Church of God News

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (Source: Agência Brasil, Wikipedia)

COGwriter

Some believe that the current discussions about giving up chemical weapons will strengthen Syria’s President Assad:

11 September 2013

WASHINGTON — Pursuing a diplomatic resolution that would allow President Bashar Assad to surrender Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles runs the risk of extending his stay in power and undercutting support of rebels who have been fighting his regime with U.S. support, some analysts say.

“Assad is going to come out of this stronger,” said Flynt Leverett, a former National Security Council official who is now a professor at Penn State.

Instead of an attack that could weaken Syria’s military, particularly its ability to use chemical weapons, negotiations with Assad’s government could strengthen the Syrian leader, Leverett and others say.

No deal has been struck yet and the United States could still go ahead with a planned cruise missile strike if no agreement is reached, President Obama said in an address to the country Tuesday night…

The process of removing Assad’s chemical weapons could take years, giving Assad and his Russian allies time. The destruction of Libya’s main chemical stockpiles were only completed this year, nearly 10 years after Moammar Gadhafi said he would relinquish his nuclear program and chemical weapons stockpiles.

During that time, Assad will likely be able to continue battling rebels while dealing with weapons inspectors and attempting to consolidate his power.

“In a sense it gives the regime permission to fire as much as it wants” if it doesn’t use chemical weapons, said Jeffrey White, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former Defense Intelligence Agency official.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/09/11/syria-libya-putin-lavrov-chemical/2795941/

September 11, 2013

Russian news agencies report that Moscow has given the United States its plan for securing Syria’s chemical weapons ahead of a meeting Thursday in Geneva between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart…

U.S. President Barack Obama, in a speech Tuesday, referred to the Russian proposal and Syria’s reported agreement as “encouraging signs,” but also stressed that the U.S. military would be ready to respond if diplomacy fails.

Obama has warned he could launch a “limited” military strike on the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to punish it for allegedly carrying out a chemical attack in Damascus last month. Assad blames the attack on rebels.

Under a potential U.S.-Russian deal, Assad’s government would surrender its chemical weapons to the United Nations to have them destroyed, and the United States would freeze its plans for military action.

Obama said he asked Congress to postpone a vote authorizing military action against Syria to let the diplomatic initiatives play out.

Iran and China, which have opposed outside military intervention in Syria, expressed optimism about the diplomatic path on Wednesday.

But, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, an Assad ally, also cast doubt about Western intentions.

“The latest developments, if they can be taken seriously, show that they [United States and its allies] have stepped back from the inconsiderate and mistaken actions that they had taken in the past few weeks. We hope this [turnabout] is indeed serious,” said Ayatollah Khamenei    .

Turkish President Abdullah Gul, whose government strongly opposes Assad, said the diplomatic efforts should focus on more than just “cleaning up” Syria’s chemical weapons.

“This is not only a problem of chemical weapons. The United States should not consider this only as a matter of chemical weapons. There is a civil war in this country where more than 100,000 people have been brutally killed,” said Gul…

“The basic question about [the] Russian initiative is, can you trust [the] words of Syrian officials, or not? Unfortunately, Russian leader Vladimir Putin had a rather bad story with two leaders of specific countries – [the late North Korean leader] Kim Jong Il and [former Iranian president] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Putin met each of them, received the promises he wanted, and the next day both of these men said they were misunderstood and joking,” said Golts.

Challenging process

Any disposal of Syria’s chemical weapons also would face practical obstacles, said international security expert Joanna Kidd of London’s King’s College.

Syria is believed to have 1,000 tons of highly toxic agents, spread over 60 locations, in the midst a civil war that has claimed 100,000 lives and displaced one-third of the population.

“It is a job that would take several months to do. And of course, one should not forget that obviously there is a civil war that would greatly complicate the process,” Kidd said.  http://www.voanews.com/content/russia-hands-us-its-plan-for-syrian-diplomacy/1747861.html

11 September 2013

“It’s simply too early to begin, from here, to pinpoint what must be in the United Nations Security Council resolution beyond a verifiable process for removing chemical weapons from Assad’s control into international control,” White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters.

Given the serious challenge of verifiably removing chemical weapons from a war-torn nation, Carney said “Syria would have to keep any commitment it made to allow for this process and to facilitate this process.” Russia, he added, as the nation that first proposed the plan for Syria to hand over its chemical weapons, “would have to engage directly in verifying and making it happen.”

While Carney said the Obama administration is “not interested in delaying tactics,” he did acknowledge that the negotiations “obviously will take some time.”  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57602480/white-house-syria-chemical-weapons-agreement-must-be-verifiable/

One of the many ways that the current proposal benefits the Assad regime is that it hurts the momentum that seemed to be starting to build in the Syrian opposition a couple of weeks ago when some were allegedly told that the West (USA) was about to bomb in a few days (Reuters: West may strike Syria within days).  Now, this potential bombing has already been delayed for a couple of weeks, and more delays seem likely at this stage.

The Bible teaches:

11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Ecclesiastes 8:11, KJV)

And while I am not advocating USA military involvement in the chemical weapons’ matter, if sending bombs is something that the USA intends to do, delaying doing so will make the USA look weak in the eyes of many.  Yet, it will also look hypocritical if it starts dropping bombs now–it was US Secretary of State Kerry who publicly suggested that the USA would not bomb if Syria turned over all of its chemical weapons arsenal in a week.  Of course, that was about a week ago, but the USA would be loathe now to attack this soon (especially after Barack Obama’s speech last night).

I should probably also mention that the USA will ultimately not like the changes that will happen in Syria. Eventually Syria, and others in the Middle East and North Africa, will plot to eliminate the USA based upon the 83rd Psalm. Because Syria is expected to be part of the conspirators in Psalm 83, as well as a supporter of the future King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43) and aligned with Egypt per Ezekiel 30:1-9, I have been certain for quite some time that the situation in Syria would change. Either Bashar Assad will change, die, or be exiled.

Iran, Syria’s closest ally, is also in the process of attempting to negotiate what seems to be further delays in order to possibly pursue its nuclear ambitions (Iran’s President want nuclear talks).  While negotiations can be fine, some countries have been known to use them as delaying tactics.  Many suspect that both Syria and Iran are doing that.  We will see.

Some items 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.
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.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
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.

European Parliament, Strasbourg, France

COGwriter

European Commission President Jose Barroso is concerned that the UK may end up leaving the European Union:

September 11, 2013

European Commission President Jose Barroso said U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party risks losing 2014 legislative elections in Europe as it gets outflanked by Britain’s nationalist party.

Barroso told Martin Callanan, a Tory member of the European Parliament and head of its Conservatives and Reformists group, that he faced the threat of defeat at the hands of the U.K. Independence Party. UKIP’s leader is Nigel Farage, a prominent opponent of the EU.

“Increasingly your party and your group is looking like the UKIP,” Barroso told Callanan during a debate in the 28-nation legislature today in Strasbourg, France. “I start to have some doubts that you are going to be elected yourself in Britain, if it’s not UKIP that is going to be the first force in the British elections.”

The sniping follows Cameron’s decision this year to open the door to a possible U.K. departure from the EU, a step that would be unprecedented. In January, seeking to stave off growing anti-EU voices within the Tory party, Cameron promised to win back powers from European institutions and put continued membership in the bloc to a popular vote.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-11/cameron-gets-warning-lecture-on-eu-politics-from-barroso.html

The reality is that the UK will leave the final confederation of nations that will be part of the European Beast power.  And ultimately, the Europeans will divide up and rule the UK.  And despite words in certain nationalistic songs, many of those in the UK will be made slaves.

As you can see from looking at the photo above, the European Parliament headquarters building in Strasbourg, France like the Tower of Babel, was unfinished and resembles that ancient tower.  And while the European power is starting to rise up, and will have problems (Daniel 2:41-43; Revelation 18), the UK will ultimately find it is not a friend.

Furthermore, notice one related Catholic “prophecy”:

Saint Cataldus of Tarentino (c. 500): “The Great Monarch will be in war till he is forty years of age….he will assemble great armies and expel tyrants from his empire. He will conquer England and other island empires” (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.30; also Culleton , p.118-119).

The island empires would seem to include Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand (also the term translated as England above would probably be better translated as the English because of the time that “prophecy” was given, hence the “prophecy” would seem to include the United States).  The “Great Monarch” is a prophesied European leader that seems to have many similarities to the King of the North that the Bible warns about.  Various Catholic prophecies tells of a time that the Anglo-nations will be taken over by a European power.

The Bible warns of a time of trouble for the Anglo-nations (Jeremiah 30:7) and that they will be taken over by a European power (Daniel 11:39; Isaiah 10:5-11).  Steps that the UK has taken, and will take, are helping set the stage for this.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman which has ties to Europe? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
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.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
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? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A ver¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
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? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
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.

United Airlines’ Flight 175 Hitting South Tower, 9/11/2001

COGwriter

It is now 9/11/2013.  Some are remembering 9/11/2001 and others have noted certain changes because of it:

9/11 commemoration ceremony to limit access to World Trade Center area

The tribute to the terrorist attacks’ nearly 3,000 victims begins Wednesday morning at the National September 11 Memorial plaza.

 http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/9-11-commemoration-ceremony-limit-access-world-trade-center-area-article-1.1451136#ixzz2eXFwfQ4P

It took more than nine years, but the United States on May 2, 2011, found and killed the al-Qaeda leader who bankrolled the 9/11 attacks. The threat of terrorism remains, as al-Qaeda-related groups surface in parts of the Middle East and Africa. Meanwhile, the use of unmanned aircraft for surveillance and missile attacks have outraged many worldwide, as have detention practices from Afghanistan and Iraq to Guantanamo…

The intelligence state has mushroomed  We have more government intrusion in our lives post-9/11, from more restrictive air travel regulations to increased phone and Internet activity surveillance. Intelligence budgets have skyrocketed, to the $52.6 billion in 2013. (Pictured: the National Security Agency headquarters at Fort Meade, Md.)…

Two overseas wars and the deepest recession since the Great Depression have taken a toll of the U.S. Treasury. The last U.S. budget surplus was in fiscal year 2001. The national debt now is more than $16.7 trillion — or about $53,000 per person. Rising health and defense spending played a big role, as did a cut in the personal income tax near the start of the George W. Bush administration and a reduction of tax revenue caused by the multi-year recession that started at the end of it.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/10-seismic-changes-since-911/2013/09/10/4499cf18-19b4-11e3-82ef-a059e54c49d0_gallery.html#photo=2

Terrorism was prophesied:

14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, 15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant,  16 I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you. (Leviticus 26:14-17)

25 The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be terror within (Deuteronomy 32:25)

12 “Cry and wail, son of man; For it will be against My people,  Against all the princes of Israel. Terrors including the sword will be against My people; Therefore strike your thigh. (Ezekiel 21:12)

12 Behold, these are the ungodly,Who are always at ease; They increase in riches…19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. (Psalms 73:12,19)

25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes,  27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. (Proverbs 1:25-27)

5 Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way (Ecclesiastes 12:5).

What is going to happen to the USA relatively soon will be so much worse than 9/11/2001 ever was (cf. Psalm 83:4-8; Daniel 11:39).  Do not wait until it is too late to respond spiritually, so that you may be protected physically.

Without national repentance, the USA is doomed. Since the USA seems to be going more into sin nationally, that seems unlikely. Yet, personal repentance is still possible. Do you see the winds of change in the USA and elsewhere?

If so, what do you plan to do about it?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
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.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? There is also a video titled What is the meaning of your life?
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.
Overcoming Sin What is sin? How are Christians suppose to overcome it? Here is also a link to a video titled How to Overcome Sin.
How to Prevent Sin This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong.
Just What Do You Mean Conversion? Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
False Conversion Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this article on this important subject.
All About Water Baptism What is baptism? Would you like to know more about it. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. As far as early history, see also Baptism and the Early Church.
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach?

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani (Photo by Mojtaba Salimi )

COGwriter

Iran is proposing talks:

September 10, 2013

Iranian president Hassan Rohani said his government plans to restart nuclear talks with world powers in New York, where he will attend the United Nations General Assembly this month.

The “serious talks” should help lead to a “win-win” final outcome in the dispute over the Islamic republic’s nuclear program, Rohani said in an interview on Iranian state-run television yesterday. The negotiations will involve the International Atomic Energy Agency and the so-called P5+1 group, made up of the five permanent UN Security Council members in addition to Germany, he said…

His comments on the talks come a day after the UN’s atomic watchdog said Iran was not cooperating with IAEA inspectors.

“Given the nature and extent of credible information available to the agency about possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear program, it remains essential and urgent for Iran to engage with us on the substance of our concerns,” IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said.

The Iranian president is planing a six-day visit to New York starting Sept. 22.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-10/rohani-says-iran-plans-to-restart-nuclear-talks-in-new-york.html

So believe that Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani (spelled Rohani in the above article) is basically doing this to give Iran more time to pursue its nuclear goals, which many believe includes producing nuclear weapons.  Some also believe that Syria’s President Assad has agreed to turn over his chemical weapons for a similar purpose.  Both Iran and Syria are each other’s closest allies.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani credited the mystical ‘Imam Mahdi’ for his recent election (I call him ‘mystical’ because the Iranian Shi-ite view is that he has essentially been in a type of suspended animation for over 1,000 years, but then he will return and rule Jerusalem):

Iran’s newly elected president, Hassan Rohani, attributed his victory in the June 15 voting to the 12th Imam, Mahdi, a statement with ominous overtones in the Islamic regime’s quest for nuclear weapons.

The Shiites believe that at the end of times, the 12th Imam, 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. Many analysts believe Iran is seeking nuclear capability to bring on that Armageddon.

“This political [election] was due to the kindness of the last Islamic messiah [Mahdi],” Rohani said Friday.

Kayhan newspaper, the main media outlet of the regime and the mouthpiece of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ran a centerpiece headline Saturday reporting Rohani’s statement. http://www.wnd.com/2013/06/new-iran-president-thanks-messiah-for-victory/#D4fjkLl73TALVLs6.99

Iran’s prior president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, had stated that the Imam Mahdi, someone similar to the biblical King of the South of Daniel 11:40-43), would arise before he (President Ahmadinejad) left office. Well, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad left office last month so he was wrong about that.

Because, my reading and re-reading of Bible prophecy simply does not show that Iran will be a major player in Daniel 11:21-44 nor the deal of Psalm 83:4-8 (Arabs, Turks, and Europeans are; though Ezekiel 30:1-9 possibly implicates Iran as a supporter of an end-time confederation involving Egypt), I have long felt that “neutralizing” Iran would allow most of the other Islamic states (like Saudi Arabia and Egypt) to continue to exist (Damascus the capital of Syria, is prophesied to be destroyed according to Isaiah 17:1) and allow for the rising of the prophesied King of the South of Daniel 11 to rise up (revolution in Iran, is also another possibility, for its “neutralization”).  Iran, could however, be involved in a conflict with Israel (Isaiah 22:1-11) that could somehow lead to its neutralization.

This neutralization may well happen under the administration of Hassan Rowhani, especially if Israel learns that Iran is saying one thing while doing another on its nuclear program.  But either way, Iran is going to end up with LESS influence in the Islamic world in the future according to my reading on Bible prophecy. And it may take a regional war and/or civil war to accomplish that.

It is certainly possible that Hassan Rowhani will have a part in contributing to this happening. That is how I view his words about nuclear negotiations and his crediting of the Imam Mahdi for his election.

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 prophecies involve Iran? 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?

Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.

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.

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.

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?

COGwriter

There is now a new category of childhood obesity and it appears to be growing:

‘Severely obese:’ 5 percent of US kids, teens fit risky new category

Overall obesity rates for American kids may have leveled off, but a new report finds that children and teens at the far end of the spectrum are getting heavier, faster — with about 5 percent now classified as “severely obese.” That means nearly 4 million U.S. youth fall into a new category of obesity risk…

It appears that severe obesity is the fastest-growing subcategory of obesity in youth,” write the authors in the report published in the journal Circulation.

Worse, when children get that big, it’s difficult to help them lose weight with traditional tools of diet and exercise, or even with drugs and surgery.

“Once this problem gets so severe, there’s no turning back, or there’s no turning back easily,” said Dr. Thomas Inge, a co-author of the paper and director of the Center for Bariatric Research and Innovation at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “People don’t like to hear that and they don’t like to know that.”

Severely obese kids have higher rates of weight-related disease, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with complications such as high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. Previous research has shown that obese kids as young as age 10 can have the arteries of middle-aged adults…

The new statement calls for increased research into behavior modification, drugs and surgeries targeted to the heaviest kids.

Even better, health officials agree, would be to start early, limiting fast-food, sugary soft drinks and too little exercise, all habits that contribute to the 2.2 percent of preschoolers who already fall into the new category of severe obesity. Many parents are in denial about their children’s weight, studies have shown, but they need to act early, well before kids reach adolescence.  http://www.nbcnews.com/health/severely-obese-5-percent-us-kids-teens-fit-risky-new-8C11109058

Notice that eating junk food and sodas are implicated in childhood obesity and that even a lot of preschoolers are severely obese.

The Bible warns about obesity, getting fat, excessive eating, as well eating things that are not really food:

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 (Isaiah 55:2).

15 You grew fat, you grew thick,
You are obese!
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
16 They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods;
With abominations they provoked Him to anger. (Deuteronomy 32:15-16)

11 “Because you were glad, because you rejoiced,
You destroyers of My heritage,
Because you have grown fat like a heifer threshing grain,
And you bellow like bulls,
12 Your mother shall be deeply ashamed;
She who bore you shall be ashamed.
Behold, the least of the nations shall be a wilderness,
A dry land and a desert. (Jeremiah 50:11-12)

Many people, including children, do not often eat what is good. Many eat too many chemically-laced highly processed foods.

But most in Westernized areas consume the synthetics, chemicals, and refined grains.

People should try to eat real, not artificial, foods. And soda consumption should be almost non-existent, essentially a very rare treat.  Dietary changes are needed as the ramifications of increasing obesity are not good.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Obesity and Prophecy Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned?
Eating Right, Eating Too Much, and Prophecy Are there disadvantages to being overweight? Is junk food really bad for you? Does the Bible discuss overeating and/or obesity? Is overeating having an effect on the US military? What are the ramifications of personal and national health for overeating? What should you eat?  This is a video.
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.
Ten Simple Rules that Lead to Health Herbert Armstrong gives his opinions on this.
Does God Heal Today? What does the Bible teach? Herbert Armstrong tries to explain this.
UK Study Supports Daniel Diet Daniel and his companions looked better eating more vegetables and avoiding strange meats. Has modern science confirmed this?
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?

(Photo by Geierunited)

COGwriter

A study concludes that a graphic anti-smoking campaign was successful:

September 9, 2013

Want a smoker to quit? Scare, shock or disgust him. That’s what the U.S. government did with its first federally funded anti-smoking ad campaign and, new data suggest, it worked.

An estimated 1.6 million Americans tried to quit and at least 100,000 likely succeeded as a result of graphic ads that showed how real ex-smokers had suffered paralysis, stroke, lung removal, heart attacks and limb amputations, according to a study Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first round of ads ran from March through May in 2012, followed by a second one this past spring. A third round is planned for next year.

The CDC created the startling ads after consulting with smokers, who urged it to make the statistics about smoking — that it’s the leading cause of preventable death and that it shortens life expectancy by 10 years — real. So it focused on the effects of smoking-related disease rather than the risk of death.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/09/cdc-anti-smoking-ads-prompt-100000-plus-to-kick-habit/2777357/

If people realized how harmful many behaviors, and not just smoking, were there would be a lot of positive benefits for society.  And that will come more fully in the kingdom of God.

As far as smoking goes, here are some comments about it by the late Hebert W. Armstrong from his Autobiography:

In order to keep up with the job, due to inadaptability and resultant slowness, it became necessary to work nights. I established a system. I worked alternately one night until ten, the next until midnight, rising at 5:30 every morning. Time had to be taken out to walk the one or two miles from my room to the mill, and also to walk over to the boarding house where I took meals. I kept awake on the job nights by smoking a pipe — my first habitual smoking. In just six months this overwork and loss of sleep exacted its toll, and I was sent to the hospital with a very severe case of typhoid fever…

I had taken up pipe smoking during those long and frantic night hours at Wiggins, Mississippi, as an aid to staying awake while I worked over the books. I had smoked, moderately, ever since. However, I will say that I was never a heavy smoker. Never more than one cigar a day, or three or four cigarettes in a day. That’s the reason I did not have the battle many men have had in breaking the habit, when I saw that it had to be broken…

{Later} I was baptized, the matter of smoking had to be settled. Of course the Quaker church, in which I had been reared as a boy, taught that smoking was a sin. But I had been unhappily disillusioned to see that in so many basic points the Bible teaching is the very opposite of what I had absorbed in Sunday school. “I’ve got to see the answer to the tobacco question IN THE BIBLE!” I said to myself. Until I found the answer in the Bible, I decided I would continue as before — smoking mildly. I had continued to smoke lightly, averaging three or four cigarettes a day, or one cigar a day. I had never been a heavy smoker.

Now I had to face the question: Is smoking a SIN? I wanted the BIBLE answer, for I had learned by this time that Christ had said we must live by EVERY WORD OF GOD. The BIBLE is our Instruction Book on right living. We must find a BIBLE reason for everything we do. I knew, of course, there is no specific command, “Thou shalt not smoke.” But the absence of a detailed prohibition did not mean God’s approval. I had learned that GOD’S LAW is His WAY OF LIFE. It is a basic philosophy of life.

The whole Law is summed up in the one word LOVE.

I knew that love is the opposite of lust. Lust is self-desire — pleasing the self only. Love means loving others. Its direction is not inward toward self alone, but outgoing, toward others. I knew the Bible teaches that “lust of the flesh” is the way of SIN.

So now I began to apply the principle of God’s Law. I asked myself, “WHY do I smoke?” To please others — to help others — to serve or minister to or express love toward others — or only to satisfy and gratify a desire of the flesh within my own self? The answer was instantaneously obvious. I had to be honest with it. My only reason for smoking was LUST OF THE FLESH, and lust of the flesh is, according to the BIBLE, sin! I stopped smoking immediately.

This beginning of overcoming was not too difficult, for it had not been a “big habit” with me. Once weaned, I was able to see it as it is — a dirty, filthy habit. And today we know it is a serious and major contributing cause of lung cancer! God designed and created the human body. He designed the LUNGS to take in FRESH AIR to fire and oxidize the blood, and at the same time to filter out of the blood the impurities and waste matter the blood has picked up throughout the body. Befouled smoke, containing the poisons of nicotine and tars, reduces the efficiency of the operation of this vital organ.

The physical human body is, God says, the very TEMPLE of His Holy Spirit. If we defile this TEMPLE — this physical body — God says He will destroy us! God intended us, if we are to be COMPLETE, to live happy, healthy and abundant lives, and to gain eternal life, to take in HIS SPIRIT — not poisonous foreign substances like tobacco.

Hebert W. Armstrong died on January 16, 1986, at age 93 1/2. His reasons for quitting smoking make biblical sense to me. People should not smoke. It harms them and others around them.

He concluded, correctly, that Christians should not smoke.

(Those interested in learning more about Herbert W. Armstrong, should read the article Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today?)

Notice some of what the New Testament teaches:

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

37…”‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Consider that smoking does not glorify God in your body–it harms your body. Consider that smoking also does not show love towards one’s neighbor–it harms your neighbor. Smoking is a sin against the body, and sometimes more than that.

Smoking is wrong and it kills people. God wants people to change/repent (Acts 17:30)–which means that, despite its difficulties it can be done (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13). The sooner one starts the better one will be. Christians should strive to not smoke.

Several articles of possibly related interest include:

Is Smoking a Sin? What does the Bible teach? What have COG leaders written? Can smokers change?
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?
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.
Overcoming Sin What is sin? How are Christians suppose to overcome it? Here is also a link to a video titled How to Overcome Sin.
How to Prevent Sin This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong.
Just What Do You Mean Conversion? Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.

Chemical Weapons Canisters

COGwriter

Russia has proposed that Syria give up its chemical weapons and others seem to like this:

September 9, 2013

BEIRUT — The Syrian government said Monday that it backed a Russian proposal calling for Damascus to hand over its arsenal of chemical weapons to international authorities in a bid to avoid a U.S. attack.

“We, for the sake of protecting our people and children and country and due to our trust in the Russian efforts, will cooperate fully with Russia in this regard so as to take away the excuses of this aggression,” Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said in a statement.

Russia has been a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad…

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking in Moscow, floated the proposal that Syria place its international chemical stockpile under international supervision.

“We are calling on the Syrian authorities [to] not only agree on putting chemical weapons storages under international control, but also for its further destruction and then joining the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons,” Lavrov said, referring to the international body that implements the Chemical Weapons Convention, agreed to by 189 nations, not including Syria.

The Russian foreign minister’s statement apparently came in response to comments in London by U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry. http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-syria-russia-chemical-weapons-20130909,0,3744754.story

September 09, 2013

UNITED NATIONS — U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he will urge the Security Council to demand that Syria transfer its chemical weapons stocks to areas in the country where they can be safely stored and destroyed. His call comes as Moscow urges Damascus to put its weapons under international control to avert a possible U.S. military strike.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on Monday for the Syrian president to surrender control of “every single bit” of his arsenal to the international community by the end of the week.

Russia’s foreign minister also proposed that Syria put its chemical weapons under international control to prevent a possible U.S. military reprisal. Reports quoting Syria’s foreign minister appear to welcome the offer.  http://www.voanews.com/content/un-chief-ban-wants-syrian-chemical-weapons-stockpile-destroyed/1746344.html

Syria has, in the past, admitted to having both chemical and biological weapons. And it MAY be that he may be willing to give some (or all) of them up.  Of course, he could probably get more later (and he allegedly still has biological weapons).

Meanwhile, it seems like the Vatican may try to take at least some credit for this:

Damascus, September 09, 2013 (Zenit.org) Junno Arocho Esteves

Archbishop Mario Zenari, the Apostolic Nuncio in Syria, reflected on this weekend’s prayer vigil led by Pope Francis. Various Christian communities and other faiths held similar vigils around the world in solidarity for the Pope’s call for peace in the region…

Concluding his remarks, the Apostolic Nuncio to Syria expressed his belief that the the prayer vigil would have a great impact on the current situation in the region. “I already see here that this initiative of the Pope, his words truly have an extraordinary resonance,” Archbishop Zenari said.

“The people, who I have spoken to, tell me that the resonance of his words were exceptional, the reflections and initiative of the Pope for the day of prayer and fasting. I would like to think that in the whole world – without a doubt – a positive response will weigh in on certain decisions.”  http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/syria-s-nuncio-sees-positive-response-to-pope-francis-initiative

Pope Francis did send Russia’s President Putin a letter last week to encourage him to tell others (like the USA) to not begin bombing in Syria.  The Pope then appealed to ‘Mary’ to bring peace to the region (see Francis prays and fasts to ‘Mary’).  While there is no possible way that Mary of the Bible intervened (so in that sense Pope Francis’ approach to praying etc. to Mary did not work), it certainly is possible that Russia and others were influenced by the Vatican (though Russia was opposed to USA intervention prior to getting the letter from Pope Francis).

If people actually believe that Jesus’ mother Mary was involved with this development and there is a temporary ‘peace,’ this will likely increase the “Marian influence’.”  Many will be misled by signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24).

If the world believes that appeals to Jesus’ mother Mary were successful, this will not bode well for the world for very long.  And change will come to Syria.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (Source: Agência Brasil, Wikipedia)

COGwriter

As the USA debates whether to attack Syria as well as how it may do so, Syria’s President Assad put out some warnings:

9 September 2013

President Bashar al-Assad has warned against possible reprisal attacks if the United States attacks Syria, saying that if there were military strikes, Americans can “expect every action.”

Assad’s comments came as part of a television interview with CBS conducted in Damascus in which he also denied involvement in an alleged August 21 attack involving chemical weapons.

Assad said that if there were U.S. attacks on Syria in response, the United States “should expect everything.”  http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-us-should-expect-everything-in-response-to-any-syria-strikes-says-assad/1745879.html

Assad used the interview to challenge the Obama administration’s claims that his regime used chemical weapons in an attack that killed hundreds on Aug. 21. He said his soldiers were “in another area” at the time of the attack.

It comes as President Obama prepares to deliver a national address on Tuesday making his case for a military strike on Syria. The matter is currently before Congress, which will begin a set of votes this week on a resolution authorizing the use of force.

Obama on Monday also planned to make his case, in a string of interviews, for punishing Assad.

Top administration officials are heading to Capitol Hill for more classified briefings. And White House national security adviser Susan Rice is scheduled for a speech at a Washington think tank timed to the public relations blitz aimed at ensuring people the administration isn’t contemplating another commitment like Iraq and Afghanistan.

In an interview Sunday in Damascus, Assad told American journalist Charlie Rose there is no conclusive evidence about who is to blame for the chemical weapons attacks and again suggested the rebels were responsible. Rose said Assad also warned him previous U.S. military efforts in the region have proved disastrous.

And Assad argued the evidence Secretary of State John Kerry has disclosed amounts to a “big lie” that resembles the case for war in Iraq that Secretary of State Colin Powell made to the United Nations over a decade ago. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/09/09/assad-threatens-repercussions-if-us-launches-strike-on-syria/#ixzz2eP2FXLOC

(CBS News) In an exclusive interview with CBS News’ Charlie Rose, President Bashar Assad said he is “disappointed” in the Obama administration for pursuing a strike against Syria, claiming faulty intelligence and a foreign policy comparable with the policy of former President George W. Bush. He also said any U.S. involvement in Syria’s two-year-old civil war would only embolden America’s enemies.

At first offering a more tempered argument against a U.S. strike, Assad explained it would not serve U.S. security interests…

The Syrian president again called on the U.S. and Congress to present hard evidence proving a chemical attack was launched within Syria and warned that a strike against Syria would only foster the growth of al Qaeda within his borders.

“First of all, because this is the war that is going to support Al Qaeda and the same people that kill Americans in the 11 of September. The second thing that we all want to tell to the Congress, that they should ask and that what we expect, we expect them to ask this administration about the evidence that they have regarding the chemical story and the allegations that they presented,” Assad said.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57601934/assad-says-any-u.s-strike-on-syria-is-going-to-support-al-qaeda/

There are several points to be made.

First, it is true that the USA will ultimately not like the changes that will happen in Syria.  Eventually Syria, and others in the Middle East and North Africa, will plot to eliminate the USA based upon the 83rd Psalm.  A December 1979 Plain Truth article by Keith Stump’s titled The Arab World in Prophecy had the following to say:

King David of ancient Israel in 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–a vast confederacy bound together in an effort to crush out the name “Israel” from the face of the earth! This Arab-Moslem confederacy may very well be the previously mentioned “king of the south”–a sphere of power encompassing vast portions of the Islamic world.

“They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom [Esau or modern-day Turkey, a non-Arab but Islamic nation], and the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; of Moab [part of Jordan], and the Hagarenes [anciently these peoples dwelt in the area known as Syria today]; Gebal [Lebanon], and Ammon [modern Jordan], and Amalek [part of the Turks]; the Philistines [the modern Palestinians] with the inhabitants of Tyre [Lebanon]; Assur [whose descendants, the Assyrians, migrated to Germany] also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot [Jordan and Western Iraq]” (Psalm 83:4-8).

Because Syria is expected to be part of the conspirators in Psalm 83, as well as a supporter of the future King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43) and aligned with Egypt per Ezekiel 30:1-9, I have been certain for quite some time that the situation in Syria would change.  Either Bashar Assad will change, die, or be exiled.

While what US President Obama seems to be proposing will not destroy Damascus–yet–more trouble is coming to Damascus as it will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). A confederation of Arabic states and Turkey (who is currently quite opposed to Syria’s Assad) will form (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8; Psalm 83:4-8) so change is coming–and this confederation most likely will be ran by one considered to be an Islamist.  This will not bode well for that area or Israel.

In the event of a regional conflict, Israel needs to realize that it can be damaged, perhaps severely by retaliation from Syria and/or its ally  Iran (cf. Isaiah 22:1-14).  And the USA will not end up unscathed–it can only spread itself so far.

Syria’s Assad mentioned “every action” would be taken in the event of a USA attack.  What might that include?  Well, the U.S.A. itself is vulnerable to Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) type attacks (EMP attack can do more than knock-out electricity).  And they could cause major damage.  Syria’s ally Iran has been working on this type of attack for years (UCG on Iran’s EMP Threat and USA EMP Works, But USA Itself is at Risk) and is believed to have test-launched a missile capable of an emp attack just over a year ago.  Iran and even Syria could also cause disruptions of the internet (see also (Iran Believed to be Behind Cyber-Attacks Against US Banks).

Furthermore, Syria may utilize items such as biological weapons, chemical weapons, terrorism, arson, cyber crime, dirty bombs, etc.   This could affect the U.S.A.  The release of biological weapons, which Syria and Iran allegedly have, would be difficult to prove and could cause major problems.  The USA is not exempt from these types of “pestilences” (cf. Matthew 24:4-8) and “troubles” (Mark 13:8).

Wars do not always go as planned, for either side (or their allies).

Watch (Mark 13:37).

Some items 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.
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.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

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

COGwriter

In another disturbing, but not surprising, revelation about USA and UK espionage, it was reported today that they access smart phones:

September 8, 2013

BERLIN –  The U.S. National Security Agency is able to crack protective measures on iPhones, BlackBerry and Android devices, giving it access to users’ data on all major smartphones, according to a report Sunday in German news weekly Der Spiegel.

The magazine cited internal documents from the NSA and its British counterpart GCHQ in which the agencies describe setting up dedicated teams for each type of phone as part of their effort to gather intelligence on potential threats such as terrorists.

The data obtained this way includes contacts, call lists, SMS traffic, notes and location information, Der Spiegel reported.http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/09/08/nsa-can-access-most-smartphone-data-report-says/#ixzz2eJWiM0Zy

Despite being unconstitutional, and sometimes deemed so by USA courts (see NSA illegally and unconstitutionally collected data on US residents), the espionage against USA and UK residents includes many forms.

FWIW, I never believed that smart phones were safe and not subject to government espionage.

I absolutely believe that what NSA does, as well as many other agencies of the USA government do, violates privacy.  I also believe that once the European Beast power takes over the USA, it will go through remaining government computers to look up information about various ones who the USA government had information on.  The data collection techniques, as well as likely some of the actual data itself, will benefit the final persecuting European Beast power (cf. Daniel 7:25)–and because of the Snowden matter, the Europeans have asked for (see EU tells USA to stop spying on it as it asks for more information) and USA has already agreed to share a lot with the Europeans (see item in Germany most upset by USA espionage).

Because of what the USA and UK have done, and the fact that its President Obama has declared that he would share espionage secrets, techniques, and findings with the Europeans in general and the Germans in particular, this is setting the stage for even greater surveillance which will come from the emerging Beast power in Europe.

The USA shares vast amounts of information with the Germans and the Anglo-descended nations.  And while the Anglo-nations will not be at the forefront of attacking the USA militarily, biblical prophecy shows that the end time descendants of Assyria–the Germanic/Central European peoples, will be.

Notice:

5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

6 I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

7 Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.

8 For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings?  (Isaiah 10:5-8, KJV)

Notice that the Assyrian goes against a hypocritical nation.  Is not the so-called “land of the free” and “home of the brave” being hypocritical when it has to spy on everyone and everything it practically can?  That shows that its citizens are not truly free, nor is its government acting brave. The hypocrisy of the USA on this matter (and others) is getting a lot of coverage.

Furthermore, because of the vast amount of surveillance and information gathering that the NSA does, at some point in time it may decide that one or more statements made by those associated with groups like the Continuing Church of God are unacceptable. Enough so, that this will trigger a famine of the word of God (Amos 8:12).

Much involving the USA’s government (and others) happens secretly, and includes surveillance. God’s people are to pray for protection from ‘secret plots’:

2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
3 Who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
And bend their bows to shoot their arrows — bitter words,
4 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless;
Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear. (Psalms 64:2-4)

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.  (Revelation 13:15-18)

Watch.

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.
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?
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?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish is ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
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? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
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.