Church of God News

Syrian soldier wearing chemical weapon protection

COGwriter

There are more reports about the use of chemical weapons in Syria:

June 4, 2013

Sarin has been used “several times and in a localised manner” during the two-year Syrian conflict, says France’s foreign minister.

Laurent Fabius said lab tests in Paris confirmed usage of the nerve agent, adding that those who resort to chemical weapons must be punished.

But he did not specify where, when or by whom the agent was used.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22773268

(Reuters) – United Nations investigators said on Tuesday they had “reasonable grounds” to believe that limited amounts of chemical weapons had been used in Syria, while France said the nerve agent sarin had been deployed on several occasions.

In their latest report, human rights investigators said they had received allegations that Syrian government forces and rebels had used the banned weapons, but most testimony related to their use by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

Increasing reports from the battlefield of the use of chemical weapons have sounded alarm bells in the West, lending urgency to a new diplomatic push to end the war. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said last week that the use of chemical weapons was unacceptable.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/04/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE9530VE20130604

What will Israel do? What will US President Obama do?

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has indicated that his government would act if the Syrian chemical weapons were to get into the hands of the opposition, etc.

Although US President Barack Obama had called the possibly use of chemical weapons in Syria , he may have softened his view (Barack Obama softening ‘red line’ about Syrian chemical use?).  On the other hand, maybe he has not.  He had asked for more international cooperation on this issue, and between France and the United Nations maybe he now has it.  The Obama Administration has seemed to show a preference for groups aligned with the Sunni Muslim Brotherhood, and since Syria’s Assad is Shi’ite Muslim and most of the opposition Sunni Muslim, the USA may get involved based partially upon these new reports from France and the UN.

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).  Whether this is done by the Syrian government, its opposition, or outside forces, the Bible does not specify–but it will happen.

Interestingly, Islamic prophecy also tells of the destruction of Syria’s capital Damascus.  Syria itself is having problems of course.  But the following headline was also interesting:

Syrian war widens Sunni-Shia schism as foreign jihadis join fight for shrines

Syrian rebels say they respect all holy sites but damage to Sayyida Zeinab shrine has spurred 10,000 Shias to volunteer  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/04/syria-islamic-sunni-shia-shrines-volunteers

The Shi-ites tend to support Syria’s President Assad and the Sunnis the opposition.  But at some point in time, there will be more unity with Syria and the rest of the Arab world.

The Bible itself 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?
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.

Westminster in London

COGwriter

Today is being celebrated to mark the 60th  anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation (even though technically her coronation was on June 2, 1953):

LONDON | Tue Jun 4, 2013 8:20am EDT

(Reuters) – A fanfare of trumpets and cheering crowds greeted Queen Elizabeth on the 60th anniversary of her coronation on Tuesday, with a service in Westminster Abbey featuring a priceless crown that has adorned the heads of British monarchs for 350 years.

For Elizabeth, 87, it was a return to the scene of her coronation when, at age 27, she ascended the throne upon the death of her father, King George VI.

Jubilant throngs and trumpets heralded the arrival of a monarch who has seen 12 prime ministers during her reign – from Winston Churchill to David Cameron.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/04/us-queen-anniversary-idUSBRE95210020130604

June 4, 2013

.

The Queen and Prince Philip entered Westminster Abbey to the same music that greeted her in 1953…

Back then, aged 27, she was the 38th sovereign to be crowned in an abbey that has been the scene of such ceremonies since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22762878

It may be of some historical interest to realize that when the monarch is crowned head of England, etc. the ceremony is similar to that of ancient Israel:

Ancient Irish legends recount that in addition to the king’s daughters, Jeremiah brought with him “some national treasures from the Temple. The most important of these was the Lia Fail, or Stone of Destiny, Jacob’s stone” (Rogers, pp. 31–32). The Bible relates that Jacob, the forefather of the Israelite tribes, set up a stone pillar after making a covenant with God (Genesis 28:13–22). It was also a custom in ancient Israel to crown kings over a stone (Judges 9:6; 2 Kings 11:12–14).

The stone was later taken to Scotland by a king Fergus, and then to England. It has been used in all three countries for the coronation of monarchs—following the ancient Israelite custom. (Behind the Mists of Ireland.   Tomorrow’s World magazine.  Jan-Feb 2000).

Those of us with backgrounds in the old WCG basically believe that there is a connection between the old throne of Israel and the current throne of the British royal family.

Notice the following from the late evangelist John Ogwyn and late Herbert W. Armstrong (who helped teach him):

The Throne of David

God made a remarkable promise to King David of ancient Israel. Speaking through Nathan the prophet, God told David: “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

God explained to David that while he might punish his descendants for their sins, he would not remove the kingdom from their line as he had done with Saul. What happened to that line of kings? History records that King Zedekiah, a descendant of David, was the last king to sit upon the throne of Judah in Jerusalem. In 586bc Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took Zedekiah captive to Babylon, burned the temple, and destroyed the city of Jerusalem. Notice the statement in 2 Kings 25:7: “Then they killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, put out the eyes of Zedekiah… and took him to Babylon.”

Did God’s promise to David fail?

For the rest of the story, notice the prophecy that God inspired Ezekiel to record in Ezekiel 17. It starts out by posing a riddle that describes an eagle coming to a large cedar tree and cropping off the topmost branch. This small branch was taken to the “city of merchants” (v. 4). What is this riddle describing? Verse 12 tells us: “Say now to the rebellious house: Do you not know what these things mean? Tell them, Indeed the king of Babylon went to Jerusalem and took its king and princes, and led them with him to Babylon.”

That is not the end of the story, however. God went on to tell Ezekiel in verses 22 and 23: “I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it; and it will bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a majestic cedar. Under it will dwell birds of every sort; in the shadow of its branches they will dwell.”

We have already seen that the “top branch” of the cedar symbolized Judah’s last king, Zedekiah. A twig coming out from that branch would be one of his children. As we have also seen, his sons were killed. This “tender” twig must clearly refer to one of his daughters! God talks of her being taken to a high mountain (used in Bible prophecy to symbolize a nation) where she would be “planted” and would grow into a great tree. This shows that she would marry and produce offspring and that the dynasty would continue! Also note, while David’s line had been reigning over Judah, it would now be “replanted” ruling over Israel.

Irish history records the remainder of this story. It tells of the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch coming to Ireland after the fall of Judah with a young princess and the coronation stone, called in Gaelic lia fail. In ancient Irish records, the princess was named Tea Tephi. She married the son of the High King of Ireland. Their descendants reigned from Tara in Ireland for many centuries. Later, in the days of Kenneth McAlpine, they transferred their place of rule to Scone in Scotland. This same dynasty continues on down to today in the person of Queen Elizabeth II, a direct descendant of Tea Tephi and her husband. God has fulfilled his promises to King David just as He said! (Ogwyn J. The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.  Charlotte, 2006)

David’s Dynasty Forever

David succeeded Saul.  David sat on the Eternal’s throne.  David’s son Solomon succeeded him, also sitting on the Eternal’s throne.  “Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Eternal as king instead of David his father” (I Chron. 29:23; see also II Chron. 9:8).

I wish here to impress another special point.  Before Saul, the Eternal had been King over Israel.  These human kings were sitting upon the Eternal’s throne.  The Eternal – “LORD” – is Jesus Christ who was with the Father before the world was (John 17:5 and 1:1-2, 14).  Jesus is both the “root” and the “offspring” of David (Rev. 22:16).  Since He was the “root,” the throne was His before David was born.  David merely sat upon the Eternal’s throne.  Secondly, since Jesus was David’s lawful fleshly Son, this same throne shall once more become His right by inheritance, continuing David’s dynasty.  And so, when Christ returns to earth, David’s throne will be doubly His right!

Now we come to a seemingly incredible fact – fantastic – almost unbelievable, but true!  While David was king, God made with him a perpetual covenant, unconditionally, which God cannot and will not break!  This covenant is even more amazing, and less understood, than the unconditional covenant with Abraham!

I want you now to plant firmly in mind the specific nature and character of the covenant the Almighty made with David.  For it is a vital link in the purpose and mission of Christ – an important KEY to Bible understanding!

In II Samuel 23:1, 5, we find: “Now these be the last words of David . . . . God . . . hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure.”  In other words, a covenant that shall endure forever and cannot fail! (Armstrong HW. The United States and Britain in Prophecy. WCG booklet)

Perhaps this would be a good time to explain that although we faithful in the Continuing Church of God believe that the American and British descended peoples are basically descended from Manasseh and Ephraim respectively, we are not part of the “Christian Identity Movement” and teach against racial prejudice (e.g. LOVE AND SALVATION FOR ALL RACES AND PEOPLES.  Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God.  © 2013 Continuing Church of God). Additionally, we do teach that God is calling some now who have Israelite or Gentile backgrounds and that ultimately God will offer salvation to everyone in every possible ethnic group.  Furthermore, perhaps it should be mentioned that I personally believe that I am primarily ethnically of Gentile stock and that I am not a primarily a descendant of Israel. It is also critical to realize that salvation is a matter of God’s GRACE NOT RACE (additional details are found in the article God’s Grace is For All).

There is an old legend that makes a connection between the first Scottish kings and the children of Israel. Here is one 19th century report of it:

We have seen a late work on prophecy gravely affirming that the Prophet Jeremiah died in Ireland, having been forced hither by the wandering sons of Ephraim. One of the few unquestionable facts connected with early Irish history, is the intercourse between Ireland and the Phoenicians, through Spain. The Israelitish settlers, according to the tradition, carried with them Jacob’s pillow or pillar, known as the Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny, which secured a perpetual monarchy to the people so happy as to possess it. This stone, at the crowning of the first king of the Scots in Scotland, was borrowed… (The Christian remembrancer; or, The Churchman’s Biblical, ecclesiastical & literary miscellany. 1864. Original from Oxford University, Digitized, Oct 5, 2006, p. 2).

The above legend is interesting as it may tie Ephraim in with the British Isles, and affirms the idea that Jeremiah also came to the isles. In the 43rd chapter of Jeremiah, Jeremiah is shown to be with the “king’s daughters” (Jeremiah 43:6). The only two times the expressions “king’s daughters” is used in the Bible, it is in the book written by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 41:10, 43:6). Presuming that Jeremiah took one or more of the “king’s daughters” with him, this would be a way to fulfill the following prophecies:

10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:10).

5 I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’ (1 Kings 9:5)

The Davidic kingdom ended in Judah centuries BEFORE Christ came (around 586 B.C.), thus there had to be a way for the descendants of David to rule. And probably prior to the time the last true king of Judah died, his daughters (who seem to have been in the British Isles) likely married and had descendants to reign. Those who actually believe what the Bible teaches must realize that somehow God must have fulfilled His promises. And the British Isles seems to make the most historical sense to fulfill this.

Notice what then Duke of York, who later was King George VI of England from 11 December 1936 until his death on February 6, 1952, reportedly wrote in 1922:

…I am sure the British Israelite business is true. I have read a lot about it lately and everything no matter how large or small points to our being ’the chosen race.’ (George, Duke of York. Letter, 1922. Facsimile printed in The Independent, April 6, 1996 per Wikipedia, viewed 11/21/12)

So, even the last King of England believed in British-Israelism.

Notice the following, which is from part of the coronation ceremony of Ethelred the Second from the late 10th century:

Here he shall be Anointed with oil; and this anthem shall be sung: — ‘ And Zadoc the priest, and Nathan the prophet, anointed ‘ Solomon king in Sion ; and, approaching him, they said, May ‘ the king live for ever !’… The Sceptre shall be here given to him… The Rod shall be here given to him… And He who ‘ is the key of David, and the sceptre of the house of Israel, ‘ who opens and no one can shut; who shuts and no one can ‘ open ; may he be thy helper! (Turner S. The History of the Anglo-Saxons from the Earliest Period to the Norman Conquest, Volume 3, 6th edition. Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green, 1886. Original from Harvard University, Digitized Nov 1, 2007 pp 153-154)

The ancient kings of Israel were anointed (1 Samuel 15:1; 1 Kings 1:34) with oil (1 Samuel 16:13). Scepters were long recognized in the Bible as a symbol for ruling (Genesis 49:10; Ezekiel 19:14). The key of David is mentioned in both the Hebrew (Isaiah 22:22) and Greek scriptures (Revelation 3:7). Having all of these as part of a coronation ceremony may be more than a coincidence or simple imitation of what some later saw in the Bible.

While the Queen has attempted to maintain a certain dignity and devotion to her duties over the past 60 years, the influence of the United Kingdom has diminished greatly since her coronation.  Her formal title is the Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.  Here is a list of the realms that are in that organization:

United Kingdom (1952–present) Canada (1952–present) Australia (1952–present) New Zealand (1952–present) Pakistan (1952–56) South Africa (1952–61) Ceylon (1952–72) Ghana (1957–60) Nigeria (1960–63) Sierra Leone (1961–71) Tanganyika (1961–62) Jamaica (1962–present) Trinidad and Tobago (1962–76) Uganda (1962–63) Kenya (1963–64) Malawi (1964–66) Malta (1964–74) The Gambia (1965–70) Guyana (1966–70) Barbados (1966–present) Mauritius (1968–92) Fiji (1970–87) The Bahamas (1973–present) Grenada (1974–) Papua New Guinea (1975–present) Solomon Islands (1978–present) Tuvalu (1978–present) Saint Lucia (1979–present) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1979–present) Belize (1981–present) Antigua and Barbuda (1981–present) Saint Kitts and Nevis (1983–present) (Wikipedia, viewed 06/04/13)

As the above shows, the old British Commonwealth still somewhat exists, but with less nations.  And it also has less influence from the Queen.  London itself is also much less influential in international finance and commerce than it once was.

Similar to the USA, the United Kingdom has gone further away from the standards of biblical morality the past 60 years.  And it will not make it another 60 years (nor will the USA).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided 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?
British and American Moral Decay Public nudity is becoming more prevalent in the Anglo-lands. What are some of the consequences?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx?
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? See also the video Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
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

An Australian who falsely claims to be Jesus was in the news:

June 3, 2103

A man in Australia claims to be Jesus. A.J. Miller is attracting hundreds of people to his seminars; dozens have moved to his land in Queensland where he calls his movement the Divine Truth. He says he remembered he was Jesus in 2004.

“There were lots of people in the first century who didn’t believe I was the Messiah and were offended by what I said — and in fact I died at the hands of some of them,” he recently told SkyNews. “Unfortunately they didn’t learn love either and my suggestion is, even if you don’t believe I am Jesus, at least learn how to love.”

Other so-called messiahs have come and gone.

“People have done this since Jesus’ time; it’s not anything new,” said Ron Burks, a clinical mental health counselor at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital who co-wrote the book “Damaged Disciples: Casualties of Authoritarian Churches and the Shepherding Movement,” after being involved with the Fort Lauderdale/Shepherding movement for 17 years. “The apostle Paul warned of false Christs.”

But why are scholars so sure that A.J. Miller isn’t Jesus, and that his partner, Australian Mary Luck, is not Mary Magdalene, as she claims?

Although Jesus is one of the most studied figures in history, scholars debate many of the details of his life. Still, many agree on consistencies in his character…

Often, Burks says, people who claim to be Jesus simulate his attitude at first, and that makes them attractive for the same reasons people appreciated the historical Jesus.

“But once they get a following and a sense of control over people, power usually corrupts,” said Burks. “What happens when groups like this progress is there is almost universally an extreme emphasis on money, sex and power.”

In some instances, fake religious leaders have started out with the intention of conning people, but others start out meaning well “and end up deceiving themselves and others,” Burks said. http://news.discovery.com/human/psychology/how-can-you-tell-a-fake-jesus-1306031.htm

Well, there is another very easy way to prove that this Australian (and many others before him, and some who will likely come later) are not Jesus.

The Book  of Acts is clear:

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”  (Acts 1:9-11)

The Australian, and other fake Jesus’ have not done this.

Of course, there are also character and doctrinal issues.  But there is little point going through those when the first item has not been met.

Jesus warned that there would be false Christs:

23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.  24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  (Matthew 24:23-24)

There will also be worse ones than this Australian.  He is simply one of many.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Jesus is God, But Was Made Man Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what?
Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed?

The US Bill of Rights

COGwriter

The US Supreme Court made another decision in favor of the police state and away from that government’s constitution:

June 3, 2013

WASHINGTON — A narrowly divided Supreme Court ruled Monday that police can collect DNA from people arrested but not yet convicted of serious crimes, a tool that more than half the states already use to help crack unsolved crimes.

The case, described by Justice Samuel Alito as “the most important criminal procedure case that this court has heard in decades,” represented a classic test between modern crime-fighting technology and centuries-old privacy rights…

Justice Antonin Scalia wrote an angry dissent for himself and three liberal justices, charging that the decision will lead to an increased use of DNA testing in violation of the Constitution’s protection against unreasonable searches.

“Make no mistake about it: because of today’s decision, your DNA can be taken and entered into a national database if you are ever arrested, rightly or wrongly, and for whatever reason,” Scalia warned. “This will solve some extra crimes, to be sure. But so would taking your DNA whenever you fly on an airplane.”  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/06/03/supreme-court-dna-cheek-swab-rape-unsolved-crimes/2116453/

• Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
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

Severe weather is in the USA news:

June 3, 2013

LANCASTER, Calif. Nearly 3,000 people from some 700 homes were under evacuation orders Monday as a wildfire north of Los Angeles kept growing, feeding on old, dry brush, some of which hadn’t burned in decades.

The blaze had burned about 46 square miles in the mountains and canyons of the Angeles National Forest, destroying at least six homes and damaging 15 more…

“It’s moving so fast, and the smoke is hugging the ground because of the intense wind. And it’s hard to get a map,” said Norm Walker, U.S. Forest Service incident commander.

Propelled by the strong winds, the fire jumped an aqueduct into the west of Lancaster, officials said…It appeared to be the fiercest of several burning in the West, including two in New Mexico, where thick smoke covered several communities and set a blanket of haze over Santa Fe.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57587282/thousands-ordered-to-flee-massive-blaze-outside-l.a/

June 3, 2013PORTLAND, Maine — The remnants of a violent storm that claimed 13 lives in Oklahoma sent punishing winds and torrential downpours to northern New England and a tornado to South Carolina. And there could be more coming, though meteorologists say the worst is over.

The National Weather Service said the work week could begin with storms bringing showers to the Northeast and mid-Atlantic and large hail and high winds to the Great Plains…

The weather service issued a rare tornado warning as a line of thunderstorms raced through New Hampshire into western Maine. It said a tornado warning was issued as radar indicated a possible tornado moving from Kingfield, Maine, to Bingham, Maine. The tornado was not immediately confirmed.

By early Monday, nearly 12,000 customers were still without power in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, down from more than 40,000 outages at the peak.

Weather service meteorologist Bill Goodman said a slow-moving cold front across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic could bring more rain on Monday…

In northwestern South Carolina, a tornado knocked a home off its foundation…In Texas, the Coast Guard said its crews saved or helped rescue 17 people caught in storms along the Gulf Coast…Meanwhile, residents in Oklahoma cleaned up after the storms there killed 13 people, including three veteran storm chasers…In Arkansas, five people died in flash flooding late Thursday and early Friday in the rugged Ouachita Mountains…In Missouri, areas west of St. Louis received significant damage from an EF3 tornado Friday…http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130603/news/706039878/

The Bible shows that God uses weather to get people’s attention.  Sometimes to punish, sometimes to lead to repentance, and other times to consider that God, not humankind, is in control.

With it being so wet in the East and Midwest and dry in the USA West, the following weather passages came to mind:

15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: 16 “Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country. 17 “Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. 18 “Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. 19 “Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out. 20 “The Lord will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me. 21 The Lord will make the plague cling to you until He has consumed you from the land which you are going to possess. 22 The Lord will strike you with consumption, with fever, with inflammation, with severe burning fever, with the sword, with scorching, and with mildew; they shall pursue you until you perish. 23 And your heavens which are over your head shall be bronze, and the earth which is under you shall be iron. 24 The Lord will change the rain of your land to powder and dust; from the heaven it shall come down on you until you are destroyed. (Deuteronomy 28:15-24)

6 “Also I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities. And lack of bread in all your places; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the Lord. 7 “I also withheld rain from you, When there were still three months to the harvest. I made it rain on one city, I withheld rain from another city. One part was rained upon, And where it did not rain the part withered. 8 So two or three cities wandered to another city to drink water, But they were not satisfied; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the Lord. (Amos 4:6-8)

Although California historically has wildfires and the rest of the USA storms, the Bible also mentions fire as something God sometimes uses. Here are some examples:

11 The Lord said:

“Surely it will be well with your remnant;
Surely I will cause the enemy to intercede with you
In the time of adversity and in the time of affliction.
12 Can anyone break iron,
The northern iron and the bronze?
13 Your wealth and your treasures
I will give as plunder without price,
Because of all your sins,
Throughout your territories.
14 And I will make you cross over with your enemies
Into a land which you do not know;
For a fire is kindled in My anger,
Which shall burn upon you.” (Jeremiah 15:11-14)

12 O house of David! Thus says the Lord:

“Execute judgment in the morning;
And deliver him who is plundered
Out of the hand of the oppressor,
Lest My fury go forth like fire
And burn so that no one can quench it,
Because of the evil of your doings.

13 “Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley,
And rock of the plain,” says the Lord,
“Who say, ‘Who shall come down against us?
Or who shall enter our dwellings?’
14 But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings,” says the Lord;
“I will kindle a fire in its forest,
And it shall devour all things around it.”‘ (Jeremiah 21:12-14)

11 The Lord has fulfilled His fury,
He has poured out His fierce anger.
He kindled a fire in Zion,
And it has devoured its foundations. (Lamentations 4:11)

15 There the fire will devour you,
The sword will cut you off;
It will eat you up like a locust. (Nahum 3:15)

Although my prayers are with those affected by the fires and other severe weather, I also pray that those in the USA will repent as worse problems are ahead if it continues to go in a moral direction away from the Bible. Weather problems can be a warning.

Jesus taught:

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

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

The sorrows and troubles are just beginning and will get much worse.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Weather Blessings and Sorrows Are weather problems a warning? What should be done? Here is a related YouTube video Does God Use Weather?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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?
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.
Do Christians Sin? This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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? For a more detailed discussion of the first four commandments, please see the video The Ten Commandments: Loving God
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.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Mecca

COGwriter

For some time, World News Daily (WND) has been running items supportive the improper view that the final Antichrist and his base will be related to Islam as opposed to Europe.  A reader sent me a recent article by Walid Shoebat that continues that theme.  The article begins with:

‘MYSTERY BABYLON’ IS MECCA NOT VATICAN

When it comes to Mystery Babylon, the common theory among many Protestant theologians is to equate it with Rome since according to them Rome is the city of seven hills. Others even equate it with actual Iraq itself since Iraq was where the original Babylon resided.  http://www.wnd.com/2013/05/mystery-babylon-is-mecca-not-vatican/#smk12W2vabsAVqm3.99

Let’s address the second point first.  Those who believe that “Mystery Babylon” the great is ancient Babylon are wrong.  The Bible says that Mystery Babylon sits on seven-hills/mountains (Revelation 17:5,9,18).  Ancient Babylon is on a plain without any mountains, hence it cannot be the final Mystery Babylon, Mother of Harlots that is discussed in Revelation 17.  Many Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Church of God theologians recognize that the city of seven-hills is Rome.

To a great degree, the article is based upon Walid Shoebat’s misunderstanding of Isaiah 21:

Iran (biblical Elam) must destroy Arabia. In Isaiah 21:9, Isaiah levels a prophetic oracle against Babylon using the same announcement in Revelation 18:1-2 and Revelation 14:8: “Babylon is fallen, is fallen”:

“The burden against Dumah” (Isaiah 21:11)
“The burden against Arabia” (Isaiah 21:13)
“All the glory of Kedar will fail” (Isaiah 21:16).

These are all in Arabia, which is destroyed by Iran “Elam” (Isaiah 21:2).

There has been an immense oversight by many in the field of biblical eschatology: When it comes to the destruction of end-days Babylon, Scripture makes no mention of any of the ancient Babylonian cities – Nineveh, Ur, Babel, Erech, Accad, Sumer, Assur, Calneh, Mari, Karana, Ellpi, Eridu, Kish, or Tikrit.

Let’s address the last point above first.  It is true that the Mystery Babylon that is discussed in Revelation is not directly mentioned with the other ancient Babylonian cities–but that is because the end-time Babylon is a reference to the city of Rome and the Roman Empire (as even most Roman Catholic scholars will tell you).

Walid Shoebat claims that Iran must destroy Arabia, but that passage of scripture does not teach that.  Walid Shoebat failed to actually fully quote various scriptures, instead he interpreted them.  Let’s look at what the first few passages in Isaiah 21 actually say:

1 The burden against the Wilderness of the Sea.

As whirlwinds in the South pass through,
So it comes from the desert, from a terrible land.
2 A distressing vision is declared to me;
The treacherous dealer deals treacherously,
And the plunderer plunders.
Go up, O Elam!
Besiege, O Media!
All its sighing I have made to cease.  (Isaiah 21:1-2)

Notice that this is the burden against “the Wilderness of the Sea.”

There are several brief points to understand:

1. The Beast of the sea is European, and that can be proven by looking at passages such as Revelation 13:1; Joshua 9:1; 23:4; Ezekiel 47:13-16; Daniel 7:2-8.
2. Babylon essentially becomes a wilderness AFTER it has is fallen (cf. Revelation 18:2).
3. Elam mainly goes there for plunder.  (Media, has another role, and I may address that later.)
4. Mecca is not a city of seven-hills/mountains.  It is more like a valley.  The article by Walid Shoebat never explains that point.
5. Unlike Rome (cf. Revelation 17:18), Mecca has not ruled over the Western world.
6. Certain scholars believe that Mecca is the same place as the biblical area of Paran.
7. Paran is mentioned 12 times in the Old Testament (NKJV search) and never once is there a hint that it is end time Babylon.  Nor is it directly mentioned as such in the New Testament.

While other passages in Isaiah 21 do discuss the destruction of Turkey (as does Jeremiah 49:21 that Walid Shoebat also mentioned as part of his ‘proof’) and then Arabia, they do not tie this directly with Elam.  Yet, Walid Shoebat in his article does and expands on that more.

Walid Shoebat essentially seems to believe that because Arabia is mentioned later in the same chapter (and chapter breaks were made by humans and not God) that this means that Iran will destroy Mecca.  And because Babylon is mentioned in Isaiah 21:9, that Mecca is the seat of Mystery Babylon.  Yet, this simply does not fit with the description of Mystery Babylon in Revelation 17.  Here are a couple of quotes from that chapter of the Bible:

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”

3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.  5 And on her forehead a name was written:

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

7 But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits…18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:1-9,18)

Anyway, the positions sometimes reported at WND that the Islamic world is Mystery Babylon or that the final Antichrist is Islamic are in error.  While the Bible does tell of a leader of the Arab/Turkish lands rising up (and since those lands are dominated by Islam, it is logical to conclude that this leader will be Muslim), that leader is referred to as the King of the South (Daniel 11:40).

And while he and much of his empire will be destroyed (Daniel 11:40-43), that happens prior to the empire of the Mystery Babylon, which happens later (Daniel 11:44-45).

Iran is not the King of the South, Mecca is not Mystery Babylon, and the final Antichrist will not be Muslim.

Some links of related interest may include:

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 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 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.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? Former Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now Pope Francis. According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? Could Francis be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? Could a Jesuit be “the black pope”?
Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist? 1964 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist? This video quotes all scriptures that mention the terms Antichrist or antichrists. It also gives examples of the type of deceptions, signs, and results of the time of the final Antichrist. It mentions certain Catholic prophecies and provides some disturbing quotes about Pope Francis. It discusses Antichrist’s role in Armageddon. It quotes Jesus about the coming deception and what Christians should do.
The Antichrist Quiz Do you really know much about the Antichrist?
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.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. Is telling the truth about the early church citing Catholic accepted sources anti-Catholic? This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church. There is also a YouTube sermon on the subject titled Church of God or Church of Rome: What Do Catholic Scholars Admit About Early Church History?
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?
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.

Non-GMO and GMO-Breeding for Plants

COGwriter

A few days ago, I reported that genetically modified wheat was ‘unexpectedly” found in Oregon (USA finds unapproved GMO wheat growing in Oregon).  Now some in the international community are boycotting importing USA grown wheat:

June 2, 2103

Monsanto is a Ticking Time Bomb for U.S. Agriculture: Japan halts Imports of U.S. Wheat after USDA’s Finding of Genetic Pollution from GMOs

It has already begun: Japan has just cancelled a large contract to purchase U.S. wheat. “We will refrain from buying western white and feed wheat effective today,” Toru Hisadome, a Japanese farm ministry official in charge of wheat trading, told Reuters…

Now we’re already seeing the result: the ditching of U.S. wheat by world nations that want nothing to do with GMOs.

Monsanto is a ticking time bomb for U.S. agriculture

This proves, without any question, that Monsanto’s genetic experiments which “escaped” into commercial wheat fields are now going to devastate U.S. wheat farmers. Expect the floor to drop out on wheat prices, and watch for a huge backlash against the USDA by U.S. farmers who stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars on this.

As the USDA has now admitted, Monsanto’s GMO experiments from 1998 – 2005 were held in open wheat fields. The genetically engineered wheat escaped and found its way into commercial wheat fields in Oregon (and possibly 15 other states), causing self-replicating genetic pollution that now taints the entire U.S. wheat industry.

“Asian consumers are keenly sensitive to gene-altered food, with few countries allowing imports of such cereals for human consumption,” writes Reuters. It continues:

Asia imports more than 40 million tonnes of wheat annually, almost a third of the global trade of 140-150 million tonnes. The bulk of the region’s supplies come from the United States, the world’s biggest exporter, and Australia, the No. 2 supplier.  Another incredible Monsanto achievement: the genetic contamination of the U.S. wheat supply

Nice job, Monsanto. You’ve managed to spew your genetic pollution across the fields of innocent U.S. farmers who are now going to lose huge sums of money due to the reject of U.S. wheat by all the other world nations that refuse to feed their populations GMO…

Genetically modified wheat is only the beginning. Monsanto has no doubt unleashed genetic pollution across many other crops as well. We’re now living in an age where Monsanto is essentially ejaculating its patented seed across all the farms of America, then claiming to “own” the contaminated crops.  http://www.globalresearch.ca/monsanto-is-a-ticking-time-bomb-for-u-s-agriculture-japan-halts-imports-of-u-s-wheat-after-usdas-finding-of-genetic-pollution-from-gmos/5337283

June 1, 2013

(CBS News) An international backlash against U.S. agricultural practices is building in response to the discovery of genetically modified wheat on a farm in Oregon.

Commercial farming of genetically modified wheat is banned in the United States. The practice is primarily not allowed because about half of America’s wheat is sold overseas and many foreign countries prohibit the import of genetically modified foods.

So when modified wheat was discovered recently on a small farm in Oregon, the response from U.S. trading partners was fierce. Japan, the number one buyer of U.S. wheat, suspended some imports, as did South Korea.

Korean scientists are testing their U.S. wheat for signs of genetic modification and the European Union is also urging its 27 member nations to test American wheat.

It’s not known how the modified wheat got into the Oregon field. Genetically it’s the same wheat that Monsanto tested for possible commercial use in 16 states including Oregon a decade ago.

In a statement the food giant says the presence now of any modified wheat from their experiment is “unexpected” and likely to be “very limited.”

There are many, many risks with GMO crops. This wheat crop allegedly occurred because “some of them unexpectedly survived.”  Let me add that I do believe that GMOs are a ticking time bomb.

No matter what the USA government or other officials claim, there is no humanly possible way to guarantee that genetically-modified organisms ” no threat to the environment or to people.”

The timing is not good for Monsanto.  There were protests worldwide against Monsanto a few days before this GMO-wheat story broke (see Thousands worldwide march against Monsanto).  Yet on the other hand, Monsanto may not care too much as it was granted immunity from lawsuits related to its GMO-products by the government of the USA earlier this year (H.R. 933 includes pro-GMO provision that some call ‘Monsanto Protection Act’).

The fact that this GMO strain of wheat survived when presumably USA government and/or Monsanto scientists did not think that it could is further proof that there are many unknowns with GMOs.

The Koreans and others have reason to want to test and question what Monsanto and USDA officials claim.  I have long felt that GMOs may be one of the justifications that the Europeans will have for their eventual taking over of the USA (cf. Daniel 8:25;11:39).

Thousands of years ago, God inspired one of his prophets to pen the following, which encourages people to eat what is good:

2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. (Isaiah 55:2)

Most bread is made up of wheat.

Intentionally eating GMOs, in my view, is not good. But as official policy, the US government does not want to let consumers know if they are buying GMO foods.

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

Barack Obama broke a campaign pledge about requiring that genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in foods be labeled (Philpott T. Obama’s broken promise on GMO Food Labeling. Mother Jones, October 6, 2011). And while he at some point in time may change on this, the fact is that he has taken steps to encourage the production and use of GMO “foods” (cf. Isaiah 55:2) (Anderman RH. Obama Deregulates GMO Crops Despite Supreme Court Injunction. Tikkun, June 2, 2011; Huff EA. The Obama administration love affair with GMOs is selling America down the river for agricultural ruin. Natural News, August 21, 2011).

Increased reliance on GMOs by the United States puts the nation at major risk for nearly complete crop failures.  The Bible warns that famines (Matthew 24:7) and food shortages (Revelation 6:5-6) are coming and Barack Obama has further helped set the stage for this.  (Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term. Nazarene Books, 2013, pp. 47-48)

Perhaps I should add that Barack Obama signed into law something that has been called the Monsanto Protection Act (H.R. 933 includes pro-GMO provision that some call ‘Monsanto Protection Act’).

The reliance on GMOs is putting the USA at risk for destruction.  This wheat incident is further proof that there are real risks.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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, 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 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?
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
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.
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? See also the video Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013?

Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

COGwriter

There have been a lot of protests in Turkey the past several days:

2 June 2013

Turkey protests: Hundreds reoccupy Istanbul square

Almost 1,000 people were detained in more than 90 protests held across the country, as Catharina Moh reports…Interior Minister Muammer Guler said 90 demonstrations had taken place in 48 cities after the protests spiralled. He said some of those arrested had since been released but others would be put on trial.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22744728

June 2, 2013

Thousands of Turks in Istanbul had protested well into Saturday night in what has turned into a nationwide anti-government out-pouring.

Protesters in the capital Ankara set fires to cars and buildings, causing clouds of smoke to mix with of tear gas.

What had started as a small sit-in against the renovation of a central Istanbul square has spiraled into chaos as thousands took to the streets to protest against what they see as Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian style.

Erdogan vowed to press ahead with the redevelopment project and called for demonstrators to end their protests.

Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler said more than 900 people have been arrested in protests across the country, while 26 police officers and 53 citizens have been wounded.  Some of those arrested have already been released.

Analysts say the unrest signifies growing discontent over the policies of the Islamist-dominated government, which some accuse of becoming increasingly authoritarian.

Mine Eder, a political science professor at Istanbul’s Bogazici University, tells VOA the movement is drawing from a broad range of the Turkish population.

“I think is sort of a spontaneous civil movement that started with the ownership of the trees and sort of turned into this ‘We’ve had enough with this government and with this style of governance and with the unwillingness of the government to listen to us’,” she said.  http://www.voanews.com/content/anti-government-protests-subside-in-turkey/1673505.html

What is ahead, prophetically, for Turkey?

One thing to expect is an alliance involving Arab, Turkish, and European nations:

3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. 4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” 5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. (Psalms 83:3-8)

Understand that the Bible indicates that the Turks (who are not Arabs, but seem to be Edom in scripture) will make a deal with the rising European power (Assyria above), along with the Arabs and Turkey (Psalm 83).

Notice also the following:

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.   (Daniel 11:40-42)

It is important to realize that Edom/Turkey escapes what happens to the King of the South in Daniel 11:40-43.  Thus, despite a deal with the Arabs, Turkey is apparently not a going to be a strong supporter of the final King of the South for very long.  But apparently it will be for a short while.

Notice also the following:

25…And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. 26 Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain.  (Daniel 11:25-26)

In the above, we see that some allies of the King of the South betray him.  Since the King of the South will be over predominantly Islamic nations, Turkey is predominantly Islamic, and Edom/Turkey is mentioned in conjunction with the King of the South, yet escapes punishment (Daniel 11:40-42), it appears that Turkey will likely somewhat support the King of the South for a time, but will betray him.

Interestingly, notice the following Catholic prophecy about betrayal:

Nostradamus: The Great Arab shall progress well forward, But betrayed shall be by the Byzantines. (Turks).

Comment on above from Catholic writer Yves Dupont: Here, we are told that Turkey will break its faith with the rest of the Arab world. (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 107).

The “Great Arab” is probably supposed to represent the Mahdi/Caliph, the final King of the South. The Turks currently control the area of Byzantium and have for many centuries. Hence, Catholic prophecy indicates that Turkey will betray the Islamic Arabic power.  I also believe that the possibility that those in Turkey will be misled by signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9) may be a factor in them betraying the King of the South and supporting the final European Beast power.

As shown earlier, Daniel 11:25-26 is quite clear that an ally of the King of the South will betray the King of the South. If Daniel 11:25-26 has future fulfillment (and as it seems to parallel Daniel 11:40-43 it may), it would seem that there will be close allies (like Turkey) that will betray the King of the South according to scripture as well.

There are also passages in the Bible that Turkey will be part of the destruction of Israel and will be punished for that (for details, see the article The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy).

In the past I have written that the King of the North will arise after civil unrest in Europe.  I have also written that the King of the South may rise in a fashion similar to the King of the North.

Hence, I believe that civil unrest in the Arab and Turkish world will be factors in the rise of the King of the South and the establishment of his empire.  The protests in Turkey, the Arab Spring, and other protests in the Arab world are setting the stage for the rise of this King of the South.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? This video provides answers.
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi?
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say?
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.
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 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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.

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

COGwriter

The sermon that was recommended yesterday to watch for those associated with the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) was titled: CCOG: Answers and Doctrine.

This sermon covered multiple topics, answering questions that were previously submitted to the old Worldwide/Radio Church of God.

The sermon is available online at the ContinuingCOG channel.  Or you can click directly on the following link: CCOG: Answers and Doctrine.

More about the Continuing Church of God can be found at its website www.ccog.org.

Here is a link to the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God.

Those who read Tagalog may wish to read the article: Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos

Those who read Spanish may wish to read the article: Declaración de las Doctrinas de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios

Pope Francis (Source: presidencia.gov.ar)

COGwriter

Commentator Bill Maher made the news for his comments about Pope Francis:

June 1, 2013

Maher: They’re going to ‘poison’ Pope Francis for being too progressive…

Bill Maher said the he thinks newly-appointed Pope Francis and some other Catholic Church leaders may be secret atheists…Maher began by pointing out that when people want to ask if something is self-evident or obvious, they say, “Is the Pope Catholic?”

“Well,” said Maher, “I think he might not be.”…“They’re going to poison him,” opined Maher.  http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/06/01/maher-theyre-going-to-poison-pope-francis-for-being-too-progressive/