Church of God News

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

Syria has not responded militarily against Israel yet for its attacks against it.  The Arab League gave a somewhat limited condemnation to the Israeli attacks as it opposes the Shi’ite government of Syria’s President Assad:

May 07, 2013

Recent airstrikes in Syria have drawn a range of world reaction, as Israel insisted any action was directed at Hezbollah militants, while Syrian officials said the attacks showed Israel’s alliance with “terrorists” in Syria.

Anonymous intelligence sources in the Middle East said Israel targeted highly accurate Fatah-110 guided missiles shipped from Iran and stored in a warehouse at Damascus International Airport that were intended for Hezbollah militants to use against Israel.

The Iran-backed group is allied with Mr. Assad’s government and waged a brief war with Israel in 2006.   http://www.voanews.com/content/syria-chafes-at-airstrikes-blames-on-israel/1655983.html

(CBS News) Overseas, Syria’s dictator has made no effort to retaliate against Israel for those surprise air strikes…The Israelis have also made it clear that are prepared to hit any targets in Syria that they perceive as a threat and they think that this time, even their usual enemies aren’t unhappy about it.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57583139/former-israeli-general-best-timing-for-syria-attack/

The response to Israeli airstrikes against Syrian government targets highlights the intricate web of loyalties ensnaring neighboring Arab states.

The Arab League early on suspended the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad, but has now rushed to condemn attacks attributed to Israel against his forces. Yet the rebuke of Israel comes as the Arab League tries to revive a decade-old peace plan envisioning regional recognition of the Jewish state.

There also is the sectarian factor. Most Sunni-majority states have sided with Syria’s Sunni-led opposition, in part to thwart the reach of Shi’ite-led Iran into the Arab world. There is even quiet approval of Israel’s determination not to let Iran create nuclear weapons.  http://www.voanews.com/content/israeli-strikes-in-syria-pose-dilemma-for-arab-strikes/1655580.html

Understand that the Arab League is mainly composed of countries whose populations are dominated by Sunni Muslim, while Syria’s President Assad is a Shi’ite Muslim who is aligned with the Shi’ite Muslim dominated Iran.

One of the most influential groups against the Assad regime is the Sunni Muslim group known as the Muslim Brotherhood.  And the Muslim Brotherhood is increasing its influence in Syria as well as other places, such as Egypt (bolding below mine):

May 6, 2013

The Muslim Brotherhood recently opened direct contacts with opposition groups in Damascus, providing them with cash for the first time and promising political influence in an effort to gain their support, according to Syrians organising clandestine relief efforts in rebel-held areas of the capital…

Although a member of the SNC, the Muslim Brotherhood is not solely channelling its aid through the formal opposition framework. Instead, it is independently dispensing cash and supplies in it own name, the Syrian aid organisers in Damascus said…

“They have been getting in touch with activists and making them good offers, I’m not sure if they’re offering money but they are certainly promising people high level positions in the movement if they agree to be a part of it,” said a dissident in the Syrian capital with extensive family connections to the Muslim Brotherhood.

He said the Muslim Brotherhood was “working hard” to build its strength in Damascus.

“Their timing is good, they have come at a time when other groups are failing to deliver, they have supporters everywhere,” he said.http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/muslim-brotherhood-opens-direct-link-to-rebels-in-damascus#ixzz2Sc7ObPZu

May 7, 2013

Egypt replaced two key economic ministers and boosted Islamists’ strength in the Cabinet…Abdel- Ghaffar Shukr, a member of the National Salvation Front opposition alliance, said by phone. “The regime once again chose ministers who are either members of the Muslim Brotherhood or affiliated with the group, while ignoring the opposition demand of appointing independent ministers capable of dealing with the economic, political and security issues.”  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-07/egypt-to-replace-finance-minister-in-cabinet-reshuffle.html

While the press, in general, tends to focus more on bombs than religion, the reality is that the Muslim Brotherhood is attempting to take advantage of various situations in the Arab nations and is having success in many places.  Remember, that just three years ago the Muslim Brotherhood was an outlawed group in places like Egypt, but now dominates the government there.

Instead of being concerned about the Muslim Brotherhood, the USA, directly and indirectly, has supported it in various portions of the Middle East (including Syria, Egypt, Somalia, and Libya, to name just four).

To learn more about the Muslim Brotherhood, notice some quotes from an article that has been at the Muslim Brotherhood’s official website for years:

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…

What is its stance toward Israel and the U.S.?
Unremittingly negative. In past decades, the group had a blatantly anti-Semitic agenda, translating Hitler’s Mein Kampf and the forged Protocols of the Elders of Zion into Arabic and disseminating them to foment hatred of the Jews. More recently, it has contented itself with railing against “U.S. and Zionist domination.” (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 04/21/2013)

The Muslim Brotherhood apparently wants as its top priority a pan-national Islamic caliphate ruled by an Imam.  This is basically an Islamic confederation or empire.  This confederation 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).

But notice that its beliefs about the USA and Israel are negative, yet the USA keeps supporting it.

And while some may dismiss all the goals of the Muslim Brotherhood as wishful thinking, this idea of an Arabic confederation is consistent with biblical prophecies. Notice that the Bible talks of a coming confederation of nations that are composed of peoples from North Africa and the Middle East, and it calls the leader the King of the South:

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. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. (Daniel 11:40-44, NKJV)

2 ‘Son of man, prophesy, and thou hast said: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Howl ye, ha! for the day!

3 For near [is] a day, near [is] a day to Jehovah! A day of clouds, the time of nations it is.

4 And come in hath a sword to Egypt, And there hath been great pain in Cush, In the falling of the wounded in Egypt, And they have taken its store, And broken down have been its foundations.

5 Cush, and Phut, and Lud, and all the mixture, and Chub, And the sons of the land of the covenant with them by sword do fall,

6 Thus said Jehovah: And — fallen have supporters of Egypt, And come down hath the arrogance of her strength, From Migdol to Syene, by sword they fall in her, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah.

7 And they have been desolated in the midst of desolate lands, And its cities are in the midst of wasted cities.

8 And they have known that I [am] Jehovah, In My giving fire against Egypt, And broken have been all her helpers.

9 In that day go forth do messengers from before Me in ships, To trouble confident Cush, And there hath been great pain among them, As the day of Egypt, for lo, it hath come. (Ezekiel 30:2-9, Young’s Literal Translation)

Notice that Egypt is mentioned by name in both Daniel 11 and Ezekiel 30, it will be prominent in the coming confederation. Since Syria is located in the Middle East, the above prophecies appear to be referring to a confederation of mainly Arabic nations that will include Syria. Hence, despite some issues, Syria will end up with some type of Islamic confederation–but one that will not be good for it or its people.

A coming confederation of Islamic lands is something that the Muslim Brotherhood is hoping to bring to pass. And a careful review of the news shows that it is making progress towards that goal.

Some links of related interest may include:

The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
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.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
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.

Chinese Soldiers and Indian Soldiers

COGwriter

China and India cooled down one area of potential military conflict:

May 7, 2013

After weeks of eyeballing each other in eastern Ladakh, it is welcome that the intruding Chinese troops and the Indian armed forces have decided to pull back to their original positions. The intrusion had seen Chinese military personnel breach the Line of Actual Control and set up tented camps 19 km inside Indian territory. That the incident took place just ahead of foreign minister Salman Khurshid’s upcoming visit to Beijing — and the subsequent high-value visit of new Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to New Delhi — had significantly raised the stakes on both sides. With the new leadership in China in the process of firming up its foreign policy, the border row was justifiably seen as a test for Indo-Sino ties.  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Pulling-back-But-India-cant-afford-to-be-caught/articleshow/19917234.cms

NEW DELHI, INDIA — India and China have resolved a three-week standoff over an ice-covered plateau along their disputed Himalayan border.

The confrontation, the latest strain on the sometimes uneasy ties between the Asian giants, had threatened to cast a shadow over the upcoming visit by India’s foreign minister to Beijing.

The tense, 20-day crisis in the northern Ladakh region began when about 50 Chinese soldiers pitched tents deep inside what New Delhi claims is its territory, and ended with both sides returning to their original positions.

The de-escalation occurred along what is called the Line of Actual Control, a vaguely defined line in the mountain plateau which both sides dispute.

“The governments of India and China have agreed to restore the status quo ante along the Line of Actual Control as it existed prior to 15th April, 2013,” said Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson for the Indian Foreign Ministry. “Flag meetings have been held to work out the modalities and work out the arrangements.”

Indian army officials said there was a simultaneous pullback Sunday evening following a meeting between commanders from both countries. Chinese troops pulled down their tents while Indian soldiers, who had moved within 300 meters of the Chinese soldiers, also returned to the positions held before the dispute.

Such disputes have erupted between the Asian giants in the past, along their unmarked  border, but India considers the latest incursion the worst in years. The area, which is close to an airstrip used by Indian troops, is considered strategic.

The massive public outcry might have compelled the Indian government to take a tough stand with Beijing.

“It was a move by the Chinese to test Indian resolve,” said  Bharat Karnad, a strategic affairs analyst at New Delhi’s independent Center for Policy Research. “The public reaction to it was so fulsome that I think it may have persuaded Beijing to put on a more conciliatory face, and that’s what has happened.”

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said both sides had adopted a constructive attitude in the larger interests of bilateral relations.  http://www.voanews.com/content/china-india-end-himalayan-standoff/1655261.html

Why is this of possible prophetic importance? Well, amongst other reasons, the final time of the Gentiles is rapidly approaching (Luke 21:24) and India and China, will, to some degree, apparently cooperate for a time militarily.

The Bible shows that in the Kings the East (Revelation 16:12) will cooperate against the end-time European Babylonian empire (Daniel 11:44; Jeremiah 50:9). These eastern kings include China and many other Asian nations, and probably will also include India.

In the New Testament it is shown that a group of nations known as the Kings of the East will form:

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).

This concept of Asian involvement in a major battle is confirmed in the Book of Revelation. Notice the following:

13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed–by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths(Revelation 9:13-18).

Only Asian forces, such as those in China and India and likely many others, could put together a 200,000,000 man army. India, China, and others in Asia will apparently align themselves with a Russia confederation against the European Empire.

Notice that the Bible shows that a Eurasian military union will happen involving those from the north AND the east will form and frighten the European King of the North:

…the king of the North… 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. 44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him (Dan 11:40,43-45).

And will all of that WILL happen, it is likely that it may be proceeded by various types of economic unions and/or treaties. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has proposed and/or finalized many agreements related to this already.

Although the emergence of this prophesied military Eurasian cooperation gets relatively coverage from most of the media, steps aligning with Bible prophecy continue to move forward.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? A YouTube video of interest may be Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they 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? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?

COGwriter

Received an email a few hours ago from The Fatima Center that contained the following:

May 6, 2013

How do we avert the wars and financial turmoil that are plunging the nations into chaos?

      Our Lady of Fatima promised that if the Pope and bishops of the Catholic Church, in unison, consecrate Russia to Her Immaculate Heart, a period of world peace would follow, ushered in by the conversion of Russia. That consecration has yet to be performed, but Pope Francis has asked that his papacy be consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima, so the prospects for the consecration are now favorable.

      “Fatima: The Path to Peace!” will analyze the perilous state of the world from many perspectives and demonstrate that human wisdom has failed to address the problems that are growing worse each day. The cumulative effect of our several presentations will be a call for immediate action that cannot be ignored.

      Among those who will address the conference are:

      DR. RON PAUL, former U.S. Congressman and presidential candidate.

      JOE SCHIEDLER, Pro-life warrior and veteran of landmark legal battles.

      The above are but a few of the many accomplished and prominent figures who will electrify and enlighten those who attend this conference.

Fatimists basically advocate that if Russia is “consecrated to the immaculate heart of Mary” that world peace and prosperity to come to the world.  This is based upon their understanding of some messages that an apparition (who did not identify herself as Mary nor based upon various facts possibly could have been Mary) who appeared in Fatima, Portugal once per month for six months beginning May 13, 1917.

Fatimists are often professing Roman Catholics who seem to put more of their faith in an apparition they hope was Mary than they do in the Bible.

I wrote a book titled Fatima Shock! to warn people that in the future apparitions that most people will think are Mary will likely be part of the signs and lying wonders that the Bible warns will deceive the world (it also gives more information of what the Fatimists really think of their pope as well as their view of what the so-called undisclosed portion of the “third secret”) contains.  Marian apparitions are not the way to peace–the Fatimists sadly do not know the way of peace (cf. Romans 3:17).’

Although most non-Catholics do not think that Fatima can affect them, if they live long enough this century, they will find that this is not the case. Fatima is a much bigger deal than people realize and seems to tie into a variety of prophecies throughout the Bible (e.g. Isaiah 47, Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 17). How apparitions are likely to affect the world at the end seems to be a missing dimension in understanding prophecy by most who profess Christ.

Fatima Shock! provides concerned Christians enough Catholic-documented facts needed to effectively counter every false Marian argument. The Apostle Peter’s admonished Christians, “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks” (1 Peter 3:15).

Pope Francis has personally taken several steps since becoming pope in March to direct people to Mary (see, for example, Pope Francis continues to direct his followers towards “Mary”).

Yet, “Mary” is NOT the answer to humanity’s ills.  We need the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom to eliminate war, implement peace, and bring in true prosperity.

If you want a deeper understanding of the Marian matters than can be covered in news posts, you should read Fatima Shock! If you are not shocked by what you will learn from reading Fatima Shock! I would be surprised. Most in the COGs make a variety of mistakes concerning their knowledge of Marian apparitions and dogmas, Fatima Shock! documents what true Christians should know about this subject that will greatly affect the world in the future.

Syrian soldier wearing chemical weapon protection

COGwriter

Israel’s attacks into Syria are alarming the Syrians, Russians, and Chinese, while also somewhat alarming Israel’s defenses:

May 06, 2013

Russia and China have joined U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in expressing concern about what intelligence officials say were Israeli airstrikes Sunday against military targets outside Syria’s capital.

China’s foreign ministry said Monday it opposes the use of force, and reiterated its call that national sovereignty be respected.

Russia further expressed concern the conflict in Syria could spread…

Anonymous intelligence sources in the Middle East said Israel targeted highly accurate Fatah-110 guided missiles shipped from Iran and stored in a warehouse at Damascus International Airport that were intended for the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group to use against Israel.

Israeli lawmaker Tzachi Hanegbi, who is close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, did not confirm Israel was behind the airstrikes, but said Monday if there was any Israeli activity, it was against Hezbollah and not Syria.

Condemnation

Syria condemned the airstrike, describing the attacks as aiming “to give direct military support to terrorist groups” fighting to oust President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said Sunday in a letter sent to the U.N. Security Council that the “Israeli aggression” killed and wounded several people and “caused widespread destruction.”

Iran also condemned the airstrikes and urged countries in the region to stand against the “assault.”

The Israeli military later deployed two batteries of its Iron Dome missile defense system near its northern border.  http://www.voanews.com/content/russia-china-concerned-about-israeli-airstrikes-in-syria/1655183.html

May 5, 2013

BEIRUT — The regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned Sunday that a series of powerful Israeli airstrikes near the Syrian capital opened the door to “all the options,” underscoring the possibility that Syria’s civil war could spill across regional borders.

Assad’s cabinet held an emergency meeting Sunday after explosions lit up the sky on the outskirts of Damascus on Friday and early Sunday.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syria-threatens-all-options-after-israeli-airstrikes/2013/05/05/a23f2f68-b5ab-11e2-b568-6917f6ac6d9d_story.html

May 6, 2013

JERUSALEM, May 6 (Reuters) – Israel sought to persuade Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday that its recent air strikes around Damascus did not aim to weaken him in the face of a more than two-year-old rebellion.

Officials say Israel is reluctant to take sides in Syria’s civil war for fear its actions would boost Islamists who are even more hostile to Israel than the Assad family, which has maintained a stable stand off with the Jewish state for decades.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/06/israel-assad-syria-airstrikes-did-not-aim-to-help-rebels_n_3221250.html?utm_hp_ref=world&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D308819

May 6, 2013

(CBS News) Israel is fortifying its northern defenses following two airstrikes within Syria targeting weapons allegedly being shipped to the militant group Hezbollah – strikes that have raised tension in the region and which one Syrian official described as tantamount to a “declaration of war.”

The Israelis still aren’t admitting they did it and how, but no one doubts they did. The condemnation so far has been more ritual than emphatic, perhaps because of the targets.

The massive explosions that rocked the Syrian capital destroyed shipments of missiles bound for Israel’s arch enemy Hezbollah, according to unnamed Israeli officials.   http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57582962/israel-bolsters-northern-defenses-after-strikes-against-syria/

Perhaps I should add here that despite some misunderstandings by some related to Ezekiel 38 (for details on Russia in prophecy, including explanations of the timing of Russia’s roles in Ezekiel 38 and 39, please see the article Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future, Russia itself is not about to take over Israel as it is NOT the King of the North of Daniel 11 (for more details, please check out the article Is Russia the King of the North? and/or the related video Is Russia the King of the North? ) nor is China about to takeover Israel’s strongest military ally the USA (for more details, please check out the video Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?).

As far as “all options” go, Syria has, in the past, admitted to having both chemical and biological weapons. As I have written for a long time, the situation in Syria must change. And it more and more is.

If Syria decides to retaliate, let’s say somewhat covertly with biological weapons, this could really change the Middle East as if it were successful enough, Israel could conceivably even use nuclear weapons against Syria and/or Iran.  Since the Bible is clear that Syria’s capital Damascus must be destroyed per Isaiah 17:1, it will be (for more details, you can also view the relatively short YouTube video Damascus and Syria in Prophecy).

Islamic prophecy also tells of the destruction of Syria’s capital Damascus.

Getting back to the Bible, it strongly 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 Sunni 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 Shi’ite President Assad is opposed to that, he will have to go or change his views.

Whether it will be from the Syrian opposition to the Assad regime, actions by the Assad regime itself, other conflicts, and/or intervention from Israel, Syria will change and its capital Damascus will be destroyed. (Though this does not mean that Israel and/or the USA will not have problems themselves.)

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
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? 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? A YouTube video of interest may be Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they 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? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
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 our newest video on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy.

BibleNewsProphecy uploaded a video:

11:22

Quickly Disprove Evolution as the Origin of Life

World Currencies

COGwriter

The International Monetary Fund uses a process of “Special Drawing Rights” (SDRs) in an attempt to stabilize currency values.  Before getting to my main points, here is some technical information:

2 May 2013

Formed in 1945, the IMF is a relic of the Bretton Woods days of fixed exchange rates. Following World War II, leading economists of the world attended a conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Discussions surrounded two topics: how to stabilize exchange rates around the world, and how to reconstruct an international payments system in the wake of the War.

It was eventually decided that a system of fixed exchange rates would be implemented, using the U.S. dollar as an anchor. This was problematic in and of itself…

Through a special quota system, which today exists as IMF special drawing rights (SDR), a country could temporarily borrow money from the fund in order to fund its trade imbalances.

Unfortunately, the effect of this was to make trade imbalances even worse. As countries knew that there was an easy way out through the IMF, large government budget deficits resulted, which had the effect of making trade deficits even greater than they otherwise would be.

Here again the IMF came to the rescue. When these imbalances proved too great for even it to handle, it performed an action that the market would have naturally done. The IMF selected a new exchange rate.  http://www.troymedia.com/2013/05/02/the-imfs-search-for-relevance/

May 4, 2013

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), treasuries’ department’s currency values in terms of Special Drawing Rights (SDR)…The value of the US dollar in terms of the SDR is the recip rocal of the sum of the dollar values, based on market exchange rates, of specified quant ities of the first four currencies shown…

The value in terms of the SDR of each of the other currencies shown above is derived from that currency’s representative exchange rate against the US dollar as reported by the issuing central bank and the SDR value of the US dollar…http://www.brecorder.com/market-data/rates-a-schedules/118/1182594/

Although it was originally based a lot on the US dollar (and still does so), the plan, according to some is to use SDRs to essentially replace the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency:

Killing the Dollar: G20 & IMF Push for Global Fed, Global Currency

While headline stories about averting the dangers of an international “currency war” dominated news coverage of the recently concluded G20 meeting in Moscow, the real unreported story is that the global gathering of central bankers and finance ministers is pushing forward with their plan for “supersizing” the International Monetary Fund. The end goal is to transform the IMF into a global Federal Reserve, with the ability to flood the world with huge new volumes of loans and currency. It would also wield vast financial regulatory powers.

The IMF’s unit of account, or “currency,” known as a Special Drawing Right (SDR), is being readied for eventual adoption as the replacement for the U.S. dollar in international transactions, to lead the way toward eventual adoption of the SDR or some other designated unit as the global currency, much in the same way that the euro was foisted upon the people of Europe as a replacement of their national currencies.  http://www.thenewamerican.com/economy/economics/item/14579-killing-the-dollar-g20-imf-push-for-global-fed-global-currency

Notice something I wrote about the US dollar in my book Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term:

When the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro (or something similar) is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer.  The collapse of the U.S.A. dollar will shake a lot of the world’s confidence in non-gold backed currencies.

Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro or even a basket of currencies) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe (and will happen, to a degree, before that King arises).

The financial policies of the Obama Administration (which are a massive acceleration of the previous policies of the Bush Administration) are heading the world into the direction that something other than the U.S. dollar will be valued as its reserve currency. (Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term. Nazarene Books, 2013, p. 133)

Many leaders of the world are trying to move away from the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency.  And lest seem to be considered a new position by me, these type of warnings were also in a book I wrote in 2009 (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect)–and this is coming to pass.

The current world order dominated by the USA, and formerly by the UK is being changed. Despite concerns about the Euro, a power in Europe will control much of the world’s economies for a while–and some of the steps for this to occur have already happened. And eventually, after massive devastation (the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord), Jesus will return and establish His kingdom.

The USA, and certain other nations, are on a slippery slope this apparent IMF-related plan will not end up well for the USA or its Anglo-descended allies.

For some items of possibly related interest, please check out the following:

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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British-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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
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?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013, 2014, or 2015? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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.

Damascus, Capital of Syria

COGwriter

An Israeli attack has dropped bombs in and around Syria’s capital Damascus:

May 5, 2013

Israeli warplanes struck areas in and around the Syrian capital Sunday, setting off a series of explosions…

The attack, the second in three days and the third this year, signaled a sharp escalation of Israel’s involvement in Syria’s bloody civil war. Syrian state media reported that Israeli missiles struck a military and scientific research center near Damascus and caused casualties. Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks…

While the government tried to use the attacks to taint the rebels by linking them to Israel, the Syria’s arch rival, the airstrikes still pose a dilemma for an Assad regime already battling a relentless rebellion at home. If it fails to respond, it looks weak and opens the door to such airstrikes becoming a common occurrence. But any military retaliation against Israel would risk dragging the Jewish state and its powerful army into a broader conflict…

Iran, a close ally of the Assad regime, condemned the airstrikes but gave no other hints of a possible stronger response from Tehran.

Israel has said it wants to stay out of the Syrian war, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated the Jewish state would be prepared to take military action to prevent sophisticated weapons from flowing from Syria to Hezbollah or other extremist groups.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57582923/israeli-warplanes-continue-to-pound-damascus/

May 05, 2013

DUBAI, UAE — Iran called on the region to unite against Israel after a reported attack on Syria and said it was ready to train the Damascus government’s army.

Israel carried out its second air strike in days on Syria early on Sunday, targeting Iranian-supplied missiles headed for Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a Western intelligence source said.

Tehran on Sunday denied the attack was aimed at “its missiles destined for Hezbollah resistance fighters in Lebanon,” according to the Islamic state’s English-language Press TV.

Iran has supported its ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his efforts to suppress a rebellion that has raged for more than two years and which Tehran and Damascus say is being waged by Western-backed “terrorists.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast urged countries in the region to stand against the “assault,” the Fars news agency reported on Sunday.

Iranian army ground forces commander Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said on Sunday Iran was ready to support its ally.  http://www.voanews.com/content/iran-calls-for-stand-against-israel-after-syria-attack/1654869.html

May 5, 2013

Damascus, Syria (CNN) — A Syrian official called an attack Sunday on the nation’s military research facility a “declaration of war” by Israel.

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al Mekdad said the attack represented an alliance between Islamic terrorists and Israel.

He added that Syria would retaliate against Israel in its own time and way.  http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/05/world/meast/syria-violence/?hpt=hp_c2

May 5, 2013

(Reuters) – Israeli jets bombed Syria on Sunday, rocking Damascus for hours and sending pillars of flame into the night sky in what a Western source called a new strike on Iranian missiles bound for Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Local people reported massive explosions and internet video showed the capital’s skyline lit by flashes; Syrian opponents of President Bashar al-Assad rejoiced at Israel’s third raid this year, and second in 48 hours, while anger in Tehran highlighted how Syria’s civil war risks spinning further beyond its borders.

Israel, while declining to confirm the strike, stressed its focus was to deny its Lebanese foes new Iranian firepower and not take sides between Assad, long seen as a toothless adversary, and rebels who have won sympathy from Israel’s Western allies but who also include al Qaeda Islamists hostile to the Jewish state.

It appears to calculate that Assad will not risk forces he needs to fight the rebels by attacking a much stronger Israel.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/05/us-syria-crisis-blasts-idUSBRE94400020130505

Israel really does not want Syria to engage in a full scale war with it, but has now taken steps that Syrian President Bashar Assad will likely conclude can justify his possible future use of chemical and/or biological weapons against Israel.  Might this be how “Syria would retaliate against Israel in its own time and way”?

This bombing by Israel could be very significant as the Bible shows that the time is coming relatively soon that Damascus will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1).   And if Israel does the destruction to fulfill Isaiah 17:1, I have long felt that it may be because Syria (and/or its ally Iran) will have used chemical, biological, emp, and/or nuclear/dirty bomb weapons against Israel.

I have long been expecting more conflict involving Syria and two months ago, I put together a video for the BibleNewsProphecy channel titled Damascus and Syria in Prophecy .

Interestingly, at least from a timing standpoint, the current edition of the Continuing Church of God’s Bible News Prophecy magazine begins with the following article:

FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF: BOB THIEL

Damascus Will Be Destroyed

Syria is in the news on a regular basis.  The conflict began on March 15, 2011 with nationwide demonstrations which seem to have partially inspired by the so-called “Arab Spring.” This escalated into violence.  Since the opposition to its President Bashar al-Assad arose in, tens of thousands have been killed.

Western leaders have consulted amongst themselves and with Russia on how to try to resolve this matter.  Some Western nations have helped arm the opposition to President Assad with a goal of a stable and truly peaceful Syria in mind.

While a stable and peaceful Syria would be a major improvement, even if that is temporarily attained, it will not remain that way.

Bible Prophecy Warns that Syria’s Capital Will Be Destroyed

Both biblical and Islamic prophecy foretell of the destruction of at least parts of Syria, such as Damascus. Here is some of what Bible prophecies teach:

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)

Damascus has been claimed to be the “oldest continuously inhabited city” in the world.  And while some have questioned that, the reality is that Damascus has not been destroyed to the point of becoming the “ruinous heap”  since God inspired Isaiah to record that.

This destruction could come as the result of the current civil war.  And if the Assad regime uses chemical weapons and/or becomes engaged in a conflict with Israel, that could also fulfill the above.

Furthermore, because the Bible suggests that Syria will be involved in a confederation of North African and Middle Eastern nations (Ezekiel 30:1-9; 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), this likely means that the Assad regime will have to at least change, if not completely fall, and that whatever regime replaces it, it will most likely agree to be in this prophesied confederation.  A confederation that is also prophesied to fail (which is something that all in the Middle East and North Africa will be better off realizing).  The Muslim Brotherhood has long pushed for the type of confederation that the Bible warns will involve many Arabic nations and end in the destruction of this confederation (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).

Islamic Prophecy

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…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 the region of the Middle East and North Africa. And while I am relying on biblical prophecy, it may be that some in the Islamic world may decide that Islamic prophecy is encouraging them to change the situation currently in Syria.

Perhaps 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. Since the Bible suggests that Syria will support the coming final King of the South 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.

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

While the current attack by Israel will not destroy Damascus–yet–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. There will be other troubles for Israel.  And the USA will not end up unscathed.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
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.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
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.

The Miracle of Holy Fire painting

COGwriter

Today is celebrated as Pascha (which is the Greek word for Passover) and is known as Orthodox ‘Easter.’  Yesterday, as in past years, many of the Eastern Orthodox will believe that ‘holy fire’ appeared in Jerusalem:

May 5, 2013

Thousands of Orthodox Christian braved hours of waiting to witness the Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre – an important annual rite for the Church’s eastern denominations.

In what believers regard as a miracle, every year the day before Orthodox Easter, an unlit blue fire from a stone in the Church descends from the dome and ignites a candle held by the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem.

Around 10,000 people squeezed into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – regarded by many as the place where Jesus was laid to rest and resurrected – with about as many waiting outside.

As the Patriarch received the fire, he passed it around, to other clergymen from other denominations (six of them share the church and consider it a holy site) and onto the gathered pilgrims.  http://rt.com/news/holy-fire-orthodox-miracle-826/

May 4, 2013

Tens of thousands of pilgrims have visited the Old City of Jerusalem impatient to observe what the faithful see as the miracle of the ‘Holy Fire’ ceremony.

The event takes place on the eve of the Orthodox Church’s Easter when a lamp placed in the tomb of Jesus in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is mysteriously lit.

Immediately candles take up the flame and the ‘Holy Fire’ is rapidly passed among worshipers.  http://www.euronews.com/2013/05/04/holy-fire-ceremony-in-jerusalem-ushers-in-orthodox-easter/

Of course, real Christians do not believe that the above ceremony is a God-ordained miracle.  The Eastern Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem should have the integrity to tell people the truth about this, but never does.

For those unfamiliar with it, here are a couple of Wikipedia comments:

Holy Fire

The Holy Fire (Greek Ἃγιον Φῶς, “Holy Light“) is described by Christians as a miracle that occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter. It is considered by many to be the longest-attested annual miracle in the Christian world. (Holy Fire. Wikipedia, April 4, 2010).

Some, however, who have been associated with it question it and understand that this is not a miracle of God.  Furthermore, I noticed that Wikipedia removed the statement ” It is considered by many to be the longest-attested annual miracle in the Christian world” from the above article.  In 2013, Wikipedia had the following statements:

Holy Fire

The Holy Fire (Greek Ἃγιον Φῶς, “Holy Light“) is described by Christians as a miracle that occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter.

Description

Orthodox tradition holds that the Holy Fire is a miracle that happens annually on the day preceding Orthodox Easter, in which a blue light emanates either from the dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or from the slab believed to be the “Stone of Anointing” upon which Jesus’ body was prepared for burial, which eventually forms a column containing a form of fire, from which candles are lit, which are then used to light the candles of the clergy and pilgrims in attendance. Pilgrims and clergy claim that the Holy Fire does not burn them.

The Holy Fire is brought to certain Orthodox countries, such as in Georgia, Greece, Russia, Belarus, Cyprus, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Macedonia, every year by special flights, being received with honors by state leaders at the respective airports.

History

The Holy Fire is first mentioned by the pilgrim Bernard the Monk, in 870 AD.[5] A detailed description of this phenomenon is contained in the travelogue of the Russian hegumen Daniil (Daniel), who was present at the ceremony in 1106 AD…

Criticism

As with all alleged miracles, many question the validity of the Holy Fire, noting, for instance, that cold-handed pilgrims generally withstand the fire for the same very brief periods of time as can be achieved with any fire.

Criticism dates at least to the days of Islamic rule of Jerusalem, but the pilgrims were never stopped, because of the significant revenue they brought to local governments even at the end of the first millennium. When the apparently uninitiated Crusaders took over the Orthodox clergy in charge of the fire, it failed to appear, increasing the skepticism among Western Christians. But feeling the lack of pilgrim revenues, Baldwin I of Jerusalem reinstated the Orthodox priests in charge, and the fire, as well as the stream of revenues, returned.

In 1238, Pope Gregory IX denounced the Holy Fire as a fraud and forbade Franciscans from participating in the ceremony.

The Ottoman traveller, Evliya Celebi, claimed that a hidden zinc jar of naphtha was dripped down a chain by a hidden monk…

Dobrokhotov and other critics, including Russian Orthodox researcher Nikolay Uspensky,Dr. Aleksandr Musin of Sorbonne, and some Old Believers quote excerpts from the diaries of Bishop Porphyrius (Uspensky) (1804–1885) which told that the clergy in Jerusalem knew that the Holy Fire was fraudulent.  (Holy Fire. Wikipedia, May 5, 2013)

So, this ‘holy fire’ event supposedly began over eight centuries after the resurrection of Jesus.  Hence, it is certainly not an original Christian practice, and I (and many others) do not believe that it is a miracle from God.

Additionally, notice the following:

Holy Fire brings Jerusalem Easter to joyful climax

By Alastair Macdonald

Reuters
Saturday, April 3, 2010; 2:47 PM

JERUSALEM (Reuters)…Roman Catholics and Protestants, however, eschew the Holy Fire rite; Western visitors have for centuries scoffed at the ceremony in which the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem produces a lighted candle from the sealed and empty tomb — without the aid of matches or other, visible, terrestrial aids.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/03/AR2010040301634.html

Mystery of Jerusalem’s Holy Fire comes to light

Telegraph, London – April 16, 2001 By Alan Philps in Jerusalem

… one Armenian torch-bearer, Soukias Tchilingirian, felt the truth had to be told. He said: “It’s not a miracle. The Greek priests bring in a lamp – one that has been kept burning for 1,500 years – to produce the Holy Fire. For pilgrims full of faith who come from abroad, it is a fire from Heaven, a true miracle. But not for us. Of course the source of the fire is ancient and symbolic. I heard this from my father and I think he knew the truth.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1311064/Mystery-of-Jerusalems-Holy-Fire-comes-to-light.html

Why is this important?

The Bible warns that someone will come with signs and lying wonders to mislead the world:

8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12)

Furthermore, “fire from heaven” will be one of those signs:

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. (Revelation 13:11-15)

By currently believing in “holy fire” many Orthodox are unknowingly setting themselves up to accept the signs and lying wonders that the Bible warns about. All, including the non-Orthodox, need to understand that signs and wonders are NOT of themselves proof that something is of God, including the annual ritual of “holy fire.”

So, when reports come out about this, please realize that just because fire is shown, does not mean that God caused it.

I should also add that while it is good that unlike many American Catholics and Protestants, the Eastern Orthodox realize that what is called ‘Easter’ is really supposed to be Passover.  However, like the Catholics and the Protestants, the Orthodox do not observe Passover like the early Christians did (and the faithful still do) or even when they did (Nisan 14, and the Orthodox realize that this was the original date that many that they claimed to descend from observed).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins? There is also a detailed YouTube video available titled History of the Christian Passover.
Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter? If not, when did this happen? Where did Easter come from? What do scholars and the Bible reveal? Here is a link to a video titled Why Easter?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the CCOG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

Today is one of two that are considered to be “Europe Day”:

In Europe, Europe Day is an annual celebration of peace and unity in Europe. There are two separate designations of Europe Day: 5 May for the Council of Europe, and 9 May for the European Union (EU). (Wikipedia, viewed 04/30/13)

Last year, on the European Union (EU) one, the EU President Herman Van Rompuy made the following statement:

The European Union will never become the United States of Europe…We have a special identity in each of our member states and a very specific situation due to our history but what we have to do is to create every time we can, and a crisis period is a very fruitful period for this. Unfortunately, we have to create more Europe, more European integration. http://www.euronews.com/2012/05/09/herman-van-rompuy-the-eu-will-never-become-the-united-states-of-europe/

Although I am a little surprised he used the term “Unfortunately,” others seem to think that is the plan. Notice what a British member of the EU Parliament, Nigel Farage stated:

“It’s astonishing. I mean the European Parliament meets tomorrow, and there is a debate about the emergency. Would you believe it, that Mr. Barroso, the President of the Commission, and my old mate Herman van Rumpuy, the European President, are both not going to be there because they have previous engagements? Even if they do have previous engagements, surely nothing could be more important than to come before the one representative assembly for half a billion people here in Europe. It looks as though these guys are hiding in their bunkers, pretending it’s not happening. What these guys in the EU are going to try to do is, as this crisis gets worse and descends, there will be an attempt at some point in the next few months for them to set up something that will be very like a dictatorship. I’m not sure now, with the public mood, that they will get away with it … the similarities (to the 30s) are really rather chilling.” http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2012/5/8_Nigel_Farage_-_There_Will_Be_an_Attempt_to_Install_a_Dictatorship.html

So, the EU’s President Herman Van Rompuy claims that the EU will never become a United States of Europe, while British EU Parliament member Nigel Farage claims that the plan is to end up with a type of dictatorship. I have reported in the past that some have claimed that the EU has plans for a strongman/dictator type of leader (see, for one recent example, EU Plot to Put in Super Leader While Excluding the United Kingdom?).

EU Parliament member Nigel Farage’s assessment is fairly close to scripture–Europe will reorganize and end up with a dictatorial leader (Revelation 13). And in a sense, if ultimately the EU (it could be called something else by then) accepts a dictatorship, it will not be quite a United States of Europe in the American sense, so in that way Herman Van Rompuy is correct.

The Bible is clear that the someone who sounds like a dictator will rise up in Europe:

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)

And while now is not quite yet the dictator’s time, despite problems (Daniel 2:40-43), a major dictator in Europe (and I do not anticipate that it will be Herman van Rompuy) will rise up (Revelation 13:1-8), Europe will reorganize (Revelation 17:12-13), and become the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:21-44).

The Bible also warns that ultimately, God will have it that union (Daniel 2:44) and its leader (Daniel 11:45) destroyed. Many will ignore Nigel Farage’s (as well as the Bible’s) warnings, but a dictatorship/empire will emerge.

And this will not be good for the British (nor the Americans), and ultimately not the Europeans.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?

Official Photograph

COGwriter

US President Barack Obama made some comments related to Israel and Syria:

May 4, 2013

U.S. President Barack Obama says Israel is justified in protecting itself from advanced weapons shipments to terrorist groups like Hezbollah.

In an interview Saturday with the Spanish-language network Telemundo, Obama did not directly comment on reports of an Israeli airstrike against a Syrian missile shipment believed bound for Hezbollah.  He said he would let Israel “confirm or deny whatever strikes that they have taken.”

Anonymous Israeli officials say Israel struck a missile shipment believed headed for the Lebanese-based militant group late Thursday.  The officials say chemical weapons were not the target.  The Israeli government has not confirmed the report.

U.S. officials say the target appeared to be a warehouse.  There is no sign Israeli warplanes entered Syrian airspace.

Hezbollah is allied with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.  The militant group, supported by Iran, waged a brief war with Israel in 2006.  This would be the second time Israel has conducted airstrikes against Syria this year.  Israel said it attacked a weapons convoy in Syria believed headed for Hezbollah in January. http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-israel-justified-syria-arims-shipment-hezbollah/1654745.html

Barack Obama, in the past, said that if Syria used chemical weapons, that would be a “red line” to get US involvement.  Right now,  he seems to prefer to have Israel handle Syria.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
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.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.