Church of God News

COGwriter

Melvin Rhodes, Chairman of the Council of Elder of the United Church of God (UCG) posted the following:

In a few days the Council of Elders will be starting an historic week of meetings.

For the first time we will be holding our quarterly meetings by video conference. This will enable the church to save money on travel, hotel and meal expenses.

Because of time differences we will start our meetings at 4 pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time each day. This is 10 pm in Italy where new Council member Carmelo Anastasi lives; and 6 am in Australia where Bill Bradford lives. We hope to finish each evening’s session by 8 pm.

Our meetings begin Monday, August 6, and continue through Thursday, August 9.

On the agenda for this session is a lengthy discussion on a proposed “Public Proclamation Identity” that seeks to fulfill the Media Strategy #9 from the 2012-13 Strategic and Operation Plan. We will also be discussing the future of the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee and the viability of the church fulfilling its mission statement.

A ruling has been requested for Sabbath attire – what is appropriate Sabbath wear at church services for men who speak, lead songs and give opening and closing prayer. The Council will discuss this issue before ruling on it.

In addition, we will hear the regular quarterly reports from the president and operation managers. Other items to be discussed are on the agenda.

UCG is historically known for using a lot of committees and meetings.  That has been a major way in which it tends to govern itself.  There have been various articles from UCG in the past on appropriate attire (mainly for women), and now it seems to feel it needs to make some definitive guidelines for men involved in public aspects of church services.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

COGwriter

North Korea has had flooding, 88 deaths, and now has a new food shortage crisis:

August 3, 2012

(CNN) — The World Food Programme said Friday it is stepping in to feed people in North Korea, where floods have ruined crops and left nearly 63,000 homeless, according to reports.

The United Nations declared the situation in North Korea an emergency Thursday after torrential rain soaked the country between July 18 and 29. Eighty-eight people have died, a U.N. report said, though national media put the toll at more than 100.

Counties most affected by the floods are in need of immediate food assistance, the report said.  http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/03/world/asia/north-korea-floods/index.html

The Philippines and Taiwan also had flooding problems:

THE death toll from Typhoon Saola has risen to 42 in the Philippines and Taiwan, and 300,000 people have been evacuated in China as Typhoon Damrey makes landfall.

The Philippines recorded 37 deaths in floods and accidents caused by Saola’s torrential rains and strong winds, officials said on Friday. Four people were missing and feared dead.  http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/typhoon-toll-rises-as-300000-flee-in-asia/story-fnd134gw-1226442503027

A killer storm makes its way across Taiwan

Philadelphia Inquirer – ‎3 August 2012 TAIPEI, Taiwan – A tropical storm inched across northern Taiwan on Thursday after already dumping up to five feet of rain that has flooded farmland, swollen rivers, and paralyzed life on much of the densely populated island of 23 million people…It has caused five deaths and left two people missing in Taiwan after killing more than two dozen in the Philippines.  http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/164839406.html

China is also having flooding issues as today’s TW News & Prophecy reports:

Flooding in China.

Torrential rains inundated China’s capital city last weekend, overwhelming the drainage system. More than 75 people died and 65,000 had to be evacuated due to the powerful rains and subsequent flooding (China Daily, July 26, 2012; BBC, July 26, 2012). Some are calling the torrential rains and flooding in Beijing the “Chinese Katrina,” in comparison to the devastation and government ineptitude following the powerful hurricane that hit the U.S. Gulf coast in 2005.

Many Beijing residents were left wondering how a world-class city that hosted the Olympics just a few years ago could have an infrastructure that cannot withstand torrential rain. Some cited the governmental focus on promoting its image to the world, while neglecting the basic needs of its citizens. Many Chinese also question the accuracy of the government-reported death toll (Los Angeles Times, July 25, 2012).

Extreme flooding is just one of many signs to watch for as the end of the age approaches (Amos 4:7). Additionally, the Bible tells of world leaders who “eat the fat” and neglect their own people (Ezekiel 34:3-4). China’s situation is not unique in the world. Many of today’s leaders rule for themselves and support only those who will support them. “Selfish ambitions” are a key motive among leaders in this Satan-inspired world (Galatians 5:19-21).

However, one day soon, Christ will return to this earth and usher in 1,000 years of righteous government (Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 5:10; 20:4-6). For greater insight into this incredible future time, review our eye-opening booklet, The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?

And of course, in 2012, weather problems, including flooding, drought, and heat have affected other areas as well (see, for example, TW: Drought USA and Flooding UK; Russia Having Both, Quarter Million Affected by Flooding in Japan,Severely Cold Weather in South Africa and Australia, Drought in Mid-USA Affecting Grain,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).

Flood, droughts, and weather problems contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines.

Floods, 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)

The rains and flooding in Asia, while not the Great Tribulation, certainly can be considered “troubles.”

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?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? 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?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
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?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012? Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?

COGwriter

In its latest member letter, COGWA’s Jim Franks wrote the following:

 Here in the U.S. we are only three months away from a hotly contested presidential election. The political mudslinging has already begun, and I am sure it will intensify…

Jesus Christ would not vote for any of the candidates. The article went on to state that a Christian’s citizenship is in heaven and not on this earth (Philippians 3:20-21); therefore, Christians do not get involved in the politics of this world.

One only needs to watch a couple of campaign ads these days to understand how contrary to Scripture this entire process really is. Each one contains accusations that are generally only half true or have only a small measure of truth. It seems that in our country neither the Republicans nor the Democrats have an exclusive on the politics of character assassination…

As Christians, we must not allow others to drag us into the arguments, debates and mudslinging that characterize American politics. We have a higher calling and a major responsibility to focus on. Rather than fretting over what may happen in a political election, we should be focusing on our true purpose in life and how to reflect Christian values in everything we do.

Truly, from a Christian perspective Jesus could not support either of the US presidential candidates for president.

Christians, however, should pray for their physical leaders, as that is what the Bible instructs:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Notice that we are to pray for worldly leaders and those that have authority over us so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life.  That is our Christian obligation, voting is not.

Some articles 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.
Barack Obama Carries Hindu Monkey God Unlike some of the odd stories about Barack Obama, this one is apparently true.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
COGwriter Position on Other Churches and Religions What is the fate of those who do not know Christ? What about those who profess Christ outside the Church of God?
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.

COGwriter

Swine flu is in the news again:

Beware that pig, CDC says, as 12 more catch swine flu

Los Angeles Times -3 August 2012

The US Centers for Disease Control has words of caution for people planning to attend a local fair this summer: Watch out for sick pigs, which could be infected with the H3N2 swine influenza virus.

On Friday, the health agency reported 12 new cases of human infection with a variant of the virus, which until now had been detected in just 17 Americans since July 2011.

Swine flu is an issue from time to time.  We will see how serious it gets this Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Relatively soon, serious pestilences are prophesied as they are part of what Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows”:

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)

If humans quit eating pigs, the “swine flu” problem would probably go away.  But since many still do, it is possible that something more serious may happen.

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 is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilence? What will it bring and when?

COGwriter

The Wall Street Journal ran the following:

Gold Will Get a Rise if It Goes With the Grain

Wall Street Journal – Aug 2, 2012

Gold is poised to get a boost from surging corn and soybean prices, as investors look to the metal as a hedge against the growing risk of global inflation.

Gold has floundered in recent months, held back by lackluster physical and investor demand. In New York on Thursday, gold closed at $1,587.40 a troy ounce, up 1.4% since the start of the year.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443866404577564362406672118.html

While prices fluctuate, the price of gold was up and some grains were down (at least at some point) today (see Crude Rises; Gold Snaps Four-Day Decline).  Overall, both grain and gold prices are up this year, with certain grain prices up more than gold (see Corn Prices Rise 33%, More Food Problems Ahead and Heat Affecting USA Wheat Crop).

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)

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

Although the Bible shows that gold will be valuable into the the Great Tribulation (cf. Daniel 11:39-43; Revelation 18:11-16), the Bible is clear that later, gold will, for a while during the Day of the Lord, be less than worthless. Notice:

19 They will throw their silver into the streets, And their gold will be like refuse; Their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them In the day of the wrath of the Lord; They will not satisfy their souls, Nor fill their stomachs, Because it became their stumbling block of iniquity. (Ezekiel 7:19).

13 Therefore their goods shall become booty, And their houses a desolation; They shall build houses, but not inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards, but not drink their wine.” 14 The great day of the Lord is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the Lord is bitter;There the mighty men shall cry out. 15 That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 A day of trumpet and alarm Against the fortified cities And against the high towers. 17 “I will bring distress upon men, And they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against the Lord; Their blood shall be poured out like dust,And their flesh like refuse.” 18 Neither their silver nor their gold Shall be able to deliver them In the day of the Lord’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured By the fire of His jealousy, For He will make speedy riddance Of all those who dwell in the land. (Zephaniah 1:13-18)

Gold will be worthless because gold cannot be eaten (in times of massive and severe food shortages many people will not be interested in it) and because of the fact that if nuclear weapons are exploded, and people are ill or dying from radiation sickness, that they will not want to have gold near them (for some details, see The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy).

But while we are not yet to that time, the time we are now in is serious, 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.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the role of gold, food shortages, Western nation problems, etc.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Prohibition To Prohibit	= Tree	+ (Divine) Command

COGwriter

There is an increase in church attendance amongst Communist Party members in the Peoples Republic of China:

Chinese Communist Party ‘Members’ Increasingly Attend Church

More Communist Party members in the Peoples Republic of China are attending church, according to the U.S. State Department’s latest report on International Religious Freedom.“Although CCP members are required to be atheists and generally are discouraged from participating in religious activities, their attendance at official church services in Guangdong Province was reportedly growing, as authorities increasingly chose to turn a blind eye to their attendance,” the report stated.http://cnsnews.com/news/article/chinese-communist-party-members-increasingly-attend-church

One of the official tenants of Communism was that there is no God and that religion is the “opiate of the masses.”  So, what is happening in China is certainly a change.

This religious growth in China is prophetically significant as the Bible tells of a time when the entire world will worship a coming European Beast power:

3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast…8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world…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. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.  (Revelation 13:3-4,7-8).

Other biblical prophesies suggest that this beast power will be in league with a compromised church based out of Rome (Revelation 17:1-11). That this involves Rome is the belief of many Catholic scholars.

My book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect points out that many Catholic writings warn that someone will compromise their religion, that an antipope will arise, the antipope may be the final Antichrist who changes yet claims Catholicism, and China will accept the end time “Catholic” faith.

Furthermore, as my book also points out, even Chinese prophesy seems to be setting the Chinese up to accept this compromised faith:

The second beast in Revelation 13 is primarily a religious leader (even though he has political influence). He promotes religious worship and is also referred to in other scriptures as “the false prophet” (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). He is likely to be considered a current or future saint by his followers…

Interestingly, there is a Chinese prophecy dating back to the Middle Ages that appears to somewhat warn against him, as it states:

All negative forces are subservient…China now has a saint. Even if he is not that great a hero.

An ancient Chinese prophecy states:

Beautiful people come from the West. Korea, China and Japan are gradually at peace.

This seems to indicate that many Asians will accept a type of peace that will be related to a Western (European) power.  (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. 2009)

A “saint” that is not “that great a hero” sounds a lot like the final Antichrist.  Europe will be the major power West of China.

The fact that there is a growing Protestant and Catholic church influence in China in the 21st century strongly suggests that China may be influenced by the final compromised Western religion that the Bible warns about.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? 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 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?
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.

Japan 2011 Earthquake (Choo photo)

COGwriter

Scientists believe the Western coast of the USA has a high chance of a megaquake like Japan had last year:

High chance of major Oregon quake: study

Aug 1, 2012

The western US state of Oregon has a 40 percent chance in the next half-century of suffering a massive earthquake on the scale of Japan’s 2011 disaster, a study said Wednesday.

The Pacific Northwest — from the Oregon-California border to Vancouver Island in Canada — has endured 19 huge earthquakes of around 8.7-9.2 magnitude over the past 10,000 years, Oregon State University researchers said.  http://ca.news.yahoo.com/high-chance-major-oregon-quake-study-221238959.html

I believe that the possibility is much higher, like 100%.  I do believe that a megaquake, which locally tends to be called “the big one,” will at some point in time hit California.  And by that, I specifically mean one that is quite large and one that would be even more devastating than the Northridge quake of 1994.

Jesus warned about a time earthquakes and troubles:

8 … And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be…troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

We may be at this prophetic point as all the earthquakes and other problems that have happened in the past couple of years could be considered as “troubles.”

Perhaps the earthquake warnings and weather problems can serve as another wake-up call to people everywhere that the world can change very quickly and that the time to repent is now (cf. Acts 17:30-31).

Yet, the biggest earthquake in biblical prophecy, which comes later, is the following one:

18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (Revelation 16:18-20)

Notice that the above earthquake is so big that the cities of the nations will fall. Mountains will be leveled and islands “fled away” (more on this can be found in the article Islands and Bible Prophecy). This seems to be the biggest earthquake that will ever hit the planet with humans on it.

It will be bigger than what the usual “experts” have believed was possible. It will change the planet and humble parts of humanity.

It should be noted since that the apparently biggest of all earthquakes seems to take place near the end of the Day of the Lord, it probably cannot happen prior to 2018 (for more on why as well as dates, please see the articles Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? and Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

Since I believe that this megaquake needs to happen within the next 1/2 century, that is why I say it is 100% likely that a megaquake will hit Oregon and California–it will also affect pretty much everyone in the future.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
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).

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

COGwriter

The Guardian is running the following:

2 August 2012

Obama signs order supporting Syria’s rebels, reports say…

Barack Obama has signed a secret order authorising US support for Syrian rebels seeking to overthrow the Assad government, sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters…

Precisely when Obama signed the secret intelligence authorisation, an action not previously reported, could not be determined.

The full extent of support that agencies like the CIA might be providing also is unclear. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/02/obama-order-supporting-syria-rebels?newsfeed=true

The above agreement also involves supporting Turkey as it supports the rebels against the Assad regime.  Might this be prophetic?

Partially because of the internal civil war, and now with the USA’s support for the rebels becoming more obvious, Syria’s President may decide that attacking Israel, probably in conjunction with support from Iran, is his best option. It will not be (his best option is to negotiate his own departure from Syria, combined with personal repentance).  The Bible suggests that Syria will support the coming final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8) and a change in or from the Assad regime will be necessary for this to happen–and it will come to pass.

Notice some comments from the late Raymond McNair on the identification of the peoples involved in supporting the future King of the South in Daniel 11:

Daniel 11 also mentions some of the Mideast peoples who will be involved in that struggle among the nations at the close of this age. The belligerents will include the “King of the North,” the leader of the European Union (or its final outgrowth, called the “Beast”). The “King of the South” (an Islamic leader—apparently from Egypt {or} some other Muslim state) is also referred to. The following lands/peoples are specifically mentioned: Egypt, the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine), the Ethiopians (modern Cushites, south of Egypt), Libya, Edom, Moab and Ammon. Many descendants of the ancient peoples known as Edomites or Idumeans now live in the West Bank, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Arabia, Yemen, the Persian Gulf states, etc. (McNair R. Solving the Arab-Israeli Impasse! Copyright Raymond F. McNair 2005, Church of God—21st Century).

Since Syria will likely be supporting the coming King of the South, the current situation in Syria must change.  It may also be of interest to note that some Islamic prophecy suggests that someone like the biblical King of the South, called the Imam Mahdi, rises up after there is destruction involving Syria that Turkey and others participate in:

Traditions have been reported mentioning the signs for the time of the appearance of the Imam…black standards will advance from Khurasan; al-Yamani will come out in revolt; al-Maghribi will appear in Egypt and take possession of it from Syria; the Turk will occupy the region of al-Jazira; the Byzantines will occupy Ramla; the star will appear in the east giving light just like the moon gives light; then (the new moon) will bend until its two tips almost meet; a colour will appear in the sky and spread to its horizons; a fire will appear for a long time in the east remaining in the air for three or seven days; the Arabs will throw off the reins and take possession of their land, throwing out the foreign authority; the people of Egypt will kill their ruler and destroy Syria; and three standards will dispute over it (Syria)…

The Abbasids will dispute; a voice will call from the sky; one of the villages of Syria called al-Jabiyya will be swallowed up; the Turks will occupy the region of al-Jazira; the Byzantines will attack al-Ramla; at that time there will be much conflict throughout the land until Syria is destroyed.

(Kitab al Irshad Chapter: The Twelfth Imam (Peace be on him) Page (s): 541 – 548 Published by Tehrike Tersile Qura’n.  Contributed by Br. Ali Abbas, abbas@seas.gwu.edu  http://www.al-islam.org/masoom/bios/12thimam.html viewed 7/22/12)

The Bible also teaches that Damascus will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1).  Might the USA directly or indirectly assist in the destruction of Damascus?  Could the “black standards” have anything to do with a black USA president?  It may.  If so, this may be another Islamic prophecy seemingly involving Barack Obama.  Notice something from Wikipedia:

The Black Banner or Black Standard (راية السوداء rāyat al-sawdā’ , also known as راية العقاب rāyat al-`uqāb “banner of the eagle” or simply as الراية al-rāya “the banner”) is the historical flag flown by Muhammad in Islamic tradition, an eschatological symbol in Shi’a Islam (heralding the advent of the Mahdi), and a symbol used in Islamism and Jihadism. (Black Standard.  Wikipedia, viewed 08/02/12)

A black “banner of the eagle,” while possibly being forces of Islam, may also be forces of the USA or the USA, directly or indirectly, supporting an Islamic power that invades Syria–and that is something that the USA has secretly (now not so-secretly) agreed to do).  And even if this “prophecy” was or was not intended to involve the USA, presuming that more destruction in Syria happens, those Muslims who believe in the Imam Mahdi may well point to Syria’s problems as a sign that the rise of the Imam Mahdi is soon expected.

Now if there is a war involving the USA and Syria, this will not mean that the USA will necessarily come out without damage.

The reality is that the cost to the tiny nation of Israel, and likely the USA, for a regional war involving Syria and/or its closest ally Iran will be higher than many in the USA or Israel believe.

Another in Israel is indicating that Iran may soon get attacked (which likely could trigger involvement with Syria, etc.)  and that those in Iran should fear Israel:

‘If I were an Iranian, I would be fearful in coming weeks’   As US urges Israel to let West exhaust all diplomatic efforts vis-à-vis Iran; former Mossad Chief Efraim Halevy pegs possible window for strike over next three months

2 August 2012  Ynetnews

But Israel, too, is at risk.  Big risk of severe damage.  Between terrorist acts, sustained resistance, chemical weapons, biological weapons, emp-type bombs, and/or even disruptions of the internet, Iran and/or Syria can inflict significant damage to their enemies.

Lives are likely to be lost in Israel, and possibly the USA.  Just like the cost to the old Soviet Union for being involved in the occupation of Afghanistan was a factor that led to its dissolution, the cost to Israel and/or the USA for a regional war involving Syria and its allies like Iran may hurt both the USA and Israel.  It may be a factor in the coming division of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2) and may be a factor in weakening the USA (which will happen during “the beginning of sorrows”).

However, the USA and the tiny of nation of Israel would not be “eliminated” by that–it will come later, by the King of the North (cf. Daniel 11:39) before he takes on the King of the South (Daniel 11:40).  But since Iran will not be the King of the South and Syria apparently will support the King of the South, the situation in those countries will change–and this certainly could happen from an attack involving Israel and/or the USA.

“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?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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?
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.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.

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Japanese Ministry of Defense (本屋)

COGwriter

India and Japan are apparently getting so concerned about China that they conducted joint naval exercises:

As China Eyes Indian Ocean, Japan and India Pair Up on Defense

For two days last month, ships from the Indian and Japanese naval forces held joint military exercises in waters off Tokyo. By military standards, the exercises were small in scale. But they were heavy with symbolism and brought to light another facet of the growing relationship between the two countries — defense.

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/27/as-china-eyes-indian-ocean-japan-and-india-pair-up-on-defense/

The Bible tells that the “kings of the sunrise” (Revelation 16:12, literal translation) will some day cooperate.  Having Japan and India cooperate now may be a step in that direction.  And even though fear of China is a major motivator, they will likely later cooperate with China in fulfillment of certain biblical prophecies (cf. Revelation 9:13-20; 16:12).

As far as Japan goes, some there are now willing to overlook the problems with the nuclear power plant disaster from last year’s tsunami and earthquakes, as well as its historical aversion to nuclear weapons because of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in order to get the weapons for themselves:

Support for nuclear bomb gets louder in Japan

August 1, 2012

TOKYO: A contentious debate over nuclear power in Japan is also bringing another question out of the shadows: Should Japan keep open the possibility of making nuclear weapons? It may seem surprising in the only country devastated by atomic bombs, particularly as it marks the 67th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki three days later…As Japan weighs whether to phase out nuclear power, some conservatives, including some influential politicians and thinkers, are becoming more vocal about their belief that Japan should have at least the ability to make nuclear weapons.

Since India already has nuclear weapons, it is possible that India may cooperate with Japan in this area as well.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Japanese, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
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).

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Depiction of Levites Carrying the Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

A leader from the Jewish Home party has called for a law that essentially would protect the right to build a temple in Jerusalem:

MK Zevulun Orlev of the Jewish Home party has called for massive reforms, including new Basic Laws, in order to establish a Third Temple in Jerusalem.

In an article (PDF) published in advance of the fast of Tisha B’Av in the weekly Hebrew journal Olam Katan, entitled “Internal and Legislative Reform,” Orlev wrote that the Temple must be rebuilt in Jerusalem and that “fundamental changes” to Israeli society and government were necessary in order to realize the success of the project…“It will be necessary to defeat no-confidence motions, to overcome the hostile, left-wing, secular media, and to ignore eye-rolling economists who will say it’s a waste of public funds,” he wrote…To forestall appeals to the High Court of Justice, Orlev advocated the legislation of a new Basic Law that would guarantee funding and manpower and protect the Third Temple from prosecution.  http://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-home-mk-calls-for-a-third-temple-in-jerusalem/

His proposal is consistent with something I suggested here back on April 3, 2008 (see Animal Sacrifice Planned for April 6?):

Because Israel has a parliamentary system of governance and is normally governed by a coalition of parties, I believe that at some point in time a coalition party that insists on animal sacrifices will become part of the top governance and the sacrifices will then begin–though they may last only a very short period of time–but long enough for the King of the North to stop them per Daniel 11:31.

While a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem would certainly cause Israel problems, it may be that one or more political parties, will, at least temporarily, accept the resumption of of animal sacrifices and this will be allowed by Israeli courts.

The reality is that all the Temple groups are waiting for is Israeli government permission to begin the sacrifices at any time–including without having a physical temple.

Until Solomon built the first temple (1 Kings 6:14), the Bible shows that the Jews sacrificed on altars. David, Solomon’s father, for example sacrificed on an altar (2 Samuel 24:25), as did Aaron and his descendants (Exodus 20:24; Leviticus 1:10-11). And prior to all of that, Abel (Genesis 4:4), Noah (Genesis 8:20), Abraham (Genesis 22:9-13), and others sacrificed animals to God.

Biblically, all that is required are Jewish religious leaders willing to sacrifice in Israel, and anywhere on or sufficiently near the Temple Mount would apparently do.  Even after the first Jerusalem temple was built and left in ruins, the Bible itself specifically shows that sacrifices were made in the time of Ezra BEFORE the second temple was ready (but apparently on the temple mount area):

6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. (Ezra 3:6)

Although they are in the minority, there are significant numbers of Jewish religious leaders who are intent on starting animal sacrifices as soon as possible. And these Jewish leaders do not believe that they have to wait in order for a temple to rebuilt in order to do so.

They just need the Jewish courts to allow them.  And changes to laws in Israel is one way to accomplish this, even if a Temple is not mandated (a Jewish temple could be rebuilt, but this is not mandatory for sacrifices nor Bible prophecy for this age to be fulfilled).

According to Bible prophecy, sacrifices will be resumed and then stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31). Some time after a deal (probably a peace deal per Daniel 8:25 and Daniel 11:23-24) that Daniel 9:27 refers to is confirmed, one or more Jewish leaders will likely feel politically safe enough to allow the sacrifices to resume.  And they may feel that they need to do so to placate one or more religious parties, like the Jewish Home party.

Of course, it might take a regional war involving Israel for such a deal to take place (but that possibility was also in the news today).  Events are lining up with properly understood biblical prophecy.  Watch! (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?
Solomon’s TempleThis is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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? Why might Daniel 9:27 be referring to a peace deal? 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?