Church of God News

COGwriter

A deadly earthquake hit the South Island of New Zealand:

Death Toll From Quake In New Zealand May Top 200

by Mark Memmott

At least 65 people are reported to have died in the powerful earthquake that rocked Christchurch, New Zealand, earlier today.

But The New Zealand Herald warns that the death toll could climb to between 200 and 300. It says that “construction workers and search and rescue specialists are toiling under floodlights on a cold and wet night to dig out survivors and the dead from buildings flattened by the earthquake that ripped the city apart today.”

The South Island of New Zealand is less densely populated than its North Island.  Here is another report:

NZ called ‘unlucky country’ by Moody’s TVNZ

Published: 10:53PM Tuesday February 22, 2011

New Zealand may face another year of anaemic economic growth after Christchurch was hit by a second major earthquake, says Moody’s Analytics, a unit of the global credit rating company.

The nation has been the ‘unlucky country’ over the past three years, unlike neighbouring Australia.

Drought helped push New Zealand into recession in 2008 just as the global financial crisis was kicking off, Moody’s says.

Last September’s 7.1 magnitude quake then undermined any economic recovery and the latest, more-damaging 6.3 magnitude quake “will be another devastating blow to an economy struggling to gather steam,” said Katrina Ell, associate economist at Moody’s Analytics.

The New Zealand economy may now face “another year of anaemic growth due to forces beyond its control.”

The Bible promises blessings (cf. Leviticus 26:3-13) and cursings (cf. Leviticus 26:14-39) for the descendants of Israel, plus it allows for repentance (cf. Leviticus 26:40-46).  I do not consider that the receiving of curses is a matter of bad luck.  All nations need repentance, and the Anglo-descended ones like New Zealand should realize this more than the Gentile-descended nations do.

The Old Testament warns of increasing curses and disasters for those who do not change based up the receipt of previous curses (Leviticus 26:19-21).  This may be what is happening to New Zealand, or it simply may be affected by elements of what Jesus called the “beginning of sorrows”:

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

We may be at this prophetic point of “sorrows” as all the earthquakes and other problems that have happened in the past year could be considered as “troubles”.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?

Mayon Volcano

COGwriter

There has been a volcano eruption in the Philippines:

Thousands flee as Philippine volcano erupts

AFP – Feb 21, 2011

Thousands of people in the Philippines fled their homes as a volcano erupted on Monday, sending a spectacular column of ash high into the sky, residents said. The eruption of Bulusan, a 1,559-metre (5,115-foot) volcano, turned mid-morning into night for about 20 minutes across largely farming areas around its slopes, regional army spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc told AFP.

“There was a major ashfall. There was zero visibility,” Cabunoc said..

About 2,000 residents were evacuated from three farming villages in the area as the government banned people from within four kilometres of the crater, said Lieutenant-Colonel Santiago Enginco, the local army commander.  http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.5fdb0474203a09dd94ded57938927d0c.4e1&show_article=1

Jesus warned that troubles would be part of the biblically prophesied time before the Great Tribulation (Mark 13:8). The Philippines has had many troubles this past year or two.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Asian? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter

Meat and pork prices may greatly increase:

Record U.S. Cattle, Hog Prices Seen on Shrinking Herds, China

Food prices are rising, and China is trying to secure its own supplies of it.  And while we in the Living Church of God do not consider pork to be food for humans, we do belief beef is food for humans (though we, like the Apostle Paul, do allow vegetarianism: Romans 14:2-3).

Jesus foretold on a time of famines as part of “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:7-8), and the Book of Revelation (16:8-11) tells of a time of even greater disturbances during “the Day of the Lord”. These will go beyond what normally have occurred in the past century. World events are aligning towards the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16). But a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10).  And food inflation is part of it (Revelation 6:6).

As Jesus said:

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

Food shortages are something to watch.

Tougher times are coming. And for some parts of the world these tougher time may be here now. People who can prepare, should. Both spiritually and physically. And this will not only affect people in places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East–the Anglo-descended nations of the West will themselves suffer hunger and famine. And apparently price increases prior to that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011 or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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.
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?
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? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous?

Muammar al-Gaddafi

COGwriter

Libya is having problems that are concerning the EU:

EU Coordinating Possible Evacuation of Citizens From Libya

Voice of America – ‎21 Feb 2011

Photo: AP Spain’s foreign minister says the European Union is coordinating the possible evacuation of its citizens from Libya as a deadly uprising against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi spreads to the capital, Tripoli.

Dozens killed in Libyan capital as Arab leaders struggle to calm unrest

Washington Post – Sudarsan Raghavan – ‎21 Feb 2011

Motivated by recent shows of political strength by neighbors in Egypt, demonstrators are taking to the streets of many capital cities to rally for change…Tribal leaders railed against Gaddafi while reports swirled of soldiers defecting from their units to the opposition. There were also reports of senior Libyan officials resigning from their posts, outraged by the killings carried out by security forces.

At least 61 people had been killed in the protests overnight in Tripoli, al-Jazeera television reported, quoting medical sources.

In Libya, Gaddafi’s Future in Question as Protests Target Tripoli

Politically Illustrated – S.K. Neff – ‎21 February 2011

SAN FRANCISCO (Politically Illustrated) – Protests in Libya spread to the capital Tripoli on Monday after a dozen were killed in neighboring Benghazi, as people continue to take the streets demanding freedom and reform from Muammar al-Gaddafi…The heir-apparent son to Mr. al-Gaddafi, Seif al-Islam el-Qaddafi, warned in a disjointed television interview on Monday that protests could lead to civil war.

“Libya is made up of tribes and clans and loyalties,” he said. “There will be civil war.”

Clashes, fires reported in Libya’s capital

Los Angeles Times – ‎21 Feb 2011

The government building known as People’s Hall is one site reported ablaze. The violence comes hours after Kadafi’s son airs a statement that security forces will fight ‘to the last bullet’ to put down the protesters.

Qaddafi’s Grip on Power Seems to Ebb as Forces Retreat

New York Times – David D. Kirkpatrick, Mona El-Naggar – ‎21 Feb 2011

Alaguri/AP By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and MONA EL-NAGGAR CAIRO – The 40-year-rule of Libyan strongman Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi appeared to teeter Monday as his security forces retreated to a few buildings in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, where fires burned unchecked and senior government officials and diplomats announced defections. The country’s second-largest city remained under the control of rebels.

21 February 2011

Libya protests: EU prepares for influx…

The government of Col Muammar Gaddafi warned the EU last week that it would stop co-operating on illegal migration if the EU backed anti-government protesters in Libya…Italy’s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini voiced alarm at Libya’s turmoil on Monday, warning of the threat of an “Islamic Arab Emirate at the borders of Europe”.He was speaking amid reports that anti-government protesters had taken control of the second city, Benghazi…In recent years, Italy and Libya have co-operated to intercept boatloads of illegal migrants in the Mediterranean. Italy has sent many of them back to Libyan detention centres…

EU beefs up patrols Experts from EU member states will be deployed along with aerial and naval support to assist the Italian authorities in Lampedusa, the European Commission says.

Malta’s Foreign Minister Tonio Borg said he was concerned about “the implications the instability [in North Africa] could have on migratory flows, and ultimately not only in Malta and Italy, but all over Europe”.    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12525155

The alignment of world events and end time prophecy continues to be fulfilled.  The Europeans are determined to not become an Islamic state and continue to take steps to stop that from happening.  The EU is working to protect its citizens and try to get them out of Libya, while also trying to stop and influx of Libyans from getting to its shores.  This may create tension between the EU and many in North Africa.

The Bible indicates, ultimately, that a European leader (a prince who would become the final King of the North) will help create some type of peace deal (Daniel 9:26-27) which apparently will include an Islamic power–but it also show that the deal will be broken  about 3 1/2 years after it is confirmed by a European “prince”.

The stage for such a deal is being set.  Peace deals tend to come after civil unrest and wars (and reports out of Yemen, Iran, and elsewhere suggest the situation throughout the Middle East is still volatile).  The EU would like a peace deal involving Israel and others in the Middle East by September 2011, but the EU also seems to believe that is optimistic to have one that soon (EU Wants Middle East Peace Deal by September).

And while Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, in the past, has indicated that he wanted to lead Islam and Africa (see Qaddafi Hailed as “King of Kings”), I never really felt he would be the final King of the South.  But in the current Middle East turmoil, the seeds seem to be being set for the rise of that leader.

Watch (cf. Mark 13:33-37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?

Wheat

COGwriter

The Living Church of God had the following in yesterday’s World Ahead Weekly Update:

World Wheat Conditions Worsen. The UN food agency has announced that the drought in China could place that country’s winter wheat crop in jeopardy. Experts warn that if much of the crop fails it could lead to social unrest like that in Egypt and Tunisia (Associated Press, February 8, 2011). Currently, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization believes that more than two-thirds of China’s wheat crop could be at risk for failure. In the U.S., growers fear that excessive winter cold throughout the “bread basket” Midwest region may also damage the winter wheat crop (www.abcnews.go.com, February 2, 2011). Meanwhile, many Middle Eastern nations have placed wheat orders with the U.S., yet Russia and India are refusing to sell wheat that they are presumed to have in surplus. “All these point to an impending crisis in food availability and prices that could lead to further turmoil globally” (The Times of India, February 14, 2011). Bible prophecies have long warned that just before the end of the age, drought and famine would drastically impact world food supplies—including wheat! (Mark 13:8; Revelation 6:6). Where will world food problems go from here?

Food prices are rising and are expected to rise further.  Civil unrest is spreading.

Food fund promise unfulfilled

Washington Post – Howard Schneider – ‎Feb 18, 2011‎…

Prices of some grains such as wheat have doubled in the past year. United Nations and World Bank food price indices are nearing record highs.  And there is concern that food inflation may push tens of millions of additional people into poverty or lead to political instability in some countries.

Jesus foretold on a time of famines and wars as part of “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:7-8) and that there would be “troubles” (Mark 13:8).  World events are aligning towards the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.

The price of wheat, which has already raised substantially, will ultimately raise even more:

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6, NKJV)

The above scripture is indicating that a man will only make enough in a day of work to pay for a quart of wheat. While that may be enough for him, it really will not be enough for his family, the elderly, and others. That is how bad things are expected to get.

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16). But a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10).

Now, we are seeing civil unrest and other troubles in the Middle East:

Libya unrest death toll ‘tops 200’

Aljazeera.net – ‎20 February 2011

Dozens of Muslim leaders call for end to civilian deaths after security crackdown on funeral procession of protesters. Hundreds have been killed in Libya since protests broke out across the North African nation six days ago, according to rights watchdogs and eyewitnesses across the country.Residents told Al Jazeera that at least 200 people had died in the eastern city of Benghazi alone, while the New York-based Human Rights Watch on Sunday put the countrywide death toll at 104.  The rights group said the figure was “conservative”.

Tunisia seeks Ben Ali’s extradition

Reuters – Tarek Amara, Richard Valdmanis – ‎20 Feb 2011

TUNIS Feb 20 (Reuters) – Tunisia is seeking the extradition of former President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali from Saudi Arabia to face charges stemming from the violent crackdown on protesters last month, Tunisia’s foreign ministry said on Sunday.

.

Unrest Encircles Saudis, Stoking Sense of Unease

New York Times – Feb 19, 2011

As pro-democracy uprisings spread across the Middle East, the rulers of Saudi Arabia — the region’s great bulwark of religious and political conservatism — are feeling increasingly isolated and concerned that the United States may no longer be a reliable backer, officials and diplomats say.

Saudi Arabia is far less vulnerable to democracy movements than other countries in the region, thanks to its vast oil wealth, its powerful religious establishment and the popularity of its king.

But the country’s rulers were shaken by the forced departure of the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, a close and valued ally. They are anxiously monitoring the continuing protests in neighboring Bahrain and in Yemen, with which Saudi Arabia shares a porous 1,100-mile border. Those concerns come on top of long-festering worries about the situation in Iraq, where the toppling of Saddam Hussein has empowered Iran, Saudi Arabia’s great rival and nemesis.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/world/middleeast/20saudi.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Libya protesters seize streets, Bahrain mood eases

Reuters – ‎20 February 2011

Witnesses said Libya’s second city was in chaos, with government buildings ransacked and troops and police forced to retreat to a fortified compound, from where they picked off demonstrators with sniper and heavy-weapons fire….

In Iran, thousands of security personnel were deployed on the streets of Tehran and other cities to prevent protesters rallying in spite of a ban, opposition websites said.

Unrest also hit Yemen, Morocco, Oman, Kuwait, Algeria and Djibouti over the weekend as people took to the streets demanding political and economic change.

The clamour for reform across a region of huge strategic importance to the West and the source of much of its oil began in Tunisia in December. The overthrow of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali then inspired Egyptians to rise up against strongman Hosni Mubarak, overthrowing him on February 11.

Gadhafi’s Son Warns of Civil War

AOL 20 February 2011

Son of Libyan leader says his father is in the country and that they will ‘fight to the last minute, until the last bullet.’

The Chinese are concerned:

Arrests after China web users call for protests

AFP – Feb 20, 2011

BEIJING — Several top Chinese rights activists have disappeared into police custody as a web campaign urged angry citizens to mark the Middle East’s “Jasmine Revolution” with protests, campaigners said Sunday.

Up to 15 leading Chinese rights lawyers and activists have disappeared since Saturday, campaigners said, while the Chinese government appeared to censor Internet postings calling for the demonstrations.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iblKmk0zFyrloDdKUWP56cuOfD2Q?docId=CNG.7a0509e93accafbdfd4785aad6cc3018.5b1

China Tightens Security Ahead of Calls for Nationwide Protests

Voice of America – Stephanie Ho – ‎20 February 2011

China has increased the presence of security forces around the country in response to an on-line call for nationwide demonstrations in solidarity with the so-called “Jasmine Revolutions” in the Middle East.

An online posting on the Internet called for demonstrations around the country Sunday, to mark what it called “China’s Jasmine Revolution.”

The appeal went out to all Chinese who feel there is injustice in the country — including parents whose children suffered from tainted milk, people who feel their homes were unjustly torn down, and people who are upset at the abuse of official privilege.

We in the Living Church of God have long suspected there would be civil unrest in China.  Notice something written by LCG’s Presiding Evangelist in 2007:

In the coming years, you will perhaps even see a revolt of the peasants in the outlying Chinese cities, who have lagged far behind the standard of living afforded those who have moved to Beijing and Shanghai. Plus, the tremendous pollution of the water, air and foodstuffs may bring about massive disease epidemics and other problems for the Chinese.  (Meredith R.C. An Inspiring and Successful Trip. Living Church News. May-June 2007, p. 21)

So, even if computerized communications are blocked, it still may be that there will be civil unrest in China.  China will have problems.

Other events are also occurring in the Middle East:

Israel Takes ‘Grave’ View of Iranian Warships Transiting Suez

Voice of America – ‎20 February 2011

Israel says it takes a “grave” view of Iran’s plan to send two warships through Egypt’s Suez Canal into the Mediterranean, in what would be Tehran’s first such move since its 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran wants to provoke a war.  Based upon what I have read, it seems like they wish to do so no later than 2012.  If a war begins, it may also contribute to the rise of an Islamic power known biblically as the King of the South (Daniel 11:40).  As I have reported before, the Shi’ite Muslim Iranians would like to see a leader that they call the Imam Mahdi rise up in 2012, while the Sunni Muslim Brotherhood wants to see a leader known as the Caliph rise up as soon as possible.  An Islamic leader like that may become the final prophesied King of the South.

Now, while I do not believe that the USA will become an Islamic state, apparently someone wants to protest for that:

Extremist cleric to lead White House protest calling for Muslims to ‘rise up and establish Islamic state in America’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1358792/Anjem-Choudary-lead-White-House-protest-calling-Muslims-rise-up.html

As Jesus said:

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

Food shortages, war ships, and civil unrest are items to watch.

Tougher times are coming. And for some parts of the world these tougher time may be here now. People who can prepare, should. Both spiritually and physically. And this will not only affect people in places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East–the Anglo-descended nations of the West will themselves suffer hunger, civil unrest, and famine.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011 or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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.
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?
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? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters 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?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 3: China in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?

COGwriter

A few  hours ago, I received the following email from Boruch Fishman:

Hi
I received permission from Rav Ariel, Director of the Temple Institute, to request permission from the Jerusalem Police to bring the Pesach offering this year. I will be going to the Police the last week before the Jewish month of Nissan. This week I will be writing to King Abdullah of Jordan via his web site to let him know of our plans and to request his special support for bring the knife onto the Temple Mount, which will be the most difficult part of our request.

The alter will be a special temporary alter, and after arranging the wood we will wait a certain amount of time for fire to descend from Heaven, as it did in first Temple times. If we are unworthy of that we will light the fire with a match.

I had contacted Boruch Fishman before (last time in 4 December 2010) as I heard he was thinking about doing something like this. (Note: I have never met Boruch Fishman and since he obviously is not part of the COG, do not endorse many religious views he likely holds.)  So, it appears that he just got religious permission and hopes to go forward this April.

Whether or not he will be allowed to do so is  less than certain. There does not appear to be official government approval for this project (as they expect to ask) to actually formally start sacrifices.  The idea to do sacrifices with governmental sanction seems remote (though still possible).  Historically, the courts in Israel have tended to confirm that Jews have the right to sacrifice in the Temple Mount area, but because of political tensions, Jews must wait until a later time (and this happens pretty much every time permission is asked for).  Also, during this time of crisis in Jordan it seems almost impossible that the King of Jordan would take any risk by allowing the Jews to do anything that they are not already doing, as that would likely stir up even more protests.

Of course, the Bible is clear that sacrifices will start in the area of Jerusalem as well as be stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31).  Jesus indicated that the actions associated with stopping them (by putting up the abomination) would signal that it is time for His most faithful to flee (Matthew 24:15-20).

So, the sequence is that sometime after the sacrifices begin (cf. Daniel 9:27), the gospel will have been preached enough to the world as a witness for the end to come (Matthew 24:14), Jewish sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27), the abomination will then be set up (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), a decree is issued (Zephaniah 2:1), then the most faithful (Philadelphians) will flee per Jesus’ statements in Matthew 24:15-19 and the Great Tribulation will begin (Matthew 24:21).

As the Europeans and Americans are now working on a peace plan for the Middle East it may be possible that a peace plan could allow for some type of temple activities (cf. Daniel 9:26-27). But even that would seem to be highly questionable at this stage until at least the Fall of 2011 (and probably later than that).

Either way, it should be pointed out that a temple in Jerusalem is NOT required for Jews perform sacrifices according to the Bible (Ezra 3:6) and certain Jewish sources (like the current Sanhedrin and Boruch Fishman). Bible prophecies related to sacrifices can be fulfilled even if no third temple is built during this age.

The fact that even in the 21st century, Jews are still interested in sacrificing, should show any who want to listen that Bible prophecy can be trusted.  Thousands of years ago, Daniel wrote that there would be daily sacrifices happening in the area of Jerusalem at the time of the end.  If no one cared what about sacrificing that could get some to discount the Bible.  But the fact in this age there still are many Jews who are serious about sacrificing is additional proof that Bible prophecy will come to pass.

An article of related interest would be:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times? The Bible teaches that the sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), but do Jewish sources or the Bible mandate a completed temple for those sacrifices? What did Ezra do when there was no temple?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

The situation in Egypt continues to be of prophetic interest.  In today’s commentary, LCG’s Davy Crockett writes:

The whole world was riveted to their television sets and computer screens, as the demonstrators and protestors in Cairo, Egypt chanted their demands and openly defied the long-established dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak. The undulating mass of rebels in the streets received incredible media attention from around the world. The United States-backed regime finally caved and Mubarak fled Cairo, leaving the military in charge, at least for the present…

Now that the government of Egypt has collapsed, the long and sometimes stormy process of installing a new government begins, for this, the largest, most populous nation in the Middle East.  This will certainly be a test of the motives of the many fractious and differing groups that coalesced to bring down the Mubarak government. Will they cooperate and establish a peaceful, benevolent government, or will there be a power-grab by religious extremists who have waited for this moment for a generation?

Success brings responsibility. Will these victors have the self-discipline and desire to do the hard work necessary to establish a representative government?  If history is any indication, they will not be successful, and, in time, a repressive, authoritative government will emerge, especially if a charismatic leader appears…

The prophet Daniel, in chapter 11 of the book that bears his name, foretold of a king of the north, and a king of the south who enter into a great conflict in the end-time (the end of this age; not the end of the world).

If one has ears to hear, then it is obvious that the Muslim peoples are looking for a caliphate or kingdom to be established. Will this be the “king of the south?” It may take a while, but momentous times are ahead, as the whole world watches and waits for the other shoe to drop.  Read more

Is a caliphate coming to the Middle East?  Notice what the Muslim Brotherhood wants to accomplish:

In the group’s belief, the Quran and Sunnah constitute a perfect way of life and social and political organization that God has set out for man. Islamic governments must be based on this system and eventually unified in a Caliphate. The Muslim Brotherhood’s goal, as stated by Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna was to reclaim Islam’s manifest destiny, an empire, stretching from Spain to Indonesia. Wikipedia

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. The time may be now and the Muslim Brotherhood may play an important role. They (who tend to be Sunni) want a Caliph while the Shi’ites look for the Imam Mahdi–both of whom sound a lot like final the King of the South.

We in the Living Church of God (LCG) have long expected such a leader:

Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs

Indeed, a coming “Mahdi” whose arrival Muslims are expecting—in Bible prophecy known as the “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40–45)—will soon arise and have a dramatic impact on world events. This powerful Muslim religious leader will unite many of the more than one billion Muslims. He will pose a genuine threat to the coming European Empire, which will have to crush that threat in order to continue exploiting Middle Eastern oil to further its military ambitions. (Meredith RC. Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs. LCG Booklet, 2007, pp. 16-17)

Conflict Over the “City of Peace”

Today this pattern is repeating itself, as a “third wave” of leaders is sweeping across the Middle East. Rejecting both the capitalism of the West and the discredited Marxism of the former Soviet Union, these would-be “third wave” leaders have emphasized a fundamentalist brand of Islam that leaves no room for compromise. Looking back to the glory days of Arab conquest and dominance in the first centuries after Muhammad, they also dream of a pan-Arab union. This will not be a union under a monarch from one of the old Bedouin dynasties, or a secular-educated army officer turned dictator, but rather a new Caliph who will unify the Faithful under the banner of purified Islam. This, they reason, is the only way that Western influence can be expelled from their region, and that Israel can be subjugated…

In Daniel 11:40, we read of a future “King of the South” who will ultimately “push at” a coming European superpower at the time of the end. This individual, called in Bible prophecy the King of the South because his center of power is south of Jerusalem, will undoubtedly be a charismatic person who will whip up much of the Muslim Middle East into a frenzy against Israel and Europe. (Ogwyn J. Conflict Over the “City of Peace”. Tomorrow’s World magazine, March-April 2002).

The timing seems to be right for such a leader to start rising up. The events in primarily Sunni Egypt, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan, and Yemen seem to be setting the stage of the Arabic peoples to be willing to consider some type of confederation with a strong leader to represent them–but there may be interim governments first.  And presuming that those governments are perceived as somewhat secular and not unified nor highly successful, this will make it easier for religiously focused groups like the Muslim Brotherhood to gain supporters for their objective of a unified pan-Arabic caliphate.

Protests have continued (though they have been sometimes muted by governmental authorities) in Bahrain as well as Iran, countries with Shi’ite majorities (though the ruler of Bahrain is Sunni himself).

I and many others are watching events to see both the King of the South and the King of the North rising up and/or gaining power.  The Bible says it will happen and events in the Middle East and the rest of the world suggest it may be relatively soon.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist?Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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.
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? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?

COGwriter

In its newsletter received today, ICG’s Mark Armstrong has the following:

Although there have been more than a few hints that the protests overseas and now here have been promoted by unions and political foundations here in the United States, we wouldn’t have dared suggest that any of this was being fomented by our president’s core support groups.  But at least as it relates to the current anarchy besieging the Wisconsin capital, consider this quote from the Washington Post (not a conservative publication).  “The president’s political machine worked in close coordination Thursday with state and national union officials to get thousands of protesters to gather in Madison and to plan similar demonstrations in other state capitals.”  The article goes on to show that demonstrations are being planned for numerous other states that have spent themselves into unmanageable debt, and will have to resort to some painful cutbacks in order to remain solvent.  “By the end of the day, (Thursday) Democratic Party officials were organizing additional demonstrations in Ohio and Indiana where an effort is underway to trim benefits for public workers.  Some union activists predicted similar protests in Missouri, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”   Other reports say to expect trouble in Michigan and Minnesota in the days ahead.

And as we all know, many other states and municipalities have run up fantastic debts and are continuing to spend.  What we’re seeing is only the beginning.

Here is something today from the Washington Post:

By Peter Wallsten

Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 19, 2011 President Obama did everything this week that a loyal member of the labor movement could hope for: He quickly leapt to the defense of Wisconsin public-employee unions in their battle for bargaining rights, while his political operation worked to instigate additional demonstrations against Republican governors in other states.

Of course, it is not only the Washington Post that is suggesting that the US President may be supporting protests:

Fox News – Chris Stirewalt – 18 February 2011

Union protesters and Democrat lawmakers will attempt to prevent for a second day a vote in the Wisconsin Senate that would increase public employees’ contributions to retirement and health benefits and strip unions of the power to bargain for higher salaries…President Obama…on Wednesday denounced the austerity legislation…

Saturday, February 19, 2011

By Glenn Thrush and Abby Phillip, Politico

Obama’s strongly-worded opposition to GOP plans to repeal the collective bargaining rights of Wisconsin public state employees, which he termed an “assault” on workers’ rights, has gone a long way towards repairing the relationship between the president and his union allies after two years of mutual disappointment and friction.  http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11050/1126524-473.stm#ixzz1EPw9Lpqh

.

Wisconsin protests: Obama goes too far by mobilizing opposition Atlanta Journal Constitution 19 February 2011

The US President, at least publicly, has seemed sympathetic to the side of the Wisconsin protesters.  Encouraging protesters could come back to haunt Barack Obama later down the road.

While I am not trying to say that protesters do not have any point, the reality is that producing more goods and services, from a carnal perspective, is economically what the USA needs.  Protests generally speaking, do not do that.

To solve its real problems, the USA needs national repentance. The USA needs it right now. The USA does not seem to realize that otherwise its days are numbered. US government policies and practices are part of sealing its doom.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It 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 at the COGwriter website 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”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 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? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

Notice some of what CNBC reported:

Fear of ‘Catastrophic’ Crash Rising Despite Bull Market

CNBC – Feb 18, 2011

In an unprecedented move, the number of investors fearing a catastrophic stock market crash is rising even with the stock market at 2 ½ year highs.

The unusual dislocation comes from two distinct reasons: a lack of trust in the U.S. financial markets following the so-called Flash Crash last May and the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2007.

This means the Flash Crash Advisory Commission that met on Friday has a long way to go in restoring confidence to the point that will bring the individual investor back into a market still ruled by high frequency trading, exchange-traded funds and leveraged hedge funds.

The Yale School of Management since 1989 has asked wealthy individual investors monthly to give the “probability of a catastrophic stock market crash in the U.S. in the next six months.”

In the latest survey in December, almost 75 percent of respondents gave it at least a 10 percent chance of happening. That’s up from 68 percent who gave it a 10 percent probability last April, just before the events of May 6, 2010.  http://www.cnbc.com/id/41655262

Now this does not mean that such a flash crash will happen soon, only that many expect it.  If enough expect it, though, that of itself could cause such as crash.

Disaster may also come that will be more severe.

LCG evangelist Dr. D. Winnail wrote about the suddenness of what will ultimately happen:

Handwriting on the Wall! On July 4, the United States, currently the most powerful nation in the world, celebrated 234 years of independence. The following day, on Monday, July 5, British-born Harvard professor and economic historian Niall Ferguson opened the 2010 Aspen Ideas Festival with a stark warning that the American “empire” could suddenly collapse—possibly within the next two years—due to the country’s rising debt! (Winnail W. LCG World Ahead Weekly Update, July 8, 2010)

The U.S. and the British-descended peoples have enjoyed living off the resources of the world, but the prophet Habakkuk warns: “… Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the people shall plunder you” (Habakkuk 2:7–8). (Winnail D. Sudden Calamities Ahead! Tomorrows’ World, Volume 10, Issue 5. Sept-Oct, 2008)

Hebrew prophets also warned repeatedly that the future demise of God’s chosen Israelite peoples would come “suddenly” and unexpectedly (Isaiah 9:14–15; 29:5; 30:13; Jeremiah 6:26; 15:8). Modern financial analysts realize this could happen if the nations lending to America decide to dump the dollar and call their loans. The prophet Habakkuk’s warning to the ancient Babylonians, “Will not your creditors rise up suddenly?” (Habakkuk 2:7)—may also ring true for debt-plagued nations like America and its Israelite cousins. Prophetic scripture contains a sobering message: debt and disobedience lead to the demise of nations! (Winnail, D. Debt, Disobedience and Demise of Nations. Tomorrows’ World, Volume 12, Issue 2. March-April 2010, p. 27)

Prophecy moves forward–significant personal repentance is probably the only way out (as national repentance for the USA seems highly unlikely), whether or not there is a flash crash coming to the stock market.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled by him?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
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 be involved in 2012?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

In today’s TW News & Prophecy, LCG reported:

EU influence grows in the Middle East.

EU officials working in Palestine recently “proposed that EU officials should be present at the site of imminent house demolitions or evictions and intervene if non-violent Palestinians face arrest in East Jerusalem, according to a new confidential report.” “The Consuls-General–who are the ambassador-level representatives to the Palestinian Authority–suggested that in addition to being present when houses are demolished, they should attend court hearings dealing with demolitions or evictions and ‘ensure EU intervention when Palestinians are arrested or intimidated by Israeli authorities for peaceful cultural, social or political activities in East Jerusalem'” (The Independent, January 10, 2011). While this proposal appears to be in the interest of human rights, it is a direct challenge to Israeli sovereignty.

Bible prophecies offer an additional perspective. Numerous prophecies refer to a three-and-one-half-year period (just before Jesus Christ returns to this earth) called “the times of the Gentiles” when foreign (non-Israelite) nations will gain control of Jerusalem (Luke 21:24; Revelation 11:2). During this period, a European “beast” power (also referred to as the king of the North) and an influential religious figure will play significant roles on the world stage and in the affairs of Jerusalem (Revelation 13; Daniel 9:22-27; 11:40-41).

The growing influence of the EU in the Holy Land could lay the groundwork towards the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies.

As I reported a few days ago, the European Union is trying to push for a “peace plan” that will establish a Palestinian State by September 2011 (EU Wants Middle East Peace Deal by September).  And while the EU is not optimistic that the goals will be attained by then, the EU expects to make both of these objectives happen in the Middle East.

The events in Europe and in the Middle East are moving in the direction to fulfill many biblical prophecies. And if a seven-year peace deal is made (or a deal with some portion that is agreed to seven-years before it is supposed to end) this September involving the EU, a major countdown until the Great Tribulation may begin.

For more information, please check out the following:

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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?