Church of God News

COGwriter

NSA is admitting some of its espionage:

July 31, 2013

The U.S. has declassified secret orders that allowed it to engage in massive surveillance of the phone calls and Internet usage of Americans, information about two clandestine programs that former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden leaked last month.

The government released the orders Wednesday, but blacked out key information, such as the names of the telephone companies it sought the records from. The release of the documents appeared to be a new effort by President Barack Obama’s administration to support its claim that the data collection is necessary to thwart terrorist attacks on the country…

Even as the government released the information, Britain’s Guardian newspaper disclosed details of another clandestine NSA program leaked by Snowden, XKeyscore. The newspaper said the agency boasted that XKeyscore is its “widest-reaching” system, with analysts able to monitor online Internet chats and the browsing history of millions of Internet users.

The scope of the surveillance has surprised many Americans and sparked a debate whether it ought to be curtailed. The House of Representatives narrowly rejected a bid last week to end some of the spying.

But at a hearing on the surveillance Wednesday, the chairman of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy of Vermont, voiced skepticism about the need for the spying.

“The government is already collecting data on millions of innocent Americans on a daily basis, based on a secret legal interpretation of the statute that does not, on its face, intend to authorize this kind of bulk collection,” he said. “So what’s going to be next? When is enough, is enough?”  http://www.voanews.com/content/us-declassifies-surveillance-documents-that-snowden-leaked/1713851.html

Apparently the government of the USA does not believe it is close to having enough data collection.  The reality is that more and more is coming out about the massive data collection and espionage of the government of the USA–its appetite for this seems close to limitless.  Notice one project it has been working on:

In May, crews broke ground on a $792 million computing center at the agency’s headquarters near Baltimore that will complement the Utah site. Together the Utah center and Maryland’s 28-acre computer farm span 228 acres—more than seven times the size of the Pentagon.READ MORE: http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2013/07/nsas-big-dig/67406/

The USA’s appetite for collecting data is enormous.  Notice how a Russia Orthodox Archpriest views some of this:

Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power? Various allegations have surfaced about the United States government spying on its own citizens as well as its supposed allies in the European Union. Whether or not all the espionage allegations are true, and the main ones have not been publicly denied by the government of the USA, the reality is that this does have prophetic ramifications and will help the Beast of Revelation. This video provides quotes from the Bible showing how this is so. The USA is placing itself in a position to be taken over and its response to the allegations will make it easier for the Europeans to do so.
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?
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?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Mohamed Morsi, Official Photograph

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood continues to demand the return to power of  Egypt’s elected President Mohamed Morsi:

July 31, 2013

Prospects for a quick return to peace in Egypt are slim as the Muslim Brotherhood calls for continued street protests demanding the return to power of ousted President Mohamed Morsi.  World leaders are urging the two sides to come to a compromise.

.

Morsi supporters vow the protests will continue until he is returned to power, even after more than 80 of them were killed in recent clashes.  On Tuesday, hundreds of women marched in Cairo calling for Morsi’s reinstatement.

.

“I am here so I could express myself and tell the world that this was not a revolution,” a protester said.”It was an illegitimate military coup.”

.

The march coincided with a visit by European Union policy chief Catherine Ashton, the first outsider to meet with the detained president.

U.S. President Barack Obama has asked U.S. Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, (both members of the Armed Services Committee),  to travel to Egypt next week to push for speedy elections. http://www.voanews.com/content/egyptian-peace-elusive-as-muslim-brotherhood-insists-on-morsi-return/1713518.html

The USA wants to overlook the previous presidential election in Egypt, it refuses to call a military coup d’état a coup, and apparently hopes for a new and speedy presidential election as it must be embarrassed that its support for the military-installed government has resulted in it killing scores and being protested against.

Egyptians are not stupid and many recall that the USA long has had a policy of encouraging democracy in the Arab World.  Now, because of matters of let’s call’ political expediency,’ the USA reneged on supporting what it claimed to support.  Notice also:

Let’s review US policy toward Egypt to see the foolish hypocrisy of the government’s interventionism: First the US props up the unelected Hosni Mubarak for decades, spending tens of billions of dollars to keep him in power. Then the US provides assistance to those who in 2011 successfully overthrew Mubarak. Then the US demands an election. The Egyptians held an election that was deemed free and fair and shortly afterward the US-funded military overthrows the elected president. Then the US government warns the military that it needs to restore democracy – the very democracy that was destroyed by military coup! All the while the US government will not allow itself to utter the word “coup” when discussing what happened in Egypt yesterday because it would mean they might have to stop sending all those billions of dollars to Egypt.

All this they do with a straight face.  http://original.antiwar.com/paul/2013/07/05/us-egypt-policies-dont-pass-the-laugh-test/

Former Director General of Al Jazeera Wadah Khanfar joined me Monday for a wide-ranging conversation on the ongoing violence in Egypt, slamming the military’s “horrific” crackdown on civilians and accusing the United States of hypocrisy, predicting both civil war in Egypt and the “collapse of the entire region” if there is no real U.S. intervention against military violence there.

Khanfar, whose HuffPost blog post last week focused on the Egyptian military’s role in dragging the country closer to a civil war, said the unprecedented amount of violence the military has carried out against the people in recent days marks “a beginning of a new history where people will give up on democracy and will turn to defend themselves through violence.”

Throughout the interview, Khanfar repeatedly used the word “coup,” calling the recent images of civilians harmed by military “horrific” and saying that “the Arab world did not sleep [two nights ago] watching live the shooting and killing by the military of people who were not armed.” …

Ultimately, Khanfar blames the United States government for “putting security above freedom” and failing to stand up to restore democracy in Egypt. He said that Egyptian people see the US as unwilling to “call things as they are” and will ultimately hold America accountable if the violence persists.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/wadah-khanfar-blasts-egyp_n_3671948.html

This USA hypocrisy is obvious.  This ultimately will not turn out well for the USA (cf. Psalm 83:2-8; Isaiah 10:5-11, KJV).

That being said, Bible prophecy shows that many relatively near term events will also not turn out well for Egypt.  Notice one such prophecy:

4 And the Egyptians I will give
Into the hand of a cruel master,
And a fierce king will rule over them,
Says the Lord, the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 19:4)

The Bible is clear that a King of the South will rise up in the areas of North Africa and the Middle East (Daniel 11:40-43).  Egypt will lead or at least support this King, and Egypt will not fare well (Daniel 11:42).

An Egyptian-related confederation is also discussed in Ezekiel:

4 The sword shall come upon Egypt,And great anguish shall be in Ethiopia, When the slain fall in Egypt, And they take away her wealth, And her foundations are broken down.

5 “Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, all the mingled people, Chub, and the men of the lands who are allied, shall fall with them by the sword.”

6 ‘Thus says the Lord:

“Those who uphold Egypt shall fall,And the pride of her power shall come down.From Migdol to Syene Those within her shall fall by the sword,” Says the Lord God.  7 “They shall be desolate in the midst of the desolate countries, And her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are laid waste. 8 Then they will know that I am the Lord, When I have set a fire in EgyptAnd all her helpers are destroyed. 9 On that day messengers shall go forth from Me in ships To make the careless Ethiopians afraid, And great anguish shall come upon them, As on the day of Egypt; For indeed it is coming!”  (Ezekiel 30:4-9)

Egypt will not fare well in the future.  Events in Egypt are setting the stage for these and other prophecies to be fulfilled.

But I should add that not all is lost for the Egyptians.  They too will ultimately be offered salvation, and the Bible shows that many there will take it.  Notice:

19 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. 20 And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. 21 Then the Lord will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it.  22 And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them.

23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians.

24 In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria — a blessing in the midst of the land, 25 whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.”  (Isaiah 19:19-25)

So, despite the bad news, there ultimately will be good news for the Egyptians, along with the rest of humanity, in the coming Kingdom of God.  All should heed Jesus’ words and pray, “Your Kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This sermon video answers those questions.
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 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?
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.
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.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
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.
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

Herbert W. Armstrong was born 121 years ago, on July 31, 1892. And a lot has happened in the world since he was born. From automobiles to the space age, from paper to computers and the internet, from WWI to WWII to terrorism, from societal respect for biblical principles to abortion & homosexual marriage “rights.” There have been changes.

But “he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

Even though we in the most faithful COGs actually do not celebrate (but do acknowledge) birthdays, nor do we celebrate his (see also the article Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays?), since many who come to this page know little about him that this would be a good time to tell a few things about him.

We of the Continuing Church of God believe that God used Herbert W. Armstrong to restore much truth to the true Church of God and to raise up the Philadelphia era of the Church of God. Over the decades that I have been associated with the Church of God, I have repeatedly found both biblical as well as historical proof that the truths that were restored were in fact true. And in fact, the early church did teach them.

One day I may put together a single article showing that early professors of Christ did teach all these truths (and I do have most of them in a book I am currently working on–but it is much too large for an article). For now, however, I would refer readers to the following two articles:

Did You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made? Some have said healing, others other subjects, but probably the first change had to do with eliminating being part of the Philadelphia era. This article documents what those changes were and compares the Tkach list of restored truths to HWA’s list of restored truths. It contains many quotes from HWA.
History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? This page has articles documenting many beliefs of the early Church–and all these are doctrines that HWA taught.

Furthermore, while Protestants like to point to leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin, the truth is that unlike them, Herbert Armstrong was not involved in getting people killed–the true church does not do that (see Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare?). The same is true about many Roman Catholic Popes who instituted persecutions in forms such as the Inquisition. Some information on what those non-COG leaders have done to others throughout history may be found in the article Persecutions by Church and State.

Another difference between Martin Luther, John Calvin, Eastern Orthodox leaders, and Roman Catholic Popes vs. Herbert Armstrong is that HWA actually did believe more in the idea of sola Scriptura. He clearly tried to teach what the Bible taught, yet the other churches have all demonstrated their preference for tradition over what the Bible actually teaches. Articles that help document that would include:

Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the COG is NOT Protestant.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? This documented article answers those questions.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

Furthermore, HWA did more to get the truth of God to the world as a witness than any did since biblical times. Two articles of related interest may include:

Do You Believe God Used Herbert Armstrong to Raise Up the Philadelphia Era of the Church of God? Nearly everyone while in WCG used to believe this, most do not seem to anymore.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and HWA expect from evangelists?

Anyway, Herbert Armstrong always taught:

Don’t believe me – BELIEVE YOUR BIBLE – BELIEVE GOD! I always say…check up! Listen without prejudice, with open mind, then check up–go to your BIBLE, and BELIEVE what you read there. (Armstrong HW. Personal from the Editor. Plain Truth. September 1963.)

This is what I encourage readers of this website to do.

To see some of what Herbert Armstrong wrote and why he believed a lot of what he did, please see the article:

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains how he is and should be viewed today.

Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

COGwriter

The rate of deaths of bees has increased in the USA and is putting the food supply at risk:

Buzzfeeds: the effects of colony collapse disorder and other bee news

July 30, 2013

In the past six years, more than 10m beehives have been wiped out from a mystery disease called colony collapse disorder. This destruction has serious implications on worldwide ecology and economy.

Of the 100 crop species responsible for providing 90% of food worldwide, 71 are dependent on bee pollination, according to UN estimates (pdf). It’s difficult to pinpoint the financial implications of this destruction, but the international body says pollination is worth between $37bn and $91bn, annually…

Pollen filled with fungicides, insecticides and other agriculture chemicals was fed to healthy bees, that were then more likely to be infected by Nosema ceranae – the parasite linked to the decimation of honey bees…

There has been huge controversy over the UK government’s stance against banning certain pesticides implicated in bee deaths across the globe. The ban was introduced earlier this year Europe-wide despite the UK government’s resistance. Environmental groups have accused the government of being too close to big agricultural companies such as Syngenta.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jul/30/buzzfeeds-bees-colony-collapse-disorder

BEE APOCALYPSE NOW…

As we’ve written before, the mysterious mass die-off of honey bees that pollinate $30 billion worth of crops in the US has so decimated America’s apis mellifera population that one bad winter could leave fields fallow…

Scientists had struggled to find the trigger for so-called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) that has wiped out an estimated 10 million beehives, worth $2 billion, over the past six years. Suspects have included pesticides, disease-bearing parasites and poor nutrition. But in a first-of-its-kind study published…in the journal PLOS ONE, scientists at the University of Maryland and the US Department of Agriculture have identified a witch’s brew of pesticides and fungicides contaminating pollen that bees collect to feed their hives…

When researchers collected pollen from hives on the east coast pollinating cranberry, watermelon and other crops and fed it to healthy bees, those bees showed a significant decline in their ability to resist infection by a parasite called Nosema ceranae. The parasite has been implicated in Colony Collapse Disorder though scientists took pains to point out that their findings do not directly link the pesticides to CCD. The pollen was contaminated on average with nine different pesticides and fungicides though scientists discovered 21 agricultural chemicals in one sample. Scientists identified eight ag chemicals associated with increased risk of infection by the parasite.

Most disturbing, bees that ate pollen contaminated with fungicides were three times as likely to be infected by the parasite. Widely used, fungicides had been thought to be harmless for bees as they’re designed to kill fungus, not insects, on crops like apples.

http://qz.com/107970/scientists-discover-whats-killing-the-bees-and-its-worse-than-you-thought/

The USA and UK are at risk of food shortages if the bee situation gets much worse.  It is interesting to note that The Guardian said that some have accused the UK of protecting Syngenta, a company that is big in GMO ‘foods.’  The effects of GMOs, pesticides, and agricultural chemicals are more complicated than many realize, and this study related to bees helps demonstrate this.

A ‘bee apocalypse’ could very well be a step towards the real apocalypse and the start of the Great Tribulation of Matthew 24:21.

But, why be so concerned about bees? Basically because bees are necessary for the pollenization of many plants that humans eat. Wikipedia states:

It is estimated that one third of the human food supply depends on insect pollination, most of which is accomplished by bees, especially the domesticated European honey bee.

One third of human food possibly being dependent upon bees is a significant percentage. Losing half the bees could be devastating.

If pesticides and/or high fructose corn syrup are starting to kill honey bees, presuming this trend continues to increase, the food supply could greatly decrease. (Many are also concerned that the use of high fructose corn syrup, which is normally now from genetically-engineered corn, increases that risk for human health problems like diabetes, which keeps increasing in the world.) Overall, humans need bees much more that bees physically need humans.

Jesus warned that one of the “signs” of the end of the age would be famine:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-8)

We seem to be in the time Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows.”

Between the widespread and growing use of genetically modified (GMO) “foods,” pesticides, herbicides, and synthesized sweeteners, countries like the USA and UK are putting themselves at risk for the famines which are certain to come. Losing bees perhaps should be a sign that things are beginning to worsen.

At some time, famine will come to the USA and UK and many will die from it:

15 ‘So it shall be a reproach, a taunt, a lesson, and an astonishment to the nations that are all around you, when I execute judgments among you in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I, the Lord, have spoken. 16 When I send against them the terrible arrows of famine which shall be for destruction, which I will send to destroy you, I will increase the famine upon you and cut off your supply of bread. 17 So I will send against you famine and wild beasts, and they will bereave you. Pestilence and blood shall pass through you, and I will bring the sword against you. I, the Lord, have spoken.’ (Ezekiel 5:15-17)

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Some articles of related interest may include:

GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here is a related YouTube video GMO Risks and the Bible. 
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided 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?
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 happens in the “beginning of sorrows”? What is the Day of the Lord?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilence? What will it bring and when?
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.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

Iranian leaders are watching events and preparing for war:

July 30, 2013

Iran slams West’s hypocrisy over rights violations by terrorists in Syria

Speaking at a UN General Assembly session on Syria, Gholam Hossein Dehqani…Describing reports about violations of human rights by the extremist groups in Syria as shocking, the Iranian official said, “The violation of human rights in Syria is happening against the followers of all religions, including Shias, Sunnis, the Druze, Christians, and Kurds; and it is not limited to one ethnicity or religion.”

“Unfortunately, none of the foreign parties [to the conflict] have adopted a stance against such measures and the presence of foreign militants in Syria over the past two years; and they have turned a blind eye to the crimes [committed] by the extremists,” Dehqani added.

“Extremist and terrorist groups as well as their supporters must be held accountable for their actions,” the Iranian official said. http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/07/30/316312/iran-slams-west-hypocrisy-over-syria/

July 29, 2013

Iran is again asserting that Armageddon is at hand and that the Islamic regime’s followers, indeed all of Islam, must prepare for a monumental change in the world.

Officials of the Islamic regime last month held their annual conference on the Mahdism Doctrine to prepare for the coming of the last Islamic messiah, the Shiites’ 12th Imam, Mahdi.

Shiites, whose clerics rule Iran with an iron fist, believe that at the end of times, Mahdi, a 9th century prophet, will reappear with Jesus Christ at his side, kill all the infidels and raise the flag of Islam in all four corners of the world, establishing worldwide Islamic governance.

Ali Larijani, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, said at the conference that, “I hope (Iran’s) Islamic Revolution is that of the righteous government before the coming,” according to Fars News Agency, the regime’s media outlet run by the Revolutionary Guards.

“Righteous government” is a key to Mahdi’s return, the Shiites believe.

“It has been stated in the Islamic hadith that a wave of uprisings (such as the current upheavals in the Arab world) … takes place before the main uprising and that the righteous government (takes place) before the coming, which I hope (Iran’s) Islamic Revolution is that.”…

Hadiths from Ali, the Shiites’ 1st Imam, also state that a sign of the coming will be the fall of the walls of Damascus.

Hosseinian told the audience that they should prepare themselves for war.  http://www.wnd.com/2013/07/iran-armageddon-at-hand-prepare-for-war/

July 29, 2013

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors adopted a resolution tabled by the EU with 27 votes in favor, three against and five abstaining to report the Iranian nuclear issue to the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Iran responded to IAEA’s decision by announcing stop of implementation of the additional protocol of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and full resumption of uranium-enrichment. Almost immediately Israel threatened by saying that Iran would pay ‘dearly’ for this…The international community is very concerned with the possible disastrous prospects. The Iranian nuclear issue seems to reach a point where question arises as to whether there is even a road ahead. http://www.politicalaffairs.net/iran-nuclear-issue-is-there-a-road-ahead/

There is no doubt that the West has been somewhat hypocritical about the rebels in Syria.  Furthermore, the USA clearly has also been hypocritical about its positions in Egypt as the USA has long claimed it wanted democracy in the Arab world, yet it is backing a military coup there (while also claiming that a coup is not a coup; see, e.g. Egypt’s new government kills scores and injures hundreds of demonstrators).

But I would like to focus this post mainly about Iran’s preparations for war, the end of Damascus, and the Imam Mahdi.

First, since Iran is not the final King of the South of Bible prophecy (it is basically straight East, not South, of Jerusalem) yet is a significant military power among the Islamic nations, I have long felt that it will have to have its influence somewhat ‘neutralized.’  This is likely to come from a regional war and/or civil uprising.  At this moment, many there are edging toward war. The report that Iran will stop of implementation of the additional protocol of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty shows that it is moving forward for plans that seem war-like.

A video that Iran released a few years ago basically claims that Iran will invade Israel, hopefully get Arab support for its version of Islamic governance, takeover Jerusalem, and hand Jerusalem over to the Imam Mahdi (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).  While events will not happen quite like the video portrays (which includes various Iranian leaders in it, including its outgoing President Ahmadinejad), it does show that Iran expects to get Jerusalem via war.  Here is more about the video from my book Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term:

Apparently in March 2011, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad approved a video that quotes someone as saying this Imam Mahdi leader arrives after a time of great earthquakes and sedition.  It says that, according to the Hadith, Iran is to be among the “preparers” for the arrival of the Imam.  It blames the U.S.A. and its allies for causing Islamic fear-mongering since 9/11/2001.  The video indicates that Islamic writings have warned that westerners would invade the Middle East first; it suggests that Iraq and other western military interventions are proof that the Imam Mahdi is about to appear.  It tells that a time of Arab/Islamic cooperation is prophesied, while also claiming that annihilation of the “Zionist regime” needs to happen prior to the arrival of the Mahdi.

And the video goes further.  It says that the Hadith tells of a leader named Abdullah, states that the ill King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia is the first Abdullah leader in a hundred years, and then it cites something that states when Abdullah dies the reappearance is guaranteed.  It claims that Iran is the most powerful force in the Middle East.  It claims that their prophecies state that a Seyed Khorasani will turn Jerusalem over to the Imam Mahdi.  It discusses prophesies that Islamic antichrists must rise up and hints that the Free Masons, with their influence on American, European, Israeli, and apparently certain Arabic leaders, has fulfilled this.  The video shows a picture of Hosni Mubarak along with a prophecy that the leader of Egypt must die prior to the arrival of the Imam Mahdi.  (However, even though Hosni Mubarak is no longer the leader of Egypt, he still was alive but ill in early 2013.  So might some in Iran decide they need to do something soon?) (Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term. Nazarene Books, 2013, pp. 23-24)

Second, the Bible is clear that Damascus, the capital of Syria will be destroyed:

8 For the head of Syria is Damascus (Isaiah 7:8)

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

But, notice also Islamic prophecy:

Traditions have been reported mentioning the signs for the time of the appearance of the Imam who will arise (qa’im), peace be on him, and the events which will take place before his appearance, together with the indications and features of it. Among them are: The Sufyani will come out in revolt; the Hasanid will be killed; the Abbasids will dispute over worldly kingdom; there will be an eclipse of the sun in the middle of the month of Ramadan; there will be an eclipse of the moon at the end of that month in contrast to ordinary happenings; the land will be swallowed up at al-Bayda’; it will be swallowed in the east-it will be swallowed up in the west; the sun will stay still from the time of its decline to the middle of the time for the afternoon prayer; it will rise from the west; a pure soul (nafs zakiyya) will be killed in the outskirts of Kufa with seventy righteous men; a Hashimite will be slaughtered between the corner (of the Ka’ba) and the station of Abraham); the wall of the mosque of Kufa will be destroyed; black standards will advance from Khurasan; al-Yamani will come out in revolt; al-Maghribi will appear in Egypt and take possession of it from Syria; the Turk will occupy the region of al-Jazira; the Byzantines will occupy Ramla; the star will appear in the east giving light just like the moon gives light; then (the new moon) will bend until its two tips almost meet; a colour will appear in the sky and spread to its horizons; a fire will appear for a long time in the east remaining in the air for three or seven days; the Arabs will throw off the reins and take possession of their land, throwing out the foreign authority; the people of Egypt will kill their ruler and destroy Syria; and three standards will dispute over it (Syria)…

The Abbasids will dispute; a voice will call from the sky; one of the villages of Syria called al-Jabiyya will be swallowed up; the Turks will occupy the region of al-Jazira; the Byzantines will attack al-Ramla; at that time there will be much conflict throughout the land until Syria is destroyed.  (Kitab al Irshad Chapter: The Twelfth Imam (Peace be on him) Page (s): 541 – 548 Published by Tehrike Tersile Qura’n.  Contributed by Br. Ali Abbas, abbas@seas.gwu.edu  http://www.al-islam.org/masoom/bios/12thimam.html viewed 7/22/12)

Some in Iran may see the Arab Spring, the removal of Egypt’s President Morsi (especially if he, or perhaps his predecessor Hosni Mubarek is killed or otherwise dies) as well as a war involving Syria as the fulfillment of Islamic prophecy and the event leading to the ultimate rise of Iran.  This will be a mistake for Iran, but since some events have been consistent with certain Islamic prophecies, many in Iran would want to support this.  Although major military aggression will be a disaster for Iran, this does not mean that parties that may be involved such as Israel and/or the USA will not be unscathed.  The reality is that the cost to the USA and/or Israel for a regional war involving Iran and/or Syria will be higher than many in the USA or Israel believe. Between terrorist acts, sustained resistance, chemical weapons (Syria Reportedly Has Loaded Chemical Weapons into Bombs), biological weapons, Electro-magnetic pulse bombs (EMP attack can do more than knock-out electricity), and/or even disruptions of the internet (Iran Believed to be Behind Cyber-Attacks Against US Banks), Iran and/or Syria can inflict significant damage to their enemies. The possible cyber-attacks are just one more way Iran can cause consternation (it may be both on the receiving and sending end of that as well as EMP attacks).

Third, while many in the West seem to want to believe that Iran’s new leadership will be peace-oriented, the incoming President-Elect Hassan Rouhani (who is take office later this week), credits this Imam Mahdi for his election (see Iran’s President-elect wants to negotiate with the USA and credits the ‘Islamic messiah’ for his election).

The Imam Mahdi that many in the Islamic world sounds like the biblical King of the South.  Notice also the following:

But who is the “king of the south”?…in verse 40 we skip to “the time of the end”…The verse undoubtedly found partial fulfillment in the offensive of 1896…But Mussolini did not finish the prophecy…Just as there is yet to be a final “king of the north”…there may very well emerge in the same manner a final “king of the south”–an overall leader of an Arab-Moslem confederation, possibly bearing the very title Mahdi…a prophetic psalm (Psalm 83) provides additional insight into the Mideast picture. Germany (Assyria in Bible prophecy) and perhaps the rest of Europe will be in league in the future with a union of Arab nations…But in the end, this European-Arab alliance will prove short-lived…And the king of the north shall come against him [the king of the south]…Daniel 11:40-41…The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the fact of invasion. (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, pp. 11-12).

Interestingly, within Islam, there is a belief that someone who sounds like the biblical “King of the South” of Daniel 11, who they tend to call the Mahdi or 12th Imam will participate in a deal like the one in Daniel 9:27…the Bible predicts the rise in the end time of a Future King of the South—and this person may be the one that Muslims will consider to be their prophesied “Mahdi.” …“the Muslim World League issued a fatwa in October of 1976 commanding Sunni Muslims to believe in the concept of an Islamic Savior called the Mahdi.”…Shi’ites also would do well to recognize that just because someone may claim to be the final Imam (or Mahdi), does not mean that God will agree that he should be followed. Neither Sunnis nor Shi’ites should support one who will appear to possibly be the final Imam in the next decade; whoever claims to be will be defeated soundly (Daniel 11:40-43). (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, Nazarene Books, 2009).

Now, while I do not believe that the Iranian version of the Imam Mahdi will appear and accomplish want Iran’s leadership seems to want, it may be that after the destruction of Damascus that the Islamic world will decide that it must support some type of a strong-man dictator.  This leader will likely profess some version of Islam, while his focus will be conquest.  But the Bible shows that he will ultimately fail and come to his end (Daniel 11:40-43).

However, because Iran’s leaders keep pushing for their version of the Imam Mahdi, they may very well be setting the stage for an Arabic King of the South to rise up.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach 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 Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This is a YouTube video.
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.
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 ‘Mary’ in the Basilica of Mary Major That Pope Francis Prays Before (Photo by Joyce Thiel, June 2013)

COGwriter

The focus of Pope Francis on his versions of ‘Mary’ keeps being confirmed.  Notice also the following:

Immediately upon returning to Rome after his first international voyage, Pope Francis stopped at the Roman basilica of St. Mary Major to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the success of World Youth Day. The Pope had made an unannounced trip to St. Mary Major just before his flight to Brazil for the World Youth Day celebration. He returned to the basilica after his return flight landed at Rome’s Ciampino airport on July 29.The visit was the Pope’s 3rd surprise stop at St. Mary Major. He had stunned observers on the day after his election to the papacy by crossing Rome to pray there for the protection of the Virgin Mary.  SOURCE: http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=18602

.

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the first item which had a link to the second item below:

Without a doubt, there is a war on the Christian faith in America today.  It is being waged in classrooms, courtrooms and churches all over the nation. http://sgtreport.com/2013/07/the-name-of-jesus-has-become-a-dirty-word-in-politically-correct-america/

.

Senator Rand Paul, who is seriously considering running for President of the United States, told a conservative Christian audience…that, “There is a war on Christianity” being waged by “liberal elites’ and “worldwide as well.  http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2013/06/13/rand-pauls-message-to-evangelicals-there-is-a-war-on.aspx

Jesus warned of persecution and hatred to come:

21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.  22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.  23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.  (Matthew 10:21-23)

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.  10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.  (Matthew 24:9-10)

12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.  13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  (Mark 13:12-13)

Many hate the name of Jesus.  And even more hate the message that He brought.  They do not want to live as Jesus live or believe that humanity needs the Kingdom of God to solve its ills.

Yet, we in the Continuing Church of God continue to preach the truth about Jesus and His Gospel of the Kingdom message.  And yes, we expect more persecutions to come.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Did Jesus teach and keep the Ten Commandments? Why is the kingdom of God mystery? Why did Jesus speak in parables? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? What did Josephus, Tactitus, and Suetonius write? How will Jesus return? Could the Beast be a ‘false christ’? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
Jesus is God, But Became Flesh Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what?
Christian Success Does the Bible teach that Christians are to be successful? Are there at least seven laws of success that Christians should follow? How does the Bible teach we are to become successfully spiritually? Does the Bible really teach that Christians should be successful physically? This video answers these questions and more from the Bible. An outline of some of the scriptures used is here: Christian Success Outline.
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There is also a YouTube video related to that also called: Living as a Christian: How and Why?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
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.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church.
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

There is some very good news today.  The US Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted raids to stop some sex-trafficking and prostitution victims:

29 July 2013

The FBI has rescued 105 child sex-trafficking victims, FBI Assistant Director Ronald Hosko announced Monday.

The youngest of the rescued children was 9 years old, according to Reuters.

One underage victim told officials she became involved with prostitution when she was 11, according to CNN.

“Many times the children that are taken in in these types of criminal activities are children that are disaffected, they are from broken homes, they may be on the street themselves,” FBI Acting Executive Assistant Director Kevin Perkins said, according to the network. “They are really looking for a meal, they are looking for shelter, they are looking for someone to take care of them.”  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/child-sex-trafficking-rescue-fbi-announcement_n_3670749.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D350714

This is great news.  I pray that the victims will be able to cope with what they have been through so that they can move forward with their lives.

Child pornography is considered to be a factor that encourages pedophilia and last week I did a YouTube video speaking out against pornography, including child pornography (Pornography: Harmless Fun or a Scourge on Society? ).

Mohamed Morsi, Official Photograph

COGwriter

According to the New York Times, Egypt’s mass murders have resulted in a ‘muted’ response from the Obama Administration:

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration’s response was once again muted on Sunday after the second mass killing of Egyptian demonstrators in three weeks, as Western diplomats worked behind the scenes to calm the tensions, and lawmakers expressed scant support for cutting off American aid to Egypt…

The administration is reviewing that aid but has carefully avoided referring to Mr. Morsi’s ouster as a coup d’état, which could force its suspension on legal grounds…

Senator Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, the senior Republican on the Intelligence Committee, echoed the comments of other lawmakers in recent days of the need for the United States to walk a fine line with its once-staunch ally in the Middle East. “We’ve got to be careful that we don’t inject ourselves too much into the situation because it’ll probably make it worse,” Mr. Chambliss said on “This Week.” http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/29/us/politics/white-house-response-muted-to-new-mass-killing-of-egyptian-protesters.html?_r=0

The USA not calling a military coup d’état not a coup is seen as bizarre by many.

The European Union seems to be more involved in the situation in Egypt:

July 29, 2013

(Reuters) – Europe’s top diplomat pressed Egypt’s rulers on Monday to step back from a growing confrontation with the Muslim Brotherhood of deposed Islamist president Mohamed Mursi, two days after 80 of his supporters were gunned down in Cairo.

Raising the prospect of more bloodshed, the Brotherhood said it would march again on Monday evening towards a military intelligence headquarters.

Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, became the first overseas envoy to visit the Egypt since Saturday’s carnage, the second mass killing of Mursi supporters by security forces since he was overthrown by the army on July 3…

Ashton was also expected to meet members of the Freedom and Justice Party, the Muslim Brotherhood’s political wing.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/29/us-egypt-protests-idUSBRE96O11Z20130729

More protests are called for and expected by the supporters of deposed President Morsi/Mursi:

July 29, 2013

Supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi are calling for evening marches Monday at security administration buildings, as they remain defiant in the face of the military’s move to install an interim government nearly a month ago.

In a statement Monday, pro-Morsi groups also urged Egyptians to gather Tuesday for a “million person march” for those who oppose Morsi’s ouster and want to “reclaim their freedom and dignity.”

Egypt’s army has warned Morsi’s supporters to stay away from military facilities, especially military intelligence headquarters.  It says the sites are vitally important, and that anyone approaching them would be in danger.

Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton is in Cairo for talks with Egypt’s interim leaders, her second visit to the country in a month.  http://www.voanews.com/content/pro-morsi-protesters-call-for-monday-march/1711930.html

While various ones have concerns, the reality is that it appears that some type of Islamic party will ultimately rule Egypt and support the future King of the South (a coming confederation of peoples in the Arab and Turkish Islamic nations listed in Daniel 11:40-43 and Ezekiel 30:1-8), and this will result in devastation/destruction in Egypt.

The Bible also tells of the rise of a European/Assyrian leader called the King of the North (Daniel 11:21-40).  In at least two places, scripture shows one or more bad deals will be made between the supporters of the King of the South and the King of the North.  Notice:

7 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time.  (Daniel 11:27)

2 For behold, Your enemies make a tumult;
And those who hate You have lifted up their head.
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 83:2-8)

The deal in Psalm 83 will not end well for the USA or its Anglo-allies (Daniel 11:39; Isaiah 10:5-11).

Dr. Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood wants as its top priority a pan-national Islamic caliphate ruled by an Imam/Caliph. Biblically, an apparently Islamic Empire will form in some type of confederation to include at least most of North Africa and the Middle East (Daniel 11:40-43 and Ezekiel 30:1-8). Egypt will be a major part of this, according to the scriptures.

Jesus told His followers to “watch” end time events (Mark 13:28-37), and the situations in Egypt, Europe, and the Middle East should be watched.  Change is coming to them all.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This sermon video answers those questions.
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 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?
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.
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.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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? 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 former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people?
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

Israel’s Cabinet officially decided to put up a future potential peace deal up to a direct vote of its people, apparently to reduce the political risk of such a deal:

July 28, 2013

JERUSALEM — Hoping to appease right-wing lawmakers opposed to restarting Palestinian peace talks, Israel’s coalition government Sunday approved a draft bill that would require —  if passed by the Knesset — that a proposed deal be approved by voters in a referendum.

“It is important that every citizen have a direct vote on fateful decisions such as these that will determine the future of the state,’’ said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu put the measure before his Cabinet on Sunday in an attempt to soften opposition to a more controversial agenda item to release 104 Palestinian prisoners as a concession to lure Palestinians back to the negotiating table.

The referendum bill — which was sought by the nationalist Jewish Home party — will be introduced as a so-called Basic Law, which is roughly comparable in Israel to constitutional law in the U.S. Israel has no constitution, but Basic Laws are intended to secure basic rights and trump other laws.  http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-israel-cabinet-okays-draft-referendum-bill-20130728,0,3979770.story

Some type of apparent peace deal will ultimately be confirmed in the Middle East.

There is a type of deal prophesied in the Book of Daniel:

26 And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).

The ‘one week’ has generally been understood by prophecy watchers to mean a seven year deal, that is broken in the middle of it (after 3 1/2 years). More on this deal can be found in the article When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?

It has long been my view that Israel will not agree to the type of seven-year covenant what the Bible mentions in Daniel 9:27 without pressure.  As it turns out, because of concerns that Israel has about it own safety and survival, Israel will not likely to agree to this type of deal without additional pressure. This pressure likely will include military and/or economic pressures.

However, there will also likely need to be pressure affecting the Arab/Palestinian side, and this very well may come as the result of a regional war or conflict (likely involving Israel), including possibly a conflict that will result in the prophesied destruction of Damascus, Syria (Isaiah 17:1).

Why is the covenant in Daniel 9:27 believed to be a peace deal? There are several reasons, but notice some other scriptures that discuss this leader:

25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:25, KJV).

23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:23-24, NKJV)

So this leader gives people the impression that there will be “peace” and is involved in some type of deal. Term is translated as “peace” in Daniel 8:25 is from the Hebrew term shalvah and essentially means security. In other words, this leader will destroy “many” who are under the impression that they are secure because of some type of security arrangement. Such arrangements are now commonly referred to as peace deals. But as the prophesied one has not been confirmed, at least not publicly, the Great Tribulation would seem to be at least 3 1/2 years away (you may also wish to watch a YouTube video titled Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013?).

The situation is tense in the Middle East, and while peace is good, the coming ‘peace deal’ will disappoint and result in destruction (though there could be, and probably will be, other deals first that are not the deal in Daniel 9:27).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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”? Why do many think that Daniel 9:27 is referring to a peace deal? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? See also the video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.
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?
The Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This sermon video answers those questions.
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 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?
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.
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 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?
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.