Church of God News

Santiago, Chile (victor san martin)

COGwriter

Chile got hit with a significant terrorist bombing:

September 9, 2014

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has condemned a bomb attack on a shopping centre in a busy metro station in the capital Santiago on Monday.

The attack, in which 14 people were injured, is one of the worst since democracy was restored in 1990.

Ms Bachelet called it a “terrorist act, one of the most cowardly we have seen”.

There have been around 200 bomb attacks in Santiago in the past decade, with anarchist groups claiming responsibility for many of them. …

The president said she would convene a meeting of her security committee on Tuesday to decide how to proceed.

“What’s happened is horrible, an abominable act, but Chile is and will continue to be a safe country,” Ms Bachelet said.

The explosive device went off at lunchtime at a fast-food restaurant in an underground shopping centre at the Escuela Militar metro station.

About 150,000 people pass through the station daily. …

Ms Bachelet said it was “one of the most cowardly acts we’ve seen because it had as its objective to maim, spread fear and even kill innocent people”.  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-29124307

Terrorism is horrible and wrong.

Over in the USA, children in the Midwest and elsewhere have been hit by entervirus 68:

September 9, 2014

Officials in 10 states are reporting cases of respiratory illness, some severe enough to send children to hospitals.

■ Related: Enterovirus may be culprit behind respiratory problems for Michigan kids

In Kansas City, Mo., more than 300 cases of respiratory illnesses were reported last month, according to the state Department of Health and Senior Services. About 15% of the illnesses resulted in children being placed in an intensive care unit… http://www.freep.com/article/20140909/FEATURES08/309090072/Enteroviruses-respiratory-illness-outbreak

September 9, 2014

INDIANA (WFIE) -Indiana Health officials say a severe respiratory illness that has sickened hundreds of children has possibly reached the Hoosier state.  The Indiana State Department of Health reported Monday that laboratory results show three people in northern Indiana recently tested positive for a virus similar to the germ that causes the common cold.

The CDC says the unusually high number of hospitalizations reported now could be “just the tip of the iceberg.”

Ten states have contacted the CDC for assistance in investigating clusters of enterovirus.

“We’ve worked together with the Missouri health department and the Illinois Health Department in Chicago and in those two instances some of the increase in respiratory illness has been linked to enterovirus 68, that’s an unusual type of enterovirus and one that we don’t know much about as we like,” said Dr. Ann Schuchat, CDC. http://www.14news.com/story/26483743/health-officials-say-illness-that-has-sickened-hundreds-of-kids-could-be-in-hoosier-state

“Dozens” of children between the ages of 6 weeks and 16 years tested positive for EV68 in a recent genetic sequencing effort undertaken by CDC staff. Because EV68 is so rare, there’s no other way to test for it.

Most hospitalized children received fluids and medications to open their airways, but at least one was put on a ventilator.

The confirmed cases are localized in the Midwest, but a dozen other states have contacted the CDC to report potential outbreaks. The agency is still investigating those cases and declined to identify the states, but news reports have mentioned Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oklahoma.  http://www.healthline.com/health-news/cdc-identifies-respiratory-illness-090814

Jesus warned of diseases and troubles that would come during the ‘beginning of sorrows’:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-8)

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

As I told the prior COG group I was affiliated with in the Fall of 2009, I believe that the ‘beginning of sorrows’ started then.  We are still in that time.  The sorrows are not the end, but a signal that the end is getting closer.

Many agree that the end is getting closer, what do you plan to do about it?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
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.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
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.
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.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God has a video about concerns about Revelation 6 on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy.

Chuck Hagel

COGwriter

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel denounced Russian actions in the Ukrainian region:

September8, 2014

WASHINGTON—

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has denounced what he calls Russia’s “blatant aggression” in Ukraine. Hagel’s remarks in Georgia came as the rights group Amnesty International said it was no longer possible for Russia to deny its forces are engaged in fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Speaking alongside his Georgian counterpart, Irakli Alasania, in Tbilisi Sunday, Hagel said Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as Georgia, pose a long-term challenge that the United States and its allies take very seriously. But, he said, the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin have also brought the United States and its friends in Europe closer together.

“The deepening ties between NATO and Georgia are especially important given the dangerous and irresponsible actions of President Putin.  His illegal annexation of Crimea, which the United States does not recognize, and the ongoing military campaign Russia is mounting in eastern Ukraine pose a grave threat to regional stability, as had its actions inside Georgia’s internationally-recognized borders,” the defense secretary said.

Russian forces invaded Georgian territory in August 2008 and, following a five-day conflict, Moscow unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Enhanced NATO partner

Hagel called on Russia to fully withdraw its forces from Georgia’s borders.  He also hailed Georgia’s new status as an enhanced NATO partner and said he expects it will lead to full NATO membership.

The rights group Amnesty International Sunday accused both Ukrainian militia and pro-Russian separatists of war crimes, including indiscriminate shelling, abductions, torture and killings. The group’s international Secretary-General, Salil Shetty, released satellite imagery alleging the presence of Russian armor and artillery in eastern Ukraine.

“What we have is new satellite images which we’ve acquired and it’s quite clear that there’s direct and active influence of Russia. Russia can’t deny not being a party to the conflict anymore,” Shetty said. “Very systematic, well-organized mobile artillery and armored units in place; there’s no way the separatist forces could have organized themselves. On top of that, we also have eyewitness accounts of movement of Russian tanks across the border. So, I think really that it’s not deniable anymore. As far as we are concerned, it’s an international conflict.”  http://www.voanews.com/content/east-ukraine-russia-sanctions/2442125.html

Ukraine’s President has vowed to stop separatists forces from taking a key port in the east:

September 8, 2014

President Petro Poroshenko visited the southeastern Ukrainian port of Mariupol Monday in a show of solidarity with its embattled citizens, some of whom have been digging trenches around the city of 500,000 to protect it from pro-Russia rebels.

Speaking at one of Mariupol’s metallurgical plants, Poroshenko vowed to defend the city from separatist forces who advanced toward it last week before a fragile cease-fire was announced.

“This is our Ukrainian land and we will not surrender it to anybody,” the Twitter account under his name said.

Upon arriving in the city, a key hub for Ukraine’s steel exports, Poroshenko promised victory over rebel forces.

He had ordered the military “to secure the defense of Mariupol” with  multiple rocket launchers, tanks and air cover, he said. “The enemy will suffer a crushing defeat.”

Observers said rebel advances toward  Mariupol could be part of push to establish a land corridor connecting Russian mainland with Ukraine’s Crimea, which Moscow annexed in March.

Poroshenko also announced that under last week’s truce agreement with separatist rebels, Ukraine has so far managed to secure the release of about 1,200  prisoners of war. Ukrainian media, quoting military officials, later reported that number could be lower.

The Kremlin reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine crisis with Poroshenko by telephone Monday.

The call was part of efforts “to discuss steps, which could facilitate a peaceful resolution of the situation in southeastern Ukraine,” a Kremlin statement said, adding that the dialogue would continue.

Meanwhile, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which is monitoring the current cease-fire in Ukraine, has described it as “shaky” and only as a half-measure toward resolving the conflict.  http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraines-coast-guard-admiral-mariupols-port-wont-be-taken/2442182.html

The EU is watching this.  It has agreed to new sanctions depending upon how it believes Russia is cooperating:

September 8, 2014

EU Adopts New Russia Sanctions but Delays Action

BRUSSELS — Sep 8, 2014

The European Union on Monday shied away from slapping new economic sanctions on Russia right away over its actions in eastern Ukraine. Instead, the 28-nation bloc said the punitive measures will come into force “in the next few days” depending on how well the cease-fire agreement in eastern Ukraine will be upheld.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said in a statement delaying the sanctions would leave time for “an assessment of the implementation of the cease-fire agreement and the peace plan.”

“Depending on the situation on the ground, the EU stands ready to review the agreed sanctions in whole or in part,” Van Rompuy said.

Ukraine, Russia and the Kremlin-backed separatists agreed Friday to an immediate cease-fire and an exchange of prisoners. While the truce appeared to hold on Monday, the agreement seemed fragile over the weekend when occasional fighting occurred.

The EU sanctions are expected to be coordinated with a new round of U.S. sanctions, a Western diplomat said. The U.S. sanctions are ready for release, the diplomat said, but the Obama administration wants to wait to act in concert with Europe in order to maximize the impact of the sanctions and present a united front against Russia. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/eu-formally-adopts-sanctions-russia-25355749

The EU has to announce its willingness to take steps in order to show former communist regions now within its borders that it is disturbed by what is happening in Ukraine.

The EU would prefer to not do too much with sanctions as it is concerned that too much will hurt its somewhat fragile economy.

Russia, on the other hand, really wants Ukraine or at least the land corridor, but does not wish to frighten Georgia, Moldova, and some other lands so much that they will become more difficult to deal with in the future.  Vladimir Putin really would like all former communist regions in Europe and Asia to become part of his upcoming Eurasian Union.

He also probably feels that gaining land access to another port will assist his economic and political objectives.  If Vladimir Putin wants it bad enough, he will ignore the sanctions and related threats and push to control the port of Mariupol.  Ukraine’s President is hoping to make it difficult enough that Russia will back off.  And if not, that Russia be clearly shown to be behind the possible takeover.

A European-based power is prophesied to rise up and dominate the world’s economy for a time (Revelation 13, 17, 18).  But a Eurasian confederacy, influenced by Russia, is also prophesied to rise up and contribute to its destruction (Jeremiah 50:41-43).  Events are aligning which will cause this to happen, even if there are periods of temporal peace and stability.

Wars and threats of war are not good for the people affected.  My prayers go out for those affected by this conflict.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Russia and Ukraine: Origins and Prophesied Future 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? You can also watch the short video Ukraine in Prophecy?
Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy Is Russia mentioned in the Bible? It it is where is it? Is there any evidence of a people moving to the land that the Russians now occupy? What do Catholic and other prophecies say about Russia? What does the Bible teach? How are Protestants often in error on this? Is there more in biblical prophecy for Russia than war? Does God have a plan to save Russia and her allies? Does Russia have a history involving Sabbath keepers? Does scripture tie Russia in with Armageddon? Will Russia help defeat the end time Babylonian power? What did the Apostle John, and the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, write about Russia? This is a sermon-length video.
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fufilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Bible News Prophecy July-Sept. 2014: The Coming Eurasian Union Here is the latest magazine from the Continuing Church of God. The cover of which shows Vladimir Putin and features an article about the coming Eurasian Union.
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?
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
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? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

The ‘Mary’ in the Basilica of Mary Major That Pope Francis Prays Before (Photo by Joyce Thiel, June 2013)

COGwriter

Roman Catholics and others are celebrating today as the so-called birthday of Jesus’ mother Mary, including in India:

September 8, 2014

Mount Mary, Bandra: Happy Birthday to the Blessed Virgin

Who is Virgin Mary? Virgin Mary or Saint Mary was a Jewish woman and the mother of Jesus through divine intervention. Birthday of Virgin Mary is celebrated on the first Sunday in a Roman Catholic Basilica which is located in Bandra. After this day the feast is usually followed by a long week full of fairs and thousands of visitors visiting the fair. The Bandra fair is around 300 years old and the fair started when the statue of Mother Mary found to be floating in the Arabian Sea around 1700-1760. There is a myth according to a great legend that a Koli fisherman dreamt the same few years ago. …

Mount Mary birthday is celebrated all around Mumbai and the fair draws more than lakhs of devotees every year. Devotees pray to Mary in thanksgiving or requesting for some kind of favors. Outside the church there are many religious objects which includes candles which are beautifully shaped like hands, feet, house, etc. Devotees choose the correspondent objects and offer the same in front of Mary. Hope this will help you’ll to understand about the importance this day carries in itself.  http://us.india.com/whatever/mount-mary-bandra-happy-birthday-to-the-blessed-virgin-138312/

Question: Catholics celebrate the Virgin Mary’s birthday as the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When is the Virgin Mary’s birthday?

Answer: The Virgin Mary’s birthday is September 8… http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/f/Virgin_Mary_Birthday.htm

COGwriter

A reader from Canada, who was once part of the old Worldwide Church of God, sent the following to me and gave me permission to post this:

Considering the short time (two years) that the Continuing Church of God has existed, to have “a couple dozen congregations” is a fairly good achievement. You also mentioned having a few supporters scattered in [across] Canada. Recalling the history of the (original)  Radio/Worldwide Church of God in Canada, the number of Canadian supporters is more than that of the WCG for the first two years they had. Radio stations, in Mr. Armstrong’s time were less powerful and were barely reaching the northwestern Canada/USA border. It took several years and many more stations added across the USA before Canadians were able to listen to the “World Tomorrow” broadcast. As more stations were added to the Pacific Northwestern states, more Canadians were able ‘tune in’ and started to write for literature.

Finally, in the 50’s (I cannot recall the exact date) Mr. Armstrong sent his son Garner Ted to Vancouver to obtain a post office mail box and and open a small office there. I believe Mr. Dean Wilson was sent there to operate it and later became the first Canadian director of the Work in Canada. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wilson several times (during the 70’s) both at the Feast of Tabernacles in Penticton, BC and Victoria, BC. He also held a Personal Appearance campaign at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton. A (then) young minister, Ronald Miller sang two solos during this event. During the early years, these two men (with possibly one or two others) took a ‘baptizing tour across Canada. Soon afterwards, there were bible study groups, that later became congregations in every province across Canada. My wife and I started attending WCG Edmonton in the summer of 1972. In 1975, Ron Miller baptized my wife and his ministerial assistant Clyde Killough (now president of COGWA) baptized me while they were ministers here. I would say that in 1976, the WCG in Canada reached its peak in membership. At that time in Edmonton, there were four congregations in the city with an average of 210 attending in each congregation. Calgary had two. However, as bible studies were flourishing throughout the province, they quickly became church congregations and many people, who came into Edmonton for Sabbath, started attending a congregation closer to home. We then merged Edmonton North with Edmonton West for the north side of the river and merged Edmonton East with Edmonton South for the south side of the North Saskatchewan River, which runs right through the centre of the city. Calgary did the same and went back to having only one congregation. Both cities were ‘field training centres’ for many Ambassador College Graduates from Big Sandy and Pasadena, and even a few from Bricket Wood. We have had somewhere between 30 and 40 ministers that spent time In fact, I could list most of their names and I am sure you would remember many of their names from COG news articles you either read about in Dixon Cartwright’s Journal or your own research (for COG News) as they have surfaced in many stories. These years in the 70s were indeed exciting times. I get carried away writing or talking about this era.

I will not write much more but feel it necessary to briefly mention when I left the WCG. When my sister died in 1992, I moved to Chilliwack, BC, 80 miles east of Vancouver to look after my elderly mother for seven years … It was while I was there that the WCG started to fall apart and early in 1996, I left the WCG as did 70 percent of the Abbotsford congregation. While ‘in transition’ I met with others in various homes. Occasionally, I attended Global in that area, as did many of my friends who left WCG but then problems started occurring there as well. Finally, I started attending UCG in White Rock, just east of Vancouver and later a UCG congregation, although less than thirty people, was started in Abbotsford, which was closer to Chilliwack. …

That briefly tells the story of the church situation in western Canada, and a little bit of my own COG experience.

The writer wanted me to add that this was the recollection of events to the best of his knowledge, but that he felt it accurately represented what happened with him and various others in Canada.  It should be mentioned, however, that while Clyde K. is with COGWA, he is not its president.

Anyway, in 1991, our family went to Victoria, British Columbia (Canada) for the Feast of Tabernacles. Over 1,000 (perhaps 2,000 or more) attended. At the beginning of this post is a picture of Victoria Harbor and the children’s choir at the Feast that year.

As far as Canada and the Feast of Tabernacles goes, the Continuing Church of God is planning to have a video site in New Brunswick, Canada next month (see Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2014).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
7.The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots.  They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. A related sermon link would be Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.

COGwriter

There are concerns in London and elsewhere that Scotland may actually vote for independence later this month:

September 7, 2014

The British government scrambled Sunday to respond to a lurch in the opinion polls toward a vote for Scottish independence this month by pledging greater autonomy for Scotland if it chooses to stay within the United Kingdom.

British finance minister George Osborne said on Sunday greater tax, welfare and spending powers would be announced in the coming days and would be implemented if Scotland votes in a historic referendum on September 18 to remain in the 300-year-old union with England.

The government’s offer came after a YouGov poll published in The Sunday Times newspaper gave the “Yes” camp 51 percent support compared to the “No” camp’s 49 percent, excluding undecided voters. Six percent said they had not made up their minds.

A month ago, the ‘no’ vote held a 22-point lead.

Although the two-point lead is within the margin of error, the findings dramatically up the stakes ahead of the vote, giving momentum to Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and his separatist Scottish National Party (SNP).

‘Engulfed in panic’

Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the British government’s “Better Together” campaign seemed to be “engulfed in panic” as the competition for votes tightens.

Sturgeon said that if the British government was serious about giving Scotland more financial powers it would not have waited until two weeks before the referendum.

“There is no option of more powers short of independence on the ballot paper,” she said. “There is no guarantee whatsoever that if Scotland votes ‘no’ we will get a single additional power for the Scottish Parliament.”

Osborne said the changes, being agreed by all three major parties in the British parliament, would be put into effect the moment there was a ‘no’ vote in the referendum.

“You will see in the next few days a plan of action to give more powers to Scotland. … Then Scotland will have the best of both worlds. They will both avoid the risks of separation but have more control over their own destiny, which is where I think many Scots want to be,” Osborne said.

“More tax-raising powers, much greater fiscal autonomy … more control over public expenditure, more control over welfare rates and a host of other changes,” he added.

Osborne’s comments echo those of former British Prime Minister and opposition Labor party lawmaker Gordon Brown, who said on Friday he would spearhead a push for Scotland to gain more powers if it voted against independence.

British Prime Minister David Cameron had, ironically, vetoed a third ballot option for greater devolution, betting that the stark choice of yes or no to independence would deliver a clear victory for the status quo as cautious voters turned away from an uncertain future.

Breakaway surge

After months of surveys showing nationalists heading for defeat, recent polls have seen the gap narrow to the extent that they raise the real prospect that secessionists could achieve their goal of breaking with England.

“A two-point gap is too small for us to call the outcome. But the fact that the contest is too close to call is itself remarkable, as Better Together seemed to have victory in the bag,” YouGov President Peter Kellner wrote on his blog.

“In the past four weeks support for the union has drained away at an astonishing rate. The Yes campaign has not just invaded No territory; it has launched a blitzkrieg.”

A separate poll on Sunday by Panelbase, commissioned by the pro-independence campaign, showed the ‘no’ camp ahead by four points, 52-48. The poll showed support for a breakaway rising but still short of a majority at 48 percent. When undecideds were included, that fell to 44 percent.  http://www.voanews.com/content/uk-offers-scotland-greater-autonomy-ahead-of-referendum/2441527.html

As I have been writing for some time, the United Kingdom is not so united that Scotland could not possibly leave. Even if Scotland gets independence, I expect that it will normally cooperate with England and the rest of the remaining UK. But I do believe that if it gains independence that this will not be good for the rest of the UK.  In the future, the UK will lose control over Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands (see also Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands?)–the continental Europeans, in my view, will make sure this happens.

For the past couple of centuries, the UK and/or the USA have essentially been the head of the old world order. The Bible shows that a curse to come would instead to become the tail:

43 “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.

45 “Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you. 46 And they shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, and on your descendants forever. (Deuteronomy 28:43-46)

Some of this is starting to happen. Perhaps it should be mentioned that on a per capita basis, the UK is one of the most indebted nations in the world. On a total basis, the USA is the most indebted nation in human history. Most in the world, including the world of the primarily Anglo-nations, do not realize what will happen if they are no longer on top. Real severe economic problems, such as lack of food, is coming to the Anglo-descended nations (cf. Matthew 24:7-8; Jeremiah 30:7).

National repentance is the only hope now for the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.  No matter which way the vote for the referendum on Scottish independence goes, it is not the true hope for the Scots.

Scotland, along with the  USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the UK are all in at least relative decline, despite the appearance of prosperity in their lands. This will not turn out well (cf. Habakkuk 2:6-8; Daniel 11:39).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon 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?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
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 ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)? Here is a version in Mandarin Chinese 英国将失去直布罗陀和福克兰群岛.
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?
Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors What are some errors that various Protestants hold to that will tend to prevent them from knowing when the Great Tribulation will begin?
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?
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? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
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?
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Just What Do You Mean Conversion? Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
False Conversion Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this article on this important subject.
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.
Prophecy Obama: 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.

Map Showing Kazakhstan

COGwriter

There have been apparent violations of the cease-fire in Ukraine as shelling has been occurring:

September 7, 2014

Residents of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine said heavy shelling could be heard Sunday near the airport, raising new fears that a cease-fire signed Friday by rebels and the Kyiv government is on the verge of collapse.

A spokesman for Ukraine’s national security council in Kyiv said rebels in Donetsk appear to have tried to attack the airport. The airport has been under the control of government troops since May.

Meanwhile, officials in Mariupol said Sunday one woman was killed and three people wounded in the renewed shelling that erupted overnight in the port city.

The death is the first reported civilian casualty since the truce was declared.  …

The cease-fire was approved at talks in Belarus by envoys from the Kyiv government, the separatist movement, Moscow and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by telephone Saturday and the two agreed that the truce was generally being honored at that time.

The cease-fire had appeared to be holding for much of the day on Saturday, but shelling started late at night. http://www.voanews.com/content/eastern-ukraine-ceasefire/2440781.html

The situation in Ukraine remains tense, but it is not the only region feeling tense because of the fighting and other problems in that country.  Others in nations such as Kazakhstan are concerned:

September 7, 2014

At a summer camp north of Moscow attended by youth vetted and groomed by Kremlin-sponsored organizations, Russian President Vladimir Putin was warmly welcomed when he visited recently, taking questions from campers, including one about Kazakhstan.

After complimenting longtime leader Nursultan Nazarbayev, Putin then insulted him, dismissing the history of Central Asia’s largest country.

“He created a state in a territory that had never had a state before,” Putin said during the Aug. 29 visit, according to a Kremlin transcript. “The Kazakhs never had any statehood. He created it.”

The comment touched a major nerve in Kazakhstan, where Russian actions in Ukraine are being watched with fear and where ethnic Russians make up nearly one-quarter of the population.

It came also as Nazarbayev himself signaled doubts about a Kremlin-led project called the Eurasian Economic Union, a project whose rejection by Ukraine set in motion the events that have led to war.

That all former Soviet republics have been spooked by Russia’s actions in Ukraine is without question. The bigger question is how much those actions have changed Moscow’s relationships with those countries, and whether the United States benefits from it, analysts said.

‘Crimea Was Our 9/11’

For elites in Central Asia—intellectuals, policy makers, business leaders, high-placed government officials—Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and the military operations in eastern Ukraine were shocking,  according to Jeffrey Mankoff, a Russia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who traveled to the region in April

“Crimea was our 9/11,” Mankoff said he was told during his trip. “It’s an event that causing a lot of rethinking around the region.”

“If there’s one country that’s worried about redrawing borders, it’s Kazakhstan,” he said.

In Kazakhstan, a sprawling nation that shares borders with China and Russia and is nearly twice the size of Alaska, Nazarbayev has reigned since before the Soviet collapse, and consistently walked a fine line with Moscow.

He’s been involved in negotiations to end the fighting in Ukraine, traveling to the Belarusian capital Minsk on Aug. 26 to meet with Putin, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, and Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko.  http://www.voanews.com/content/russia-kazakhstan-ukraine-fears/2440051.html

So, many consider that Crimea was a wake-up call.  Many around the world felt that Russia wanted to be more like the West and did not have territorial aspirations.  They were wrong.

Now countries like Kazakhstan are trying to figure out how to best deal with the realities as they see them.  And its geographic location in central Asia impacts what it believes it can do.

As far as the Eurasian Union goes, it is of some immediate and historic interest to mention that the current idea of a Eurasian organization was reportedly first publicly proposed as a concept by the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, during a 1994 speech at a Moscow university.  Vladimir Putin then publicly pushed for a Eurasian Union somewhat based on the European Union’s integration in October 2011.  On 18 November 2011, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia signed an agreement, setting a target of establishing the Eurasian Union by 2015.  The Eurasian Union was later officially agreed to on May 29, 2014 with a target date of implementation January 1, 2015.  Vladmir Putin wants more nations like Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, to be part of it, even though their leaders have applied for closer ties to the European Union.  Crimea has concerned many former Soviet Republics, including those wondering about the Eurasian Union.

Kazakhstan’s concerns, in particular, could affect how quickly others may wish to come in to this particular Eurasian Union.

It should be noted that there are other Eurasian agreements that already exist.  To mention one other, along with China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan is also part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).  SCO is “a China backed security forum was set up in Shanghai in 2001. Its members included Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan” (http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/china-welcomes-proposed-accession-of-india-in-sco/1002465.html).  There are also various economic agreements between many of those nations.

The following was written by the late Herbert W. Armstrong decades ago:

“Gog” in the land of “Magog” is the vast regions of the U.S.S.R. in northern Eurasia extending from the Baltic to the Pacific. “Meshech” is Moscow, “Tubal” is Tobol’sk.

Notice the allies who come with them in this future battle. You will find “Gomer,” “Togarmah,” “Magog,” “Meshech,” “Tubal” identified in Genesis 10 as the sons of Japheth, father of the Eurasians. (Armstrong HW. Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States, reprint 1980, p. 8 )

The Bible does tell of a Eurasian confederation that will arise and assemble in Armageddon. The idea of a Eurasian Union is consistent with biblical prophecy.  The New Testament shows that a group of nations known as the Kings of the East will form:

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

Note: The literal translation of Revelation 16:12 is “the kings of the sunrise” and thus this would seem to include Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Indochina (including Vietnam), Indonesia, (since Indonesia is Islamic, it is likely to wish much closer alignment with the Chinese in the end after the King of the North overwhelms the Islamic King of the South per Daniel 11:40-43) and other lands, such as the central Asian nations. India is also likely one of those kings.

Notice something from the old Plain Truth magazine:

These seven plagues, designed to bring humanity to repentance, are pictured symbolically as seven vials, or small vessels holding liquids. These vials are “poured out” upon a corrupted earth by seven angels. Tragically, mankind as a whole will still refuse to repent of sin!

The sixth of these vials or plagues is described in Revelation 16: 12 and introduces us to Armageddon: “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.”

The Euphrates River rises in Turkey and flows southeastward for some 1,700 miles through Syria and Iraq, ultimately emptying into the Arabian or Persian Gulf. Across this riverbed will come the “kings of the east” and their armies — a prophesied . . . Eurasian confederacy. This confederacy will have certain geopolitical goals motivating their military offensive. But an unperceived, behind-the-scenes influence will be the ultimate motivation underlying their actions. Notice: Revelation 16:14 reveals that it will be demonic spirits that will influence “the kings of the earth and of the whole world” to gather for battle. These spirits are fallen angels who followed Lucifer (Satan) in his rebellion against God (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:12-17; Rev. 12:4). They will stir up this world’s leaders to prepare for war. (Stump K. Just What Do You Mean – ARMAGEDDON? Plain Truth, June 1985)

Notice something about this from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

The second woe, with its symbols of horses and horsemen…and is also referred to as an event in the Day OF THE Eternal in Joel 2:4. This refers to a tremendous military power–also to the NORTH–due north! They come with an army of two hundred million! Think of it–an army of two hundred million! World events are now moving rapidly to make possible a Communist Eurasian army of that unbelievable manpower! (Armstrong HW. The Book of Revelation Unveiled at Last! 1972 edition. p. 38-39).

All of that Eurasian army does not need to be ‘communist’ (though most of the lands that Herbert Armstrong referred to were communist when he wrote that).

Notice what Joel 2 indicates some of what that two hundred million man army will do:

2…A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them,Even for many successive generations. 3 A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run. 5 With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array. 6 Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. 7 They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks. 8 They do not push one another;Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down. 9 They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief. (Joel 2:2-9)

That massive army will cause fear and massive destruction!

Russia, with a border that extends east to the Pacific ocean, would appear to be one of the Kings of the East. There will be an end-time confederation of Asian nations with some European involvement that will be part of this eastern confederation.

Despite concerns about Ukraine and Crimea, it is logical to consider that Kazakhstan and other Eurasian nations will ultimately be part of this.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Bible News Prophecy July-Sept. 2014: The Coming Eurasian Union Here is the latest magazine from the Continuing Church of God. The cover of which shows Vladimir Putin and features an article about the coming Eurasian Union.
Russia and Ukraine: Origins and Prophesied Future 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? You can also watch the short video Ukraine in Prophecy?
Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy Is Russia mentioned in the Bible? It it is where is it? Is there any evidence of a people moving to the land that the Russians now occupy? What do Catholic and other prophecies say about Russia? What does the Bible teach? How are Protestants often in error on this? Is there more in biblical prophecy for Russia than war? Does God have a plan to save Russia and her allies? Does Russia have a history involving Sabbath keepers? Does scripture tie Russia in with Armageddon? Will Russia help defeat the end time Babylonian power? What did the Apostle John, and the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, write about Russia? This is a sermon-length video.
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fufilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?
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?
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
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?
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? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

Fighting continues in Iraq, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East.

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce our latest video on our Bible New Prophecy YouTube channel:

20:38

Middle East Peace? When?

The island called Patmos is where the last book of the Bible was written in the late first century (see Revelation 1:9).

COGwriter

Should you pay attention to prophecy?  Some wonder about that.  Some consider that most prophecy is already fulfilled, which is a wrong and dangerous position to take (see The Dangerous Rise of Preterists).

I received an email newsletter today from a claimed Church of God (COG) group, which I will not identify, that basically claims because it reached 170 nations/territories over the internet that Matthew 24:14 has been fulfilled, its proclamation work is over, and the end is basically here now.  Yet, there are more nations/territories than that, and that group did not fulfill Matthew 24:14 (to put this in more perspective, COGwriter.com, for example, reached at least 221 nations/territories and with many times the number of visitors than that group did, and I still do not believe that Matthew 24:14 has been fulfilled yet–there is at least 3 1/2 more years, and at this stage, probably at least 4 1/2).  So that particular group, like certain others that misunderstand when the end is, is wrong.

Actually, nearly all the COG groups have significant prophetic misunderstandings.  The Sardis group CG7-Denver, for example, is preterist and thus believes many events that are prophesied for the future are already past, hence Jesus warned them “you will not know what hour I will come upon you” (Revelation 3:3). Nearly all the rest of the COG groups are Laodicean and hold to prophetic misunderstandings, that unless they repent as Jesus tells them to (Revelation 3:14-22), they will not possibly know when the Great Tribulation will be (details are in the article The Laodicean Church Era).

And then there are a variety of wrong prophetic position of Protestants and Catholics.

Since many are wrong, is paying attention to prophecy and and current events important?

Certainly.

In the first recorded sermon, the Apostle Peter tied current events in with biblical prophecy (Acts 2:14-40).  Partially because people were aware of the events that Peter discussed, many paid attention and thousands were converted (Acts 2:41).

Throughout the New Testament, Christian leaders did try to tie events to prophecy and other parts of the Bible to known events better reach their audiences (e.g. Acts 17:22-31).

The first message that it is recorded that Jesus preached (the gospel of the kingdom in Mark 1:14) and the last message Jesus gave (the Book of Revelation) were prophetic.  Various messages that He gave (e.g. Matthew 24, Luke 21) were tied to upcoming world events.

Does this mean that prophecy is the most important characteristic of the true Church? No, love is (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1,8).

Yet, the pursuit of love is also tied in with prophecy in the Bible (1 Corinthians 14:1). Those who truly have the love of the truth, will be spared from some prophesied events according to 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.

Today, massive societal changes are taking place. Many of them are prophesied in the Bible. Even though between perhaps one-quarter to one-third of the entire Bible is prophetic, most simply do not understand that truth about various key prophecies in the Bible that Jesus urged His followers in the end to understand (e.g. Matthew 24:15).

Jesus wanted His followers to pay attention to when He would return. Notice also the following:

54 Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. 55 And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. 56 Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time? (Luke 12:54-56)

Various Jews knew that the Messiah was expected about the time that Jesus was on earth. Yet, the vast majority failed to properly recognize Him.

Well, we are in the time that Jesus called the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:4-8). More sorrows and troubles are ahead, many world events are aligning with properly understood biblical prophecy, and true believers should be willing to watch and discern the signs of this time.

Some, despite claiming to believe the Bible, either discount or overlook prophecy. But that is not supposed to be the case for true Christians:

29 “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:29-36)

Notice that Jesus taught that His followers will always to pay attention to events and prophecies related to His return. Jesus repeatedly told His followers to watch for world events that would fulfill prophecy in other scriptures such as Matthew 24:42, 25:13; Mark 13:9,33,34,35,37, and Revelation 3:3. Jesus did expect His followers to watch.  Jesus used prophecy to keep His followers vigilant–He wanted them to be ‘hot’ and not lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22).

Jesus also taught that the Holy Spirit, “the Spirit of truth,” would assist the faithful understanding all truth, including prophetic ones:

12 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when …the Spirit of truth, has come, {it} will guide you into all truth; …will tell you things to come. (John 16:12-13)

Having the Holy Spirit and properly being led by the Holy Spirit helps us understand prophecy.

The Bible also teaches:

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20)

Yet many do not seem to believe that God’s Spirit is currently working prophetically now. Many also tend to despise biblical prophecies as well as, often, their proper explanation(s).

While some discount the importance of prophecy, notice what the Apostle Paul taught:

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13:11-14)

Are we not a lot closer to the end now than when Paul wrote that?  Paul also taught that true Christians were not to be like others who would not know near when Jesus would return (1 Thessalonians 5:4).

The Apostle Peter wrote:

11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:11-13)

Properly paying attention to prophetic events helps one to be ready for Jesus (Luke 21:36;).  Additionally, the reality of prophecy and world events is also intended to be a reflective exercise to get Christians to examine their lives enough to change as they should (cf. Romans 13:11-14; 2 Peter 3:10-13).

Another reason to pay attention to prophecy and events is so that you will not be carried away with false prophetic and other teachings.  That is also part of the reason that there is a ministry, including prophets:

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ —  16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.  (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Throughout the years, various ones have claimed that the end was sooner that it was.  One of most famous in the 21st century were the pronouncements of the now deceased Harold Camping.  But those who properly understood current events in the light on biblical prophecy could easily prove he was in error (for details, see Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible).

There are others as well.

But no matter what anyone says, the world will not end this year, or next year, or even the year after.

How can I be sure?

Well, for one reason, the Apostle Peter wrote:

19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).

This is the case with the Continuing Church of God.  (Details about what biblical signs to watch for and WHY the end cannot happen this year, etc. are in the article When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?)

Part of the reason to watch events and understand Bible prophecy is so that we will not affected by those who promote false doctrines or claim that the end can come before the Bible allows it (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:2; Ephesians 4:14).

Prophecy also assures us that God is in charge and that His will will be done. The faithful do not have to fear what humans can say or do. Notice what Jesus said in one of the most reassuring of the prophecies:

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

The Bible is clear that certain events need to occur before the end comes. And that includes us all growing in “grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, NKJV).

Part of that knowledge is prophetic. And part of that biblical knowledge tells us that the world will not end this year.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? A related sermon is titled The Millennium.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
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.
Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Blood Moons and Prophecy There are four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Do they signal the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ? A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders? A related sermon is available titled Priority of the Philadelphia Work.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 teaches “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come ” will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing?  This is a sermonette length video.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots.  They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.
Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.

Anti-Islamist Libyan General Khalifa Haftar (Magharebia)

COGwriter

There are concerns about what is happening in Libya as well as what Libya’s fate will be:

September 6, 2014

Libya’s Fate Difficult to Predict, Analysts Say

As Libya slides deeper into political and military chaos, uncertainty reigns and analysts say it’s difficult to predict next moves.

Some say Libya needs regional or broader foreign involvement; others say that would only aggravate the situation.

In mid-August, Libya’s ambassador to Egypt, Mohamed Jibril, called for international intervention, saying “Libya is unable to protect its institutions, its airports and oil fields.”

Last week, the country’s ambassador to the United Nations, Ibrahim Dabbashi, asked the U.N. Security Council to disarm the warring factions. But the council decided against sending a U.N. peacekeeping force to Libya.

Two military coalitions are competing for governmental control.  Their power struggles have almost paralyzed the country, leaving it with two de facto parliaments and two prime ministers.

One coalition, Libya Dawn, represents Islamist groups including the hardline Ansar al-Shariah and militias from the coastal city of Misurata. The other coalition includes supporters of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi, ousted in 2011. It’s led by retired General Khalifa Haftar, an anti-Islamist.

Retired General Sameh Seif Alyazal, director of Cairo’s Algomhuria Center for Strategic Studies, said it’s “very difficult, if not impossible now, to disarm more than 1,600 militias and armed groups in Libya with millions of pieces of weapon and a variety of heavy weapons and missiles.”

Seif Alyazal welcomed the Security Council’s resolution to impose sanctions on militias and their political supporters who are fueling Libya’s escalating war.

Egypt’s former ambassador to Libya, Hany Khallaf, said stabilizing Libya will demand more international cooperation.

“Political and security arrangements are urgently required in Libya and it would take serious efforts from neighboring Arab countries, European and international efforts to be achieved,” Khallaf said. …

Michael O’ Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brooking Institution, a Washington think tank, predicted Libya eventually might be divided.

“Realistically,” he said, “it is possible that Libya would be partitioned in the future, or at least would be a confederation of some kind where you do have two ongoing parliaments.” http://www.voanews.com/content/libyas-fate-difficult-to-predict-analysts-say/2440798.html

September 6, 2014

Libya

U.S. attention to the continued turmoil in Libya following the ouster of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi peaked shortly after the attack on a U.S. facility in Benghazi in September 2012 that killed four Americans, but the unrest there has continued to smolder. Most recently, it resulted in the seizure of a former U.S. diplomatic compound this week by Islamist militants.

“You’ve got Libya becoming Somalia on the Mediterranean in many ways,” Zarate warned, “and what you have is a lot of the Islamic militants who are now vying for power, along with other tribal groups and other factions in Libya, taking control of more parts of the country, to include the airport and now this diplomatic facility that was basically a residence for US. diplomats and personnel.”

The jihadis apparently had a “pool party” at the facility, Zarate added, noting a video of the revelry that was posted online showing militants jumping from balconies and generally trashing the place.

The seizure of the compound, Zarate said, reflects the sad reality that Libya’s “governance is not working,” and that extremists continue to hold sway over broad swaths of the country.

“I think it’s a major concern for counterterrosim officials in the west, and you’ve always had the problem of extremists, especially in the east, in places like Benghazi that have been tied to al Qaeda,” Zarate explained. “So we’ve got to keep our eye on Libya for precisely for those reasons.”  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/somalia-libya-and-china-on-the-backburner-but-for-how-long/

While secular analysts do not know Libya’s fate, some are looking towards international cooperation and regional involvement for the area.  Despite anti-Islamist leaders like Libyan General Khalifa Haftar, a deal with certain followers of Islam will occur.  Actually, probably several (e.g. Daniel 9:27, 11:27; 40-43; Ezekiel 30:2-8; Psalm 83:2-8).

The Bible teaches that those in the region called Libya will become part of a regional confederation.  Though opposition to that idea exists in and out of Libya, various ones in the West and the Arab world are promoting it.

There is war and destruction prophesied for those associated with ‘Libya’ in the Bible.  There are various references to that word in the Bible.  However, many of the translations are questionable as sometimes a word for an old area of Persia (Phut) is translated as Libya.

Basically Strong’s (from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance) words 3864, 3865, & 3866 means people from the interior of Africa and seem to include the areas west of Egypt.

Here are three prophetic passages that refer to it with Strong’s words 3864, 3865 & 3866, respectively:

40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.  (Daniel 11:40-43)

2 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God:
“Wail, ‘Woe to the day!’ 3 For the day is near, Even the day of the Lord is near;It will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles. 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 Egypt And 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 30:2-9)

1 The word of the Lord which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the nations…
8 Egypt rises up like a flood,
And its waters move like the rivers;
And he says, ‘I will go up and cover the earth,
I will destroy the city and its inhabitants.’
9 Come up, O horses, and rage, O chariots!
And let the mighty men come forth:
The Ethiopians and the Libyans who handle the shield,
And the Lydians who handle and bend the bow.
10 For this is the day of the Lord God of hosts,
A day of vengeance,
That He may avenge Himself on His adversaries.
The sword shall devour;
It shall be satiated and made drunk with their blood;
For the Lord God of hosts has a sacrifice
In the north country by the River Euphrates. (Jeremiah 46:1,8-10)

In Ezekiel 30:5 and Jeremiah 46:9 it is the words translated as Lydia and Lydians, not those translated as Libya and Libyans, that appear to be referring to the people in the area of modern Libya.

Both Daniel 11 and Ezekiel 30 tell of a confederation of Arabic and other peoples. Both seem to specifically refer to the peoples in or near Libya, probably including neighboring lands such as Algeria and Tunisia.

The Bible shows that the ‘fate’ of those in the area referred to as Libya includes becoming part of a regional confederation involving Egypt led by one the Bible refers to as the King of the South.  The Bible also makes it clear that this confederation will NOT end well and that this will not turn out well for those involved, including Libya.

That being said, the time will come when the Libyans will truly be offered salvation and nearly all will accept it (see Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in Prophecy and Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis).  Until then, the ‘fate’ of the nation of Libya does not look good, though there will be temporary situations (e.g. Daniel 9:27) that will likely stabilize it for a time.

The solution that various leaders have proposed to the problems of Islamic terrorist groups at this time is some type international cooperation along with a regional coalition.  Yesterday, US President Barack Obama alluded to that as well:

September 5, 2014

“Our goal is to act with urgency but also make sure that we’re doing it right, that we have the right targets, that there’s support on the ground … that we have a strong political coalition,” Obama said at a news conference…

One major piece of the strategy for weakening the threat from Islamic State, Obama and aides said, will be the support and participation of the neighbors of Syria and Iraq.

“It is absolutely critical that we have Arab states, and specifically Sunni-majority states, that are rejecting the kind of extremist nihilism that we’re seeing out of ISIL, that say, ‘That is not what Islam is about,’ and are prepared to join us actively in the fight,” Obama said, using one of the acronyms for Islamic State. http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-obama-islamic-state-20140905-story.html

The Bible shows that the areas that are currently Sunni-majority states in the Middle East and North Africa will compose the final King of the South, and that is something that Barack Obama is seemingly advocating.

Back in 2009, I warned:

…the Bible predicts that at the appointed time, a King of the North and a King of the South with rise. Various statements that Barack Obama has made suggest that he will implement policies that will likely help lead to the multi-national formations that will ultimately have these kings. (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  2009)

Barack Obama is and has been doing that.  The final King of the South will form.  And yes, Libya will be part of it.

Some items of additional interest may include the following:

Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in Prophecy What is ahead for North Africa? What does the Bible teach?
The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? A related video is Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
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.
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? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
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.
Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here is a related video Iran In Prophecy.
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.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.
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? Related sermon videos include Universal Offer of Salvation I: God is love  and Universal Offer of Salvation II: The Age to Come and the ‘Little Flock’ and Universal Offer of Salvation III: All Are to Know Jesus, But When? and Universal Offer of Salvation IV: Will the Guilty be Pardoned? and Universal Offer of Salvation V: All Israel Will be Saved? A version of the main article was also translated in the Spanish language: Oferta universal de salvación: Hay cientos de versículos en la Biblia que apoyan la verdadera doctrina de la Apocatastasis.
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. Watch also the YouTube Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.