Church of God News

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COGwriter

Tobacco is killing more people as cigarette production rises:

21 March 2012: Bloomberg

Tobacco use killed almost 6 million people last year and was the top cause of death in China, the world’s biggest cigarette market, the American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation reported.

Four of every five deaths were in low- and middle-income countries, and 1 billion people may die from tobacco use and exposure this century if current trends continue, according to the report, released in Singapore today.

Tobacco-related deaths almost tripled in the past decade amid a 17 percent jump in cigarette production and increased affordability of the cancer-causing products in low-income nations.  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-21/tobacco-use-killed-6-million-in-2011-cancer-society-says

Smoking is dangerous and hurts the smoker and those around the smoker.  Can or should smokers quit?

Here is information about his own smoking and views on it by the late Hebert W. Armstrong from his Autobiography:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When he was alive he visited many nations around the world including many in Asia, including China, India, and Japan.  More in Asia, and elsewhere, should take his comments about not smoking seriously enough to change.

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

Notice some of what the Bible teaches:

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

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

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

Notice also the following commentary:

The curse of tobacco

Carl Ponder

It was just after my ordination into the ministry that it came to my attention that George (not his real name) was secretly smoking.

A Church member for several years, George knew that Christians should not do anything which will ultimately cripple or kill us, since we – our bodies – are the temple of God’s Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). He had already lost a lung to cancer many years before and of all people he should have known better than to continue smoking.

After much thought and research I decided that the first thing to do was to prepare a sermon attacking the evils of smoking. There might be others in the congregation with the same problem.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provided reams of facts about smoking; how addictive it is; how it slowly paralyzes the tiny cilia in the bronchial tubes and changes the cells of the lungs and trachea. These changes, in many cases, ultimately lead to deadly emphysema and, even worse, cancer of the trachea and lungs.

CDC information showed how even exposing children to second-hand smoke will paralyze the tiny cilia in the eustachian tubes leading from the inner ears to the throat, causing a build-up of mucus and bacteria which lead to infections and horribly painful ear aches in young children. Many parents have submitted their children to painful ear operations, not realizing that their own uncontrolled lust for tobacco has been the cause of the problem.

The American Cancer Society was also very helpful, providing facts and suggestions on how to go about quitting.

In that sermon I went on to point out that God will hold the tobacco industry responsible for knowingly selling and enticing people to use an addictive poison –nicotine. Finally I urged any in the congregation who might have a tobacco habit to call on God for help to overcome that awful addiction.

After the service George didn’t mention his addiction. I noticed that he was coughing a little more than usual – emphysema, he thought – but he was still his normal friendly self. Two days later George came home and fell dead on the living room floor in front of his wife.

Since he died at home, state law required that an autopsy be performed. It turned out that he had lung, tracheal and liver cancers, and had not even known it.

George’s was the first funeral I had to conduct after being ordained. I would like to have seen his family seek compensation from the tobacco companies for having knowingly helped to cause this terrible death, but they had no money for such things, and probably would not have received justice even if they had gone to court. Ultimately the majority of the blame rests on George.

George’s story is just one of millions related to the smoking, chewing or sniffing of tobacco. Debilitating lung disease, loss of body parts due to smoking-caused cancers and ultimately, death, is an ever-growing medical nightmare. If you are using tobacco in any form, please do whatever it takes to stop – NOW! You owe it to your loved ones, yourself and God to stop…

For information on how to quit smoking, the web site for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Cancer Society’s web site is: American Cancer Society’s, and resources for tobacco addiction: Online Nursing Programs site.

Please don’t die like George.

Smoking is wrong and it kills people.  God wants people to change/repent (Acts 17:30)–which means that, despite its difficulties it can be done (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13).  The sooner one starts the better one will be.

Several articles of possibly related interest include:

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains how he is and should be viewed today.
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
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?

COGwriter

More in Israel seem to consider that a strike against Iran is likely:

Attack On Iran? Live Updates On The Drumbeat Of War

‎

Huffington Post – 20 March 2012

National security analysts believe Israel’s government is giving serious consideration to an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the coming months, an action that would trigger a cascade of unpredictable military, political and economic reactions in the region and around the world.

Israelis Grow Confident Strike on Iran’s Nukes Can Work…

A widely held assumption about a pre-emptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities is that it would spur Iranian citizens — many of whom appear to despise their rulers — to rally around the regime. But Netanyahu, I’m told, believes a successful raid could unclothe the emperor, emboldening Iran’s citizens to overthrow the regime (as they tried to do, unsuccessfully, in 2009)…

After interviewing many people with direct knowledge of internal government thinking, however, I’m highly confident that Netanyahu isn’t bluffing — that he is in fact counting down to the day when he will authorize a strike against a half-dozen or more Iranian nuclear sites.

One reason I’m now more convinced is that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are working hard to convince other members of the Israeli cabinet that a strike might soon be necessary.

The Israelis seem to be more focused on a “best case” scenario, for a type a minimalistic series of strikes, and that may well happen.  It may be that attacks by Israel, combined with international sanctions and other pressures, will result in Iranians rising up and changing/overthrowing the regime.

Iran is not the prophesied King of the South (Daniel 11:40) so something must change to reduce its Islamic militaristic influence.

On the other hand, the religious leaders of Iran may decide that this is their real opportunity to fulfill their Islamic destinies.  Earlier this year, Iran’s “supreme leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated “In light of the realization of the divine promise by almighty God, the Zionists and the Great Satan (America) will soon be defeated” (for more details see Ayatollah Khamenei Claims America “Will Soon be Defeated”).

Last year, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed that it was the Imam Mahdi (a hoped for Islamic leader) who was behind the revolutions in the various Arab lands as well as other events in the world (see Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: World Order About to Collapse, Mahdi Behind it). He and other Iranians leaders were also shown in a video last year that indicated that Iran intended to relatively soon invade and takeover Jerusalem so that the Imam Mahdi would rise up. The video hinted that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was somehow prophesied within Islam as a particular leader that would help do that (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).  Thus, if he does what he indicates he has wanted to do, a real war will happen.

Of course, I remain convinced that such a regional war in the Middle East could get out of control, especially presuming Syria is involved. If so, not only Iran and Syria, but Israel and possibly the USA could incur much greater damage than the better case scenarios that the Israelis would tend to hope for.  There are chemical and biological weapons that could affect Israel and the USA, as well emp type bombs, “dirty” bombs, and other nuclear-type bombs that Israel and/or the USA may have underestimated.

We will see.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? 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? Is the deal in Daniel 9:27 a peace deal?
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?
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?

COGwriter

The Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGWA) announced that it has a new school which will begin in August 2012 called Foundation Institute, Center for Biblical Education.  Here is some of what it says about it:

The mission of Foundation Institute, Center for Biblical Education, is to teach the doctrines of the Holy Bible and Fundamental Beliefs of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, and to impart understanding of God’s Word and how to apply the Scripture in order to live righteously and develop godly character…

Foundation Institute Center for Biblical Education is not accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is not recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the U.S. Department of Education, or any other state, agency or accrediting body as a licensed degree-granting institution.

This school is not unexpected as some of those associated with UCG’s Ambassador Bible Center went to COGWA.  (COGWA is basically a spin-off group from the United Church of God–most of UCG’s paid USA and Latin American ministry joined COGWA within the last 16 months.)

COGWA has thus far taken steps which I believe are consistent with those to be expected of leaders once in UCG.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
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.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
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?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

COGwriter

CBS news has the following:

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf defended her nation’s laws which makes the committing of homosexual acts – “voluntary sodomy” – punishable by up to one year in prison.”We like ourselves just the way we are,” Sirleaf told the Guardian, when asked about the law, as well as proposals for even stricter anti-gay legislation. “We’ve got certain traditional values in our society that we would like to preserve.”

Sirleaf…was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 because she “contributed to securing peace in Liberia,” promoted “economic and social development,” and strengthened “the position of women.”

Across Africa, many of the more traditional societies have been pushing back against gay rights since U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced in December of last year that U.S. foreign aid would be used to promote rights for gays and lesbians abroad, including combating attempts by foreign governments to criminalize homosexuality.

Homosexuality is illegal in as many as 38 African countries, according to the BBC.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-57400436-503543/nobel-peace-prize-winner-defends-anti-gay-laws/?tag=stack

Sodomy and other forms of homosexuality were illegal in many USA states, but the trend in the USA has gone the other way.  It is nice when political leaders stand up for more biblical approaches towards morality.  It is just sad that so few do that this is considered to be news.

The Bible, of course, does not support the type of homosexual rights agenda that the Obama Administration is telling the world to adopt.

There were other societies that have had their own issues of openly advocating sins that their residents seemed to view as acceptable. Notice what happened in a couple of such towns between three thousand and four thousand years ago:

24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. (Genesis 19:24-25)

And why did it happen?

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Why mention this in the 21st century? Because God turned:

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6,
NKJV)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did. The USA, which has lots of Bibles, should know this–but refuses to wish to truly retain God in its knowledge.

Of course, not everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah were homosexuals as those that strictly practice that could not reproduce. Yet, notice that the destruction that hit their cities destroyed all that were there and notice that something like this is to happen again according to Jesus:

26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:26-29)

The USA can pretend that increasing “homosexual rights” is a proper goal, but the Bible suggests otherwise.  And the President of Liberia seems to realize that.

Keeping the Ten Commandments reflects love. Breaking them and/or condoning those that do is evil. This should be clear to those who believe the God of the Bible.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
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?
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?
Several More Reasons American’s Question Obama’s Religion Is Barack Obama a Christian? He claims to be. Others question that.
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

Here are excerpts from today’s commentary from LCG:

Commentary: The Old Man

By Roger Meyer (guest columnist) | Tuesday, March 20, 2012

When people are young, they often want to be older. When they are old, they often want to be younger–or at least to look and feel younger. Common to nearly everyone is the desire to be rejuvenated and renewed. Read more…

For many, old age is the enemy. People spend a lot of money fighting their inevitable aging. The desire to maintain a youthful vigor and appearance has spawned numerous multi-million dollar industries. We have all seen the commercials hawking these products and services that remove wrinkles, tighten sagging skin, hide spots and blemishes, dye gray hair, remove hair here, add hair there, and tone this and lift that. Like a new coat of paint on an old car, the outside may indeed look better. But underneath and inside, we remain the same worn and used old man.

But there is a genuine and effective rejuvenation available to us. The Bible speaks of “putting on the new man” (Colossians 3). The new man is the one on the inside. The Apostle Paul describes a process of putting aside sins such as fornication, uncleanness, evil desire, covetousness (idolatry), anger, blasphemy and filthy language (vv. 5-9). And then he writes of “putting on the new man” by developing such attributes as mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love (vv. 10-14).

In Romans 6, Paul further explains this rejuvenation or renewal as “walking in newness of life.” When we do this, we are symbolically crucified, putting to death the “old man” through baptism (v. 6). When we are then “dead” to our former sinful ways of life, we are alive to God in Christ Jesus (v. 11).

Paul tells us more about the contrast between the old man and the new one, exhorting the Ephesian brethren “that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

This is a rejuvenation that is really worth something, lasting long after the creams and balms and treatments have lost their effectiveness. But it is not a process we can accomplish alone. We need the Holy Spirit if we are to experience this change in our life—if we are to become true followers of Jesus Christ and practice His ways in all aspects of our lives. We receive the Holy Spirit after repentance and baptism, by the laying on of hands. This wonderful process is explained in our inspiring booklet, Christian Baptism: Its Real Meaning. Read it online, or order your own copy, absolutely free. The “old man” can give way to the new!

Most of the scriptures cited above were written by the Apostle Paul.

For those who have already been baptized, Paul said that we were to keep the Passover and to examine ourselves prior to actually doing so.  Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said,  “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  (1 Corinthians 11:23-28)

5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified.  (2 Corinthians 13:5)

There is no doubt that early Christians kept Passover (this year it will be April 5th after sunset). And there is substantial evidence to show that they kept it along with the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in the Spring.  Those of us who are baptized need to examine ourselves this time of year.  And those that are not should consider if they should be baptized and put off “the old man.”

What will you do?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Baptism and the Early Church Was it by immersion? Did it include infants? Does Polycarp prove infant baptism?
Did Real Christians Practice Nude Baptism? This is not a joke. Find out what was taught in the second and later centuries.
Born-Again originally meant being born at the resurrection, not at the time of conversion.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
True vs. False Conversion Are you really converted or willing to be? What is true conversion? What is false conversion? What are the dangers of false conversion? Evangelist Roderick Meredith provides information on those important questions.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
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?”
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?
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.
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.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

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

COGwriter

Syria remains in the news:

Battle Hits Damascus Before UN Team Arrives

March 19, 2012 Wall Street Journal

Syrian regime forces and rebel fighters engaged in a predawn gunbattle in a tightly secured, upscale neighborhood of Damascus on Monday, bringing the rebel fight the closest yet to President Bashar al-Assad’s seat of power.

The battle came just hours before an international diplomatic mission was due to arrive in the capital with hopes of brokering a cease-fire. It also came after the regime’s forces dealt significant blows to opposition fighters in two other cities, Idlib and Homs, earlier this month.

In Mezze, a Damascus neighborhood housing embassies and the residences of some senior officials, rebels and regime forces exchanged gun and rocket fire for two to four hours, according to residents and rebel officers.

Syrian Opposition Violence Draws Growing Concern: Noe & Raad

Bloomberg – ‎19 March 2012

A year after the start of anti-government protests in Syria, even media controlled by the militant Hamas movement, whose leadership until recently was based in Damascus, regularly publishes scathing attacks on President Bashar Al-Assad and his backers.

Thus, Syria’s President must be feeling a lot of pressure.

Yet, also notice another news item:

Russian anti-terror troops reportedly enter Syria

Fox News – ‎19 March 2012

Reports of Russian anti-terror troops on the ground in Syria is raising new concerns about whether Russia’s policies are indirectly, or even directly, enabling the brutal crackdown on Syrian protesters.

My guess is that the Russians are hoping to keep the world out of fighting Syria more directly.  They also apparently hope that their troops and expertise can give Syria’s Assad enough time to take the current situation in Syria off the front page of the news.  Enough so that the Assad regime will remain–we will see–I am not particularly optimistic about the long-term survival of the Assad regime.

Back in biblical times (cf. Isaiah 7:8) and current times, the capital of Syria was Damascus. Notice what the Bible shows will happen to it:

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)

And FWIW, perhaps I should mention that 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 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 would like to have influence in the Middle East, would prefer to not betray Syria’s Assad, and would like to show the world that it can resolve matters better than the West.  But, Russia will only stick its neck out so far for Syria’s Assad–at least that is the main view from the West.

Much is going on in the Middle East.

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?
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?
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?

COGwriter

Israel has concerns that Iran’s nuclear program is close to being too well protected:

Israel says Iran’s nuclear program soon will be strike-proof

USA TODAY – ‎ 19 March 2012

JERUSALEM (AP) – Israel views the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran with greater urgency than the rest of the world, Israel’s defense minister said Monday…

Barak sent jitters through the world two months ago, when he first coined the “zone of immunity” phrase — a reference to Iran’s movement of sensitive nuclear operations deep underground in heavily fortified bunkers, in an effort to compromise any military strike.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel hasn’t yet decided whether to attack, but senior officials who advocate a pre-emptive strike say Israel, with relatively limited firepower, would have to strike by summer to be effective.

Notice also:

 Pentagon Finds Perils for US if Israel Were to Strike Iran

New York Times

– March 19, 2012

WASHINGTON — A classified war game held this month to assess the American military’s capabilities to respond to an Israeli attack on Iran forecast that the strike would lead to a wider regional war, which could draw in the United States and leave hundreds of Americans dead, according to American officials…When the exercise had concluded earlier this month, according to the officials, General Mattis told aides that an Israeli first-strike would likely have dire consequences across the region and for United States forces there.

As I have been stating, an attack by Israel would likely have devastating effects on Iran, yet it could also cause the USA debt, terrorist, and other problems–there are limits to the USA’s military strength (if the USA’s military is stretched too much, it makes attacks against the USA itself easier).  An attack by Israel could eliminate Iran as a major force in the Islamic world as it is something that either needs to happen directly (through war) and/or indirectly (civil unrest and change in Iran).

I remain convinced that a regional war in the Middle East could get out of control, especially presuming Syria is involved.  The assessment of the US military has confirmed some of my concerns here (I suspect that it could get a lot worse than what General Mattis has publicly indicated).

Of course, according to the Bible, the King of the South (Daniel 11:40) will rise up and we will see if this happens sometime after a conflict with Iran (or even starts to happen during!).  The Bible also seems to tell of a peace deal in the Middle East in Daniel 9:27 which needs to happen–and it may well take a regional war for such a deal to take place.

With the end of 6,000 years of human rule coming closer, and the apparent peace deal in Daniel 9:27 not yet confirmed, it may be that a war involving Israel will be soon. Israel has been planning for the likelihood of an Iranian regional war for some time, and may decide that to do so in 2012 is optimal to neutralize Iran, as well as to attain help in a presidential election year in the USA. We will see.

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? 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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? 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? Is the deal in Daniel 9:27 a peace deal?
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?
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.
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? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
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?
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?

COGwriter

Got an email with some disturbing news for Americans who think that they retain privacy and certain asset rights, so I checked more into it and found the following:

The Obama Administration: All Your Privacy And All Your Stuff …

‎Right Side News – 19 March 2012

Did you know that the federal government claims that it can take away your constitutional rights any time that it wants to?  Over the past several decades, there have been an endless parade of laws and executive orders that have been slowly and methodically carving up our rights under the U.S. Constitution.  Most Americans are not even aware of the “creeping totalitarianism” that is happening…

The Obama administration also continues to make shocking claims regarding our privacy.

According to the 4th Amendment, our homes are not supposed to be searched unless there is probably cause….

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

But according to CIA director David Petraeus, the American people are willingly bugging their own homes by choosing to use modern gadgets, and the CIA plans to use these technologies to spy on you.

Obama’s Executive Order Authorizes Peacetime Martial Law

‎The New American – 18 March 2012

President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order on March 16 giving the White House absolute control over all the country’s natural resources in case of a natural disaster or during a time of war.

Obama issues executive order that that would allow confiscation of private property and virtually unlimited control of resources and the means of production

‎Beaufort Observer – 18 March 2012…

All it would take for such martial law to be imposed is for the determination to be made/claimed that the national security requires it.

President Obama’s New Order Goes Too Far‎ Gather.com

President Obama signed an interesting Executive Order on Friday that should sound the alarm for all Americans. The order, called ‘National Defense Resources Preparedness’ is actually an amendment to the ‘Defense Production Act of 1950’ and gives the office of the President total control over all of the resources in the United States in the event of a war or an emergency. What constitutes an emergency and who makes that decision? With so many citizens unhappy with the current administration, it’s a question people may be asking in the coming days.

Section One of the orderstates the purpose of the amendment and the ability of using it in peacetime:Section 101. Purpose. This order delegates authorities and addresses national defense resource policies and programs under the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (the “Act”).

(b) assess on an ongoing basis the capability of the domestic industrial and technological base to satisfy requirements in peacetime and times of national emergency, specifically evaluating the availability of the most critical resource and production sources, including subcontractors and suppliers, materials, skilled labor, and professional and technical personnel;

Section Two directs how each cabinet of the Executive branch can take control over all resources if the order is executed. For example, “(4) the Secretary of Transportation with respect to all forms of civil transportation; (6) the Secretary of Commerce with respect to all other materials, services, and facilities, including construction materials.”

Nothing is left out, even water is included!

Having seen how the USA has been increasing reporting requirements, etc. related to its tax laws, etc., it has been clear to me that the USA believes the federal government believes it is entitled to information and assets that its citizens have tended to think that its government is not entitled to.

I should point out that the Obama Administration seems to be continuing a trend that other administrations, including the last Bush Administration pushed in terms of giving the federal government more powers while eliminating certain legal protections and privacy rights for Americans.  Hence, my post is not simply related to the current administration.  Additionally, over the years, the USA has set up increasing international reporting requirements on foreign banks and other financial institutions to report on more and more financial transactions.

Most citizens of the USA do not realize how many rights, and how fast those rights, are being taken away.  The USA is setting a lot up for the Beast of Revelation 13:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.  (Revelation 13:16-18)

Notice that the Beast has economic power and the citizens are limited to what they can do because of this end time governmental power.  With increasing government power in the USA and also other lands (partially because of USA influence) we are getting closer.

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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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?
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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?

COGwriter

A lot of protesters in ‘Occupy Wall Street’ got arrested:

Dozens Of Occupy Protesters Arrested Following Late-Night Struggle In Zuccotti ParkNY1

18 March 2012

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? 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?
Is Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
LCG: Pornography, Who’s Tempting Whom? This is some information about the prevalence and dangers of pornography from the Living Church of God.
CG7 on Pornography This is an article excerpt from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about pornography.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show?
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?
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?
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.
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? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
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?

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

COGwriter

There are various statements, actions, and inactions that seem to be setting the stage for the rise of the King of the South this week.

Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia: It Is ‘Necessary to Destroy All the Churches of the Region’

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia has made some statements that have religious freedom critics bouncing between scratching their heads and curling up in horror.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh recently announced that it is “necessary to destroy all the churches of the region.“ The ”region” he was referring to, of course, is the Arabian Peninsula (including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman).

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/grand-mufti-of-saudi-arabia-it-is-necessary-to-destroy-all-the-churches-of-the-region/

Obama Silent While Saudi Grand Mufti Targets Christianity

March 17, 2012

If the pope called for the destruction of all the mosques in Europe, the uproar would be cataclysmic. Pundits would lambaste the church, the White House would rush out a statement of deep concern, and rioters in the Middle East would kill each other in their grief. But when the most influential leader in the Muslim world issues a fatwa to destroy Christian churches, the silence is deafening.

On March 12, Sheik Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia, declared that it is “necessary to destroy all the churches of the region.”  http://nation.foxnews.com/christian-right/2012/03/17/anti-christian-sentiment-growing-middle-east#ixzz1pTePVENp

The above is not a surprise.  While some “Christianity” will be tolerated in the coming King of the South power, since the power will seemingly be Islamic, it stands to reason (based upon Islamic theology) that other religions will not be particularly welcome.

As far as US President Barack Obama, goes 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), that the Bible refers to as the King of the South (Chapter 8, pp. 132-135).  His actions and inactions are confirming this all the time.  As far as actions, 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).

However, it should be clear that, as a rule, Islamist groups 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 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 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.

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.

Much is happening in the lands that will likely be under the authority of the biblical King of the South.  Morocco, for example, was one of the more moderate Western-leaning Islamic lands and it is now becoming more supportive of Islamic goals, while the prime minister of Tunisia (just prior to taking that post) announced last year that he believes that the caliphate (an Islamic confederation) was beginning (see Tunisia’s Expected Prime Minister Claims to be part of the Sixth Caliphate).

As there already is a flag for the Arab League, the idea within the Arab world that some type of confederation is a good idea exists even amongst many of the more secular Arabs. The Arab League has currently turned away from Syria (for various reasons, including its ties to Iran, though that is not emphasized).  Notice a news item shows additional signs of the stirring for a King of the South, as it shows that a military influence in the region is crossing national borders:

Saudi sends military gear to Syria rebels

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/saudi-sends-arms-syria-rebels-diplomat-004149674.html

Syria is a nation whose capital Damascus is prophesied to see destruction (Isaiah 17:1), and such destruction may precede Syria’s coming back into the Arab League fold much more closely (despite their views towards Assad, many in Syria favor an Islamic confederation). Some Islamic prophecy supports the idea that the King of the South may end up in Damascus, and this may be consistent with certain biblical prophecy (Jeremiah 49:24-27)–but the verses in Jeremiah might instead happen about when or after Damascus is eliminated (Isaiah 17:1)–we will see.

We are getting closer for an Islamic confederation to form consistent with the biblical prophecies about the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40). However, somewhat like the final Beast/King of the North power (Daniel 11:41-42), it looks like the Bible teaches that there will be some fragility and lack of total cohesiveness as the King of the South will apparently not be totally unified (cf. Daniel 11:42; 11:26).

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.