Church of God News

COGwriter

Weather and other disasters are proven costly for the USA:

U.S. Hit with 90 Percent of the World’s Disaster Costs in 2012

Accuweather – Jan 4, 2013

The United States led the world in disaster losses last year as a massive drought seared Midwestern crops in the field and as superstorm-driven waves wreaked havoc and blackouts along the East Coast. They added up to one of the most expensive weather damage years on record.

Nearly all the world’s economic damage from storms, drought, fire and earthquakes was centered in the United States as it experienced the highest temperatures ever recorded, according to Munich Re, a global reinsurance company. More than 90 percent of insured losses worldwide occurred in the United States, well above the 30-year average of 65 percent.

http://www.accuweather.com/en/home-garden-articles/earth-you/us-hit-with-90-percent-of-the/3592767

In addition to direct costs, American grain crops, such as corn,soy, and wheat, were affected by drought earlier in 2012. And now wheat may be an issue for 2013 because of the drought.

And of course, in 2012, weather problems, including flooding, drought, and heat have affected other areas as well (see, for example, Flooding in North Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, and China, 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 Affecting India and Its Food Supply; Europe too, 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 (Heat Affecting USA Wheat Crop and USDA Slashes Corn and Soy Production Estimates Due to Drought; Canadian Farmers Expecting to Benefit), and sometimes famines.  It is just that the USA is spending a lot more than the rest of the world combined according to that report from Accuweather.

Droughts and weather problems contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines. Food inflation seems to be occurring.

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)

Droughts, floods, weather issues, pestilences, and a reliance on more and more engineered and hybridized foods are putting the USA, as well as its other Anglo-descended allies, at severe risk of food problems.

And for a country that is already greatly in debt, I have felt for some time that weather issues may be part of a “perfect storm” that will lead to the end of the USA as we know it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 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?
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?
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?
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.)

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

COGwriter

It is time to announce the official website of the Continuing Church of God.  It is www.ccog.org

We are striving to best represent the true remnant of the Philadelphia era of the original Church of God that began on Pentecost in Acts 2 (c. 31 A.D.)

1. To preach the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 24:14) and salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 4:10,12; Romans 1:13).
2. To preach the end-time biblical prophetic warnings, including about the coming Great Tribulation, to the descendants of Jacob and others in this age (e.g. Ezekiel 3 and 33; Matthew 24:4-51).
3. To preach Philadelphian love (Revelation 3:7-12; James 2:8; John 13:35; Hebrews 13:1), feed the flock (Matthew 28:19-20), and encourage all to build character through growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
4. To be examples (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 1:7) and witnesses (Matthew 24:14) to the world in general, as well as other Christians.
5. To learn and practice the words of Jesus in all our dealings with others (John 13:35; 15:14).
6. To restore knowledge of more of the truths of original Christianity (Jude 3).
7. To teach that Christians should be led by the Holy Spirit and purse love, mercy, judgment, faith, and the other gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:1-14:1; Galatians 5:22-25).

Teaching the truth and love of the word of God to the world in general and those called in this age in particular (Matthew 28:19-20) is the mission of the Continuing Church of God.

Our mailing address is Continuing Church of God, 1248 E. Grand #A, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. And yes, in the USA, donations  are immediately tax deductible. For those who in live in the State of California, we signed a declaration to apply for the determination letter from California, which, for those in California is legal assurance of the deductibility of donations in California (they are now 100% deductible in all the other US states).

Since I have received a few emails asking for details, etc. as to what led to the official formation of the Continuing Church of God, several posts at News of Those Once Affiliated with GCG will provide some.

Recall that the Apostle Paul wrote the following:

1 Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1, NKJV)

1 Let Philadelphia continue. (Hebrews 13:1, true Greek rendering)

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

The International Business Times reported the following:

New Year’s Day 2013: The Day Greater Germany Was Born

January 4, 2013 p.m.

New Year’s Day 2013, as far as the world’s English-speaking press was concerned, was dominated by negotiations over the so-called Fiscal Cliff in the US and the 40th anniversary of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland joining what was then called the Common Market, and has since morphed into the European Union.

History, however, seems likely to mark 1.1.13 as the day when the Fiscal Compact, or Fiscal Stability Treaty as it is now to be known, came into force – building on the yet-to-be-completely-finalized ESM Treaty, and the still-to-be-agreed arrangements for the approved Financial Transaction Tax.

Together, these three agreements have precipitated what can only be described as “Greater Germany” – a new type of sovereign state, up to now lacking any trace of democracy or citizen consent, or so far, an identifiable individual despot or tyrant at its head.  http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/420661/20130104/germany-eu-angela-merkel-jose-manuel-barroso.htm

The reason this post starts with a photo of the Berlin Reichstag is that building was once the parliament of the German Empire.  Additionally, it was reported a few months ago that Berlin may now be the de facto capital of the European Union (see Berlin is Europe’s New Capital?).

The Bible shows that certain descendants of ancient Assyria dominate part of the world scene and takeover certain descendants of Israel (it is possible that the USA is considered to be Samaria in certain end time prophecies):

5 “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger
And the staff in whose hand is My indignation.
6 I will send him against an ungodly nation,
And against the people of My wrath
I will give him charge,
To seize the spoil, to take the prey,
And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Yet he does not mean so,
Nor does his heart think so;
But it is in his heart to destroy,
And cut off not a few nations.
8 For he says,
‘Are not my princes altogether kings?
9 Is not Calno like Carchemish?
Is not Hamath like Arpad?
Is not Samaria like Damascus?
10 As my hand has found the kingdoms of the idols,
Whose carved images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria,
11 As I have done to Samaria and her idols,
Shall I not do also to Jerusalem and her idols?'” (Isaiah 10:5-11)

So, according to Bible prophecy, an Assyrian-descended power, who does not intend to take over various nations, will do so anyway. Various historical records suggest that at least some of the Germanic peoples have Assyrian ancestry.

The Bible itself also shows that despite its fragility (cf. Daniel 2:41-43), a European-based power is destined to temporarily be the most dominant force in the world, ultimately conquer the Anglo-descended nations (Daniel 11:39), and later come to its end (Daniel 11:45).

Germany’s influence is rising and more are starting to notice it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”?
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 point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

An Egyptian magazine claims that the Muslim Brotherhood has infiltrated the US White House:

Egyptian mag affirms Brotherhood infiltration of White House

Effectively affirming the concerns of five much-maligned Republican House members and the evidence presented in an investigative book, an Egyptian magazine claims six American Muslim leaders who work with the Obama administration are Muslim Brotherhood operatives who have significant influence on U.S. policy.

Egypt’s Rose El-Youssef magazine, in a Dec. 22 story, said the six men turned the White House “from a position hostile to Islamic groups and organizations in the world to the largest and most important supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood.”

http://www.wnd.com/2013/01/egyptian-mag-affirms-brotherhood-infiltration-of-white-house/

ICG’s Mark Armstrong made the following observations:

When certain official representatives have questioned the influence of Islamic advisors in the White House, in the State Department, in Homeland Security and Federal law enforcement agencies, advisers with specific Muslim Brotherhood affiliations, they’ve been accused of “Islamophobia” with all the dark racist implications that accompany the manufactured politically correct lingo they’ve created. However, there’s no further reason to malign those who’ve dared express their concerns. On December 22, Egypt’s very own Rose El-Youssef magazine has specifically named several of the Muslim Brotherhood operatives boasting that they’ve played a role in turning American policy “from a position hostile to Islamic groups and organizations in the world to the largest and most important supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood.”

Seems like they may be giving these guys a little more credit than they deserve, and not enough to the current occupant of the Oval Office. There is also something afoot that most probably know nothing about. That is the scheduled delivery of a squadron of 20 of America’s sophisticated fighter aircraft to the Muslim Brotherhood rulers of Egypt in order to make good on a previous arrangement with former President Mubarak. Can that possibly happen? Is there any blinding outrage capable of shocking our sensibilities any further? The mainstream media will probably make certain that this little detail never penetrates most of our population.

As far as influence, notice what the Muslim Brotherhood wants:

The Muslim Brethren…believe that the caliphate is a symbol of Islamic Union and an indication of the bonds between the nations of Islam. They see the caliphate and its re-establishment as a top priority, subsequently; an association of Muslims people should be set up, which would elect the imam”. (zhyntativ. HASAN AL-BANNA AND HIS POLITICAL THOUGHT OF ISLAMIC BROTHERHOOD. IkhwanWeb, May 13, 2008. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=17065 viewed 09/22/11)

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?
The world’s largest and most influential Islamist movement…“The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law. (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

The Muslim Brotherhood apparently wants as its top priority a pan-national Islamic caliphate ruled by an Imam. And while it will not get all the territory it wants, it is likely to end up in some type of confederation with at least most of North Africa and the Middle East.

Part of the reason I state that is because the type of Islamic confederation that the Muslim Brotherhood wants is consistent with one prophesied in the Bible (Ezekiel 30:1-8) that is to be led by one it calls the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).  And the Muslim Brotherhood does not care for the USA, and is likely to be part of the deal in Psalm 83 that will help eliminate the USA.

World events aligning with Bible prophecy are happening around the world and particularly in the Middle East. As Jesus said, “Watch” (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of related interest may include:

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

The Strength of Dollars Have Long Been Part of the “Pride of the Power” of the USA
(which will be broken per Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

Notice the following:

 January 4, 2013

It had to happen.

Disgruntled opponents of the debt ceiling have dragged out the curious notion of using a loophole that allows the Treasury to mint platinum coins of any denomination.

In effect, outgoing Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is being urged to have a coin made with a denomination of $1 trillion, and to then deposit it with the Federal Reserve, thus eliminating the need for the periodic nasty fights over raising the debt ceiling.   http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2013/01/04/10-tweets-about-the-1-trillion-coin/

The reality is that this “platinum option” is a joke as the US would not use a $ trillion dollars worth of platinum, probably around $2000 worth of the metal.  While this might seem to “work” for a while, financial people around the world will see through this.

This is really not much more insane than “quantitative easing” where “assets” are grossly overvalued in order to try to “justify” debasing the US money supply through overproduction of currency without real goods and services.   This is just a different way to pretend to fix a problem on the surface level, and one that U.S. government leaders might really consider.  Pretending a couple of thousand dollars of platinum is worth trillions is absurd–and world leaders will realize this.

Notice that the Bible teaches the following:

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 platinum coin option is one way that some leaders are suggesting that the USA err.  Other religious leader, including some that I have major disagreements with are noticing that.  Here is one related item:

Fiscal Cliff? What About Our Spiritual Cliff?

Our country’s financial problems, however, are nothing compared to the spiritual and moral cliff that is far more destructive to our nation than any economic concerns.

http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=9127

It is not just religious leaders who think that the USA is causing itself financial problems:

Why the next U.S. downgrade will really matter

Marketwatch, Dow Jones & Co – Jan 3, 2012

RBC Capital Markets is calling it: the U.S. is going to lose its triple-A rating from another rating agency. And this one may matter more because it would affect how investors have to look at the government’s debt…

Tom Porcelli, RBC’s chief U.S. economist, wrote in a note Thursday.

“This downgrade is likely to have a more significant market impact than the S&P downgrade” in 2011, he said. “In particular, many investors can look towards the most common rating of an issuer, so despite the AA+ rating from S&P most issuers could still count their Treasury and agency MBS [mortgage-backed securities] exposure in their AAA bucket” because it still has that top rating from Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings.  http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2013/01/03/why-the-next-u-s-downgrade-will-really-matter/

At some point in time, the credit downgrades etc. will cause USA interest rates to go up.  This will magnify the deficit and debt of the USA.  And there will be massive national and international consequences.

Thousands of years ago, the Prophet Daniel was asked to interpret some handwriting that was written on a wall by only a hand that the king of the area personally witnessed (which is why he ultimately called Daniel to see it). The moral trend in that kingdom was not good according to Daniel (Daniel 5:22-23). After stating that, here is the interpretation that the prophet Daniel gave of that handwriting on the wall:

24 Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

25 “And this is the inscription that was written:

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 This is the interpretation of each word. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:24-28)

That kingdom was taken over that very night (Daniel 5:30-31)–but the USA still has several years, at least, left.

But, let us look at the words from the wall and apply them to the United States.

1. Mene: Your days as being on the top of the world order are numbered.  And more in the world are starting to realize this.
2. Mene: Despite signs of your decline, instead of repenting, you seem to be taking steps to speed it up–you are soon to be finished.
3. Tekel: Your morality and “conscience” have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting.
4. Peres/Upharsin: Your nation will be divided by the final Beast, the King of the North (Daniel 11:39), and he will make your people slaves as your nation will be finished.

As I have written many times, I doubt that the USA will have national repentance, so it is on the way to destruction. A lot of what has come out of the White House, Congress, and other politicians have not been real solutions to the problems that the USA is facing. But that does not preclude individual repentance.  And that is something that you and I can do.

For articles of additional related prophetic interest see:

Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Just What Do You Mean Conversion? Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
False Conversion Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this article on this important subject.
All About Water Baptism What is baptism? Would you like to know more about it. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. As far as early history, see also Baptism and the Early Church.
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hinderance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is my longest article on biblical and non-biblical prophecies that may involve Barack Obama.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?

Damascus, Capital of Syria

COGwriter

Syria’s capital Damascus may be at risk:

Explosions Rock Damascus Neighborhoods

VOA News

January 04, 2013

Opposition activists say Syrian warplanes bombed targets near Damascus on Friday, a day after an explosion in the capital left at least nine people dead.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says government shelling is underway in areas including Douma, a rebel stronghold…

The United Nations estimates 60,000 people have died in Syrian fighting, a figure that surpasses opposition estimates by about one-third. http://www.voanews.com/content/explosions-rock-damascus-neighborhoods/1577579.html

To put the total death toll in perspective, please consider that in the Vietnam war which was much longer, the United States lost less of its people that Syria has.  And Syria’s population is less than 1/10th that of the United States.

Both biblical and Islamic prophecy tell of the destruction of at least parts of Syria, such as 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)

While this destruction could come as the result of the current civil war (and that is likely to be a factor), the reality is that the Syrian rebel forces at this instant may not have the military ability to do so. 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).

Interestingly, there are various Islamic views on an Muslim leader, sometimes called the Imam Mahdi rising up (who could be the King of the South of Daniel 11:40-43) in a time related to Syria. Here is one that suggests this Islamic leader does so after Syria has problems:

Traditions have been reported mentioning the signs for the time of the appearance of the Imam who will arise (qa’im), peace be on him, and the events which will take place before his appearance, together with the indications and features of it. Among them are: The Sufyani will come out in revolt; the Hasanid will be killed; the Abbasids will dispute over worldly kingdom; there will be an eclipse of the sun in the middle of the month of Ramadan; there will be an eclipse of the moon at the end of that month in contrast to ordinary happenings; the land will be swallowed up at al-Bayda’; it will be swallowed in the east-it will be swallowed up in the west; the sun will stay still from the time of its decline to the middle of the time for the afternoon prayer; it will rise from the west; a pure soul (nafs zakiyya) will be killed in the outskirts of Kufa with seventy righteous men; a Hashimite will be slaughtered between the corner (of the Ka’ba) and the station of Abraham); the wall of the mosque of Kufa will be destroyed; 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)

So, there are biblical and Islamic prophecies suggesting destruction to at least parts of Syria and the rise of a leader in that region.

But, it should be noted that another Islamic prophetic view somewhat differs from the previously cited one as it states that Damascus will be the Mahdi’s capital (though other Islamists have stated that Jerusalem will be the capital):

Hazrat Imam Mahdi (A.S.) ( Courtesy: http:// www.kr-hcy.com/ articles/ imam-mehdi )…

The term “MEHDI” is a title meaning “Guided one”. The Mehdi is a normal man who is going to follow the true Islam. His name will be Muhammad and his father name will be Abdullah. He is a descendant from Ali and Fatima (daughter of the prophet Muhammad) so he will be descendant from al-Hasan or al-Hussain or both. The Mehdi will be very just and his capital will be Damascus. The Mehdi is NOT a prophet but he is the final Rightly Guided Khalifah. The Mehdi will lead Muslims to a great victory against the Sufyaani and the Romans.

Thus, there are biblical and Islamic prophecies suggesting that a leader in the region of the Middle East and North Africa will rise up. And some prophecies from both sources involve Syria’s capital Damascus.

So, how might some of these prophecies begin to be fulfilled?

In the past two years or so, the Middle East and North Africa have seen the rise of groups associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood is a group that wants an Islamic confederation called a caliphate to rise up as its official website teaches the following:

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?
The world’s largest and most influential Islamist movement. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the group was originally focused on ridding the country of corrupting secular influences brought by British colonial rule. Over the years, it established branches and affiliates in many countries to promote traditional Sunni Islamic morals, social justice, and the eradication of poverty and corruption. “The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law. (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

The Muslim Brotherhood apparently wants as its top priority a pan-national Islamic caliphate ruled by an Imam. Many Muslims long for the rising up of a leader called the 12th Imam, often referred to as the Imam Mahdi. This power will not end up with Spain if I understand certain aspects of Bible prophecy correctly, but the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to Oman (with possible involvement and/or coordination with Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and/or Indonesia).

The Muslim Brotherhood is active in many Islamic-dominated lands, including Syria.  Now, the Muslim Brotherhood is mainly a Sunni Muslim group, while Syria’s President Assad is Shi’a Muslim.  In Syria, the Muslim Brotherhood is basically in opposition to the Assad regime there.

Yet, partially because of the internal civil war in Syria, Syria’s President Assad may decide that attacking Israel, probably in conjunction with support from Iran, is his best carnal option (which could include supporting Iran if it attacks Israel or Israel attacks it). Attacking Israel, however, will not be his best option (he should repent and probably leave office), though he may do that. 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.

More trouble is coming to Damascus as it will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). An Islamic confederation that will include the land of Syria is coming (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8; Psalm 83:4-8) is coming. A worsening situation in Syria would seem to be a factor in speeding up this occurrence.

“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?

COGwriter

Russian seems to be planning on publicly stretching its naval muscles:

Putin Preps Russian Navy for Biggest Exercise Since the Soviet Union

Jan 3, 2013

The Russian navy is about to stage its largest war exercise in a long time — possibly the largest since before the breakup of the Soviet Union. It’s a chance for President Vladimir Putin to show off his military might, of course. But the exercise may also be a subtle warning to the United States: Stay clear of waters that traditionally lie in Russia’s sphere of influence.

Putin has undertaken a major $659 billion arms buildup through 2020. On Thursday, the Defense Ministry in Moscow also announced the scale of its ongoing naval increase. By 2016, a statement noted, Russia will have 18 new warships, “and also 30 special-purpose and counter-subversion vessels,” along with six new submarines. One of these vessels, the Borei class ballistic missile sub Yuri Dolgoruky, joined the fleet this week.  http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/01/russia-exercise/

Along with China, Russia will be a greater military distraction to the USA. Russia has absolutely claimed that it plans to expand and modernize its military (and not just its navy). The USA will likely conclude that Russia and China are its real international military threats (beyond Islamic-related terrorism and domestic concerns) and direct much of its military budget to deal with perceived Russian and Chinese military threats while overlooking the real threat which will further rise up in Europe.

Since USA military leaders will tend to walk by sight and not by faith (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7), and hence not see what really is happening in the world–US military planners will focus too much on Russia and China. Thus, they will overlook the fact that the Bible shows that it will be a future European military leader that will takeover the land of the strongest fortresses, the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Prophecies of both the Old and New Testament that suggest that a Russian-led Eastern force will ultimately help destroy Europe (a few years after Europe destroys the USA) per Jeremiah 50:41-43 and Isaiah 13:1-8.

But until then, the growth in Russian military might will tend to get USA defense officials to focus on fighting an adversary that will not actually be the one to bring the USA down.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?
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?
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?
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?

Model of 516 B.C. Second Temple in Jerusalem (Ariely)

COGwriter

A Jordanian official is accusing the nation of Israel of making plans for a temple in Jerusalem:

Jordanian Minister Accuses Israel of Planning to Erect the Third Temple reposted from The Times of Israel January 3, 2013

Islamic Endowments Minister Abdul Salam Abadi says Israel wants to partition the Temple Mountby Elhanan MillerA Jordanian minister accused Israel on Wednesday of planning to partition the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and the Temple Mount plaza surrounding it in order to erect the third Temple. Islamic Endowments Minister Abdul Salam Abadi told a visiting clerical delegation from Australia that he received instructions from the “Hashemite leadership” to safeguard the Arab and Islamic identity of Jerusalem, Jordanian media reported. Abadi said Israel was planning to divide the mosque from its courtyards with a 144-dunam structure.

http://www.templeinstitute.org/archive/03-01-13.htm

Of course, groups like the Temple Institute want to build a new temple in Jerusalem (it would be considered the third, with Solomon’s temple, which was destroyed around 586 B.C.,  the first).

Politically, the nation of Israel would not currently risk building an actual temple in that region.  However, that does not mean that it would not be interested in making provisions to do so.

While various ones believe that the Bible requires that another temple be built in Jerusalem in order to fulfill biblical prophecies, this is not strictly so.  In New Testament times, Christians are repeatedly referred to as “the temple of God,” and all that the Jews actually require to perform sacrifices is an altar in the general area where the temple used to be, such as the type of altar that Temple Institute already has available.  Notice what the Bible clearly teaches:

 6 From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, although the foundation of the temple of the Lord had not been laid. (Ezra 3:6)

From a Church of God perspective, notice what the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

God made a prophecy in the third chapter of Malachy…Continuing, “…shall suddenly come to His temple…” What kind of temple is He coming to? Are the Jews going to tear down the Dome of the Rock and build a new temple? Oh, no!… A holy temple! Christ is coming to His church! Christ is coming to His temple! Do we see that? The church is the temple. “…in whom ye are also builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Armstrong, Herbert W. Congress of Leading Ministers Hears Defined and Reemphasized Spiritual Organization of Church. Worldwide News, March 6, 1981, p. 10)

While some have made a variety of false claims about Herbert Armstrong and the fulfillment of Daniel 11:31, notice what he actually wrote:

But, verse 11, “from the time the daily sacrifice shall be taken away . . . . ” Consider this a moment. This does NOT imply a material temple to be built in our time in Jerusalem. It does seem to imply the Israelis may restore the daily (twice daily) sacrifice – – possibly at the wailing wall. The indication is the armies of the “beast” of Revelation 17, entering Jerusalem (Dan. 11:41, Zech. 14:2), will stop this daily sacrifice. (Armstrong, Herbert W. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2)

Thus, Herbert Armstrong taught that there would be sacrifices that would be stopped. And that would, without a temple, at least require an altar in the appropriate area in Jerusalem. Which is consistent with other parts of the Bible (like Ezra 3:6).

But that does not mean that the Jews do not want a temple and may not ever try to have one.  But from a strictly biblical perspective, a new temple in Jerusalem is not required.

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 Temple This is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this past decade or so.

COGwriter

The UK’s Financial Times published the following:

US has been let down by its leadership

Financial Times –A deal that extends unsustainable tax cuts for 98 per cent of Americans is no victory, writes Nouriel Roubini

The deal reached in Washington on New Year’s day prevented the US economy from falling off the so-called fiscal cliff. However, given the dysfunctional nature of the American political system, it won’t be long before there is another crisis.

Two months, in fact. If no action is taken by March 1, $110bn of spending cuts will commence. At about the same time, the US will hit its statutory debt limit, known colloquially as the debt ceiling.

That is only the beginning. Later in 2013, and not before time, a bigger debate on medium-term fiscal consolidation will begin. This will lead to another dispute between Republicans, who want to shrink the size of the federal government, and Democrats, who want to maintain it but are unsure how to pay for it…

In short, the “mini deal” on the fiscal cliff dodged all the important questions. By not including spending cuts in the deal, the Democrats have emboldened Republicans who are determined to slash taxes but lack a plan to pay for it. It is again up to Washington’s policy makers to fix the problem before the market does it for them. Tuesday’s deal suggests this will not happen with any ease.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8f45b6c8-54f5-11e2-a628-00144feab49a.html

Notice what the Bible warns about leadership:

¹²…O My people! 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).

Certainly, leaders in the USA are causing people to err.  And it is not just happening with one political party in the USA.  And while I do believe that one party has a better grasp of certain economic matters than the other, the reality is that none of them truly understand why all this is happening in the USA nor what really needs to be done about it.

The leadership of the USA continues to come up with arrangements the still result in debt for the USA.

According to the Bible, debt is a curse of disobeying God:

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 28:43-46)

The destruction of the USA is coming and disobedience to various laws of God will be the reason.  And most of the leadership of that nation does not understand this.

Some items of possibly related concerns may include:

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?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God?
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine. What does the Bible really teach?
Why Marriage? Soon Obsolete? This is a booklet from Herbert Armstrong on this important topic.
Love, Marriage, and Sex It is important to get them in the right order.
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
CG7 on Pornography This is an article excerpt from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about the pre valance of pornography.
British and American Moral Decay Public nudity is becoming more prevalent in the Anglo-lands. What are some of the consequences?
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?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
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.)

COGwriter

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

BibleNewsProphecy

10:10

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013?

Here is a first attempt. at a new YouTube channel.  It will likely take some time before I get more comfortable this type of camera.  Two more will filmed and should be up soon.

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You can “subscribe” (for free) at the Bible New Prophecy channel to get new ones as they are unloaded and made available.

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Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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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?
Continuing Church of God Striving to be the most faithful to the word of God and love of God.