN’s history of successes is consistent with biblical prophecies.

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”? What is ahead for Europe?
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? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Large Hadron Collider may result in military applications The Europeans have the largest physics project on the planet. Some scoff, but might it result in military applications? May the Large Hadron Collider help fulfill Revelation 13:4?
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.

Name of the Imam as Found in the “Mosque of the Prophet” (Karim)

COGwriter

Today, as it is based upon the Islamic calendar, is the birthday of the 12th Imam in 2012, also known as the Imam Mahdi.  His day is popular in Iran:

In Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi (ISO 233/ English: Guided One) is the prophesied redeemer of Islam who will rule for seven, nine or nineteen years- (according to various interpretations) before the Day of Judgment (the Day of Resurrection) and will rid the world of wrongdoing, injustice and tyranny. (Iran Book News Agency. Book reading contest on Mahdi’ism in Khorasan Jonoubi. IBNA, July 3, 2012. http://www.ibna.ir/vdcipraz3t1a5u2.ilct.html)

Here is some of what Wikipedia reports about him:

Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan al-Mahdī (Arabic:محمد بن الحسن المهدي) (born c. July 29, 869 (15 Sha‘bān 255 AH), in Occultation since 941) is believed by Twelver Shī‘a Muslims to be the Mahdī, an ultimate savior of humankind and the final Imām of the Twelve Imams. Twelver Shī‘a believe that al-Mahdī was born in 869 and did not die but rather was hidden by God in 941 (this is referred to as the Occultation) and will later emerge with Isa (Jesus Christ) in order to fulfill their mission of bringing peace and justice to the world.

The top leaders of Iran have stated that the Imam Mahdi is currently around and a factor in such events as the Arab Spring and will protect Iran should it become in armed conflict with Israel or the USA.  The Iranians are predominantly Shi’ite Muslims and their views differ from the Sunnis, which are the biggest group of Muslims.  Here is some of what Wikipedia reports about the Sunni view:

Sunnis believe that the Mahdi has not yet been born, and therefore his exact identity is only known to Allah. Aside from the Mahdi’s precise, genealogy, Sunnis accept many of the same hadiths Shias accept about the predictions regarding the Mahdi’s emergence, his acts, and his universal Khilafat. Sunnis also have a few more Mahdi hadiths which are not present in Shia collections.

Basically, while I do not believe that any in the COGs believe that the Imam Mahdi is in some type of suspended animation that the Shi’ites tend to believe, groups like the Living Church of God believe that the leader that the Bible refers to as the final King of the South may very well hold the title of Mahdi.

Notice the following:

But who is the “king of the south”?…in verse 40 we skip to “the time of the end”…The verse undoubtedly found partial fulfillment in the offensive of 1896…But Mussolini did not finish the prophecy…Just as there is yet to be a final “king of the north”…there may very well emerge in the same manner a final “king of the south”–an overall leader of an Arab-Moslem confederation, possibly bearing the very title Mahdi…a prophetic psalm (Psalm 83) provides additional insight into the Mideast picture. Germany (Assyria in Bible prophecy) and perhaps the rest of Europe will be in league in the future with a union of Arab nations…But in the end, this European-Arab alliance will prove short-lived…And the king of the north shall come against him [the king of the south]…Daniel 11:40-41…The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the fact of invasion. (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, pp. 11-12).

Indeed, a coming “Mahdi” whose arrival Muslims are expecting—in Bible prophecy known as the “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40–45)—will soon arise and have a dramatic impact on world events. This powerful Muslim religious leader will unite many of the more than one billion Muslims. He will pose a genuine threat to the coming European Empire, which will have to crush that threat in order to continue exploiting Middle Eastern oil to further its military ambitions. (Meredith RC. Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs. LCG Booklet, 2007, pp. 16-17)

Interestingly, within Islam, there is a belief that someone who sounds like the biblical “King of the South” of Daniel 11…, who they tend to call the Mahdi or 12^th Imam will participate in a deal like the one in Daniel 9:27… Some in Islam seem to believe that the reign of the Beast and Antichrist will happen after the Mahdi’s death. Now this is true, to a degree, for the Arab lands. However, the Beast (King of the North) and the final Antichrist (False Prophet) will rule in Europe and in some of the American land, prior to the European reign over Arab lands (hence the final Antichrist will have power prior to the death of the biblical King of the South, who seems to be the Islamic Mahdi). (Thiel B.  2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  Nazarene Books, 2009, pp. 83, 135)

The virtual “tsunami” of Middle East and North African nations overthrowing their secular rulers is coming along day by day even as I write. This—as we have explained—could clear the way for the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamic extremists to take over much of the Middle East. Such an event would “prepare the way” for the coming “Mahdi”—the Islamist religious/political leader who will no doubt become the biblically prophesied “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40). He will probably lead in the provocation of the “King of the North” described in that same inspired prophecy in Daniel 11. And this will set in motion the final chain of events leading up to “Armageddon,” and then Jesus Christ’s return as King of kings (Revelation 11:15)! (Meredith RC. Tomorrow’s World subscriber letter, May 9, 2011)

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

An Islamic leader of a coming Islamic confederation, whether called a Caliph, Imam Mahdi, Sheik, Prime Minister, President, and/or King will rise up.

Though his birthday is not something that anyone needs to celebrate.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?

Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Müller (Dr. Meierhofer)

COGwriter

The Pope appointed another Catholic leader from Germany to an important position:

Pope appoints doctrinal watchdog with links to ‘Marxist’ Catholics

Guardian, UK – July 2, 2012

Pope Benedict on Monday appointed as the Roman Catholic church’s doctrinal watchdog a fellow German with links to liberation theology, the interpretation of Christianity that conservatives have deplored as Marxism with a cross in place of a hammer and sickle.

Gerhard Ludwig Müller, 64, the bishop of Regensburg in Bavaria, is to take over the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the direct successor of the department created in the 16th century to manage the Inquisition.

Pope’s German friend to guard Vatican orthodoxy

July 3, 2012…

A personal friend of the German-born pope, who charged him with publishing his writings, Müller is however also known for his long-standing support for Gustavo Guttierez, founder of the socialist Liberation theology movement.  http://www.thelocal.de/society/20120703-43513.html

Pope Names German Bishop as Leader of Doctrinal Office

 New York Times – July 2, 2012

“Levada was more of an executor, whereas Müller, because of his own theological training and experience, is more in sync with Ratzinger,” said Sandro Magister, a Vatican expert, referring to the pope, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who held the doctrinal post for 25 years.

Mr. Magister said that Archbishop Müller would become part of a “small nucleus” of cardinals in whom the pope could have complete confidence, including Cardinal Marc Ouellet, a Canadian who leads the Congregation for Bishops; and Cardinal Kurt Koch, who is Swiss and directs the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

“In the Roman curia, they can play an important role in making decisions,” Mr. Magister said. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/03/world/europe/german-to-run-vaticans-doctrinal-office.html

This is the same office that Pope Benedict XVI himself held before becoming pope.  And as The Guardian points out, this was the same office that ran the Inquisition (see also Persecutions by Church and State).

As the New York Times points out, along with a Canadian Cardinal named Marc Ouellet and a Swiss Cardinal named Kurt Koch, Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Müller will apparently be part of the inner circle at the Vatican.  I expect that Gerhard Ludwig Müller will be made a Cardinal.

Regular readers of this page are aware that I have speculated that Cardinal Kurt Koch is one who could potentially become an antipope, the final Antichrist of biblical prophecy (see Kurt Koch Made a Cardinal: Might He Become the Antichrist?).  Catholic prophecy seems to support that view as well, as according to the Malachy prophecy list, only one pope is left on that list and according other Catholic writings, an antipope is expected.  Additionally, Catholic prophecy indicates that specifically, a German antipope is expected.  Because of his ecumenical bent, I have considered Kurt Koch a candidate for that role.  But he is not the only one.

If the current pope actually resigns, and he has suggested that he might, it may well be that he may further influence who will be the next pope.  And, it may be that he may try to promote Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Cardinal Kurt Koch, or Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Müller to be the next pope.  And the next pope may well be the final antipope/antichrist.

Interestingly, Gerhard Ludwig Müller made a statement that Wikipedia reported (and translated from the original, which was in German) that suggests somewhat of an ecumenical bent for him as well:

In a speech he gave in October 2011, Müller said that “the Catholic Magisterium is far from denying an ecclesial character or an ecclesial existence to ‘the separated Churches and ecclesial Communities of the West”.

It has been expected, from Catholic sources, for many centuries that a German antipope will rise up:

Merlin (7th century): There will come a German Anti-Pope. Italy and Germany will be sorely troubled. (Culleton, R. Gerald.  The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin.  Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941.  Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 132)

Catholic priest and writer R. Gerald Culleton (20th century): A schism of short duration is destined to break out…An antipope, of German origin, is to be set up, and finally Rome itself will be destroyed”. (Culleton, p. 42)

It is possible that Gerhard Ludwig Müller could be that German anti-pope.  Why?  Because of his age, his timing, his position towards Protestants, his new office, his ethnicity, and the fact that the previous pope held that same office before his election to becoming the Bishop of Rome.  But even if he is not, if he lives long enough, Gerhard Ludwig Müller will either support or fight the coming Antipope and Final Antichrist.

Of course, Kurt Koch, remains another possibility to be the final Pope/Antipope/Antichrist.  And there may be others.

The famous third century Catholic theologian and Bishop Victorinus tied modern Germany (prophetic Assur below) with the Roman kingdom and the Antichrist/Beast power:

7:2…”Then shall there be peace for our land, when there shall arise in it seven shepherds and eight attacks of men; and they shall encircle Assur,” that is, Antichrist…

11:7. And the beast which ascends from the abyss. After many plagues completed in the world, in the end he says that a beast ascended from the abyss. But that he shall ascend from the abyss is proved by many testimonies; for he says in the thirty-first chapter of Ezekiel: Behold, Assur was a cypress in Mount Lebanon. Assur, deeply rooted, was a lofty and branching cypress— that is, a numerous people— in Mount Lebanon, in the kingdom of kingdoms, that is, of the Romans. (Victorinus. Commentary on the Apocalypse. Translated by Robert Ernest Wallis. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 7. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0712.htm>)

The Bible warns of a time that an even more ecumenical religion will rise up (cf. Revelation 13:4,8; 17:4-9; Daniel 11:36-38) and it will be based in Rome (Revelation 17).  Catholic writings warn that a compromised ecumenical version of that faith will rise up and that most will fall for it.

The current pope, his president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and the new Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith seem to have all taken steps to, perhaps somewhat inadvertently, setting the stage for this to happen.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
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?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
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?
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?
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?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs (like the Inquisition) and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.

Artist Depiction of 666

COGwriter

Growing in Grace International (GGI), a group who considers 666 a positive symbol, was proven wrong about its misunderstanding of prophecy:

We are still waiting’: Blue skies, not Armageddon, greeted Christian sect Sunday

National Post – July 3, 2012…

Growing in Grace, also known as Creciendo en Gracia, predicted that its Texas-based leader Jose Luis de Jesus, would “transform” into an immortal being, while non-believers and roughly two-thirds of the world’s population would be destroyed on June 30 (or July 1, depending on the time zone)…When reached in Kitchener on Sunday afternoon, the group’s Canadian bishop Alex Poessy would not answer many questions, but said their transformation had not yet come to pass.

“Well, we are still waiting for that,” he said.

However, Mr. Poessy said he believed their leader, Mr. de Jesus, had transformed — but he didn’t see it. “He did transform, that is my understanding,” he said, adding that the group was “really happy.”

Just two weeks ago, the group sent out a press release warning that the “Earth is about to fill with cadavers: 66.6% of world population to be removed” by June 30.  http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/07/03/we-are-still-waiting-blue-skies-not-armageddon-greeted-christian-sect-sunday/

Here is some of what was reported about it on May 1, 2012

The group, which they say has branches in five Canadian cities and members in more than 130 countries, believes that on June 30 (or July 1 across the international dateline), their Texas-based leader and his followers will be transformed, said Alex Poessy, the group’s bishop in Canada.

To spread the word, Growing in Grace put up billboards in Toronto this week featuring Mr. de Jesus…

Mr. de Jesus also predicts that the “transformation” will endow him, and his loyal followers, with superpowers, such as the ability to fly and walk through walls, said Axel Cooley, the bishop’s daughter...“The world’s not going to end. What is going to end is the system…. All the governments and the currencies will fall. The new government of the 666 will take over,” she said.The group’s billboards feature a picture of Mr. de Jesus, with such messages as “666, number of wisdom” or “Countdown to the transformation June 30, 2012.”

(‘The time is finished’: Religious sect erects billboards in Toronto ahead of the ‘transformation.’ National Post, Ontario – May 1, 2012. http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/05/01/the-time-is-finished-religious-sect-erects-billboards-in-toronto-ahead-of-the-transformation/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NP_Top_Stories+(National+Post+-+Top+Stories)&utm_content=Googl)

The above group (despite the similar name, it should not to be confused with the former Tkach-WCG that became Grace Communion International).  The excuses that it has made for its predictions being wrong remind me of Ronald Weinland who claimed Jesus would return at sunset in Jerusalem May 26, 2012.   I have written about GGI a couple of times declaring that they would be proven wrong by this time, and of course, they have been (e.g. ‘Growing in Grace International’ Wrong: 666 is Not Going to Be Established on July 1, 2012).

The reality is that it was not possible for the Great Tribulation to begin in 2012.

Without going into all the details, the apparent peace deal of Daniel 9:27 has not yet been confirmed, and the Great Tribulation cannot begin until 3 1/2 years after that.   The earliest possible year for the Great Tribulation to begin would be 2016.  James Malm, who has put the probability of the Great Tribulation beginning in 2012 at around 70-80% (depending on the pope’s health), is also wrong, as the Great Tribulation cannot begin in 2012.

Of course, the Great Tribulation will come and the establishment of the “666 government” will happen. But not before at least 2016 or later (though, of course, the main leaders would be expected to currently be alive). Sadly, the USA and its Anglo-allies do not want to obey God’s commandments and they will experience the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), and it will likely have other “troubles” before then (cf. Mark 13:5-8).

COGwriter

USA power outages remain in the news:

Relentless heat gripped much of the eastern United States for a fourth straight day on Monday, with about 2.1 million homes and businesses without power after violent storms and soaring temperatures killed at least 18 people.

Utilities in Ohio, Virginia and Maryland described damage to their power grids as catastrophic.

http://news.yahoo.com/eastern-u-battles-heat-wave-amid-power-outages-065033909.html

Newt Gingrich tweeted:

Friend and coauthor bill forstchen notes washington-baltimore blackout mild taste of what an emp (electromagnetic pulse) attack would do

— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) July 2, 2012

And, later, the former Republican presidential candidate added:

Forstchen’s novel “one second after” is an amazingly vivid story ofsmall town’s struggles after all electricity has been destroyed by emp

— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) July 2, 2012

(Newt Gingrich on D.C. Weather: ‘Mild Taste of What an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) Attack Would Do’

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/newt-gingrich-dc-weather-mild-taste-what-emp-electromagnetic-pulse-attack-would-do_648043.html)

As far as an emp weapon attack, notice an earlier report:

A nuclear device detonated up to 500 miles above the earth’s surface could generate an electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) with a “devastating” effect on power supplies, telecommunications and other vital systems, the Commons Defence Committee said.

It warned that countries such as Iran – which is resisting international pressure to end its nuclear programme – and even eventually some “non-state actors” could acquire the technology to mount such an attack. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/2012/02/22/warning-on-space-attack-devastation-91466-30379786/#ixzz1nDLv7NRL

If there is an emp attack of one or more of the Anglo-descended nations, presuming that it came from terrorist sources, it could be part of a so-called “perfect storm” of events that could set the USA and UK up for utter destruction. I believe that the debt situation of the USA and UK are putting them at risk of being unable to recover should one or both countries be hit by weather problems, solar flares, severe earthquakes, civil unrest, devastation of their genetically-modified food supplies, food shortages, and/or various pestilences–an intensity of “sorrows” such as Jesus discussed in Matthew 24:4-8 leading up to the time of the Great Tribulation. Of course, another possibility is that an emp-type attack will help start the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), known by most as the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21). And maybe there will be multiple emp-attacks and/or devastating solar flare incidents.

Interestingly, solar flares, which can happen from the sun itself, can cause problems similar to an emp weapon.  Solar flares were discussed in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Here are a few passages related to them:

Some scientists believe that there will be an increase in sunspot activity that will affect the earth in 2012. Notice the following from N.A.S.A.:

Solar Storm Warning: Researchers announced that a storm is coming—the most intense solar maximum in fifty years. The prediction comes from a team led by Mausumi Dikpati of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)…

Solar physicist David Hathaway of the National Space Science & Technology Center (NSSTC)…has confidence in the conveyor belt model and agrees with Dikpati that the next solar maximum should be a doozy. But he disagrees with one point…a storm is coming.

Solar outbursts have been proposed that could essentially wipe out modern civilization.

Notice a scenario that is based on a report from the U.S. National Academy of Scientists (although the precise date seems to be speculative):

IT IS midnight on 22 September 2012 and the skies above Manhattan are filled with a flickering curtain of colourful light…Within 90 seconds, the entire eastern half of the US is without power.

A year later and millions of Americans are dead and the nation’s infrastructure lies in tatters. The World Bank declares America a developing nation. Europe, Scandinavia, China and Japan are also struggling to recover from the same fateful event – a violent storm, 150 million kilometres away on the surface of the sun…

According to the NAS report, a severe space weather event in the US could induce ground currents that would knock out 300 key transformers within about 90 seconds, cutting off the power for more than 130 million people…

First to go – immediately for some people – is drinkable water…With no electricity to pump water from reservoirs, there is no more…There is simply no electrically powered transport: no trains, underground or overground…For hospitals, that would mean about 72 hours of running a bare-bones, essential care only, service. After that, no more modern healthcare.

The truly shocking finding is that this whole situation would not improve for months, maybe years…

As N.A.S.A./N.O.A.A. report indicated that the next solar cycle peak may be later, like May 2013.

Both solar flares and emp-type weapons have similar devastating potential.

There are real risks for the USA, Canada, UK, and other nations. But most ignore warning signs. Will you?

Some articles that might be of assistance in understanding end-time events 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?
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?
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.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
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?
Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy Contains a cool up-to-the-hour update of earthquakes around the world from USGS. It also explains what did Jesus teach about earthquakes and how the Bible describes “the big one” (as well as when it is expected).
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 the 20 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.

 
14th Century Tapestry of the Third Horseman of the Apocalypse

COGwriter

Food inflation is once again in the news:

Indonesia Inflation Unexpectedly Accelerates on Food Prices

Businessweek – ‎2 July 2102

Indonesian inflation unexpectedly accelerated in June as food costs climbed, exacerbating the impact of a weaker currency on prices.

Food inflation fears as US crop prices surge

Telegraph.co.uk – ‎Jul 1, 2012

Worries about world food prices are increasing, stoked by a 10pc rise in US corn and wheat prices in just a week.

The Bible is tells of a time that there will be food shortages and much more serious food inflation:

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6)

Notice something that Ezekiel was inspired to write:

15 ‘So it shall be a reproach, a taunt, a lesson, and an astonishment to the nations that are all around you, when I execute judgments among you in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I, the Lord, have spoken. 16 When I send against them the terrible arrows of famine which shall be for destruction, which I will send to destroy you, I will increase the famine upon you and cut off your supply of bread. 17 So I will send against you famine and wild beasts, and they will bereave you. Pestilence and blood shall pass through you, and I will bring the sword against you. I, the Lord, have spoken.'” (Ezekiel 5:15-17)

Notice that this shows famine, then pestilence, and then the sword. The above sequence seems to be slightly different than that Jesus listed as part of the “beginning of sorrows” (Mathew 24:7-8) as the sword comes afterwards. But since the sword should begin the Great Tribulation, the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), this may be part of how the beginning of sorrows ties into the Great Tribulation–this also may suggest hunger and disease problems for the Anglo-nations prior to the start of the Great Tribulation.

But this does not mean that other areas, like the multi-island nation of Indonesia, cannot be affected as well.

The sorrows and troubles are just beginning and will get much worse. Hopefully, people will wake up.

As Jesus said:

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

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

Tougher times are coming. And for some parts of the world these tougher time may be here now. People who can prepare, should: both spiritually and physically. Westerners need to realize that this will not only affect people in places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East–the Anglo-descended nations of the West will themselves suffer hunger, civil unrest, famine, and worse. Super wheat will not be the solution–it is much more likely to contribute to a disaster.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011 or 2012? 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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
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?
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?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?

Enrique Peña Nieto

COGwriter

Mexico has apparently elected Enrique Peña Nieto  as its new president:

World Old guard reclaims power in Mexico vote 6 of 9

CBS News – ‎2 July 2012

(AP) MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s old guard sailed back into power after a 12-year hiatus Sunday as the official preliminary vote count handed a victory to Enrique Pena Nieto, whose party was long accused of ruling the country through corruption and patronage…

“There is no return to the past,” said the youthful, 45-year-old who is married to a soap opera star. “You have given our party a second chance and we will deliver results.”

He promised a government that would be democratic, modern and open to criticism. He pledged to fight organized crime and said there would be no pacts with criminals.

“My gratitude tonight is for the millions of Mexican who voted for me,” he said. “I will work for all of Mexico … I will govern for everyone.”

Politicians all over the world make promises and try to provide hope.   How likely they are to succeed with their promises and the sincerity of their commitments to them, of course, is a problem everywhere.

A few weeks ago, Dr. Roderick C. Meredith of the Living Church of God wrote:

How much better it will be in Tomorrow’s World, when Jesus Christ—who “knows the hearts” of men—selects leaders who will function under His direction as King of kings! For Jesus Christ is very God. And He has perfect wisdom, total power and infinite love. He has great compassion for every human being, and will exercise total outflowing concern for our good…

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.
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about?
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?

The home page of www.cogwriter.com has been updated with a slightly new look and some new features.

But what new features?

First of all, it is automatically being updated with the headlines from the posts on this page.  So, at a glance, viewers can see the most recent posts from here as well as when they were posted.

Additionally, for the first time, there is a category for YouTube videos and many more You Tubes have been added.

The section for category items has been moved, expanded, and changed for ease of navigation.  Other items are also under consideration.

As far as COGwriter itself goes, visits and page views are up from 2012 (and yes, visits and page views have gone up every year since it formed in the 20th century).  For more specific details, for the month of June 2012, unique visitors were up 21.7%, total visits were up 24.0%, and article/page views were up 24.8% compared to June 2011.

If you want to take a look at the new home page, simply click on www.cogwriter.com