Church of God News

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

The ‘can’ of the fiscal cliff was officially kicked down the road today by the US Congress:

January 31, 2013

WASHINGTON — The Senate gave final approval on Thursday to legislation suspending the statutory debt ceiling until May, officially turning Congress’s attention to the next budget showdown: $1 trillion in across-the-board military and domestic spending cuts set to begin on March 1…

Yet the economic recovery remains weak, and unemployment high. This week, Washington got one of the first signs of how the sequester might play out in the economy, when government figures showed that the economy had contracted in the final three months of 2012, largely a result of a 22 percent drop in military spending.

Economists cautioned that they did not expect such a precipitous decline to continue in the coming quarters. Moreover, the drop came after a surge in military spending in the third quarter, as offices rushed to spend money obligated to the 2012 fiscal year.

Still, the automatic cuts have the potential to derail the recovery. Macroeconomic Advisers, a forecasting firm in St. Louis, estimated that if the sequester came into full effect starting in March, it would knock 0.7 percentage points from economic growth in 2013, dropping it to 1.9 percent. Economists say hundreds of thousands of jobs could be lost, if not more.

With half of the sequester hitting military spending, the worst effects would be felt by the Pentagon and military contractors. Congress already cut half a trillion dollars from military spending in the 2011 Budget Control Act, and the sequester would cut a further half-trillion.  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/01/us/politics/extension-of-debt-limit-clears-congress.html?_r=0

31 January 2013

WASHINGTON – Legislation to suspend the nation’s debt ceiling for a few months is on its way to the White House for President Obama’s signature, clearing the Senate on Thursday after a series of failed votes on Republican-backed amendments to also cut federal spending...

Obama is expected to swiftly sign the legislation as lawmakers gear up for the next budget showdown: deep automatic spending cuts that will begin to hit the economy March 1 if nothing is done to stop them…The debt-ceiling legislation will suspend the borrowing authority limit through May 19…Another $450 billion in debt is expected to be amassed in that time as the nation’s already accrued bills are paid, pushing the debt load to nearly $17 trillion.  http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-debt-ceiling-bill-clears-senate-20130131,0,4646121.story

The Bible teaches the following about leaders and end time debt:

12…Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52)

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

The nation with the greatest debt of all time is the United States of America, and on a per capita basis may be the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (and they are close if not the per capita debt leader).

It is the the United States and its Anglo-allies that have loaded pledges of debt in these end times that they really do not expect to pay back. In that respect they have recently plundered many nations. And while much is owed to nations such as China, Japan, and the Arab World, the Europeans have trillions of dollars invested in the USA–money they may be disappointed to have devalued. Enough so that they may divide the land among themselves and other creditors.

The moves by the US Congress today does not truly solve the problem, despite various hopes by some political leaders.

The debt problems in the USA are bigger than most Americans realize.

And even though some in the world are starting to notice this, the time will come when the creditors of the USA will rise up quickly and the USA will be taken over (Habakkuk 2:6-8).

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? 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?
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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

 COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce a new video on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy.

Nagasaki Nuclear Bomb (1945)

COGwriter

Iran seems to have developed another capability which will accelerate its ability to perhaps make nuclear weapons:

January 31, 2013

Iran is planning to install new equipment at its main nuclear enrichment facility that could refine uranium much faster than its current machines.

Diplomats speaking to Western news media on the condition of anonymity said Thursday Iran has notified the International Atomic Energy Agency that it wants to install the modern centrifuges at the Natanz site in central Iran.

Natanz contains an underground plant with thousands of centrifuges for purifying uranium for use as a nuclear fuel. Low-enriched uranium can be used to fuel nuclear power plants, while highly enriched uranium is needed for nuclear weapons.  http://www.voanews.com/content/iran-plans-nuclear-equipment-upgrade/1594296.html

January 31, 2013

Iran is poised for a major technological update of its uranium enrichment program, allowing it to vastly increase production of the material that can be used for both reactor fuel and nuclear warheads, diplomats told The Associated Press Thursday…

One of the diplomats said Iranian officials informed the Vienna-based nuclear watchdog that they planned to mount as many as 3,132 of the new-generation centrifuges…

Mark Fitzpatrick, an expert on Iran’s nuclear program and the director of the nonproliferation and disarmament program at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, said the new machines “could be a game-changer, depending on how many they introduce.”

The introduction of the machines, if confirmed, “does suggest that they made a breakthrough, and are moving from the research and development phase to employing them to enrich uranium,” Fitzpatrick told CBSNews.com the IR-2M machines can enrich uranium “four to five times faster” than other centrifuges in use at Iran’s plants.

If confirmed by IAEA inspectors, “this will reduce the timeline for Iran being able to produce a weapon’s worth of fissile material,” added Fitzpatrick.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57566820/iran-to-upgrade-nuclear-program-with-faster-ir-2m-centrifuges-to-speed-uranium-enrichment-diplomats-say/

Since both the USA and Israel have stated that it was unacceptable for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, the time for additional intervention by one or both of those countries may be nearer (WND reported that there was sabotage at a nuclear facility last week, but I have not seen much in the way of collaboration of that–it also reported that Iran is trying to protect its nuclear program from sabotage Sabotage alert: Iran moves to secure nuke facilities).

As regular readers of the COGwriter news page are aware, I have been warning for some time that a regional war involving Iran, Israel, the USA, and/or Syria seems likely.  And Iran keeps taking steps which may help it get ready for such a war.

Since Iran, however, is NOT really south of Jerusalem (though it may support such a king per certain interpretations of the peoples listed in Ezekiel 30:1-9), it will not be the final King of the South of Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:40-43). Because of that, I have tended to believe that Iran may somehow get “neutralized” before this final king rises up. A serious attack by the USA and/or Israel may neutralize Iran and much of its influence. It also may take a regional war for the seven-year confirmation of the deal in Daniel 9:27 to come about.

My reading and re-reading of Bible prophecy simply does not show that Iran will be a major player in Daniel 11:21-44 nor the deal of Psalm 83:4-8 (Arabs, Turks, and Europeans are); though Ezekiel 30:1-9 possibly implicates Iran as a supporter of an end-time confederation involving Egypt.

“Neutralizing” Iran would allow most of the other Islamic states (like Saudi Arabia and Egypt) to continue to exist (Syria might not do well per Isaiah 17:1) and allow for the rising of the prophesied King of the South to rise up (revolution in Iran, is also another possibility, for its “neutralization”).

Iran wants to prepare and bring about the arrival of the Imam Mahdi

Since Iran is aware of USA and Israeli intentions, why does it continue to take such steps?  Because of its religious beliefs and objectives.  Notice one report:

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei… has been heard to say that the coming of the last Islamic Messiah, the Shiites’ 12th Imam Mahdi, is near and that specific actions need to be taken to protect the Islamic regime for upcoming events. Mahdi, according to Shiite belief, will reappear at the time of Armageddon. Selected forces within the Revolutionary Guards and Basij reportedly have been trained under a task force called “Soldiers of Imam Mahdi” and they will bear the responsibility of security and protecting the regime against uprisings. Many in the Guards and Basij have been told that the 12th Imam is on earth, facilitated the victory of Hezbollah over Israel in the 2006 war and soon will announce publicly his presence after the needed environment is created. http://www.wnd.com/2012/01/iran-preparing-now-for-armageddon/, January 24, 2012)

Since Iran’s President’s Ahmadinejad’s term ends on 3 August 2013 and he indicated he wanted to cause the Mahdi to arrive before he leaves office (e.g Farah J. Iran Leader’s Messianic End Time’s Mission. World News Daily, January 6, 2006), he may cause enough chaos to try to cause this to happen soon.  Various prophecies of the Mahdi state that he would return in an even numbered year, like the one beginning with the end of 2012 (Zumwalt J.  Iran’s Dynamic Duo Dedicated to Global Destruction.  August 13, 2010. http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=38528), since the Islamic calendar runs differently than the Roman calendar).  The Mahdi is supposed to be recognized in an even numbered year, and the current Islamic year 1434 runs from November 15, 2012 to November 3, 2013.  So, this could be a year (as can future ones).

To push this further, apparently in March 2011, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad approved a video that quotes someone as saying this Imam Mahdi leader arrives after a time of great earthquakes and sedition.  It shows photos of American, Jewish, and European leaders that it does not approve of.  It says that, according to the Hadith, Iran is to be among the “preparers” for the arrival of the Imam.  It blames the USA and its allies for causing Islamic fear-mongering since 9/11/2001.  The video indicates that Islamic writings have warned that westerners would invade the Middle East first and its suggests that Iraq and other western military interventions are proof that the Imam Mahdi is about to appear.  It tells that a time of Arab cooperation is prophesied, while also claiming that annihilation of the “Zionist regime” needs to happen prior to the arrival of the Mahdi.

And the video goes further.  It says that the Hadith tells of a leader named Abdullah, states that the ill King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia is the first Abdullah leader in a hundred years, and then it cites something that states when Abdullah dies the reappearance is guaranteed.  It claims that Iran is the most powerful force in the Middle East.  It claims that their prophecies state that a Seyed Khorasani will turn Jerusalem over to the Imam Mahdi. It discusses prophesies that Islamic antichrists must rise up and hints that the Free Masons, with their influence on American, European, Israeli, and apparently certain Arabic, leaders, has fulfilled this.  Although the video shows Hosni Mubarak along with a prophecy that the leader of Egypt must die prior to the arrival of the Imam Mahdi, Hosni Mubabarek is no longer the leader of Egypt and did not die–but since he has been ill, he certainly could die soon.

It also essentially tries to explain who is Seyed Khorasani (the current top leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei).  It also says that 72 months prior to the arrival of the Imam Mahdi that Seyed Khorasani will appoint Shoeib to assist.  It then asks if “Doctor” Ahmadinejad could be the Shoeib.  It shows Ahmadinejad making various speeches and discusses him taking over Jerusalem in the future–and prior to the arrival of the Imam Mahdi.  It basically ends with stating that the Imam Mahdi will rise up soon and that all should praise God with Jihad.

Thus, as the video illustrates, the leadership of Iran basically believes that it needs to cause military conflict in order to provoke the arrival of the Islamic leader called the Imam Mahdi.  And apparently developing nuclear weapons is considered a factor that can speed up this arrival in their view.

Israel does not wish to tolerate or allow a nuclear Iran

Yet, the reality is that Israel has stated that it cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran.  And leaders in the USA have suggested that it knows that the USA itself may intervene and attack Iran. But if the USA and Israel do hit Iran, Iran would likely not fare well, but that does not mean that the USA would not suffer.

The USA, as is Europe, is vulnerable to being hurt by EMP weapons (which Iran may have), chemical weapons (which at least Syria has), dirty bombs (which Iran already can make), terrorism (which Iran sometimes sponsors), and biological weapons (which both Iran and Syria likely have).   Although the USA (nor Europe) will NOT to eliminated by this type of conflict, the USA certainly could be partially or even greatly weakened by these type of attacks. And they could trigger civil unrest in Europe and elsewhere.

If there currently is a “King of the West,” it would currently seem to be the USA, and the Bible does not seem to show it existing much into the Great Tribulation (cf. Daniel 11:39). It likely will be weakened in many ways. Thus, unlike the military interventions in places like Iraq, do not be surprised if the USA itself is not to be unscathed if it engages Iran and/or Syria. This would not be the Great Tribulation per se, but part what Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:4-8) that could help further weaken the USA and make it more vulnerable for being taken over.

Iran keeps taking steps suggesting that it is expecting such conflict.

Some articles (and books) 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? What does the Bible say?
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?
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?
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?
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 is the seven-year deal? 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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

Ben Bernanke

COGwriter

U.S. Federal Reserve said that it intends to continue to create $85 billion dollars each month as part of its third round of “quantitative easing” (which has been dubbed “QE3”):

1/30/13

The Federal Reserve will keep purchasing securities at the rate of $85 billion a month after the economy paused because of temporary forces including bad weather.

“Growth in economic activity paused in recent months in large part because of weather-related disruptions and other transitory factors,” the Federal Open Market Committee said today at the conclusion of a two-day meeting in Washington…

Chairman Ben S. Bernanke has unleashed the power of the central bank to buy unlimited amounts of Treasury and mortgage- backed securities in a bid to end a four-year long period of unemployment above 7.5 percent and bolster an economy that shrank 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter.

“There is no hint that they are giving any thought of backing off current policy and their current stance,” said Wells Fargo Securities LLC senior economist Mark Vitner in Charlotte, North Carolina…The buying has already propelled the central bank’s balance sheet above a record $3 trillion and shows Bernanke’s resolve…  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-30/fed-maintains-85-billion-pace-of-purchases-as-growth-pauses.html

Quantitative easing is form of ‘money creation’ and is sometimes called an “asset repurchasing” program. Yet, this is mainly a sham operation that debases the value of the U.S. dollar (mainly the government prints up money electronically and the “asset” purchased is a U.S. treasury note, not a real asset like, let’s say, an oil well; yes there are also some mortgages purchased which have ties to real assets, but there are problems there as well). Calling if counterfeiting is not too far off of a description of it.

Inflating the money supply through currency debasing (QE1, QE2, and QE3) and debt is not something advocated in the Bible. Notice:

4 Take away the dross from silver (Proverbs 25:4a).

25 I will turn My hand against you, And thoroughly purge away your dross, And take away all your alloy. (Isaiah 1:25)

22 Your silver has become dross, Your wine mixed with water. (Isaiah 1:22)

Dross is a cheaper metal that is normally placed inside a covering of a precious metal like silver. Governments began to do this thousands of years ago when they had financial problems. Putting dross into silver cheapens currency, just like putting water into wine dilutes the wine’s value. In modern times, government spending in excess of revenues and quantitative easing programs (QE1, QE2, and QE3, from the Fed Chairman) are a way to dilute the value of currencies. This is not the biblical solution to US economic problems. Quantitative easing programs are a form of “dishonest profits” that the U.S.A. is improperly reaping because of its position in the world, but that is not good:

13 “Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made, and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst. 14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands remain strong, in the days when I shall deal with you? I, the Lord, have spoken, and will do it. 15 I will scatter you among the nations, disperse you throughout the countries, and remove your filthiness completely from you. 16 You shall defile yourself in the sight of the nations; then you shall know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 22:13-16)

QE3 is sending a strong signal to the world that the USA does not know how to truly fix its economy, but that it hopes because its dollar is the primary world’s reserve currency that it can get away with currency debasement and the rest of the world will put up with it–and while that may be true in the short run, it is sending a signal to the rest of the world that the US dollar needs to be replaced as the world’s primary reserve currency. Now, the real cause of why all of this is happening to the USA is sin. Because of it’s increasing secularism, greed, and tolerance for sexual, abortive, and other sins, the USA is getting closer to reaping more what it has sown:

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)

One of the many cursings that were prophesied in the Bible to be reaped for disobedience was that of accumulation of debt:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45).

As the Anglo-American nations have not kept God’s commandments, they have become the greatest debtor nations of all time. And while some do not count quantitative easing as “debt”, it is an improper “solution” to the USA’s economic woes. But since Ben Bernanke will not advocate that the USA turn to God, he seems to think that diluting the currency is the best choice. Interestingly, last year, replying to Ben Bernanke’s comments back then (and how the USA has handled itself), Russia’s Prime Minister Putin actually said:

They are behaving like hooligans, switching on the printing press and tossing them around the whole world, forgetting their main obligations.

So, the Russian leader does not agree that “quantitative easing/asset repurchases” by the US Federal Reserve should continue. The Russian Prime Minister is correct that what the USA is doing is wrong. And he is not the only one. QE3 is a way to inflate the currency while trying to accumulate debt in a more indirect way. Between the QE3 and the US expected federal government deficit, the USA is getting itself in over 2 trillion dollars per year in additional debt. This is already causing foreigners and others to have concerns about the value and safety of the USA dollar. If the USA continues this way and/or is hit by crop failures, emp weapons, terrorists, weather crises, civil unrest, etc., this will seriously get the concern of at least foreign creditors. But notice what the Bible warns about those who increase debt in the end times:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you. Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

At some point in time, the USA will likely start to experience massive inflation (which is something that the Fed Chairman should realize). And afterwards, its creditors will rise up (Habakkuk 2:7). The policies of the Federal Reserve Chairman, unless dramatically altered in a different direction relatively soon, are setting the stage for hyperinflation in the U.S.A.–have no doubt about it. Electronically “creating” more U.S. dollars may stimulate parts of the U.S. economy, but the more dollars that are produced and backed by nothing, the sooner the world will realize that the U.S. dollar cannot remains its primary reserve currency. When this happens, the U.S.A.’s economy will be massively hurt. And much more than people like the Fed Chairman seem to want to admit.

The world is changing and the USA and its Anglo-descended allies are losing their financial dominance in the world. And while there will be some temporary rises in the value of the US dollar for a while (and likely when there is more civil unrest in Europe), the trend for the U.S. dollar and economy is clearly down. Without massive national repentance, the Bible is clear that complete destruction of the economy, and even government, of the USA is certain. This is something that leaders, such as the Fed Chairman, need to know.

The signal that continuing QE3 is sending is that the USA does not intend to truly fix it problems, but is a sign of major underlying weakness.

Ben Bernanke and others may wish to consider studying the following prophetically-oriented writings:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? 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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Chemical Weapons Canisters

COGwriter

Israel apparently attacked a target in Syria today:

January 30, 2013

JERUSALEM — Israeli Air Force planes reportedly struck a target in southern Syria near the border with Lebanon early Wednesday.

Quoting security sources, international wire services reported that Israeli aircraft attacked a convoy after an unusually high level of activity in nearby Lebanese airspace.

Israeli officials offered no comment. But the report comes amid rising concern in Israel that in the upheaval from Syria’s civil war, Syria’s chemical weapons’ arsenal is vulnerable.

Israeli officials have been warning for days that as the Syrian government loses control of more territory, the risk is rising that some of its chemical and biological weapons could fall into the hands of militant anti-Israel groups.

Israeli officials say they are prepared to intervene militarily to prevent any transfer of chemical weapons from the Syrian stockpiles.

The head of the Israeli Air Force, Major-General Amir Eshel, said Syria is in the process of disintegrating and Israeli authorities are taking action on a daily basis in what he called an ongoing struggle to reduce the immediate threats of Syria’s weapons falling into dangerous hands.

Eshel’s remarks to a security conference in Tel Aviv this week followed the deployment of two batteries of the Israeli anti-missile defense system, called Iron Dome, to northern Israel…

The head of diplomatic security in Israel’s Defense Ministry, Amos Gilad, told Israel’s Channel One television that Syrian government control of chemical weapons and a huge quantity of poisonous gas could change at any time..

The greatest concern for Israel, he said, is that chemical weapons could come under the control of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement.

Israeli officials believe Hezbollah, which has sworn to destroy the Jewish state, has tens of thousands of rockets and missiles aimed at Israel from sites in southern Lebanon.

“Hezbollah, they possess first of all the launchers and the missiles and they can mount the chemical warheads on the missiles, something that the Salafists in Syria don’t have so far,” Sofin said.

Israeli Vice Premier Silvan Shalom told reporters the situation is endangering stability in the Middle East.  http://www.voanews.com/content/israeli-concerns-rise-over-syria-chemical-stockpile/1593806.html

Syria has, in the past, admitted to having both chemical and biological weapons. And directly or indirectly, President Assad’s regime has told the world that to attack Syria would have a very high cost.  Israel does not want President Assad to pass any of these weapons to allies such as Hezbollah.

If President Assad uses chemical weapons himself, he realizes that he risks direct military intervention from the West. Thus, while he may feel cornered, he is likely considering many options.  He may also decide that the threat of using biological or chemical weapons against the USA and/or others may deter direct attacks against him. However, that would seem to be a mistake.

Both biblical and Islamic prophecy tell of the destruction of Syria’s capital Damascus. Here is some of what Bible prophecies teaches:

7 thus says the Lord God: “It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus (Isaiah 7:7-8)

3 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron. (Amos 1:3)

1 The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1)

23 Against Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are shamed, For they have heard bad news. They are fainthearted; There is trouble on the sea; It cannot be quiet. 24 Damascus has grown feeble; She turns to flee, And fear has seized her. Anguish and sorrows have taken her like a woman in labor. 25 Why is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy? 26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, And all the men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord of hosts. 27 “I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, And it shall consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad.” (Jeremiah 49:23-27)

The Bible also suggests that Syria will be involved in a confederation of North African and Middle Eastern nations (Ezekiel 30:1-8; Psalm 83:4-8) who will support a leader that the Bible refers to as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). Since the Muslim Brotherhood wants a similar confederation, I have long believed that Syria will align with it or a group like it–and since Syria’s President is opposed to that, he will have to go or change his views.

Syria’s President Assad may decide to release chemical and/or biological weapons against his opposition and/or Israel.  The reactions to this may well result in the destruction of Damascus. The Bible teaches Damascus has to be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1), and probably relatively soon.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? Is there a needed peace deal first in the Middle East? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

The Commerce Department reports that the economy of the USA shrunk a small amount last quarter:

30 January 2013

The United States economy contracted unexpectedly in the final quarter of 2012, hurt by weaker exports, a drop in military spending and a slower buildup in inventories.

The Commerce Department said Wednesday that economic output in the quarter fell at an annual rate of 0.1 percent, compared with growth at a 3.1 percent pace in the third quarter.

It marked the economy’s worst performance since the second quarter of 2009.  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/business/economy/us-economy-unexpectedly-contracted-in-fourth-quarter.html?_r=0

30 January 2013

WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy unexpectedly shrank from October through December for the first time since 2009, hurt by the biggest cut in defense spending in 40 years, fewer exports and sluggish growth in company stockpiles. The drop occurred despite stronger consumer spending and business investment.The Commerce Department said Wednesday that the economy contracted at an annual rate of 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter. That was a sharp slowdown from the 3.1 percent growth rate in the July-September quarter…the fact that the economy shrank at all, combined with much lower consumer confidence reported Tuesday, may raises fears about the economy’s durability in 2013. That’s because deep automatic government spending cuts will cut into domestic and defense programs starting in March unless Congress reaches a deal to avert them.And Americans are coming to grips with an increase in Social Security taxes that has begun to leave them with less take-home pay.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/us-economy-shrinks-01-pct-first-time-in-3–years-deep-cut-in-defense-spending-key-factor/2013/01/30/9dc71c80-6ae1-11e2-9a0b-db931670f35d_story.html

Parts of the “fiscal cliff” are coming into play and other parts are expected to.  To minimize the impact, there were certain deals made by the politicians in Washington, D.C. which basically reduced the immediate impact and others that pushed the problem down the road a few months (see Obama Administration will not oppose debt-ceiling delay proposal)–and some outside the USA have real problems with that (see IMF: Suspending debt ceiling hurts United States tremendously).

The reality is that something needs to be done (and it may essentially be some type of sham, like the “quantitative easing” programs are; see Doubling QE3 is not good) as the US government is NOT in a position to function unless it raises its debt limits. So, it will raise its debts.

Biblically, this is more dangerous than most in the USA realize. Notice what the Bible warns about those who increase debt in the end times:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you. Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

At some point in time, the USA will likely start to experience massive inflation.  And afterwards, its creditors will rise up (Habakkuk 2:7). The fiscal cliff as well as policies of the Federal Reserve like “quantitative easing,” unless dramatically altered in a different direction relatively soon, are setting the stage for hyperinflation in the U.S.A.–have no doubt about it.

But what about the spending cuts? The cuts are believed to be dangerous in many ways as well. Furthermore, they are still not enough, nor are the tax increases enough, to stop the increase in US government debt. And the spending cuts that are associated with the fiscal cliff will affect many areas of US government spending. In terms of military spending, USA Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has warned about the dangers of the cuts as “doomsday” (‘Doomsday’ Defense Cuts) and “unthinkable” (Panetta Weighs Unthinkable Defense Cuts) and yet they may well happen–they may help the stage for the military takeover of the USA that the Bible prophesies in Daniel 11:39.  The automatic cuts include reduction to entitlement programs and about an 8.2% reduction in federal education spending, which will impact school districts around the nation. Healthcare costs are also expected to be impacted, deal or no deal (‘Taxmaggedon’ and related items).

While the Republicans and Democrats have used this as a major partisan fight, the reality is that the rest of the world is also watching and is very disturbed by all of this (see IMF: Suspending debt ceiling hurts United States tremendously). The Europeans and others are realizing that the USA is losing its position of world leadership–and when it does, this will be the final “time of the Gentiles” that the Bible warns of (Ezekiel 30:2-3; Luke 21:23-24; Revelation 11:2).  The leaders in the USA are causing the nation to err (cf. Isaiah 3:12; 9:16).

While a .1 percent economic drop is relatively minor, it suggests a nation that has not fixed its economy.  That, combined with massive debt while decreasing defense spending, suggests dangers for the USA.

The policies and decisions in Washington, D.C. are helping to create the conditions for the upcoming European Beast power to fill the void in economic (and even military) leadership that the USA is in the process of making.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

Where does the Bible actually begin?  In terms of time order, John 1:1, and not Genesis 1:1 as many assume.  Here is an explanation from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

If one should ask, where do you find the actual beginning of events in the Bible, most who possess even a slight knowledge of the world’s “best seller” would say, “Why in Genesis chapter one verse one, of course.” WRONG!

The real beginning, in order of time sequence, is found in the New Testament, in the first chapter of John, verse one. The events portrayed in Genesis occurred later – possibly even millions of years later. But the event recorded in John 1:1 reveals an existence perhaps long prior to the time God created the earth and the material universe. Note it: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” It continues, “The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” The term “all things” is translated in Hebrews 1:3, in the Moffatt translation, as “the UNIVERSE.” The entire UNIVERSE was made by Him!

The fourteenth verse of John 1 says: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The Personage called the Word was the one who ultimately-yet more than 1900 years ago-was born Jesus Christ. The name, “the Word,” is translated from the original Greek text, and means, literally, just what is translated into English -“Spokesman.” But He was not the Son of God “in the beginning.” Yet the Scriptures reveal that He has always existed, and always will – “from eternity to eternity.” He was “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life . . .” (Heb. 7:3).

So think on this, if you will! Originally there existed only these two Spirit Personages, self-existent. They had creative powers – they had perfect supreme minds – they possessed perfect, holy and righteous CHARACTER.

But THERE WAS NONE ELSE – NOTHING ELSE! There was no matter – no material universe – YET! No other living being or thing. Only these two, equal in mind and powers, except that God was supreme in authority, and the Word in perfect harmony under that authority. They were of one mind, in absolute agreement.

But ALL THINGS – the universe and everything existing in it – was made by the Personage called the Word. Yet, as we read in Ephesians 3:9: “God. . . created ALL THINGS by Jesus Christ.” And prior to becoming Jesus Christ, He was “the Word!” Also, in His human life Jesus said He spoke only as the Father directed. Yes. THINK!

In the eternity even prior to “prehistory” there were these two Supreme Beings. Alone! In the emptiness of space! No other life forms – no other living beings! Nothing else!…

The Perfect Creation

The original Hebrew words (the words originally written by Moses) imply a perfect creation. God reveals Himself as Creator of perfection, light, and beauty. Every reference in the Bible describes the condition of any completed phase of God’s creation as “very good” – perfect. This first verse of the Bible actually speaks of the original PHYSICAL creation in its entirety – the universe – including the earth, perhaps millions of years ago – as a perfect creation, beautiful and perfect as far as its creation was a finished, completed work. God is a perfectionist!In Job 38:4,7, God is speaking specifically of the creation of this earth. He said all the angels (created “sons of God”) shouted for joy at the creation of the earth. This reveals that angels were created before the creation of the earth – and probably before the material universe.

The suns, planets, and astral bodies are material substance. Angels are individually created Spirit beings, composed solely of Spirit. It will come as a surprise to many to learn that angels inhabited this earth BEFORE the creation of man. This passage from Job implies it.

Angels on Earth Sinned

Other passages place angels on earth prior to man. Notice II Peter 2:4-6. First in time order were “angels that sinned.” Next in time sequence, the antediluvian world beginning with Adam, carrying through to the Flood. After that, Sodom and Gomorrah.This Book of books, containing the revealed knowledge of the Creator God, tells us that God created angels as composed of Spirit. But can you imagine angels becoming sinning angels? Angels were created with power of thought, of decision and of choice, else they have no individuality or character. Since sin is the transgression of God’s law, these angels rebelled against God’s law, the basis of God’s government.Notice carefully what is revealed in II Peter 2:4-5:

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.

These verses show that universal sin brings universal destruction to the physical earth. The antediluvian sin, culminating with the flood, was worldwide, universal sin. Notice: “…the earth was filled with violence …. for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth …. for the earth is filled with violence.” (Gen.6:1 1-13). “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the [Eternal]…. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (verses 8-9). All flesh had sinned – over the whole earth. But only Noah “walked with God.” So, the Flood destroyed the whole earth – all but Noah and his family.The homosexual and other sins of Sodom and Gomorrah spread over the territory of those two cities. And physical destruction came to their entire area. The sin of the angels was worldwide; the destruction of the physical earth was worldwide. The verses quoted above place the sinning of the angels prior to the antediluvian sins that started with Adam, prior to the creation of man. And that should be a surprise revealing of one phase of the missing dimension in knowledge! Angels inhabited this earth before the creation of man. And the government of God was administered on earth until the rebellion of the sinning angels.

How long these angels inhabited the earth before the creation of man is not revealed. It might have been millions – or even billions – of years. More on that later. But these angels sinned. Sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4). And God’s law is the basis of God’s government. So we know these angels, apparently a third of all the angels (Rev. 12:4), sinned – rebelled against the government of God. And sin carries penalties. The penalty for the sin of the angels is not death, as it is for man. Angels are Immortal Spirit beings and cannot die. These Spirit beings had been given dominion over the PHYSICAL EARTH as a possession and an abode. The universal, worldwide sin of the angels resulted in the physical destruction of the face of the earth…

Now back to Genesis 1: 1-2. Verse 1, as stated above, implies a perfect creation. God is the author of life, of beauty, of perfection. Satan has brought only darkness, ugliness, imperfection, violence. Verse 1 shows the creation of a perfect earth, glorious and beautiful. Verse 2 reveals the result of the sin of the angels.

“And the earth was [became] without form, and void.” The words “without form and void” are translated from the Hebrew tohu and bohu. A better translation is “waste and empty” or chaotic and in confusion.” The word “was” is elsewhere in Genesis translated “became,” as in Genesis 19:26. In other words, the earth, originally created perfect and beautiful, had now become chaotic, waste, and empty, like our moon, except its surface was covered with water.

David was inspired to reveal how God renewed the face of the earth: “Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth” (Ps. 104:30).

Now another surprise for most readers. Here is another bit of the missing dimension in knowledge, actually revealed in the Bible, but unrecognized by religion, by science, and by higher education. From verse 2 of Genesis 1 on, the remainder of this first chapter of the Bible is not describing the original creation of the earth. But it is describing a renewing of the face of the earth, after it had become waste and empty as a result of the sin of the angels.

What is described from verse 2 on, in the supposed “Creation chapter” of the Bible, did occur, according to the Bible, approximately 6,000 years ago. But that could have been millions or trillions of years after the actual creation of the earth described in verse 1! I will comment later on the length of time it might have taken before all earth’s angels turned to rebellion.

The earth had become waste and empty. God did not create it waste and empty, or in confusion. God is not the author of confusion (I Cor.14:33). This same Hebrew word – tohu – meaning waste and empty, was inspired in Isaiah 45:18, where it is translated “in vain.” Using the original Hebrew word, as originally inspired, it reads: “For thus saith the [Eternal] that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain [tohu], he formed it to be inhabited.”

Continue now with the remainder of verse 2 (Gen. 1) (the earth had become chaotic, waste, and empty): “And darkness was upon the face of the deep [the ocean or fluid surface of the earth]. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness” (verses 2-4).

Satan is the author of darkness. The rebellion of the angels had caused the darkness. God is the author of light and truth. Light displays and enhances beauty, and also exposes evil. Darkness hides both. The verses which follow in this first chapter of the Bible describe the renewing of the face of the earth, yielding beautiful lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetation – then the creation of fish and fowl, animal life, and finally man. (Armstrong HW. Incredible Human Potential, 1978)

So, yes God and the Word existed from the beginning and before anything else was made (John 1:1).

And while there was a creation in Genesis 1:1, there was a gap between that and the recreation that was needed in Genesis 1:2.  Thus, this explanation (which, in my view, is the one that bests agrees with the records, despite flaws, of science) is commonly referred to as the gap theory.  And yes, I hold to it (see How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? ).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? Does the Bible allow for the creation of the universe and earth billions of years ago? Why do some believe they are no older than 6,000 years old? What is the gap theory? Where the days of creation in Genesis 1:3 through 2:3 24 hours long?
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article which answers what many really wonder about it.
Has time been lost? It Saturday the seventh day of the week?
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?

14th Century Tapestry of the Third Horseman of the Apocalypse Representing Famine

COGwriter

North Korea has so little food that some few have gone to eating children, and sometimes unknowingly, other people:

January 29, 2013

North Korean parents ‘eating their own children’ after being driven mad by hunger in famine-hit pariah state

• Undercover reporters found a ‘shocking’ number of cannibalism incidents
  
• Up to 10,000 people feared dead after ‘hidden famine’ in farming provinces
• Drought and confiscated food contribute to desperate shortage, reports say
• Reports of men digging up corpses for food and murdering children

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269094/North-Korean-parents-eat-children-driven-mad-hunger-famine-hit-pariah-state.html#ixzz2JOllNmL1

In 2013 increased sanctions following missile tests drove North Koreans to cannibalism with reports including details of one man who dug up his grandchild’s corpse to eat and another who boiled his child and ate the flesh.Another man was executed after murdering his two children for food. (North Korea. Wikipedia, viewed 01/29/13)

.

Numerous reports from North Korea indicate that starving residents of the isolated regime, where famine is an all-too-regular occurrence, may now be resorting to cannibalism…a man who reportedly killed 11 people and sold their remains as pork was executed by firing squad. These and other disturbing news reports of cannibalism were originally relayed by Asia Press, a Japanese news agency with citizen reporters in North Korea, and published in the Times and other Western news outlets.

Starvation has visited North Korea regularly since the 1990s, according to the Global Post. In 2003, following another bad crop, reports of famine and cannibalism began to circulate widely, the British newspaper The Independent revealed.

Despite these disasters, North Korea has pursued an aggressive policy of saber-rattling and arms building.  http://www.livescience.com/26677-north-korea-cannibalism.html

The North Korean politicians have often been playing a dangerous game with their country and their people and this is not the first report of famines and cannibalism from that nation.  Their focus has been so wrong.

This idea that some may eat their own their own children is warned about in the Books of Lamentations and Deuteronomy:

19 “Arise, cry out in the night, At the beginning of the watches; Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him For the life of your young children, Who faint from hunger at the head of every street.”  20 “See, O Lord, and consider! To whom have You done this? Should the women eat their offspring, The children they have cuddled?  (Lamentations 2:19-20)

54 The sensitive and very refined man among you will be hostile toward his brother, toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the rest of his children whom he leaves behind, 55 so that he will not give any of them the flesh of his children whom he will eat, because he has nothing left in the siege and desperate straits in which your enemy shall distress you at all your gates. 56 The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground because of her delicateness and sensitivity, will refuse to the husband of her bosom, and to her son and her daughter, 57 her placenta which comes out from between her feet and her children whom she bears; for she will eat them secretly for lack of everything in the siege and desperate straits in which your enemy shall distress you at all your gates.   (Deuteronomy 28:54-57)

As the above passages indicate, they are not intended to be prophesies particularly for the land of Korea–such problems will ultimately strike the Anglo-lands.  But those nations still have some time.  But their time will run out as the Bible warns that there will be food shortages and 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)

And that time could come within the next decade or so.  However, it seems worse than that now in North Korea.

Those in North Korea need prayers, food, and a new government–quickly.  Pray for them and for the Kingdom of God to come (Matthew 6:9-11).

Some articles of possibly related interest would include the following:

Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? 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?
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, Koreans, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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?

Mohamed Morsi, Official Photograph

COGwriter

There have been so many difficulties in Egypt that at least one top official there believes that the state could collapse (and others wonder if there will be another revolution):

1/29/2013

Egypt’s army chief warned Tuesday of “the collapse of the state” if the political crisis roiling the nation for nearly a week continues.The warning by Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, also the defense minister, comes as the country sinks deeper into chaos and lawlessness. Attempts by the Muslim Brotherhood-backed president to stem a wave of political violence appear to have made no headway…

It is unclear whether el-Sissi, the former head of military intelligence, meant to try and coax anti-government protesters off the streets with his dire warning, or whether he was himself questioning President Mohammed Morsi’s ability to quell the unrest.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57566353/egypt-army-chief-warns-state-could-collapse/

1/29/2013

Egyptian Defense Minister Abdelfatah Al-Seesi warned of a “collapse of the state” after the National Salvation Front, a group of secular opposition parties, refused talks with Mursi, an Islamist. Commercial International Bank Egypt SAE, the country’s biggest publicly traded lender, slumped 5.6 percent. Talaat Moustafa Group Holding, the largest publicly traded property developer, was set for the lowest close since Dec. 11.

“People are starting to realize we’re not getting closer to a resolution,” Wafik Dawood, director of institutional sales at Cairo-based Mega Investments Securities, said by phone.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-29/egypt-stocks-drop-most-in-world-amid-turmoil-political-standoff.html

01/28/2013

Morsi has deployed the army and imposed emergency law as the death toll rises in rioting. But neither the troops nor the curfew has quelled the rage.  http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/middleeast/la-fg-egypt-port-said-20130129,0,2959414.story

These protests were not unexpected.  On December 22, 2012 (see Egypt’s ‘King of the South’ Constitution moving forward), I posted the following:

There will be a greater fulfillment of the following verses in Isaiah 19 in Egypt than we have seen so far:

1 The burden against Egypt.

Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud,
And will come into Egypt;
The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence,
And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.

2 “I will set Egyptians against Egyptians;
Everyone will fight against his brother,
And everyone against his neighbor,
City against city, kingdom against kingdom.
3 The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst;
I will destroy their counsel,
And they will consult the idols and the charmers,
The mediums and the sorcerers.
4 And the Egyptians I will give
Into the hand of a cruel master,
And a fierce king will rule over them,”
Says the Lord, the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 19:1-4).

What Dr. Morsi is working for is a pan-national Islamic state.  He has long been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, and is a member of it political party.  The constitution that he wants is consistent with the goals of the Muslim Brotherhood.  The constitution would also seems to be a step towards Egypt becoming part of a coming confederation that the Bible shows will be led by the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-42)…

And although this King of the South confederation will happen, because of Isaiah 19 and human nature, I expect more protests in Egypt and other part of North Africa and the Middle East before the final King of the South actually has his confederation.

And we have seen more protests and Egyptians fighting against Egyptians, but sadly even a greater fulfillment of the above will occur later.

Right now, what Egypt’s President Dr. Morsi is working for is a pan-national Islamic state.  He keeps trying to take steps to lead Egypt to have the type of Islamic state that the Muslim Brotherhood has long wanted, which also seems to be consistent with Egypt becoming part of a coming confederation that the Bible shows will be led by the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).

But not everyone in Egypt wants this.  Yet eventually, Egypt will be part of the King of the South of Bible prophecy as it is specifically mentioned as being involved in Daniel 11:42-43.  However, it may have more severe difficulties before it is part of that end-time confederation.

It should be mentioned that various biblical prophecies related to the King of the South and an Egyptian confederation do not end well for Egypt nor others who are strong backers of this confederation.  Notice some of what the Bible teaches:

1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:  “‘Wail and say, “Alas for that day!” 3 For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near- a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. 4 A sword will come against Egypt, and anguish will come upon Cush. When the slain fall in Egypt, her wealth will be carried away and her foundations torn down.  5 Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia, Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt.

6 “‘This is what the LORD says:  “‘The allies of Egypt will fall and her proud strength will fail. From Migdol to Aswan they will fall by the sword within her, declares the Sovereign LORD. 7 “‘They will be desolate among desolate lands, and their cities will lie among ruined cities. 8 Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I set fire to Egypt and all her helpers are crushed.  9 “‘On that day messengers will go out from me in ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish will take hold of them on the day of Egypt’s doom, for it is sure to come (Ezekiel 30:1-9, NIV).

3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; And their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out His hand, Both he who helps will fall, And he who is helped will fall down; They all will perish together. (Isaiah 31:3)

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

There are protesters in Egypt who are correct that what the Muslim Brotherhood wants will not turn out to be good for Egypt (though many of the current protests relate more directly to a death-sentence court verdict).  But since Bible prophecy shows that a pan-national Arabic power will rise up (many of the nations listed in the above biblical prophecies are composed of Arabic peoples today), and it is highly logical that there will be an Islamic religious component to this as most of the Arab nations are predominantly Muslim.

While Dr. Morsi’s current government will have more difficulties, Egypt itself is prophesied to become part of a doomed pan-national confederation (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).  And ultimately, the Egyptian state that supports and/or helps lead the final King of the South will collapse (cf. Isaiah 31:3).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
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.
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.

COGwriter

Twitter has had a pornography problem with one of its latest products  article:

Twitter’s Vine Has a Porn Problem, Just Like the Rest of the Internet

Last week, Twitter debuted Vine, its new stand-alone video app. Within a few days, Twitter was met with a graphic surprise: Its darling new tool is now a porn hotspot.

Vine’s earliest videos were relatively boring. It didn’t take long for users to figure out something more interesting to share via super-short video format: #porn. (As of Monday afternoon, Vine has disabled that particular hashtag.) A graphic video even climbed to the top of Vine’s ‘Editors Picks’ before being removed.

Twitter issued a short statement to TechCrunch’s John Biggs about the sudden explosion of racy content on Vine:

Users can report videos as inappropriate within the product if they believe the content to be sensitive or inappropriate (e.g. nudity, violence, or medical procedures). Videos that have been reported as inappropriate have a warning message that a viewer must click through before viewing the video. Uploaded videos that are reported and determined to violate our guidelines will be removed from the site, and the User account that posted the video may be terminated. Please review the Vine Rules (http://vine.co/terms) for more information on these violations.

Wait, people are using the internet for porn?  http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-01-28/twitters-vine-has-a-porn-problem-just-like-the-rest-of-the-internet

CG7 on Pornography This is an article excerpt from something earlier from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about pornography.
Love, Marriage, and Sex It is important to get them in the right order.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?