Archive for March, 2012

TW: Germany’s new president plus 10 nation support

Sunday, March 25th, 2012


Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

In the latest TW News & Prophecy of the Living Church of God has the following:

Germany’s new president.

A special assembly of the German parliament just elected a new president to replace Christian Wulff, who recently resigned amid scandal. The 72-year-old Joachim Gauck, a former Lutheran pastor, commented on the news of his appointment, “What a glorious Sunday!” Angela Merkel is the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. Both also hail from the former East Germany. Mr. Gauck has four children and is divorced. His partner (not his wife), will take on the responsibilities of “first lady” (BBC.com, March 18, 2012).

The Scriptures clearly state that God removes and sets up kings and leaders, and gives power to whomever He will (Daniel 2:21; 4:17). Bible prophecies reveal that at the end of the age, a German-led Beast power will arise in Europe and will be promoted by a prominent religious leader (Revelation 13).

Will Germany’s new, outspoken and more religious president be more likely to work with the religiously motivated ambitions of the Church of Rome? Time will tell.

For more information on this coming Beast power, review our free reprint article: Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich?

It is my position that most of the Lutherans will end up supporting a compromised religion that will call itself Catholic in Europe.  Having more Lutheran leaders in Germany is supportive of that view.  The wife of former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is also Lutheran.

The latest TW News & Prophecy also has the following:

“Ten nations” plus Germany.

A Spanish newspaper reported, “Gathered around Germany, ten nations have formed the ‘Berlin Club’ to revive the European project” (presseurop.eu, March 21, 2012).

At a meeting in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle invited nations considered “the most Europhile” to discuss how to “revive the ideal of a united Europe… stabilize growth and the euro… as well as border controls… [and reopen] the discussion on the need for a European Constitution.” The German Foreign Minister “received qualified support” from France and other countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain (presseurop.eu, March 15, 2012).

Bible prophecy has long foretold that “ten kings… will give their power and authority [surrender their sovereignty] to the beast” (Revelation 17:12-13)–a German-led power that will arise in Europe and which has links to the ancient Roman Empire (Daniel 2:42-44)–see our booklet, The Beast of Revelation.

While the current ten nations plus Germany are not the final reorganization that Revelation 17:12-13 speaks of, it is interesting how often configurations involving 10 powers have been popping up in Europe the past year or so.  Revelation 17:12-13 will be fulfilled.

But it is not just what is going on in Europe that needs to be looked at from a prophetic perspective.   Probably prior to the reorganization of Revelation 17:12-13, the Bible tells of one or more deals (Psalm 83:4-8; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:27) that will involve Germany and the Arab world.

According to Bible prophecy, a European power, despite its fragility, is destined to temporarily be the most dominant force in the world, ultimately conquer the Anglo-descended nations (Daniel 11:39), and later come to its end (Daniel 11:45).

We in the Living Church of God have long taught that Germany (Assyria in end time prophecy) would be the driving force in the end-time European Beast power as well as having a future role in God’s kingdom. Germany has been the main economic engine behind the EU (the Netherlands is also a major, but sometimes overlooked, major economic power there as well).

We believe that over time, Germany will get more and more powerful and that an even stronger union will form in Europe as well as be part of a horrible deal with the Arabs. Germany keeps taking steps that confirm those beliefs.

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”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012? Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?

TW: Jerusalem’s history foretells Its future

Saturday, March 24th, 2012

Jerusalem

COGwriter

In its latest TW News & Prophecy, the Living Church of God has the following:

Jerusalem’s history foretells Its future.

The nation of Israel has long benefited from its geographical location. A recent Stratforreport summarized the risks to Israel, based on its geography and its past. Throughout its history, Israel has been able to defend itself against its neighbors, and even a combined attack by more than one neighbor was relatively easy to repel because of its unique geography. What history reveals is that only external powers with clear military and financial advantage have been able to overthrow Israel (e.g., Assyria, Babylon, Britain, and Rome).The Stratfor analysis points out that Israel must ally with a strong power it can trust, in order to prevent invasion and dominance by a powerful outside force. The U.S. has been this power for the last approximately 60 years. Stratfor notes, “It [Israel] can survive only if it maneuvers with great powers commanding enormously greater resources… it must be constantly clever… No nation can be clever forever… But cleverness is not a geopolitical concept. It is not permanent, and it is not assured.” Speaking of a potential scenario in which Israel could be overcome, the report continues, “… Israel might face a Babylonian catastrophe or be forced into some variation of Persian or Roman subjugation” (Stratfor, May 14, 2011).

Bible prophecy labels Israel, and specifically Jerusalem, as a “cup of trembling” to its neighbors (Zechariah 12:2, KJV). It has been exactly that for millennia–a critical geopolitical region that everyone wants but no one nearby can have. As Stratfor notes, it would take an extremely powerful outside force (like Rome) in the absence of a powerful ally (like the U.S.) to effectively gain control of this critical region of the world. Bible prophecy reveals that this is exactly what will happen in the end times.

Jesus said that in the “last days” Jerusalem would be “trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Luke 21:24, KJV). The Bible reveals that this period of time will last for 3.5 years (Revelation 11:2; 13:5) and include a German-led European Beast Power controlling the sacrifices on the Temple Mount (Daniel 11:31; 12:11). Geopolitics are shaping up for this long-prophesied event.

For more information on this subject and the fate of Israel and Jerusalem, see our free booklet, The Beast of Revelation

Of course, as indicated above, the Bible warned that Jerusalem would a difficult issue in the end times:

2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.  3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. (Zechariah 12:2-3, KJV)

This may be part of why Jerusalem will be divided:

2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;
The city shall be taken,
The houses rifled,
And the women ravished.
Half of the city shall go into captivity,
But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2)

The current conflict between Iran and Israel, combined with the unrest in Syria and the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists rising up in the Middle East, are setting the stage for the dividing of Jerusalem.

And even if there is no new regional conflict, news items have come out indicating the EU, as well as the current UN Secretary-General (Ban Ki-moon) want to divide Jerusalem now to partially satisfy many Palestinians.   Possibly through the treaty of Daniel 9:27, the dividing will happen and the captivity of 1/2 of Jerusalem ultimately will come to fulfill Zechariah 14:2 (see Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided?).

Some articles of possibly related :

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? 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?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?

Syria using Iranian weapons against its protesters

Saturday, March 24th, 2012

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

COGwriter

The following is demonstrating the ties and dependency that the Assad regime now has on Iran:

24 March 2012

WASHINGTON — Iran is providing a broad array of assistance to Syrian President Bashar Assad to help him suppress anti-government protests, from high-tech surveillance technology to guns and ammunition, U.S. and European security officials say…

“Over the past year, Iran has provided security assistance to Damascus to help shore up Assad. Tehran during the last couple of months has been aiding the Syrian regime with lethal assistance – including rifles, ammunition, and other military equipment — to help it put down the opposition,” a U.S. official said.  http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/24/10842227-iranian-weapons-help-bashar-assad-put-down-syria-protests-officials-say

Something will have to change in the region. While Iran acts like it wants to cooperate to get out of sanctions against it, some believe this is simply a delay tactic by Iran (e.g. US, EU welcome Iran nuclear letter, suggest talks)–the regime in Iran has clearly stated that the elimination of the nation of Israel is one of its goals.   While not all in Iran want conflict, the current regime may decide that it needs to do this to 1) fulfill its understanding of Islamic prophecy and 2) to keep itself in power longer.  And a serious war between Iran and Israel will most likely involve Syria.

The Syrian government has its own problems, and is getting more and more cut off from the international community.  Syria’s President Assad might decide his personal best option is to more closely support Iran and perhaps be involved in an invasion of Jerusalem and Israel. If so, this might be how certain scriptures involving Syria/Damascus is fulfilled.

Notice what the Bible shows will happen to to Syria’s capital Damascus:

1 An oracle concerning Damascus:
“See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down,with no one to make them afraid. 3 The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,and royal power from Damascus;the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites,” declares the LORD Almighty. (Isaiah 17:1-3)

3 Thus says the Lord:
“For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment…5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus,
And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven,
And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden.
The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,”
Says the Lord. (Amos 1:3, 5)

Of course technically, Syria is still at war with Israel as it never did sign a peace deal with Israel. So an actual war involving Syria and Israel is quite feasible. If so, Israel may hit back so hard that it might eliminate Damascus as Isaiah 17:1 says will happen. Iran may also get “neutralized” in such a regional conflict (either militarily and/or politically) as it is not shown to have an important direct role in scripture until after the King of the South is eliminated (Daniel 11:40-43), and that King has not risen yet (nor will he be Iranian).

Notice also the following:

Islamists seek influence in Syria uprising

AP – March 21, 2012

The gunmen in eastern Syria, wielding grenade launchers and assault rifles, announced on the Internet they were forming the “God is Great” Brigade and joining the country’s rebellion. They swore allegiance to the Free Syrian Army and vowed to topple President Bashar Assad.

But unlike many other rebel bands, they wrapped their proclamation in hard-line Islamic language, declaring their fight to be a “jihad,” or holy war, and urging others to do the same…

The groups diverge from violent jihadi movements to political moderates like the Muslim Brotherhood, which has already used the Arab Spring revolutions to vault to power in Tunisia and Egypt elections.

Their growing influence is seeding divisions within an already fractured opposition. A week ago, several prominent figures quit the Syrian National Council, the body of exiles that has tried to emerge as the opposition’s political leadership. They complained the fundamentalist Brotherhood dominates the group.

The council is “a liberal front for the Muslim Brotherhood,” said Kamal Labwani, a veteran secular dissident, who broke away. He said the Brotherhood was trying to build allegiances on the ground in Syria…

The Brotherhood “are lying low, waiting to see how events unfold and reap the fruits of the fight.”

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_SYRIA_RISING_ISLAMISTS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-03-21-18-03-33

And while Iran will not become the final King of the South, various Islamists, perhaps like the Muslim Brotherhood, will.  Syria is currently trying to use force and Iranian weapons to stop this from happening.  But the reality is that an Islamic power is starting to ruse up throughout North Africa and the Middle East.  And Syria will apparently end up being part of that, despite interim steps that its President Assad is now taking.

As Jesus said in Mark 13:37, we all should watch.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?

Fatima’s ‘Lady’ will not solve the problems in 2012

Friday, March 23rd, 2012


Fatima Sanctuary, Portugal (Photo by Joyce Thiel, May 2011)

COGwriter

Got an email from The Fatima Center today that included the following:

WHAT WILL 2012 BRING?

Deepening crisis, or real solution?

March 23, 2012…While you are reading this, more nuclear weapons are being made. The superpowers are facing off over Iran. Will Israel attack in the spring? Will the United States attack? What will Russia and China do?We could go on, for the list of crises is long. But the list of solutions short — very short. In fact, there is only one solution: Listen to and obey Our Lady of Fatima!

This is why we are going to Rome from May 13 to May 18 to convene “Fatima: Your Last Chance!”…it is necessary for the Church to listen to Our Lady of Fatima and do precisely what She asks…

The time is short. Many dire things have been predicted for the year 2012. Let us hope that this year will bring something unexpectedly wonderful: Our Lady’s Final Triumph!

Basically, The Fatima Center believes if the Pope would call all of his bishops together and give a prayer to consecrate Russia, that world peace and other positive developments would happen.   Thus far, none of the popes since the three children claimed to see an apparition once per month for six months in and near Fatima, Portugal in 1917, has done the consecration like The Fatima Center and various others believe is necessary.  Not doing this was supposed to turn the entire world communist, but has not really done so yet (we have seen less officially communist countries since the late 1980s than we had in the 1970s).

Despite claims from the Fatimists, the apparition that was claimed to appear in Fatima never stated that it was Mary.  Yet, partially because of Fatima and other claimed apparitions of Mary, certain Catholics expect to that more public appearances of “Mary” will happen in the end times.

It is my position that it is very likely that apparitions that people will claim will be Mary, the mother of Jesus, will be part of the signs and lying wonders that are mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 and Matthew 24:24 (cf. Isaiah 47).

Some articles of possibly related interest may be:

Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Origin of the Marian Dogmas: Where Do Catholic Scholars Say The Four Dogmas of Mary Came From?
Assumption of Mary Did Mary die? Was she taken to heaven on August 15th? What is known? What does the Bible show?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012?  Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?

EU leaders agree to develop more integrated military independent of the USA

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

COGwriter

European leaders have decided to develop a more integrated military that is less dependent upon the USA:

EU countries to reduce dependence on US military‎ EUobserver.com

March 23, 2012

The pressure for Europe to enhance its own military is also coming from Washington. President Barack Obama last year announced a new military strategy that shifts focus away from Europe…

“…we need to show that we can do things like Libya by ourselves,” stated Arnould back in January.

EU defense ministers endorse pooling of resources
BusinessWeek

BRUSSELS

European Union defense ministers endorsed on Thursday projects to develop joint air-to-air refueling capacities and field hospitals as part of a wider effort to share military resources in response to falling defense budgets…The EU’s 27 governments still spend about (EURO)200 billion ($265 billion) on defense annually — only the United States spends more.

We in the Living Church of God have long taught that the Europeans would become a major military power as the Bible foretells (Revelation 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39-44).

Since no later than 2009, I have specifically written (see, for example, the eighth chapter of 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect) that US President Barack Obama would take steps to encourage this European military power to rise up–and that is what is happening.

Not only does the EU have the world’s second largest defense budget (which continues, yes, to still be subject to cuts), it also has the world’s largest physics project, the Large Hadron Collider, which could possibly spin off devastating military technologies to leapfrog Europe to the top of the world as a military power.  This spending and technology combined with Europe’s upcoming Galileo “GPS-type” system will give the Europeans a unique military capability that the USA is likely to regret.

So, as more and more leaders in Europe see the reasons to cooperate together and become more independent on the USA for their defense, the USA should not be surprised that Europe once again will become a military power.

And in World War II (WWII), which the USA and its allies barely won, Austria-Germany did not have France, the Netherlands, and certain others backing them–but likely will for WWIII.  World events are aligning with biblical prophecy.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
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”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
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? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
id 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?
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? 2019 or 202x?

US To Give Egypt $1.5 Billion in Violation of its Guidelines

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

جامعة الدول العربية
Jāmaʻat ad-Duwwal al-ʻArabiyya Arab League Flag

COGwriter

The USA seems to be overlooking  its technical guidelines to support the powers rising up in Egypt:

Despite concerns, U.S. to give Egypt $1.5B

The Arab Spring
March 23, 2012

(AP) WASHINGTON – The Obama administration told Congress on Thursday it will waive democracy requirements to release up to $1.5 billion in aid to Egypt despite concerns that the country is backsliding on commitments it made to democratic governance and rule of law.

U.S. officials and lawmakers said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has determined that it was in the U.S. national interest to allow $1.3 billion in military assistance to flow.

Fox News (blog) 23 March 2012

SEAN HANNITY, FOX NEWS HOST: Now, with something we have warned about in this program for more than a year and thanks to President Barack Obama, the United States of America is preparing to send $1.5 billion to the radical extremist inside the Muslim brotherhood but, of course, the shocking story is not leading any of the newscast of the mainstream Obama-mania media. Though you will only hear about this as our vetting of the President continues tonight in “The Real Obama.”

Now, this massive sum of money was set aside by the White House for the purpose of funding the Egyptian military. However, Congress blocked it from being handed over due to concerns about the anti-democracy movement that is now griping that country. But the breaking news today comes to us from the State Department where Secretary Hillary Clinton announced that she will issue a waiver to circumvent the will of Congress. Now, according to our report, from democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, Clinton will certify that Egypt is meeting its obligations under its peace treaty with Israel and that means $1.5 billion tax will soon start flowing to the Egyptian government and, yes, that means the Muslim brotherhood.

The above is not a surprise.  The Obama Administration continues to take steps that seem to support the goals of the Muslim Brotherhood (and no, I am not trying to say that this is a specific goal of Hillary Clinton).  And yes, it may be legal for the Administration to overlook certain guidelines if it certifies that doing so is in the national interest, but this still is of prophetic interest.

As far as US President Barack Obama, what he has been doing has been consistent with what I wrote in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. In it, I warned that Barack Obama would help enable the rise of a multi-national leader of an Islamic confederation, like an Imam (an Islamic religious leader like a Mufti or Caliph), that the Bible refers to as the King of the South (Chapter 8, pp. 132-135). His actions and inactions in the Middle East and North Africa are confirming this on a regular basis.  The Obama Administration has cautiously, but repeatedly, supported the Muslim Brotherhood (see Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Satisfies US Government). The public reason for that seems to be that the Muslim Brotherhood is considered to be easier to work with and more “moderate” than Islamist groups like the Al Noor Salafi Movement (that group, for example, seems to encourage persecution on non-Muslims more publicly than the Muslim Brotherhood does)–and perhaps it believes that providing US$1.5 billion will help the less extreme Islamists gain more influence.

However, it should be clear that, as a rule, Islamist groups like Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, want an Islamic empire (called a caliphate) that will require its subjects to have less secular choices than the non-Islamist party backers want.

Notice a few items in the news related to the rise and influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt:

 Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood eyes end to Gaza blockade

22 March 2012

CAIRO/GAZA: The Muslim Brotherhood aims to open the Egyptian border with Gaza to commerce, a shift that would transform life for Palestinians there but which is hitting resistance from Egyptian authorities reluctant to change a longstanding policy.

The biggest party in Egypt’s new parliament, the Islamists are not yet in government but have been seeking ways to ease the impact of restrictions imposed by Israel and Egypt on what passes in and out of the territory run by the Hamas group, an ideological offshoot of the Brotherhood.

Washington Post – ‎Mar 21, 2012
CAIRO – The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s most powerful political group, said Wednesday it is considering running its own candidate in upcoming presidential elections, dropping its previous decision to avoid direct participation in the race.
Ahram Online – ‎22 March 2012
The Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie, has slammed interim Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri…
.
The Muslim Brotherhood and its political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, have been demanding of SCAF that it form a new government based on the new majority in parliament. Badie claimed in his statement that the parliamentary majority would form a government representative of all political powers in Egypt.

Notice what the Muslim Brotherhood wants:

…the goals which the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society was established for, that is, establishing the State of Islam, headed by the Islamic Caliphate, in order to establish Allah religion on Allah’s land…(Source: The Muslim Brotherhood – in its own words Translation of “Jihad is the way” by Mustafa Mashhur Leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, 1996-2002 by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik. http://www.palwatch.org/STORAGE/special%20reports/Jihad_is_the_way_by_Mustafa_Mashhur.pdf viewed 04/30/11)

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?…
“The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law. (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

And while it is not likely to end up with Spain, a confederation from Morocco to Afghanistan could be feasible (plus or minus).

In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood has called for an election of that nation’s Grand Mufti (Brotherhood Demands Election of Mufti, Integrating IFTA Authority to Al-Azhar) so that he will not be appointed by the current interim regime but instead will be one that the Muslim Brotherhood wants. The Grand Mufti is the highest official of religious law in a Sunni or Ibadi Muslim country. The Muslim Brotherhood is gaining much power in Egypt and does not want the current government to get in its way as it gains more power.  And it now looks like it will receive substantial funding from the USA.

To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up. One who Arabs would tend to respect–who might use or not use the title Imam Mahdi or Grand Mufti (Caliph, perhaps with a version one of those religious titles). The time may be now for him to start to rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups may play an important role, and the USA may provide some financial assistance to the process.

Events for the rise of the final King of the South are stirring. Watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles 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?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, 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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What is the “peace deal” of Daniel 9? 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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight 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? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 20 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass. Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition). This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of the 20 predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache. 2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 20 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 20 já começaram a acontecer.

God’s New Year Tonight

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

COGwriter

Tonight at sunset begins the first month in God’s annual Holy Day season. While most people believe that the “new year” begins January 1st, this is not when God began the months for the year.

January 1 is a Roman change.

Julius Caesar, in 46 B.C., declared that January 1st would mark the beginning of the new year. January was named after Janus, the god of gates and doors in Roman mythology. People prayed to Janus when they wanted something new in their lives (such as resolutions). Janus is normally represented with two faces, one looking to the past and the other looking to the future. The first day of the month of January was sacred to him.

But not to God.  Tonight marks the first of the month of Abib/Nisan.

Concerning the month of Abib/Nisan God declared,

2 This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you (Exodus 12:2, NKJV).

The Bible also teaches:

7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan (Esther 3:7).

That month is also called Abib in the Bible (cf. Exodus 13:4). It occurs in March or April each year based upon the lunar cycle.

Now perhaps it should be mentioned that other cultures also accept that the new year begins in the Spring. And while those cultures have various non-biblical practices, it is certainly possible that because God’s year begins in the Spring that perhaps anciently these people were aware of it, and retained the correct season, but not the practices.

Not all have followed the practices of Julius Caesar (called “Julie” below):

For some thousands of years before Julie and the Roman Senate got involved, the new year was celebrated with the first edible crops of the season or the first new moon.

In much of India, Nava Varsha is celebrated in March or April, just as in the most ancient civilizations.

Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla in March; ditto for Persian Nowruz.

As celebrated in China and southeast Asia, Lunar New Year still has a floating date, the first day of the first lunar month. (Shore R. Pagan Party: New Year’s traditions that hail from the depths of antiquity The Vancouver Sun, Canada – Dec 26, 2008, http://www.vancouversun.com/Pagan+Party+Year+traditions+that+hail+from+depths+antiquity/1116320/story.html viewed 01/22/09)

From a biblical perspective, the new year begins in the Spring, and hence not January 1st. And it also begins with a new moon. The fact that even many non-Christian cultures realize that should make it easier for Christians to realize that they too, do not need to heed the later practices of the Romans.

God Determines Seasons by the Moon and Other Lights

Notice what the Bible shows that God declared in Genesis:

14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:14-18)

Hence, the movement of the moon and the sun were important to mark the religious seasons for those wishing to follow the God of the Bible–they were partially created to mark when God’s Holy Days would appear. Days such as January 1 are not part of the way that God marked time for the seasons.

It should be noted that the Hebrew word transliterated as mowed`, but translated as “seasons” in Genesis 1:14 likely refers to religious seasons.

This can be verified by noting that the same word mowed` (Strong’s 4150) is used four times in the following two passages and the KJV English translation for them will be bolded below:

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts
4 These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. (Leviticus 23:2,4, KJV)

There are also many other passages in the Old Testament that support this understanding. Yet, most people are unaware of the connections between the creation and God’s plan for holy day seasons. And because most do not, they do not keep God’s Holy Days, nor understand many aspects of the plan of salvation that they depict.

The new moons were brought in with a trumpet in ancient Israel:

3 Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon,
At the full moon, on our solemn feast day.
4 For this is a statute for Israel (Psalms 81:3-4, NKJV)

The biblical Feast of Trumpets begins on a new moon (Leviticus 23:24), and the First Day of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6) and the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34) begin on a full moon. Lunar cycles were prepared for this at the creation.

Anyway, in 2012, the first day of the first month is March 24th, which technically begins at sunset on the 23th, based essentially on the calculated expectation of the sighting of the new moon from Jerusalem.

Notice also:

4 ‘These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. 5 On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; seven days you must eat unleavened bread.  (Leviticus 23:4-6, NKJV)

Because we know that tonight begins the first month, we then can know that Passover, is on April 6, 2012, and will be observed on April 5th after sunset.  Understanding God’s calendar helps us understand when His Holy Days occur.  January 1st does not assist in that same way.

Additional details about God’s Holy Days and calendar can be found in the following articles:

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Hebrew Calendar and “Postponements” This John Ogywn writing explains why we in the Living Church of God use the calendar that we do and answers such questions as “Did Jesus Observe the Postponements?”
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
TPM: Passover on the 14th or 15th? While the LCG observes Passover on the 14th, some observe it on the 15th. Why is the 14th correct?
The Night to Be Observed What is the night to be much observed? When is it? Why do Jews keep Passover twice and emphasize the wrong date?
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues”?
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂
New Moons Some observe them, some do not; here are scriptures and comments.
Is January 1st a Date for Christians Celebrate? Historical and biblical answers to this question about the world’s New Year’s day.

Van Rompuy: EU ‘close to the Abyss’

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012


Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

The EU President Herman van Rompuy made an odd admission today:

Budget 2012 and debt crisis: as it happened – March 22, 2012

Telegraph.co.uk – 22 March 2012

Adds that Europe was “close to the abyss” in November/December. Van Rompuy hails efforts of Ireland, Greece and Portugal…

Van Rompuy says Europe was ‘close to the abyss‘ in Nov/Dec

ForexLive (blog) –
By Adam Button || March 22, 2012 at 17:19 GMT Funny how those same spreads were called a distortion or anomaly by European leaders at the time.

It is no surprise to me that the EU was facing difficult problems.   Bible prophecy indicates that this empire may not always be forthcoming with what is happening to it.  Yet, the situation was bad enough that even some secular sources (and at least one associated with a claimed COG) indicated that the EU would not last this long in late 2011.

But it has.

The Bible is clear that the somewhat strong union in Europe will be fragile:

40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.  (Daniel 2:40-43)

Ultimately, a major dictator in Europe (and I do not anticipate at this time that it will be Herman van Rompuy) will rise up (Revelation 13:1-8), Europe will reorganize (Revelation 17:12-13), and become the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:21-44).

The Bible also warns that ultimately, God will have it that union (Daniel 2:44) and its leader (Daniel 11:45) destroyed.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and 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?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the prophesied roles of Europe and the Vatican.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Facebook and Personal Proclamation?

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

The Above Map Shows the Number of Internet Users By Country

COGwriter

In its latest  commentary today, the Living Church of God reported:

By Wyatt Ciesielka | Thursday, March 22, 2012
Social media services have become ubiquitous, and many Christians are asking whether, or how, to use them. “If I use social media, should I talk about my faith? If I do talk about my faith, what will my ‘friends’ think? If I don’t post about my faith, am I guilty of not ‘letting my light shine’ (Matthew 5:16)?” These are questions! What are the benefits, and what are the consequences, of using social media?

Social media has become a massive part of our modern culture, and Facebook is presently the dominant player. Currently, Facebook reports about 845 million users, or a little more than 10 percent of the earth’s population! If Facebook were a country, it would be the third most populous country in the world, with a population larger than the United States, Indonesia or Brazil! In 2011, Facebook generated $3.7 billion in revenue. Its 2012 IPO is so big that its underwriting team now includes 31 banks (allfacebook.com, March 12, 2012), “meaning most of Wall Street will have a role in the share sale” (Reuters, March 12, 2012).

Yet Facebook is far from the only social media platform. Twitter serves 300 million users, registers 9.3 new accounts every second, and is expected to cross the 500 million user mark this year. Other social media giants, such as RenRen, Youku and Sina Weibo, dominate China. (Tom Cruise has 3 million Weibo followers.) Numerous other platforms are being launched. Social media has become part of the fabric of modern society.

So, if Christians choose to use social media, how should we use this technology? And what are the possible consequences?

First, we must remember that God expects Christians we to let their light shine (cf. Matthew 5:16). Christians’ actions are not separate from their faith; they are part of who we are. As such, Christians’ posts and conversations will demonstrate their love for God, for His law and for the Great Commission (Psalm 19:14; 119:159; John 4:34; 1 John 5:2-3). It is Christ, and not the general world, that Christians should care the most about pleasing (cf. Mark 10:33).

However, this does not mean that Christians should proselytize, try to coerce uninterested social acquaintances or enter into foolish arguments (cf. 2 Timothy 2:14; 3:1-5). And while Christ expects our conduct, our words (and our posts) to be “honorable among your unbelieving neighbors” (1 Peter 2:12, NLT), we need to understand that Christianity has never been popular.

As Jesus reminded His disciples: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). Although Christians should avoid contentions and foolish arguments, and although we are commanded, “Let [our] speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6), we need to remember in all our public interactions the biblical principle, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3).

Consider that, in social media parlance, a “friend” may often be an anonymous connection or a barely known acquaintance—quite a difference from the biblical and historical precedent in which a “friend” is an intimate and trusted confidante whom you know well (cf. Proverbs 17:17). A wise and mature Christian understands that a real “friend” will not be offended (or “un-friend” you) if you mention your faith, or if you stand on biblical principle.

Social media can be a very wonderful tool. It can help us keep in touch with family and friends, and it is even a way that we can let our lights shine. But, just as we should approach our use of social media with care and maturity, we should also be realistic about the possible consequences. We should always remember that it is ultimately impossible for a true Christian to be a close “friend of the world” (James 4:4). For more on this topic, please read “How the Media Mold the World” and “Facebook Christians.”

As the above shows, many millions use Facebook and other forms of what is now called “social media.”

The headlines of the articles that appear on this particular COGwriter news page are set up to automatically post to Twitter and Facebook and some people are reached by COGwriter that way.  And yes, these are people who requested this type of information from me.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
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?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
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 evangelists?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Russia and China Backing UN on Syria

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012


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

COGwriter

Syria remains in the news, and this latest development may be of concern to its president:

Globe and Mail – ‎21 March 2012
The UN Security Council, including Russia and China, threw its weight on Wednesday behind efforts by Kofi Annan to end the bloody conflict in Syria…

Mr. al-Assad’s forces have chalked up a string of gains as they turned their firepower on areas held by rebels. But the fighting shows no sign of abating and analysts expect the insurgents to change their tactics and adopt guerrilla warfare.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 21 civilians were killed in Syria on Wednesday, the majority in government shelling on towns in Syria’s central Homs province.

Russia and China, competing with Western powers for influence in the Middle East, previously vetoed two UN draft resolutions that would have condemned Damascus and have resisted calls from Western and Arab states for Mr. al-Assad to step down.

But faced by growing global outrage at the bloodshed, the two countries agreed to a so-called “presidential statement.”

Russia and China had been strong supporters of Syria’s President, and now they have started to waiver on their support.

This is something I have written here would happen.  Russia and China would prefer to assist and trade with Syria, but when it comes down to it, other international markets are more important to them.

Today’s move verifies this.

Here is a minor variation of something I wrote on November 14, 2011 (the minor variation has to do with adding the statement about Russia and China’s current move today):

Syria’s President Assad has basically four choices:

  1. Continue to function as he has and hope that his efforts to quell dissent and all the international sanctions will not hurt Syria’s economy to the point that more will rise up against him and overthrow him.  He may decide that he can make enough deals with Russia, China, and Iran to keep his economy afloat, if he thinks that Russia and China will not yield to international pressure (which would seem to be a risky move as the Arab League was already turned against him)–and what happened today shows that he really needs to be careful about trusting Russia and China too much.
  2. Make deals with those protesting against him, actually keep most of the deals, and hope that this will keep him in power and result in internal and international pressure against him diminishing.
  3. Make a deal to resign and perhaps go to another country.
  4. Get closer with Iran and conclude that an attack against Israel (no matter who begins a new conflict in the region) will keep his people focused more on Israel and less on removing him.

Quelling dissent has not yet worked completely for President Assad.

Back in biblical times (cf. Isaiah 7:8) and current times, the capital of Syria was Damascus. The Bible shows it will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1).  Technically, Syria is still at war with Israel as it never did sign a peace deal with Israel. So, in addition of the risk of civil war and international pressure, an actual war involving Syria and Israel is quite feasible. If so, Israel may hit back so hard that it might eliminate Damascus as Isaiah 17:1 says will happen. If not, perhaps the internal rebellions in Syria will cause this biblical prophecy to be fulfilled. Either way, something will cause this to happen (including perhaps unintended mistakes by Syria’s Assad or the Russians).

While some Protestant sources have indicated that Russia and Iran (a close ally of Syria) are about to get together to to fulfill prophecies in Ezekiel 38, this cannot happen before Jesus returns (see also WSJ Suggests that Israel Should Destroy Iran; Ezekiel 38?). So, they may misunderstand the current Russian presence.

Russia (along with China) will try to do what is in its best interest and Syria is simply not important enough to back Assad under all scenarios.  Russia may have supported earlier statements against Syria if it had not felt so betrayed by what it thought it backed related to Libya last year and what the West ended up doing there.  But just because Russia is not encouraging the West to overthrow Syria, it simply will not support Syria against all odds.  What happened today confirms that.

Much is going on in the Middle East.  The King of the South will rise up (Daniel 11:40) and Syria (directly or indirectly) is likely to play a role in that occurrence.

As Jesus said in Mark 13:37, we all should watch.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?