On March 25, 2023, Norbert  Link will present “Comments on News and Prophecy, March 25, 2023,” and the sermon, titled, “God’s Knowledge in Your Life.”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

In our Current Events section of Update #1062, dated March 17, 2023, we published an article by the New York Post of March 11, 2023, under the following headline: “US Government as ‘Obstructionist’ as China?”

In the article, we quoted Kentucky Senator Rand Paul as follows: “I think it will be more difficult for them [the government and the health experts and scientists] the next time they try this [impose restrictions], because the evidence is pretty much in. None of the things they did to slow down the spread of the disease worked… In the end, everybody got COVID whether they stood on stickers six feet apart from each other or not.”

He continued: “People need to resist… When the government tells you, you can’t go to church, your government says, you can’t go to the gym, your government says, you can’t go to a restaurant or you can’t go to a hotel — we need to resist that.”

But how are we to resist?  Surely not by violent means, and Paul did not even suggest that. And further, WILL it be more difficult to convince people to follow the “restrictions” which will be imposed, no doubt, when the next real or imagined pandemic hits?

In the Current Events of this week’s Update, we are publishing an article by the Dossier which was released on or about March 14, 2023, under the headline, “Covid Hysteria… Courage vs. Cowards.”

In the article, the author writes:

“When I look back at the times of Covid hysteria, I think most about… what separates courageous people from cowards. These past three years served as a good reminder that true courage is an isolating experience. It is both difficult to possess and retain… Cowardice, unlike courage, is encouraged, rewarded, and it comes easily.

“In the face of a government declared ‘national emergency,’ so many decided to take the coward’s route in the form of compliance, submission, and even taking to targeting the regime-declared ‘enemies’ of society. To be a good citizen, all you had to do was sit down, shut up, wear your submission mask, shutter your family business, carry your movement pass with you, and be up to date on your experimental pharmaceuticals. In exchange, society rewarded the coward class with opportunity, public praise, and a Good Citizen stamp of approval.

“After all, it is an enormously difficult task to swim upstream. It is much easier just to blend in… Courageous people stick to their principles despite the vast majority of the population — and even those closest to them — declaring them a problem, or something much worse. Courage is unique because it is almost impossible to be courageous and popular at the same time…

“When the forces for tyranny rear their ugly heads for the next manufactured crisis in the not so distant future, courageous citizens will once more be called upon to thwart their ambitions.”

In this context, I want to focus in this Editorial on our duty as true Christians to attend the worship services of God’s Church, in person, whenever possible, including the weekly Sabbath and the annual Holy Days and Festivals. This also means for properly baptized Church members to attend in person, whenever possible, the annual Passover evening with the footwashing ceremony and the partaking of bread and wine as symbols for Christ’s broken body and His shed blood. It takes courage to do so, when the government tells you that you must stay home and that you must not assemble with others of like mind to celebrate and observe those most holy occasions. Make no mistake, the government will try again, and your courage will be tested.

This is what we wrote in our free booklet, “Obeying God Rather Than Men”, under the headline, “What the Mark of the Beast Means For Us Today”:

“True Christians understand that the Sabbath and the Holy Days must be kept, and that they must not instead accept the mark of the beast by worshipping on Sunday and pagan holidays, and by refusing to worship on God’s weekly and annual Sabbaths. 

“But how does this play out in practice when the government prohibits Christian churches to meet and assemble on the Sabbath? They might not even place this prohibition under a religious mantle, but they might give some other reasons, such as the outbreak of a pandemic that would require people to stay at home. The weekly Sabbath and the annual Holy Days are commanded biblical holy assemblies or holy convocations (compare Leviticus 23). We should ask ourselves whether refusing to follow God’s command, because the government says so, would be pleasing to God (compare Hebrews 10:25; the Living Bible states: ‘Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near’)…

“In this day and age, we have the means of broadcasting sermons live over the Internet to the homes of Church members, which we can resort to on a temporary basis, when physical person-to-person meetings and assemblies with the brethren are not possible. But what happens if a government would prohibit such services as well? How far would we go to follow governmental rules which would prohibit religious services in any manner and of any kind?

“Christians in the early Church were forced to meet in secret, in catacombs, in order to escape the fury of the Roman government. When they were caught, they were severely punished, but they were willing to obey God rather than men.”

They were courageous enough to follow and obey God, even if that meant punishment, incarceration, and worse. Would we be willing today to follow their example, resist governmental restrictions and obey God rather than men?

By Norbert Link

We begin with reporting on the attempt by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to manufacture a case against Donald Trump which has no chance of success, except perhaps initially in the corrupt legal system of New York. The American public is already on edge because of the perception that the legal system is politicized  and weaponized. Republicans are up in arms and investigating whether the prosecutor himself is in violation of the law, rather than Trump. In any event, the whole “political circus” only helps Trump, and according to observers, his road to the presidency in 2024 has now been guaranteed.

We also speak on the “coincidence” that this “legally pathetic” witch hunt against Trump is occurring at a time when the Biden family are in deep trouble due to evidence that they received over a million dollars from accounts linked to Hunter Biden’s Chinese business dealings—something which Joe Biden and his son Hunter have consistently denied.

We report that most GOP voters are against deeper involvement in the Ukraine war; the failure of woke banks [please view our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “What Does The Biggest Bank Failure Since The Great Recession Mean To You?”]; the international arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin; the revelation that the EU foreign police chief is not welcome in Israel; covid hysteria and new “discoveries” of a possible culprit; the insane propagation of the consumption of bugs; the extraordinary success of the pro-farmer movement in the Netherlands; and the controversy between German bishops and the Vatican and further paganism entering the Catholic Church. Please note our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Catholic Church in Turmoil.”

Indictment Coming?

Fox News wrote on March 17:

“Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung reacted to the news [of a possible indictment against Trump, BEFORE Trump’s announcement, see below] by… calling [Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s]investigation a ‘witch hunt’ and accusing him of being in the pocket of President Biden and ‘radical Democrats.’… ‘This is happening because President Trump is leading in the polls by a large margin against both Democrats and Republicans, and there’s never been anything so blatant in American political history.’…

“‘Everyone knows it’s a sham. In fact, the Department of Justice stocked the DA’s office with top people from DC to help “Get Trump” at a local level. Americans will not tolerate Radical Left Democrats turning our justice system into an injustice system to influence a presidential election, which is all they want to do…’

“The potential indictment stems from the yearslong investigation surrounding Trump’s alleged hush money scandal involving porn star Stormy Daniels. Towards the end of the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen sent $130,000 to Daniels to prevent her from disclosing her 2006 affair with Trump. Trump reimbursed Cohen through installments.”

As the following articles show, this is indeed a witch hunt against Trump which, from a legal standpoint, is destined to failure… but in light of a deeply corrupt “justice” system in New York, which lets criminals go free and goes after others because of hatred for a person who is supposed to be innocent unless proven guilty, and strictly because of political considerations, one never knows. Former mayor Giuliani stated in an interview on March 19 that the conduct by the prosecution in New York is reminiscent of East Germany before the unification of Germany, and must be described as fascist.  

To Be Arrested?

Trump wrote on March 18 on his website “Truth Social” [we refrained from correcting his typographical errors in the post]:

“OUR NATION IS NOW THIRD WORLD & DYING. THE AMERICAN DREAM IS DEAD! THE RADICAL LEFT ANARCHISTS HAVE STOLLEN OUR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, AND WITH IT, THE HEART OF OUR OUR COUNTRY. AMERICAN PATRIOTS ARE BEING ARRESTED & HELD IN CAPTIVITY LIKE ANIMALS, WHILE CRIMINALS & LEFTIST THUGS ARE ALLOWED TO ROAM THE STREETS, KILLING & BURNING WITH NO RETRIBUTION. MILLIONS ARE FLOODING THROUGH OUR OPEN BOARDERS, MANY FROM PRISONS & MENTAL INSTITUTIONS. CRIME & INFLATION ARE DESTROYING OUR VERY WAY OF LIFE…

“NOW ILLEGAL LEAKS FROM A CORRUPT & HIGHLY POLITICAL MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE, WHICH HAS ALLOWED NEW RECORDS TO BE SET IN VIOLENT CRIME & WHOSE LEADER IS FUNDED BY GEORGE SOROS, INDICATE THAT, WITH NO CRIME BEING ABLE TO BE PROVEN, & BASED ON AN OLD & FULLY DEBUNKED (BY NUMEROUS OTHER PROSECUTORS!) FAIRYTALE, THE FAR & AWAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE & FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK. PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!”

In a post later in the day, Trump wrote:

“THEY’RE KILLING OUR NATION AS WE SIT BACK & WATCH. WE MUST SAVE AMERICA!PROTEST, PROTEST, PROTEST!!!”

Trump wrote on Sunday, March 19:

“IT IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF MANHATTAN WHO IS BREAKING THE LAW BY USING THE FAKE AND FULLY DISCREDITED TESTIMONY (EVEN BY THE SDNY!) OF A CONVICTED LIAR, FELON AND JAILBIRD, MICHAEL COHEN, TO INCREDIBLY PERSECUTE, PROSECUTE, AND INDICT A FORMER PRESIDENT, AND NOW LEADING (BY FAR!) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, FOR A CRIME THAT DOESN’T EXIST… ALVIN BRAGG SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CRIME OF ‘INTERFERENCE IN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION’…”

Subsequently, Newsmax wrote on March 20:

“A law enforcement source told Fox News Monday that authorities do not expect former President Donald Trump to face arraignment until next week…”

The Daily Mail added on March 21 that an indictment WAS expected this week, but that Trump, who presently lives in Florida, won’t appear before a judge in New York until next week.

Legally Pathetic

Breitbart wrote on March 18:

“In an opinion article published in the Hill Saturday, [Professor Jonathan] Turley wrote that the case was ‘legally pathetic’…

“‘While we still do not know the specific state charges in the anticipated indictment, the most-discussed would fall under Section 175 for falsifying business records, based on the claim that Trump used legal expenses to conceal the alleged hush-payments that were supposedly used to violate federal election laws… A Section 175 charge would normally be a misdemeanor. The only way to convert it into a Class E felony requires a showing that the ‘intent to defraud includes an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof.’ That other crime would appear to be the federal election violations which the Justice Department previously declined to charge.’

“He added that Bragg’s office could not prosecute the charge as a misdemeanor, as the statute of limitations is two years. He would have to pursue a felony…”

Timing Suspect in a Political Circus

Newsmax wrote on March 18:

“Regardless of former President Donald Trump’s arrest for a ‘hypercreative’ prosecution, Democrats leading this charge will not stop him from running for president, according to legal expert Alan Dershowitz [who is a self-proclaimed liberal Democrat who has not voted for Trump in the past and said he will not do so next time either]. ‘They’re going to want to make this [a] political circus; in the end, it will help Trump politically… And remember that it doesn’t matter if he’s indicted or even convicted or even in prison: He can still run for president and serve as president. The state can’t stop it and the Legislature can’t stop it. It’s in the Constitution.’…

“The timing is also suspect, Dershowitz noted, as allegations of influence peddling against the Biden family has reached a crescendo [note articles below]… ‘This [is] purely, purely political… There is no basis for this prosecution… the prosecution itself is an unrighteous prosecution… It’s an example of the conversation between the head of the KGB and Stalin, where the KGB guy said to Stalin: “Show me the man, and I’ll find you the crime”…

“‘… in New York you can indict a ham sandwich if you’re the grand jury, and probably convict the ham sandwich if his name is Trump, because the jury pool will be so dramatically opposed to Trump. This is a very bad day for America…’”

No wonder Americans are upset about this politically-driven circus. Note the next article.

America in Turmoil

The Daily Mail wrote on March 19:

“Trump supporters are pushing for a ‘MAGA moat’ around Mar-a-Lago to prevent the former president from being arrested… Among those calling for action are political commentator Mike Cernovich and radio host Stew Peters. Cernovich, for his part, demanded that DeSantis refuse to extradite the former president…

“Political strategist and former radio host Joey M. also tweeted ‘if DeSantis signs that extradition request, his political career as we know it would be over… If he doesn’t sign them, he becomes a hero to MAGA and possibly becomes the de facto nominee for 2024 – or mends fences with Trump and forms a unity ticket with himself as VP. ‘

“Meanwhile, Peters tweeted ‘if Ron DeSantis is the conservative hero he projects himself to be he should REFUSE to honor the arrest warrant for President-in-exile Trump and send the Florida National Guard to Mar-a-Lago to ensure Trump’s protection. Anything less proves DeSantis is a fraud.’

“There are also similar reports of people calling to surround Mar-a-Lago or block traffic to prevent the former president’s arrest, with many already descending on the Florida estate to protest — as others gather around the New York City Trump Tower…

“The Florida governor is so far one of the few Republicans who have not spoken out about Trump’s pending indictment [but see an article below], with even House Speaker Kevin McCarthy denouncing it on Twitter. ‘Here we go again — an outrageous abuse of power by a radical DA who lets violent criminals walk as he pursues political vengeance against President Trump,’ the California representative wrote, referring to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

“McCarthy then vowed to direct any relevant committees to investigate whether federal funding is being used to ‘subvert our democracy by interfering in elections with politically-motivated prosecutions.’ [Breitbart wrote on March 19: “House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) on Sunday said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is ‘abusing his office’ by going after former President Donald Trump, while Democrats, including Bragg, are allowing crime to run rampant. ‘Alvin Bragg is abusing his office to target President Trump while he’s reduced a majority of felonies, including violent crimes, to misdemeanors. He has different rules for political opponents,’ McCarthy said on Twitter.” Bragg also announced that he will NOT prosecute armed robberies!!!]

“Controversial Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also said Trump will ‘win even bigger’ than he already was going to in 2024 if Bragg indicts him and he ‘did nothing wrong.’… MAGA Sen. JD Vance, meanwhile, noted that he has been asked whether he will take away his endorsement of Trump in 2024. ‘The answer is:… no,’ he said. ‘A politically-motivated prosecution makes the argument for Trump even stronger. We simply don’t have a real country if justice depends on politics.’

“And Rep. Elise Stefanik, the chair of the House Republican Conference, said in a statement that the ‘Radical Left’ will have Trump arrested because they know they cannot defeat him.’ She said that is ‘un-American’ and reaches a ‘dangerous new low of Third World countries.’ ‘What the corrupt Leftist prosecutors like Alvin Bragg and their Socialist allies fail to understand is that America First Patriots have never been so energized to exercise their constitutional rights to peacefully organize and VOTE at the ballot box to save our great Republic.’…

“Sen. Lindsey Graham also said… Saturday that Bragg has ‘done more’ to get Trump re-elected than any one… in the country. ‘They’re making stuff up that they never used against anybody because they hate Trump,’ he said…  Former Vice President Mike Pence also stuck up for his former boss in an interview with reporters Saturday, saying: ‘The idea of indicting a president of the United States is deeply troubling to me as it is to tens of millions of Americans – and particularly happening in what appears to be a politically charged environment in New York, where the attorney general and other elected officials literally campaigned on a pledge to prosecute the former president.’…

“And even Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy said Trump being indicted would be a ‘national disaster.’… He explained that indicting Trump will only undermine Americans’ trust in the electoral system… ‘Our entire country is skating on thin ice right now and we cannot afford to politicize the justice system, or else we will reach our breaking point,’ he warned.”

Breitbart added on March 18:

“Former President Donald Trump will win reelection in a ‘landslide victory’ if he is handcuffed and arrested next week, Elon Musk [who is supporting DeSantis]… predicted in a tweet…”

Blitz added on March 18:

“The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation [Dmitry Medvedev] turned to the people of the United States and advised the citizens of the country to end the rule of the incumbent President Joe Biden [and to “destroy the tyranny of Washington,” according to Express, dated March 19, adding: ‘‘The jerks in Europe wanted to arrest someone else [referring to Putin, see below], and on March 21 they will arrest their own in America,’ he said on Telegram.”

Bragg to Testify Under Oath

Fox News wrote on March 20:

“The House Judiciary Committee is demanding that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg testify before Congress in the wake of his ‘unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority’…  Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, sent a letter… to Bragg Monday morning demanding his testimony. The letter was also signed by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and House Committee on Administration Chairman Brian Steil, R-Wis…

“The statute of limitations on a matter of ‘falsifying business records,’ which Jordan said ‘would ordinarily be a misdemeanor subject to a two-year statute of limitations,’ would have ‘expired long ago.’ ‘State law, however, allows a district attorney to “elevate nominal misdemeanor conduct” to a felony charge if the “intent to defraud includes an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof,”’ Jordan wrote, noting that showing would extend the statute of limitations to five years…

“‘The only potential speculated crime that could be alleged here would be a violation of campaign finance law, according to one scholar, a charge that the Justice Department has already declined to bring,’ Jordan wrote… ‘In addition to the novel and untested legal theory, your star witness for this prosecution has a serious credibility problem—a problem that you have reportedly recognized,’ Jordan wrote. ‘This case relies heavily on the testimony of Michael Cohen, a convicted perjurer with a demonstrable prejudice against President Trump… In 2019, when he testified before Democrats on the House Oversight Committee to aid their fruitless investigation into President Trump, Cohen lied again—six times,’ Jordan said…

“Jordan went on to slam Bragg, saying his ‘progressive criminal justice policies that allow career ‘criminals to run the streets’ of Manhattan requires congressional scrutiny about how public safety funds appropriated by Congress are implemented by local law-enforcement agencies.’…

“Jordan is demanding that Bragg turn over records and communications between Manhattan DA office and the Justice Department referring to the Manhattan DA’s investigation of Trump; all communications sent by and received from the ex-prosecutors Dunne and Pomerantz; and all documents and communications referring or relating to the Manhattan district attorney’s office’s receipt and use of federal funds. Jordan demanded that Bragg contact the House Judiciary Committee to schedule his transcribed interview by March 23 at 10:00 a.m. Jordan demanded those records be turned over to the committee by the same day.”

Breitbart wrote on March 20:

“Jordan told Politico: ‘Bragg is a George Soros-backed crazy left wing prosecutor who is presiding in Manhattan where crime is on the rise and is doing this as a purely political sham.’”

DeSantis Goes on Record

Newsmax wrote on March 20:

“Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday denounced the ‘manufactured circus’ behind Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation of former President Donald Trump, rebuking him as a George Soros-funded prosecutor.

“Further, the governor, while answering a question from Newsmax’s Leo Feldman during a press briefing Monday, said he will not become involved in anything to do with a potential arrest of Trump, whose Mar-a-Lago home is in his state… DeSantis, meanwhile, said he is not ‘aware of anything’ when it comes to communications between law enforcement officials in Florida and New York authorities, should Trump be indicted and refuse to go north for his arraignment…

“‘I do know this, the Manhattan District Attorney is a Soros-funded prosecutor, so he like other Soros-funded prosecutors weaponize their office to impose a political agenda at the expense of the rule of law and public safety. He has downgraded over 50% of the felonies to misdemeanors. He says he doesn’t even want to have jail time for the vast majority of crime. So what we’ve seen in Manhattan is the crime rate go up and citizens become less safe.

“‘… you have a prosecutor who is ignoring crimes happening every single day in his jurisdiction and he chooses to go back many, many years ago to use what something about porn star hush-money payments, that’s an example of using a political agenda and weaponizing the office… New Yorkers and ordinary Americans in various jurisdictions… get victimized every day because of the reckless political agenda these Soros-funded prosecutions bring to the job. These Soros-funded district attorneys are a menace to society…’”

Left-liberal Jews have objected to references to Soros-funded political candidates as “antisemitic.”

Jail for the DA?

The Hill wrote on March 21:

“Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Tuesday [tweeted:] ‘A Trump indictment would be a disgusting abuse of power. The DA should be put in jail.’”

Public on Edge

Professor Jonathan Turley wrote on March 21:

“Bragg will have to convince a court that Trump paid the hush money for the sole purpose of the election. As a married man and television celebrity, Trump had other reasons to try to avoid a scandal …This is a patently political prosecution… Indeed, voters could well view the election as a vote against the establishment and the media — the very thing that got Trump elected in 2016…

“Then there is the question of a self-pardon. I have long maintained that a president can pardon himself…

“Bragg is releasing this case into a public that is already on edge. Polls show that a large number of Americans believe that the legal system is being politicized and hold both state and federal government in suspicion. A fifth of Americans now view the government as the greatest threat facing the nation…  53 percent in one poll agreed with the statement that the FBI acts like ‘Biden’s Gestapo.’… [Bragg] could single handily reanimate the presidency of Donald J. Trump.’”

Cohen a Serial Liar

Fox News wrote on March 20:

“Robert Costello, the former legal advisor to ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen, appeared before the grand jury in the Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation into former President Trump Monday, and testified that Cohen is a ‘serial liar’…

“Costello said he testified to the grand jury Monday that Trump did not know about the payments made by Cohen to Stormy Daniels…. ‘There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Michael Cohen has great difficulty telling the truth,’ Costello said. ‘He is, after all a convicted perjurer, and our track record with Mr. Cohen convinced us that he was a serial liar.’…”

The case against Trump hinges mainly on the “trustworthiness” of Cohen. The New York Times said that Costello had this to say after his testimony: ‘I told the grand jury that this guy couldn’t tell the truth if you put a gun to his head.’”

Chaos at Court

The New York Post wrote on March 22:

“The Manhattan grand jury hearing evidence against former President Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels ‘hush money’ case didn’t reconvene Wednesday as scheduled… The afternoon session was unexpectedly [cancelled] by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg… The move… came because an unidentified witness was unable to appear, sources said. The witness is believed to be someone who will rebut Monday’s testimony from lawyer… Robert Costello, sources said.

“Wednesday’s turn of events came as a source with ties to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office told The Post that DA Alvin Bragg was concerned following Costello’s testimony. ‘The last thing he wants is for the grand jury to vote against him,’ the source said. ‘He wants a no-doubt-about-it case. He is pressuring the “Trump obsessed” to step up and prove the case.’

“A source inside Bragg’s office also said a substantial number of assistant district attorneys were ‘shaking their heads’ over Bragg’s decision to pursue Trump, 76. ‘They don’t understand how this case is going forward,’ the source said. ‘These ADAs are not fans of Trump but they are professional lawyers and know the law.’

“Fox News also reported ‘major dissension’ inside Bragg’s office, with one source saying the ‘weakness’ of the evidence against Trump was posing problems for prosecutors….”

Cohen Lied

The New York Post wrote on March 22:

“A newly surfaced letter from 2018 shows Michael Cohen lying to federal election officials about his infamous $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels… In it, Cohen told the Federal Election Commission that he ‘used his own personal funds to facilitate a payment of $130,000 to Ms. Stephanie Clifford,’ aka Daniels, in 2016. ‘Neither the Trump Organization nor the Trump campaign was a party to the transaction with Ms. Clifford, and neither reimbursed Mr. Cohen for the payment directly or indirectly,’ Cohen lawyer Stephen Ryan wrote on Feb. 8, 2018….”

Major Dissension

Fox News wrote on March 23:

“A Manhattan grand jury will not hear testimony, deliberate or vote on the hush-money case against former President Donald Trump on Thursday… Since the grand jury does not sit on Fridays, a vote on the Trump case is not expected this week…”

A Sideshow Gift for Biden

Miranda Devine of The New York post wrote on March 19:

“… the story took the spotlight off the bombshell bank records released the previous day by the House Oversight Committee, showing $1,065,000 had been funneled from a Chinese energy company, through Biden intimate Rob Walker, to four immediate family members of Joe Biden—his son Hunter, brother James, and Hallie Biden, the widow of his late son Beau, who also is Hunter’s former lover [and] an as-yet-unidentified family member, listed only on bank wires as ‘Biden.’ 

“Comer’s team has subpoenaed further bank records and is expected to reveal the identity of that mystery person… In anyone’s language, that is a huge story. Even the New York Times had to cover it…

“So for the Democrats’ spin machine, it was time for a Trump scandal… Enter Bragg, the George Soros-funded, soft-on-crime DA who has been talking about Trump being indicted on something or other since at least 2019, and who made ‘Get Trump’ a part of his election campaign. 

“His case is a joke. The allegation is that Trump falsified business records by concealing a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels that was made by his estranged former lawyer Michael Cohen in 2016. Everything rests on the word of Cohen, a convicted perjurer, who testified before Bragg’s grand jury for three hours last Monday, and then again on Wednesday. Before that, he had been in for interviews with the DA’s office at least 19 times…

“If a legal witch hunt is the Democrats’ plan to win in 2024, it just shows how desperate they are. Why don’t they try winning elections the old-fashioned way, by presenting candidates and policies worthy of voters’ approval instead of perverting the justice system in the pursuit of power?”

But presenting a qualified candidate and acceptable policies is the big challenge for Democrats.

It Does Not Look Good for the Biden Family

The New York Post wrote on March 18:

‘CNN news anchor Erin Burnett admitted that evidence revealing that the Biden family received over a million dollars from accounts linked to Hunter Biden’s Chinese business dealings does not ‘look good’ for the president’s family…

“House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky) revealed on Thursday that on March 1, 2017 — just weeks after Joe Biden left office as Barack Obama’s VP— State Energy HK Limited, a firm affiliated with Chinese Communist Party-backed energy company CEFC China Energy, wired $3 million to Biden family associate Rob Walker. Walker then proceeded to dish out the money to a number of Biden associates and members of the Biden family, including Hunter Biden, the president’s brother James Biden and his late son Beau Biden’s widow Hallie Biden.

“The windfall was subsequently divvied up over a period of about three months to at least three members of the Biden clan, and two Biden family associates.  Here’s how the $3 million from China was distributed, according to Comer (R-Ky.):  James Gilliar: $1,065,000; John ‘Rob’ Walker: $869,308; Hunter Biden: $610,692; James Biden: $360,000; Hallie Biden: $25,000; Unknown Biden: $70,000.”

The “unknown Biden” could be the most interesting one. According to former mayor Giuliani, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and much more will be revealed, including the contents of Hunter Biden’s laptop. The impression exists that the expected indictment of Trump and the revelation regarding the Biden family is not a mere coincidence.

Joe Biden Denies Payments to Family Despite Bank Records

Fox News wrote on March 18:

“President Biden denied that his family received more than $1 million in payments from accounts related to Hunter Biden’s business associate Rob Walker and their Chinese business ventures in 2017, even though financial records indicate otherwise… A spokesperson for Hunter Biden’s legal team confirmed the payments Thursday but emphasized that the recipients’ accounts ‘belonged to Hunter, his uncle and Hallie – nobody else.’ However, Biden denied that the payments were made when confronted by a reporter on the White House lawn Friday…

“Republican lawmakers say they are probing whether the Biden family leveraged Joe Biden’s former position as vice president to make lucrative deals with foreign nationals. The White House in a statement did not deny the findings, but blasted the committee’s investigation into the Biden family… Hunter Biden’s legal team accused Republicans of pushing a ‘baseless right-wing conspiracy theory,’ even as they confirmed that the payments had happened…”

Joe Biden denies what has been admitted by his son’s legal team which, while on the other hand, presents a ridiculous “defense.”

Majority of GOP Voters Against Supporting Ukraine

LifeSiteNews wrote on March 17:

“A new poll released Thursday verifies a significant trend among Republican voters against deeper involvement in the Ukraine war… The IPSOS-Axios poll reveals that only 42% of Republicans ‘support providing weapons and financial support to Ukraine,’ meaning a full 58% do not.”

The time will come when the USA will cease supporting Ukraine, and then, core Europe will follow suit, bringing about the prophesied “unification” in some way of Russia and Ukraine.

Newsmax Back on Direct TV

Breitbart wrote on March 22:

“Newsmax is returning to DirecTV, after the satellite giant dropped the conservative news and commentary channel from its lineup in January…

“DirecTV dropping Newsmax caused an uproar among Republican lawmakers, who threatened hearings and fumed about conservative censorship. DirecTV had previously dropped One America News Network in April 2022.”

Woke Banks Fail

Daily Mail wrote on March 15:

“Woke Silicon Valley Bank donated over $73 million to Black Lives Matter-related social justice groups in the years before it collapsed, while failed Signature Bank gave $850,000…

“Both banks had touted their efforts to improve diversity among their staff and address social issues.”

It has been suggested that the reason why the Biden Administration is bailing out these two banks [sometimes referred to as “Biden’s banks] is because they followed the “woke” agenda of radical Democrats, while picking and choosing which other banks may be bailed out—leaving the impression that failing Republican-run banks might not be helped.

Interest Rates Raised Once Again

Breitbart wrote on March 22:

“The Federal Reserve continued to increase interest rates by [a] quarter of percent (25 basis points) on Wednesday…

“The Fed was stuck between a rock and a hard place. With the Fed increasing interest rates, banks could likely continue to struggle with liquidity and perhaps cause more bank failures. Not raising the interest rate would likely fuel inflation that previous interest rate hikes were intended to reduce…”

Powell to Be Removed?

Breitbart wrote on March 22:

“Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said Wednesday on CNN’s ‘The Lead’ that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell should be removed because he is ‘trying to drive’ the U.S. economy into a recession.

“During a discussion about Powell raising interest rates, anchor Jake Tapper asked, ‘Have you ever directly told President Biden that you think he should fire the chair, Jerome Powell? And who would you like to see replace him?’

“Warren said, ‘So, I’m not going to talk about private conversations, but what I will say is I made it very clear as publicly as humanly possible that I didn’t think that he should be reconfirmed as chair of the Fed. And I think he’s doing a really terrible job.’

“Tapper asked, ‘Do you think the United States is headed for a recession?’ Warren said, ‘I think that that is where Jerome Powell is trying to drive it… I said five years ago I think he a dangerous man to have in this job.’”

Arrest Warrant for Putin

The Associated Press wrote on March 17:

‘The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant Friday for Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of the war crime of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. The bold legal move will obligate the court’s 123 member states to arrest Putin and transfer him to The Hague for trial if he sets foot on their territory… the Kremlin branded the court decision as ‘null and void.’

“Neither Russia nor Ukraine are members of the ICC, although Kyiv granted it jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed on its territory. [Under the Rome Statute, the] tribunal has no police force of its own and relies on member states to make arrests…

“Stephen Rapp, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues under former president Barack Obama, said: ‘This makes Putin a pariah. If he travels he risks arrest. This never goes away. Russia cannot gain relief from sanctions without compliance with the warrants.’…”

The Daily Mail added on March 17:

“[The Rome] Statute – from which the ICC draws its authority – precludes trials being held in absentia, meaning Putin would have to be tried in person. But while the likelihood of Putin’s arrest remains highly unlikely, it is not entirely impossible… Putin will not be arrested in or extradited from Russian territory, but has made trips abroad since the outbreak of the war in February last year.

“In June, he travelled to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan before visiting Iran the following month. [He] also travelled to Uzbekistan in September, Kazakhstan in October and Armenia in November, as well as Kyrgyzstan and Belarus in December. Of these countries, only Tajikistan is a member of the ICC and party to the Rome Statute and Putin may avoid entering the country again on that basis.

“But while non-members have no obligation under the statute to cooperate with the ICC, they will be encouraged to do so… If the United Nations Security Council triggers the ICC’s jurisdiction over a situation, the country has a duty to cooperate regardless of whether they are a member of the Rome Statute.”

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 23:

“Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has warned that any attempt to arrest Vladimir Putin [in Germany] would be seen as ‘a declaration of war… ‘And, in that case, all our assets — all our missiles etc. — would fly to the Bundestag, to the chancellor’s office.’”

EU Foreign Police Chief Not Welcome in Israel

The Associated Press wrote on March 15:

“Israel has signaled to the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, that he is not welcome to visit following critical comments he made about Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank, Israeli officials said Wednesday. The incident marked the latest sign of deteriorating relations between Israel’s new far-right government and some of its closest allies…

“In Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano said Borrell had not been prevented from entering Israel because he has not been trying to visit… He added that Borrell’s comments reflected the official positions of the 27-nation EU…  The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has criticized Israeli settlement announcements by Netanyahu’s government and ongoing settler violence against Palestinians…”

Europe, under German leadership, will totally turn against Israel.

Israel Adopts New Incapacity Law for Prime Ministers

Newsmax wrote on March 23:

“Israel ratified a law on Thursday limiting the circumstances in which a prime minister can be removed, despite worries… that it may be meant to shield the incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu from any fallout from his corruption trials…

“By a 61-to-47 final vote, the Knesset approved the bill under which prime ministers can be deemed unfit – and compelled to step aside – either if they or three-quarters of cabinet ministers declare them so on physical or psychological grounds.”

Covid Hysteria… Courage vs. Cowards

The Dossier published the following article on or about March 17:

“When I look back at the times of Covid hysteria, I think most about outliers and rule followers, and what separates courageous people from cowards. These past three years served as a good reminder that true courage is an isolating experience. It is both difficult to possess and retain, and regularly interpreted by one’s peers as both peculiar and dangerous. Courage is special because it is a unique trait that separates the man from the mob… in late 2019, when push came to shove, the vast majority of our population submitted to the regime… Cowardice, unlike courage, is encouraged, rewarded, and it comes easily. 

“In the face of a government declared ‘national emergency,’ so many decided to take the coward’s route in the form of compliance, submission, and even taking to targeting the regime-declared ‘enemies’ of society. To be a good citizen, all you had to do was sit down, shut up, wear your submission mask, shutter your family business, carry your movement pass with you, and be up to date on your experimental pharmaceuticals. In exchange, society rewarded the coward class with opportunity, public praise, and a Good Citizen stamp of approval.

“After all, it is an enormously difficult task to swim upstream. It is much easier just to blend in… Courageous people stick to their principles despite the vast majority of the population — and even those closest to them — declaring them a problem, or something much worse. Courage is unique because it is almost impossible to be courageous and popular at the same time. If courage were popular, it wouldn’t be brave. If courage was common, it wouldn’t be courageous…

“When the forces for tyranny rear their ugly heads for the next manufactured crisis in the not so distant future, courageous citizens will once more be called upon to thwart their ambitions.”

Note our Editorial in this Update.

Wuhan Market Raccoon Dogs

Newsmax wrote on March 17:

“Genetic data found in a Wuhan, China seafood market shortly after it was shut down in early January 2020 has linked the coronavirus with raccoon dogs, a fox-related animal that was being sold there at the time, according to a new report from a team of international virus experts.

“The swabs were taken around the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market after authorities in China ordered it closed because they suspected it was connected to the then-new coronavirus outbreak… it doesn’t prove conclusively that a raccoon dog was infected, and even if it was, that it spread the virus to people, as another animal could have spread the disease to people, who then gave it to the raccoon dog.

“But raccoon dogs are known to be able to transmit the coronavirus and as they deposited genetic signatures in the same places where the virus material was left, it shows consistencies with what would be a scenario in which humans were infected by wild animals, the report said.

“The new evidence is being released just weeks after an intelligence assessment from the U.S. Department of Energy pointed to the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

“However, it is also being considered as the first tangible evidence concerning how the virus could have spread to people through wild animals, and suggest that scientists in China may have not given a complete accounting of evidence about how the virus spread at the seafood market…”

The New York Post added on March 17:

“Three years after COVID-19 brought the world to its knees, the scientific community remains bitterly divided over the origins of the virus, despite the growing consensus that it was manufactured inside the Wuhan Institute of Virology during gain-of-function research.

“But a new analysis of genetic material from the infamous Wuhan wet market points to a new unlikely culprit — the raccoon dog. Analysis of genetic sequences collected from the market in January 2020 shows that raccoon dogs being illegally sold at the [Market] may have been carrying and shedding the virus at the outbreak of the pandemic, according to a wild new report in the Atlantic.

“However, researchers who conducted the analysis have expressed caution about their own findings, which do not conclusively prove that raccoon dogs were the original host of the virus… Indeed, as the New York Times [wrote:] ‘The jumbling together of genetic material from the virus and the animal does not prove that a raccoon dog itself was infected. And even if a raccoon dog had been infected, it would not be clear that the animal had spread the virus to people.’”

Whatever the Truth, the consumption of unclean animals such as the raccoon dog is a horrible abomination in the eyes of God. Note the next article in this context.

Extra Credit for Kids Eating Bugs

LifeSiteNews wrote on March 17:

“Kim Cutler, a teacher at Spring Canyon Middle School [in Utah], assigned sixth grade English students an essay titled ‘Why Americans Should Be Eating Bugs?’ According to the parameters of the assignment, students were supposed to write an essay arguing that people should eat bugs rather than cows as their primary source of protein as cows produce methane that damages the ozone layer. Students were not allowed to disagree with the assignment’s argument.

“In addition to the essay, Cutler gave students the opportunity to receive extra credit by eating grasshoppers that the school district, Nebo School District, bought from a commercial website.

“A student in the class, Saige Wright,… asked Cutler why students could not argue against the essay’s premise, Cutler responded by saying, ‘Because we don’t have any evidence for it… There’s only one right answer to this essay…’

“This is not the first time a school offered students bugs to eat for the sake of climate change. As of last October, over 1,000 schools in Australia started offering corn chips laced with insect protein…

“Eating bugs has also been encouraged by the World Economic Forum (WEF), with the organization arguing that ‘we need to give insects the role they deserve in our food systems.’

“Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who… in 2019 invested… into an insect-farming start-up, last year stated that ‘all rich countries should move to 100% synthetic beef.’”

The left-wing extreme indoctrination of our kids in schools is appalling.

Tremendous Success of the Pro-Farmer Movement in The Netherlands

Breitbart wrote on March 20:

“The anti-Great Reset, pro-farmer BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) movement appears to have won even more seats in the Dutch senate than expected, with the globalist coalition government losing heavily.

“The BoerBurgerBeweging (Farmer-Citizen Movement) was founded to represent the interests of Dutch farmers facing severe difficulties or being closed down altogether as a result of Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s efforts to implement European Union-mandated curbs on the use of nitrogen fertilisers, in order to serve the bloc’s climate change green agenda.

“Initially a protest movement, the BBB has been involved in many major demonstrations, often involving tractors, in the Netherlands — but it arrived as a political force in the country’s recent regional government elections for the first time, which also determine the make-up of the First Chamber of the States General — the upper house or senate of the Dutch legislature… the Farmer-Citizen Movement’s success was greater than polls initially suggested, with it being due to claim 17 seats in the Senate and become by far the largest party there…

“The precarious four-party coalition government of the supposedly ‘centre-right’ Prime Minister Mark Rutte, meanwhile, appears to have suffered somewhat worse losses than expected, with [suggestions] they will be unable to achieve a majority even with the support of the Labour Party and the Greens…”

German Bishops vs. the Vatican

LifeSiteNews wrote on March 15:

“Bishop Georg Bätzing, the head of the German bishops’ conference (DBK), said that they will implement ‘blessings’ of same-sex couples in Germany, regardless of what the Vatican says…

“On March 10, the same day that Bätzing made these remarks in the interview with ZDF, the members of the Synodal Way voted overwhelmingly in favor of a document containing ‘blessings’ for same-sex couples, as well as for the divorced and ‘re-married,’ in a move putting them in direct opposition to Catholic teaching…

“[Bätzing] added that ‘we have heard today from the Belgian Church that this has already been implemented there and that it has even been agreed upon with Rome.’ 

“While Pope Francis has been ambiguous on the subject, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith did issue a document in 2021 confirming that the Catholic Church does not have the authority to bless same-sex unions.

“The interviewer confronted Bätzing with criticism from the former secretary of Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, who said that he is worried that the German Catholic Church is ‘saying goodbye’ to union with the universal Catholic Church. ‘Those who speak of division perhaps hope to get something out of it,’ the head of the German bishops’ conference responded. ‘We do not speak of it, we do not want it and we will remain in unity with the large Catholic Church.’”

But deeds speak louder than words…

More Paganism in the Catholic Church

LifeSiteNews wrote on March 17:

“… Now it is another form of paganism that is being promoted by Rome. The ancient Mayan religion is permeated by polytheism (the earth, the sun, the moon, and animals are all regarded as being gods), by animism (belief that objects and creatures have a soul), by the belief in communication with one’s ancestors (and even worshipping them), and by human sacrifice (to include women and children) as part of its worship… many of these idolatrous elements will be included in this new rite of Mass…

“The revival of Mayan practices and symbols… is seen as a return to ‘pre-Columbian’ traditions, that is, pre-Christian. But for these theologians, however, there is no real contradiction between these two religions… Bishop Ruiz pointed out that the God venerated in Indian theology was not different from the Jesus worshipped in Catholicism… the author describes the incorporation of ancient religious rituals into Catholic practices without seeing a contradiction…

“Very important to these practices also, is the Mayan Altar — an altar that is dedicated to the gods and beliefs of the Mayan religion… pine needles or boughs… are placed around the altar. As one description of the Mayan meaning of pine needles explains, they ‘are the portal to the other world…’ Problematic also is the use of a shell, as can be seen being used in different liturgies in the diocese… The shell is a Mayan practice of communicating with the spirits of their ancestors. [It is also contended that] we are to encounter ‘Mother Earth’ as a goddess…

“Rattles… are also ways to call the ancestors to communicate with the living.

“… many Mayan elements… were included in the Mass of Pope Francis when he came to visit the diocese on February 15, 2016…

“Bartolomé Espinosa Vázquez, an expert in the Mayan culture and a member of the South Team of the diocese, was responsible for installing the altar that was placed during the official ceremony held on January 25, 2022… Some of Espinosa Vázquez’ explanations of the Mayan Altar speak for themselves:… ‘When we blow the shell we are calling the spirit of our ancestors… The burning of copal is believed to call upon the God Tlaloc and the goddess Chalchiuhtlicue. Both of these dieties were associated with fertility and creation’…”

Trying to communicate with the dead is a horrible sin, as it may bring us into contact with demons. The Catholic Church has, from the outset, practiced syncretism—the inclusion of pagan elements in their worship system.  Days like Christmas and Easter are clearly of pagan origin. Therefore, further inclusion of pagan customs, beliefs and practices should not be surprising.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

The book of 2 Peter is addressed to Christians who are called out of the world and who understand the promise made to them to become glorified members of God’s Family (compare 2 Peter 1:1-4). Even though this letter was written to the early members of the Church of God, it also directly applies to Christians throughout the ages. Peter writes to encourage the readers to develop their conversion by producing spiritual fruits. He then makes a summary statement, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11). This raises a question that all Christians need to answer for themselves, “How can I make my calling and election sure?”

It is a privilege to be called in this age. Even though the plan of God involves bringing many to salvation, there are only a few who are called now. In our booklet, “Are You Predestined to be Saved?” we highlight the fact that only a relatively few number of people are called today.

“The Bible teaches that in this day and age, God calls just very few to salvation. Those who respond to the call and become converted are referred to as the firstfruits (compare James 1:18; Revelation 14:4). Some try to defeat the Biblical concept of predestination, as explained in this booklet, by stating that God does not know ahead of time whom He will call and choose. Rather, they claim that God ‘calls’ many, based on their prior conduct in this life, and that He then decides to choose or accept those who respond to His call, while rejecting those who reject His call.

“However, those who are truly called today have been first foreknown and predestined by God (Romans 8:28). They were singled out BEFORE they did right or wrong—that is, they were NOT called because of their works (compare Romans 9:11; 2 Timothy 1:8–9). Those who are truly called are also chosen and faithful (compare Revelation 17:14). The Bible does not teach that God calls many today to salvation, but that most reject their calling and that only a few will respond and become chosen and faithful. If that were true, then those who have rejected their spiritual calling to eternal salvation would have committed the unpardonable sin—and this is decisively not correct. Today, God only calls and chooses the few (compare 1 Corinthians 1:26–29), and when He brings them to true conversion, they, for the most part, will stay loyal to Him (although it is possible, that some, who are truly called to salvation, will commit the unpardonable sin).”

This passage should help us understand how special it is to be among the called and elect today. Knowing that we have such a tremendous opportunity to understand and live by the Truth should motivate us to take advantage of the gift of the Holy Spirit with which we have been entrusted. To be in a position to “make our call and election sure” is very special. Therefore, it is vital to clearly understand what it takes to follow through with our calling and succeed in fulfilling the plan that God has in store for us individually.

The instructions that Peter writes preceding the admonition to make our call and election sure serve as a good starting point. He describes the general characteristics to develop on our Christian journey. Diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love serve as the essential building blocks of spiritual fruit (compare 2 Peter 1:5-9). The application of those efforts is also important to consider. The objects of our faith, virtue, knowledge, and so on matter! To what end should we direct our efforts to make our call and election sure?

There are three things that this Q&A will focus on directing our efforts towards which will help bring fruit to maturity. The first is about staying grounded in the Truth. The second is to maintain endurance. The third is to repent from sin by becoming and staying obedient to God’s commandments. The parable of the sower gives us valuable lessons. But first, let us understand that even though four categories of people are described in that parable, only the people of the fourth category were called for salvation. We write in our free booklet, “Are You Predestined to be Saved?”:

“In the parable with the sower, in Matthew 13:18–23, four types of people are mentioned who all hear the Word of God. But only one person accepts the Word and produces fruit (verse 23), while the other three give up and fall away. Does this mean that all of them were truly called by God to salvation? And—that God was caught by surprise when the first three fell away, although He had predestined them to be called in this day and age? Hardly! God very well knew that only the fourth person would respond and continue in His calling, as God knows the hearts and minds of people. Only the fourth person was predestined to be called and chosen in this life.”

Still, the reaction of the first three categories of people who heard God’s Word can show us how we, who are called for salvation, must not behave, while the reaction of the fourth category illustrates to us how we are to behave in response to God’s calling.

In the first example, we read about a lack of diligence to develop knowledge and understanding of the Truth. “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside” (Matthew 13:19). Applying this to us who are called to salvation, when we first hear the Word of God, it might be a challenge to believe what we hear because it is so contrary to the teachings of the world! But if we don’t completely understand something at first, it should compel us to dig in and learn more about it. If we willingly neglect to learn more about the instruction of the Bible when something doesn’t make perfect sense right away, the Truth could eventually be “snatched” away from us. To prevent that from happening, we need to be dedicated to continual learning. Responding to God’s calling involves diligence in studying and learning so that we develop knowledge and understanding of the Truth.

We must have an open mind to believe what the Bible instructs. The Bereans give us a great example to follow. “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.   These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men” (Acts 17:10-12). In this example, the love for the Truth is clearly evident. When the Bereans received the instruction from Paul and Silas, they got busy researching to make sure they understood the Truth comprehensively. This is our job too.

Having a love for the Truth also factors into the development of our understanding. Without having a love for the Truth, we will not care enough about it to dedicate ourselves to learning. To be on guard against the evil powers of the world now and in the future, having love for the Truth is essential. We know that a time will come when deception will abound upon the earth, even more than today. The ones who do not have a love for the Truth will be deceived and fall away because the passing pleasures of sin are too compelling (compare 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). When we love the Truth, we care enough to develop our understanding of it, and also become compelled to live by it. The Truth forms the foundation for correctly developing the fruit of the Spirit.

In the second example in the parable of the sower, we see a failure that comes from a lack of endurance. “But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles” (Matthew 13:20-21). Truly, the teaching of the Bible is very exciting! For some, the excitement that initially comes at the start does not develop any further. In those circumstances, the willingness to live by God’s Word ceases and becomes unfruitful. This can also happen to those who are called. When trials come, they lack the endurance to continue to accept and live by the Truth with a joyful heart. 

When we are called by God, it is for a grand purpose – to live as glorified members of His Family. With such an eternal end result, endurance is absolutely essential. To stop in the development of Christian character after the excitement fades leaves the opportunity of a lifetime unfulfilled. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.   For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ‘For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.’ But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:35-39). In this passage, we see the contrast between Christian endurance and drawing back into the world. The warning is that when we don’t have endurance, we put ourselves in a precarious position, at risk of failing to live in accordance with our call. Working towards an eternal result requires that we continue our efforts until the time of fulfillment – a lifetime endeavor!

The third aspect of making our call and election sure involves applying these aspects in practical ways in our life. We must work to overcome the world and the way of sin. Returning to the parable of the sower, we can see the attribute of the final failure. “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). In this example, the ones who receive the word do not apply the teachings of the Bible to repent. But rather, the carnal pleasures of sin prevent these people from developing the spiritual fruit required of a Christian and draws them back into the world. To some, sin has too great of an influence, causing them to neglect the requirement to live righteously. For those who are called to salvation, they must continue to live a life of repentance even after their baptism.

Repentance from sin and overcoming the world put the love of the Truth into practice. This is how we truly develop the spiritual fruit required of us. If we love the Christian Way of Life, even at the threat of rejection from the world, we choose to actively please God with the way we live. It brings God an abundance of joy to see people repent from sin and choose obedience when faced with the temptations of the world (compare Luke 15:10). Obedience is absolutely essential for Christians who desire to make their calling and election sure.

Answering the calling from God the Father who draws us to Jesus  Christ involves  continuously making tremendous changes in life (compare John 6:44-45, John 6:65, John 14:6). It takes a life-long commitment to learn the Truth and live the way of righteousness, following the example of Christ. This is not to say that Christians must live a perfect life in order to make their call and election sure. As human beings, we will slip from time to time. While we do not try to sin and make every effort not to sin, we will still stumble (compare Romans 7:15-25, 1 John 1:8). When that happens and we realize what we have done, we confess our sins, and God will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We put our endurance to work and repent because we love the Truth. To answer our calling, we demonstrate an attitude of perseverance to live in a way that pleases God, because we love Him and His commandments. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). By continually working to understand and live by the Truth, endure in our adherence to those teachings, and overcome the sin, we will receive the promise, having an entrance supplied to us abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of God.

The fourth category of people mentioned in the parable of the sower are the only ones who ARE called for salvation in this life, who have a good ground or a willingness to accept God’s Word; who hear and understand God’s Word; and who act upon that understanding in obeying God’s Word, thereby producing fruit. But even then, some produce more fruit than others; and their reward will be in accordance with their works.

Lead Writer: Eric Rank

compiled by Dave Harris

“Catholic Church in Turmoil,” the newest StandingWatch program and presented by Evangelist Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Many are concerned that the German Catholic Church will split from Rome. The German bishops are determined to pursue certain “reforms” regardless of what the Vatican says. Others in the Catholic Church are worried that pagan practices and customs are invited into the Church. What could this all mean?

“Die Katholische Kirche in Unruhe,” a new AufPostenStehen program presented by Norbert Link, covers the same topic as described above, in German.

“What Does The Biggest Bank Failure Since The Great Recession Mean To You?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

Suddenly, American banks are collapsing or are in great danger. Some constitute the biggest failure since the Great Recession in 2008 and the second and third largest bank failure in U.S. history.  European banks are affected too. Some speak of a coming recession, if not depression, more powerful than that of 1929. Does this mean that we must live in constant fear of financial ruin and disaster, or can we have trust in God that He will protect and take care of us, if we do our part?

“Auszeit vor Gott—legitim oder riskant?” the sermon presented last Sabbath in Germany by Thilo Hanstein, is now posted. Title in English: “Time Out Before God, Legitimate or Risky?”

“Was vor mir liegt,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Christian Mrosek, is now posted. Title in English: “What Lies Ahead?”

“Let’s Make a Deal,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

There are many kinds of deals that are made for various reasons. Throughout the Bible, we read stories about deals being made, oftentimes by those who try to get something in return, which can be good or bad “deals.” What can we learn from these and what is the greatest deal that we can make for the best possible outcome?

“When the Going Gets Tough – The Tough Get Going,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

In the coming weeks, months and years we are going to be challenged on multiple fronts. The Bible’s warnings about a Christian’s life are stark. How do we plan on getting through these times? How are we going to react? We are going to have to be tough in ways that we may not be currently prepared for. What can we do to prepare now? 

Spring Holy Days: Passover—April 5, 2023 (observed the evening before); Feast of Unleavened Bread—April 6-12, 2023; Pentecost—May 28, 2023.

2023 Ministerial Conference: April 27, 28 and 30, 2023.

On March 18, 2023, Michael Link will present the sermonette, titled, “Let’s Make a Deal,” and Kalon Mitchell will present the sermon, titled, “When the Going Gets Tough-the Tough Get Going.”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

The Apostle Paul writes: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). One of the ways in which we can “live peaceably with all men” is to not live with resentment against others.

We bear a great responsibility before God as His emissaries of Christianity, and central to our role is that we must be willing to forgive. Here is what Jesus taught in this regard:

“‘For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses’” (Matthew 6:14-15).

We have all seen people who seethe with bitter resentment and who hold grudges sometimes for years. That kind of mental state is overpowering and dangerous, because it, like a cancer, can supplant righteous character. Oftentimes, animosity between people grows because steps are not taken to quickly resolve contentious issues. Jesus gave the following admonition for how members of the Church of God should deal with offenses, but the principle applies broadly:

“‘Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother’” (Matthew 18:15).

Where does the responsibility fall in being a forgiver? Quite obviously, in the example above, it took the part of both the offended and offender to work out the problem. That is the way The Parable of the Lost Son is represented, also, but note how willingly receptive the Father is toward the return of his now repentant son:

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

If we are to be a godly forgiver, let’s not make it hard for others, with whom we may have problems, to approach us. Rather, we need to remember how openly God receives us when we often turn to Him asking for His forgiveness of our sins, for this is what He promises: “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).

Passover is ahead of us, and we are instructed to examine ourselves beforehand (1 Corinthians 11:28). One way to do so is to consider how well we are doing at being a forgiver of others. From the most minor of offenses to the greatest ones we encounter, are we able and willing to forgive?

Because of the supreme and selfless Sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf, we have found and continue to find forgiveness with God.

Let’s be like God the Father and Jesus Christ—let us be a forgiver!

By Norbert Link

We speak about Donald Trump’s plans which he announced in an interview to end the Ukrainian-Russian war, which Fox News chose not to air; address Donald Trump’s and Ron DeSantis’ further statements on Ukraine; report on Poland’s military ambitions which might or might not come to pass; point out the shocking development in Germany, revealing that most Germans are now in favor of conscription; speak on the early retirement of German General Eberhard Zorn for giving an assessment of the Ukraine situation which runs counter to the government’s official narrative; and address the terrible mass shooting in Hamburg by a mentally sick and in all likelihood demonically possessed murderer. We also point out further evidence of Europe’s dictatorship.

We speak on Saudi Arabia’s desire to “normalize” ties with Israel and the USA, while at the same time, it wants to “restore” ties with Iran with the help of China. We also report on the emergence of the “Kings of the East” and the alleged “meddling” of the USA in Israeli elections.

We continue with the largest US bank failure since the Great Recession in 2008 and the worldwide panic as a consequence; warn about the dangers ofOuija boards; and address discussions about the origin of the Coronavirus and the incredible autocratic restrictions to “defeat” it; especially in California which used unconstitutional measures to suppress church services; point out further cover-ups regarding the suspicious financial dealings of the Biden family and the destruction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline; and we conclude with Democratic attempts to guarantee abortions nationwide until the time of birth of the innocent child.

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.

How Trump Would End the Russian-Ukrainian War

Insider wrote on March 8:

“Fox News cut out comments by former President Donald Trump in which he said he would have considered letting Russia have parts of Ukraine as part of a peace deal between the nations. In an interview on Fox News host Sean Hannity’s radio show on Monday, which is not broadcast by Fox, Trump revealed how he would try and broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion last year. Trump has claimed he can quickly bring an end to the war as he seeks election again in 2024. 

“In the interview, he boasted of how Russia would not have dared to launch an attack during his presidency, and added: ‘I could have negotiated. At worst, I could’ve made a deal to take over something, there are certain areas that are Russian-speaking areas, frankly, but you could’ve worked a deal.’

“The Daily Beast’s Justin Baragona reported that when Hannity played excerpts from the interview later that day on his prime time Fox News show, the part where Trump suggests he may have backed an agreement handing parts of Ukraine to Russia was edited out, with the excerpt cutting out after Trump says ‘I could’ve negotiated.’

“Fox pointed Insider to the fact that the Trump comments were part of a 22-minute radio interview on a separate platform that was edited down to a 2 minute clip as part of the usual editorial process.

“Russia annexed swaths of east Ukraine and the Crimea peninsula in 2014, two years before Trump became president, and last year launched a wider invasion aimed at toppling the Ukrainian government in Kyiv. The annexations and invasion have been condemned as illegal by the international community, and Ukraine says that the only conditions under which it would negotiate were if Russia withdrew from its territory.

“Trump last year praised Putin for being ‘smart’ in seeking to invade Ukraine, and declaring large swaths of it ‘independent’ as a prelude to illegally annexing it. Trump has long drawn criticism for his refusal to criticize Russian aggression, as well as his comments about the authoritarian president, Vladimir Putin.

“As president, he famously sided with Putin at a 2018 summit in questioning his own intelligence agencies’ assessment that Russia had meddled in the 2016 election…”

This “solution” would most certainly be rejected by Ukraine.

Trump: Only I Can Prevent World War III

Breitbart wrote on March 15:

“Former President Donald Trump told Iowans Monday night that he is the only candidate who could ‘prevent World War III’ as the war between Russia and Ukraine rages on… Trump pledged to have a deal reached between Russia and Ukraine as president-elect before his term even starts if he wins in 2024…

“He added that he believes the war would never have occurred if he were in the Oval Office. In Trump’s eyes, the Biden Administration’s disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American servicemembers, showed weakness to Russian President Vladamir Putin and marked an opening for him to invade Ukraine… In his view, the Biden Administration could catapult America into a third world war… Trump emphasized that a third world war would likely be nuclear, and subsequently catastrophic on a global scale…

“Trump remains the front-runner in the Republican primary field. A Morning Consult poll released Tuesday shows Trump leading his next closest potential competitor, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), by 24 percentage points in a crowded field…”

A nuclear war between Russia and the USA is not prophesied in the Bible. But a nuclear war WILL take place, with other major actors involved.

Ron DeSantis: Helping Ukraine Not in US National Interest

Newsmax wrote on March 14:

“Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says protecting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion is not one of America’s ‘vital national interests’ in the face of more pressing issues closer to home.

“In a statement broadcast on Monday’s ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight,’ DeSantis, a potential 2024 GOP presidential candidate, countered President Joe Biden’s oft-repeated vow that the United States’ support of Kyiv is ‘unwavering’ and will continue for as long as needed. ‘While the U.S. has many vital national interests — securing our borders, addressing the crisis of readiness within our military, achieving energy security and independence, and checking the economic, cultural, and military power of the Chinese Communist Party — becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them,’ DeSantis said in the statement.

“DeSantis said Biden administration’s policies ‘have driven Russia into a de facto alliance with China.’ … DeSantis said Americans ‘are also entitled to know how the billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars are being utilized in Ukraine… We cannot prioritize intervention in an escalating foreign war over the defense of our own homeland, especially as tens of thousands of Americans are dying every year from narcotics smuggled across our open border and our weapons arsenals critical for our own security are rapidly being depleted.’

“…trying to remove Russian President Vladimir Putin from power ‘would greatly increase the stakes of the conflict, making the use of nuclear weapons more likely,’ DeSantis argued… ‘History indicates that Putin’s successor, in this hypothetical, would likely be even more ruthless. The costs to achieve such a dubious outcome could become astronomical.’”

American (and European) support for Ukraine against Russia will diminish in time.

Poland’s Military Ambitions

The Telegraph wrote on March 11:

“Warsaw is embarking on its biggest re-armament drive in 50 years in response to the growing threat posed by Russia… This year it will spend 4 percent of its GDP on defence, an amount double the Nato requirement…  it has placed orders for 1,000 K2 main battle tanks from South Korea, and 250 brand new M1A2 SEPv3 Abram tanks from the US. This will turn Poland into the owner of Europe’s biggest tank force, dwarfing the UK’s fleet of 227.

“Its artillery will be bolstered by the arrival of 600 K9s, 18 HIMARS launchers with 9,000 rockets, and 288 K239 Chunmoo MRL systems from South Korea. Over 1,000 Polish-made Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles will carry Polish troops into battle, while air cover will come from 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters bought from the US, and 48 FA-50 combat aircraft now on order from South Korea… All of this will be underscored by plans to double the size of the Polish Army to 300,000, which would turn Poland into Europe’s biggest military power, in terms of manpower, west of Ukraine…

“This level of spending is not without risks. ‘I fear that all of this spending could drain the budget, if not properly managed’ said Magdalena Jakubowska, a defence expert and vice president of Res Publica-Visegrad Insight, a foundation covering Central European politics. ‘The public may not be aware that there may well have to be cuts to certain—civilian projects. We’ve had stable economic growth for the past few years, but now we are close to a recession. If we don’t boost the economy with the EU money (from a pandemic recovery fund), which we still have not got, then the situation could become critical.’

“The European Commission has denied Poland access to around £30 billion in grants and cheap loans from the EU’s post-pandemic Recovery and Resilience Facility owing to a dispute over the rule of law. The Polish government has introduced legislation that might resolve the deadlock but for the time being the money remains out of reach…

“To help Poland, last year, the US Congress approved $288.6 million (£239 million) in military financing to ‘deter and defend’ against the increased threat from Russia. The cash will help but with inflation running at around 17 per cent in Poland and economic growth slowing the defence budget could become difficult to meet.”

Regardless, Poland seems to be destined to play an important role in the future.

Shocking… Most Germans Want a Return to Conscription

The Times wrote on March 9:

“A clear majority of German voters would like to see conscription brought back, 12 years after it was effectively abolished [but see comment below by Deutsche Welle], according to a poll… Several leading politicians in Berlin have spoken out in favour of resurrecting Wehrpflicht [conscription], under which all young men were obliged to serve for at least six months in the armed forces or in a ‘civil protection’ organisation [Zivildienst] such as the ambulance or disaster relief services…

“While Olaf Scholz, the chancellor, has dismissed the idea of a return to conscription, other senior figures in his Social Democratic Party (SPD) argue that it would improve the resilience of German society and help to fix shortfalls in army recruitment. It seems that most of the electorate agree. A poll of 1,000 voters by Ipsos Mori found that 61 per cent wanted the re-establishment of military service, with only 29 per cent opposed.

“The idea was popular across the entire political spectrum and most strongly favoured by supporters of the centre-left SPD and the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD). Even a narrow majority of voters aligned with the far-left Die Linke party liked it.”

Deutsche Welle added on March 10:

“Strictly speaking, Germany did not abolish its military service rules in 2011. It put them on ice indefinitely until a time of national emergency or an attack on Germany.”

As we have predicted, Germany’s militaristic nature will be revived. Let us hope for those who want to follow God’s anti-war doctrine, that this poll is terribly wrong and in no way reliable, at least for the time being.

German General Eberhard Zorn Sent into Early Retirement

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 13:

“German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has named Major General Carsten Breuer as the new head of Germany’s armed forces… Breuer, 59, is replacing General Eberhard Zorn, 63… Breuer gained renown for leading Germany’s pandemic crisis response team from November 2021 to 2022. His ascent to the role of ‘general inspector’ of the Bundeswehr will make him the highest-ranking soldier in the country…

“Zorn was criticized after giving an interview in September in which he suggested that Ukraine would not be able to counter attacks by Russian forces… He told Focus magazine that Ukraine was mounting ‘counter-attacks, with which one can win back places or individual areas of the frontlines, but not push Russia back over a broad front.’

“German media reported that Zorn will be sent into early retirement on Thursday. The replacement of Germany’s top military official comes just months after former Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht was forced to resign and was replaced by Pistorius in January. Breuer is set to also function as a decision-maker in the defense ministry as well as serving as a military advisor to Chancellor Olaf Scholz.”

It appears, one cannot say anything in the Bundeswehr which is not in conformity with the official “narrative,” without being criticized, censured or sent into early retirement. And of course, the German mass media keeps jumping on the bandwagon. In the above quoted article, left-wing Deutsche Welle also said that Zorn’s analysis was “flawed.” But who is to say? Based on biblical prophecy, Zorn’s analysis was right on and not flawed at all. On the other hand, the German response to the Corona pandemic crisis, under Major Breuer, was most certainly terribly flawed; in fact, it was an incompetent catastrophe.

Jehovah’s Witness Hall Shooting in Hamburg

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 10:

“Police, prosecutors and state officials provided details on Friday about a rampage the night before at the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in the northern German city of Hamburg… Four men and two women aged between 33 and 60 were killed in the shooting. They were all German citizens. An unborn baby was among those pronounced dead. Eight people were wounded, four of them seriously. Of those injured, there were six women and two men, police said.

“Police identified the gunman as Philipp F., a 35-year-old German citizen… The gunman killed himself after police stormed the building… He was a former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses… he had a weapons license and legally owned a semi-automatic pistol… The motive for Philipp F.’s rampage is not known, though any political motive has been ruled out… Police said they had an anonymous tip alleging Philipp F. was possibly suffering from a psychological disorder and should not be in possession of firearms. Based on the tip, authorities made an unannounced visit to his home and in the course of their conversation did not see a cause for concern…

“When armed police entered the building, they saw the gunman run upstairs, where he was later found dead… Police did not fire their weapons in the building… Philipp F. was found carrying two magazines with 15 bullets each, as well as 20 loaded magazines in a backpack… Authorities searched the perpetrator’s home and found hundreds of bullets. They confiscated a computer and other documents that are being evaluated…

“Grote, the regional interior minister, called it the ‘worst crime in our city’s recent history’… German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the shooting a ‘brutal act of violence’ and said his thoughts were with the ‘victims and their families. And with the security forces who have faced a difficult operation.’

“German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said his thoughts were with the victims and their families… French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted to say, ‘Terrible news from Hamburg. I extend France’s condolences to the relatives of the victims and to all our German friends. Our thoughts are with you.’…

“Jehovah’s Witnesses, which has about 8.7 million members around the world, are part of an international church founded in the United States in the 19th century. They have roughly 170,000 members in Germany and are headquartered in Warwick, New York. The pacifist religious group’s practices include a refusal to bear arms, receive blood transfusions, salute a national flag or participate in secular government.”

Hamburg Police Failed to Intervene

The Guardian added on March 10:

“‘He is a former member of Jehovah’s Witness who left the community voluntarily about a year and a half ago but apparently not on good terms,’ said Thomas Radszuweit, Hamburg’s head of state security.

“Questions are being raised as to why he was not stopped. The suspect had a gun permit as a marksman since December 2022 and was in legal possession of a Heckler & Koch P30. But in January an anonymous letter was received suggesting he might be suffering from an undiagnosed psychological illness and that he had indicated a ‘particular anger against religious members or against the Jehovah’s Witnesses and his former employer’.

“During a subsequent unannounced visit on 7 February at his apartment in the Altona district of western Hamburg, Fusz was said to be cooperative and convinced officers that there was no cause for concern. He was merely given a verbal warning for not keeping his weapon in his safe…”

To Revise Germany’s Gun Laws?

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 11:

“A debate has erupted in Germany over the effectiveness of the country’s gun control laws after this week’s mass shooting… in the northern city of Hamburg… On Saturday, several German politicians demanded urgent reviews of restrictions on weapons ownership… At present, Germany requires only those under 25 to undergo medical or psychological assessments before being granted a gun license…

“Other politicians were keen to avoid a knee-jerk reaction, saying that current legislation is already strong enough…

“Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had already presented a draft of new gun control legislation in January, prompted by recent deadly shooting incidents in Germany.

“The perpetrator of the 2020 Hanau shooting was a schizophrenic far-right extremist who was found to have legally owned several pistols. Eleven people were killed and five others were wounded in the rampage at a shisha bar, another bar and a kiosk.

“The gunman behind the Halle shooting in October 2019 built his own firearms, some with plastic parts from a 3D printer. Two people were killed and two others injured near a synagogue…

“However, the murder weapon used in Hamburg, a semi-automatic pistol, would not fall under the ban. The alleged perpetrator was registered as a sports shooter and legally owned the weapon.”

He allegedly obtained the gun license in December of 2022, more than a year after he had left the Jehovah’s Witnesses. As you will recall, Nancy Faeser has a controversial past in regard to, among other things, her ”performance” related to the alleged but debunked coup by some older people who have been falsely accused of trying to take over the German government.

The Guardian added on March 11:

“Though Germany has some of the strictest gun laws in Europe, it has a high per capita ratio of firearms. Around a million people legally own a total of more than 5 million guns. Most of them are sport shooters, hunters or foresters, but while violence remains rare, an average of 155 people are killed by gunfire every year.”

In a climate where a majority of Germans support conscription or “mandatory slavery” (compare our Update from last week), stricter gun laws will most certainly not help.

Europe’s Insane Green Building Rules

Breitbart wrote on March 15:

“The European Parliament has passed a resolution that will see ‘insane’ green building rules forced onto individual EU member states… internal resistance to the green agenda rework was not enough from preventing it from passing a vote by the EU parliament, with 343 members voting in favour, compared to the 216 who voted against. Its passing was celebrated by hard left-Irish progressive Ciarán Cuffe, with the member of Ireland’s floundering Green Party being central in pushing the hardline rework through parliament…

“Opponents of the measure have described it as being an overly bureaucratic measure that unjustifiably takes power away from individual nation-states. ‘Increasingly rampant, gluttonous and unrestrained, the EU is encroaching on the competences of the member states,’ Markus Buchheit, an Alternative for Germany (AfD) MEP, said in a statement to Breitbart Europe describing the new rules as ‘insane’…

“The AfD are far from the only group staunchly opposed to the EU’s newly proposed building regulations, with members of other political groups in Europe also coming out to condemn the bill. Politicians from Italy in particular have seemingly shown the most resistance to the new measures…”

Apart from the ridiculous influence of left-wing fanatics, this article shows that Europe is becoming [or continues to be] a dictatorship, dismissing concerns of member states.

Saudi Arabia’s Desire to “Normalize” Ties with Israel and USA?

Israel 365 News wrote on March 10:

“Saudi Arabia says it will normalize ties with Israel if the United States provides it with security pledges and helps build out its civilian nuclear program… The two Saudi demands are viewed as ‘daunting obstacles’ to a deal…

“In terms of security guarantees, Saudi Arabia has asked before and been rejected by presidents from both parties. And U.S. and Israeli officials fear that helping Saudi Arabia with a nuclear program for nonmilitary uses could lead it to develop its own nuclear weapon and spark an arms race with Iran…

“[Saudi Arabia] has been reluctant to openly sign an agreement with Israel, fearing a backlash from other Arab states and its own population…”

It does not appear that those attempts to “normalize” ties with Israel and the USA will be successful.

Iran and Saudi Arabia Restore Ties

The Associated Press wrote on March 10:

“Iran and Saudi Arabia on Friday agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies after years of tensions between the two countries, including a devastating attack on the heart of the kingdom’s oil production attributed to Tehran.

“The deal, struck in Beijing this week amid its ceremonial National People’s Congress, represents a major diplomatic victory for the Chinese as Gulf states perceive the United States slowly withdrawing from the wider Middle East. It also comes as diplomats have been trying to end a yearslong war in Yemen, a conflict in which both Iran and Saudi Arabia are deeply entrenched…”

The Guardian added on March 10:

“Iran and Saudi Arabia [are] the two great oil-producing rivals of the Middle East.. The rivalry between predominantly Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia has dominated Middle East politics in recent years, spreading into Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen… The agreement has potentially wide implications for the Iran nuclear deal and the civil war in Yemen, where the two sides are locked in a proxy war, and shows the new determination of Saudi Arabia to conduct a foreign policy independent of the west…

“The deal could, however, have implications for a US-led effort to isolate Iran economically through sanctions. If there is a genuine warming of Saudi relations with Tehran, one consequence is likely to be Saudi investment inside Iran… the deal will cause concern among many Israeli politicians who have sought global isolation for its arch-enemy Iran. Naftali Bennett, the former Israeli prime minister, described the pact as a ‘serious and dangerous’ development and a ‘fatal blow to the effort to create a regional alliance’ against the Islamic Republic.”

The New York Post published on March 11 an article with the following headline: “China becomes the broker while Joe Biden is still the joker.” It continued:

“Even The New York Times, usually a mouthpiece for the Biden administration, echoed the grim assessment, saying China’s role displayed President Xi Jinping’s ‘ambition of offering an alternative to a US-led world order.’ …

“The pact immediately set off a blame game, with an unidentified member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government pointing at both the Biden White House and the previous Israeli government, according to The Times of Israel… saying,  ‘There was a feeling of American and Israeli weakness, so Saudi Arabia turned to other channels.’”

It is an undeniable fact that America’s status as the superpower in the world is diminishing.

China, Russia, Iran and Others Participate in Joint Naval Exercises

Breitbart wrote on March 15:

“Warships from China, Iran, and Russia joined together Wednesday to begin naval drills in the Gulf of Oman and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, China’s Defense Ministry announced. AP reports other countries will also provide naval support in the ‘Security Bond-2023’ exercises, the ministry said without elaborating. Iran, Pakistan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates all have coastline along the waters lying at the mouth of the Persian Gulf…

“AP further sets out the exercises scheduled for Wednesday through Sunday come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China over a range of issues, including China’s refusal to criticize Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine and continuing support for the Russian economy. They follow years of other tensions between NATO countries and regional rivals…

“Regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran last week agreed to restore diplomatic relations in an agreement that was brokered by China — a major blow to U.S. efforts to maintain a united front in the Middle East against the Tehran regime…”

The Kings of the East are coming together.

USA Meddles in Israeli Elections

Israel 365 News wrote on March 9:

“Police clashed with anti-government protesters who attempted to shut down the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv on Thursday. As some recent reports have highlighted, some of the funding for the protests and the organizations behind them comes from foreign sources, including the US State Department. 

“One of the major organizations behind the protests is the Movement for Quality Government (MQG)… which has received over $38,000 in funding from the US State Department… MQG is primarily funded by the New Israel Fund, a US NGO that funds many anti-Israel organizations that promote a narrative portraying Israel as an apartheid state…

“MQG received grants of around $10,000 to $15,000 dollars in 2020, 2021, and 2022. In each of those years, the State Department under President Biden was listed as the group’s sole foreign donor. The grant information does not show State Department funding before 2020…

“The US Democratic party has a long history of meddling in Israeli politics and elections, most notably in opposition to Netanyahu. V15, which stands for Victory 15, was established during the 2015 elections with the stated goal of opposing Netanyahu. V15 was aided by One Voice,  an NGO that supports the creation of an ‘independent and viable Palestine’ alongside Israel, which assigned Jeremy Bird, a field director in both of President Barack Obama’s winning White House runs, with the task…

“But even before Obama, Democrat presidents worked to influence Israeli elections… former-President Bill Clinton admitted working to help Shimon Peres in his unsuccessful run against Netanyahu in 1996…”

While America is condemning Russia for meddling in America’s election, it is doing the same in other countries, such as Israel.

Money Is Not Wealth!

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on March 9:

“… governments print money to pay for wars. America was effectively born into debt during the Revolutionary War, and borrowed/printed money for every war thereafter…

“The fundamental reality is that more money does not create any new goods or services in the economy. Money is not wealth. Wealth is productive capacity; the ability to create actual goods and services. Germany and the European Central Bank can create euro stretching to the moon, but that will not produce a single missile or aircraft for the Ukrainians.

“Actual production requires the allocation of real resources and real capital. Resource allocation requires choices, whether made by political edict or in the marketplace. In both cases there are inherent opportunity costs to not allocating those resources and capital to other uses.

“Politics doesn’t magically eliminate tradeoffs. Resources are scarce even when money is not… money creation is not magic. It certainly does not create any new wealth, and in fact destroys wealth by directing resources toward inherently inefficient (nonmarket) uses…

“Progressives of all political stripes would happily put America and the West on a permanent wartime footing… Inequality, climate change, racism, transphobia, pandemics, and a host of other issues—none of which ever should have been politicized—are now tantamount to battlefields. War costs money, and magic economics wants us to believe national treasuries and central banks can foot any bill…”

Very true. See the next article.

Largest US Bank Failure Since Great Recession in 2008

CNBC wrote on March 10:

“Financial regulators have closed Silicon Valley Bank and taken control of its deposits, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. announced Friday, in what is the largest U.S. bank failure since the global financial crisis more than a decade ago…

“The FDIC’s standard insurance covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, for each account ownership category…”

Breitbart added on March 10:

“The sudden implosion of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) is sending shock waves through the financial system and the technology sector. SVB plays a central role in the start-up economy of San Francisco…

“The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) said that all insured depositors will have full access to their insured deposits, but that might not be as reassuring as it sounds. Bloomberg reports that more than 93 percent of SVB deposits are uninsured.”

The Guardian wrote on March 10:

“… the troubles have raised broader fears that the recent increases in US interest rates have affected the value of other banks’ bond portfolios, which tend to fall in price when interest rates rise. The collapse of Silicon Valley pushed shares of almost all financial institutions lower on Friday.

“Silicon Valley Bank’s failure arrived with incredible speed, with some industry analysts on Friday suggesting it was a good company and still probably a wise investment…”

The New York Post added on March 10:

“The sudden collapse of a little-known, California-based tech lender fueled market chaos on Friday and sparked fears of a wider contagion that some experts worry could upend the US banking sector…  The bank’s rapid descent into insolvency sparked a sharp selloff in US stocks – with the nation’s four largest banks losing a combined $52 billion in market capitalization.”

Tip of the Iceberg?

Business Insider wrote on March 11:

“The bank’s collapse was a byproduct of the Federal Reserve’s hiking of interest rates by 1,700% in less than a year. Once risk-free Treasurys started generating more attractive returns than what SVB was offering, people started withdrawing their money, and the bank needed a quick way to pay them. They were ultimately forced to sell their loan portfolio at a huge loss.

“The chaotic episode showed that the Fed’s aggressive interest rate hiking regime could upend institutions that were once thought to be relatively stable…

“There are already two recent high-profile examples not specific to the banking system, but still indicative of the pressure being caused by higher rates.

“The first has been the collapse of the cryptocurrency market. Since the Fed started raising interest rates in March 2021, bitcoin — formerly a highly touted inflation hedge — has plunged more than 65%… There’s also been the double-digit decline in high-growth tech stocks over the same period.

“The big questions now become what rate-sensitive areas will be next to feel the pain…”

The Daily Mail wrote on March 12:

“Chancellor Jeremy Hunt today warned of a ‘serious risk’ to top British firms following the shock failure of a major US bank…”

Finbold wrote on March 11:

“The United States financial system has been rattled by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SBV) and Silvergate Bank within 48 hours as economic uncertainty prevails. Therefore, some financial sector players project that the situation will likely worsen in the coming days. In particular, [bestselling author] Robert Kiyosaki has warned that a third lender will likely follow suit. He stressed that the situation would positively impact precious metals in a tweet on March 10.

“… economist and crypto-skeptic Peter Schiff has stated that the U.S. banking system is on the verge of experiencing a ‘much bigger collapse’ compared to the 2008 crisis. On March 10, Schiff cautioned that mass withdrawals would trigger failures.”

US Government Gives Guarantees to Depositors

The Associated Press wrote on March 13:

“The U.S. government took extraordinary steps Sunday to stop a potential banking crisis after the historic failure of Silicon Valley Bank, assuring all depositors at the failed institution that they could access all their money quickly, even as another major bank was shut down.

“The announcement came amid fears that the factors that caused the Santa Clara, Californian-based bank to fail could spread. Regulators had worked all weekend to try to find a buyer for the bank, which was the second-largest bank failure in history. Those efforts appeared to have failed Sunday.

“In a sign of how fast the financial bleeding was occurring, regulators announced that New York-based Signature Bank had also failed and was being seized on Sunday. At more than $110 billion in assets, Signature Bank is the third-largest bank failure in U.S. history.”

Before that announcement by the US government, it was stated that it would NOT bail out the bank. Now, the obvious switch in position is explained by saying the government does not bail out the bank, but just the depositors. In reality, it is of course a bailout.

Worldwide Panic Sets In

The Associated Press reported on March 15:

“Stocks are back to falling on Wall Street Wednesday as worries worsen about the strength of banks on both sides of the Atlantic…

“Credit Suisse has been fighting troubles for years… Its shares in Switzerland sank more than 28% following reports that its top shareholder won’t pump more money into its investment.

“Wall Street’s harsh spotlight has intensified across the banking industry recently on worries about what may crack next following the second- and third-largest bank failures in U.S. history last week. Stocks of U.S. banks tumbled again Wednesday after enjoying a brief, one-day respite on Tuesday.

“The heaviest losses were focused on smaller and mid-size banks, which are seen as more at risk of having customers try to pull their money out en masse…  Much of the damage is seen as the result of the Federal Reserve’s fastest barrage of hikes to interest rates in decades. The Fed has pulled its key overnight rate to a range of 4.50% to 4.75%, up from virtually zero at the start of last year, in hopes of driving down painfully high inflation. Higher rates can tame inflation by slowing the economy, but they raise the risk of a recession later on. They also hurt prices for stocks, bonds and other investments. That latter factor was one of the issues hurting Silicon Valley Bank, which collapsed Friday, because high rates forced down the value of its bond investments.

“The U.S. government announced a plan late Sunday to protect depositors at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, which regulators shut on Sunday, in hopes of shoring up confidence in the banking industry. But markets have since swung from fear to calm and back again. Some of this week’s wildest action has been in the bond market, where traders are rushing to guess what all the chaos will mean for future Fed action…

“In Europe, indexes tumbled on weakness from banks…”

Trump Blames Biden for the Bank Failure, Predicts Great Depression

Newsweek wrote on March 12:

“On Sunday, Trump posted about the collapse of SVB on his social media platform, Truth Social, blaming the situation on the economic policies of President Joe Biden, adding that further financial calamities are on the horizon. ‘With what is happening to our economy, and with the proposals being made on the LARGEST AND DUMBEST TAX INCREASE IN THE HISTORY OF THE USA, TIMES FIVE, JOE BIDEN WILL GO DOWN AS THE HERBERT HOOVER OF THE MODRRN [sic] AGE… WE WILL HAVE A GREAT DEPRESSION FAR BIGGER AND MORE POWERFUL THAN THAT OF 1929. AS PROOF, THE BANKS ARE ALREADY STARTING TO COLLAPSE!!!”

“Trump’s communications team also issued a statement to Fox News Digital a few hours after his post to Truth Social, reiterating the claim that the collapse was caused by Democratic policies. ‘Out-of-control Democrats and the Biden administration have pathetically continued to try to blame President Trump for their failures with desperate lies, such as the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) spy balloons, the train derailment in East Palestine, and now the collapse of SVB,’ Trump spokesman Steven Chueng told the outlet.”

Democrats have blamed Trump for the collapse, due to a bill Trump signed into law in 2018 that cut regulations and mandatory oversight from the Federal Reserve for mid-level and regional banks with assets over $250 billion (up from the previous limit of $50 billion in assets).

The Danger of Ouija Boards

Fox News wrote on March 9:

“Twenty-eight schoolgirls were hospitalized with anxiety attacks after allegedly playing with Ouija boards at their school in Colombia… The girls reportedly suffered signs of fainting, anxiety and other symptoms at the Galeras Educational Institution in Galeras…

“Ouija boards, created in the U.S. in 1886, are often referred to as spirit or talking boards. They are believed to be a way for the living to communicate with the dead…

“In November 2022, 11 teenagers were found collapsed after using a Ouija board at another school in Colombia…”  

Clearly, the use of Ouija Boards can lead to communication with demons.

“What You Can’t Say on YouTube”

The Atlantic wrote on March 10:

“YouTube’s list of content guidelines manages to be both exhaustive and nebulous… YouTube operates a three-strike policy for infractions: The first strike is a warning; the second prevents creators from making new posts for a week; and the third (if received within 90 days of the second) gets the channel banned… YouTube uses artificial intelligence to enforce its guidelines. Bots scan auto-generated transcripts and flag individual words and phrases as problematic…

“In January, Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, announced that Rumble was now his ‘video-sharing service of choice’ for press conferences because he had been ‘silenced’ by Google over his YouTube claims about the coronavirus pandemic…”

“Corona” is definitely a word that YouTube does not like, but there are many more restrictions on YouTube. For instance, the mere suggestion that the 2020 election might perhaps have been rigged will incur the anger of YouTube censorship.

US Government as “Obstructionist” as China?

The New York Post wrote on March 11:

“‘We complain that the Chinese government is opaque and obstructionist — and that’s true,’ Sen. Ran Paul told The Post. ‘But we’re getting the same sort of difficulties from our government.’

“Since COVID-19 emerged in early 2020, Paul has spearheaded a battle to hold America’s public health apparatus to account. The Kentucky senator has taken center stage, fighting lockdown policies, demanding schools to be reopened and grilling officials on the senate floor. He’s also clashed repeatedly and passionately with recently-retired National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci.

“A few questions have been central to their standoff: Did COVID-19 leak from a lab in Wuhan? And did Fauci and the American medical establishment help fund dangerous gain-of-function research that caused the pandemic?

“Despite years-long resistance  that the lab-leak theory was a dangerous and even racist conspiracy theory, more and more institutions are now coming out in favor of it. Late last month, the Department of Energy joined the FBI in deeming a lab leak the likely origin of COVID-19. For Paul, the conclusion is vindicating… But he’s also frustrated. The senator said he knew the classified conclusion of the Energy Department’s investigation for about a month before it was leaked to the press in late February. ‘Because it’s classified, then I can’t do my due diligence of oversight,’ he explained. ‘I can’t announce it to the public. And so we end up relying on all the leaks to the media, which are illegal.’

“Paul said too much crucial information still remains under lock and key, leaving the American people in the dark about COVID-19’s origins. ‘The over-classification problem is stymying the investigation,’ he added. ‘Our government has reams of classified material that all point towards the COVID virus originating in the lab in Wuhan.’…

“He told The Post he’s sent 28 letters to eight different governmental agencies to demand more information about NIH and HHS grants that may have funded gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology — but to no avail. ‘I’ve gotten virtually zero information,’ Paul said. ‘They’re not willing to tell someone who represents the state who they gave the money to.’

“Newly released emails from the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic show that Fauci ordered, edited and approved a February 2020 paper published in the Nature Medicine journal, which deemed the lab-leak theory null and was touted as definitive evidence that COVID-19 jumped naturally to humans from an animal. Paul said the emails reveal that Dr. Fauci created ‘an orchestrated consensus’ to cover his own tracks and to tarnish his opponents… ‘and that you’re a conspiracy theorist if you argue that this virus might have come from a lab,’ Paul said.

“Now, his next battle with Fauci is getting to the bottom of whether [he] receives royalties from vaccine manufacturers… a 1980s law protects public health officials like Fauci from having to [divulge their income sources]…

“According to the senator, getting to the bottom of the pandemic’s origins is crucial for preventing another disaster… ‘And we need to look at this type of research both in our country and around the world.’

“Looking back, Paul added, public health officials destroyed the public’s trust in them… ‘I think what’s happened now is people have seen that [Fauci] was a doctor who was trying to cover his tracks. He is a public health official who had funded dangerous research in China that in all likelihood led to the pandemic.’… As of 2022, only 29% of Americans have a great deal of confidence in medical scientists to act in the public’s interest. ‘I think it’s government dishonesty that has led to most of the distrust,’ the senator said… ‘I think it will be more difficult for them the next time they try this, because the evidence is pretty much in. None of the things they did to slow down the spread of the disease worked,’ Paul said. ‘In the end, everybody got COVID whether they stood on stickers six feet apart from each other or not.’…

“‘People need to resist,’ he said. ‘When the government tells you you can’t go to church, your government says you can’t go to the gym, your government says you can’t go to a restaurant or you can’t go to a hotel — we need to resist that.’”

Amen! You MUST obey God rather than man.

The Cover-Up of Suspicious Activities by the Biden Family

Professor Jonathan Turley wrote on his website on March 14:

“For years, members of Congress have asked for access to suspicious activity reports (SARs) related to the Biden family’s foreign business deals. Those efforts were cut off by the Biden Administration and the Democratically controlled houses of Congress. Even after the GOP took over the House, however, the Treasury Department continued to refuse to turn over the SARs. While the GOP had to threaten hearings with Treasury officials, the department has finally relented. It now appears that time is up for Hunter Biden on the SARs fight and it could finally answer a number of questions over the alleged influence peddling of the Biden family. It may also put pressure on the Delaware US Attorney David Weiss, who is looking into possible criminal conduct by Hunter Biden.

“I previously wrote about how few people in Washington are eager to expose the influence peddling by the Biden family… even by the corrupt standards of this city, the Bidens took influence peddling to an unprecedented level in raking in millions from foreign interests, including some with alleged ties to foreign intelligence.

“The least eager group to see these transactions may be the media, which not only buried the Hunter Biden story but has shown remarkable disinterest in these allegations… Imagine what the media would have done with even one of these deals with foreign political or influence figures if a Trump child was the recipient. The genius of the Biden influence peddling operation was to make the media an early and active participant. They became invested in the denial over two years of belittling or dismissing the story…

“It is not clear what these SARs will reveal, but the effort to prevent any congressional investigation is striking…”

This collaborated cover-up by the government and the media is not the only one, to be sure. Note the next article.

The Destruction of the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on March 15:

“History has dealt a tough hand to the administration of US President Joe Biden, who openly confessed his intent to ‘bring an end’ to the Nord Stream pipeline system which delivered Russian natural gas to Europe through four pipelines (Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, consisting of two pipelines each).

“Since then, the Biden White House was compelled to deny the president’s stated intent after an explosive report by Pulitzer-Prize winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh detailed damning information which, if true (and there is no reason to suspect it’s not) casts the responsibility for a series of underwater explosions that took place on Sept. 26, 2022, on Biden himself.

“Hersh’s report was ignored by the mainstream media in the United States, with neither The New York Times, for whom Seymour Hersh wrote on national security issues for many years, nor The Washington Post even hinting that the greatest living investigative journalist had broken a blockbuster story.

“Enter the ‘Andromeda’— a Bavaria C50 15-meter (49-foot) yacht based out of the German Baltic port city of Rostock… The boat was ‘a yacht rented from a company based in Poland, apparently owned by two Ukrainians.’ According to the story, ‘the secret operation at sea was carried out by a team of six people.’ According to the German reporting, the team — five men, consisting of a ship captain, two primary divers, two supporting divers and a female doctor — used the Andromeda to transport the team, along with the explosives used to destroy the pipelines, to the scene of the crime. The boat was returned to Rostock in ‘an uncleaned condition,’ allowing German law enforcement officials, who carried out a search of the vessel between Jan. 8-11, to detect ‘traces of explosives’ on a table in the ship’s cabin.

“The same day the German reporting on the new Nord Stream attack narrative broke, The New York Times ran a first-page story… [quoting Biden saying that he denied any involvement]…  The problem with both the German reporting and that of The New York Times… is that the Andromeda narrative doesn’t hold water.

“Take, for instance,… the tale… that has four allegedly Ukraine-affiliated divers defy physiology by conducting dives that would require the use of a decompression chamber for them to survive an ascent of 240 feet (the depth of the Nord Stream pipelines that were destroyed)… decompression takes approximately one day per 100 feet of seawater plus a day. This means that the team of divers would have required three days of decompression per dive. But to decompress, one needs a decompression chamber. For a dive involving two divers, the Andromeda would have to have been outfitted with either a two-person Class A decompression chamber, or two single-person Class B chambers, as well as the number of large oxygen bottles needed to operate these chambers over time… Simply put — no decompression chamber, no dive, no story.

“… The charge would have to be prepared by qualified explosives experts and ideally tested prior to being employed operationally to validate the design and functionality of the device. These are not tasks undertaken by a small ad hoc team of Ukrainian underwater saboteurs, but rather state-sponsored actors with access to military grade explosives and testing facilities…

“The German government’s crude effort to manufacture an alternative narrative regarding who attacked the Nord Stream pipeline fails the smell test…  Moreover, the fact that the US intelligence community was quick to leak information about the German investigation to The New York Times appears to be de facto evidence of US complicity in this cover up. And the reason for this cover up is quite clear: the Germans and Americans both fear the reporting being done by Hersh.”

There is much speculation about the identity of the perpetrators who destroyed the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. But whatever the truth, it seems to be certain that a massive cover-up is taking place.

Shameful California Conduct Towards Churches

LifeSiteNews reported on March 10:

“Members of a Christian church in California’s Santa Clara County were hit with hefty fines and surveilled via stakeouts, cell phone monitoring, and other measures ‘reminiscent of totalitarian regimes’ after their church defied the county’s draconian COVID-19 lockdown rules in 2020, according to a March 5 report by independent journalist David Zweig.

“San Jose’s Calvary Christian Fellowship, headed by pastor Mike McClure, openly defied the Silicon Valley county’s harsh lockdown rules in May 2020 after initially complying with them, Zweig reported. ‘After two months of isolation, many congregants were teetering toward despair,’ Zweig said, noting that the church’s decision to buck the county’s mandate to lock down provided congregants with much-needed ‘mental, spiritual, and physical’ assistance.

“The Christian community’s defiance of the COVID mandates soon made it a thorn in the county’s side. Santa Clara reportedly began slamming the church with fine after fine for such violations as failure to social distance, to wear masks, and even failure to comply with the county’s rules against singing.

“Zweig said the county ended up ‘levying more than $2 million in fines against Calvary’ and implementing a ‘multi-faceted surveillance program of the church and its members,’ a ‘spy operation’ that ‘included stakeouts, forced in-person monitoring of prayer groups and other intimate activities, and tracking the cellular mobility data of churchgoers.’…

“According to court filings, officers took meticulous note of the churchgoers’ ordinary behavior that ran afoul of the county’s new COVID mandates. Enforcers of the county’s rules reported the number of cars in the parking lot, whether or not masks were being worn, and even instances of hugging… When officers were granted access to the church by a court order later in the year, they began entering the church and writing up detailed notes on the behavior and compliance of churchgoers attending mom’s groups, baptisms, Bible studies, and Sunday services…

“Officials even employed cell phone monitoring technology to track the violators…

“The report noted that the county dropped its gathering-violations complaint against Calvary after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that California’s ban on church assemblies during the pandemic was unconstitutional. However, it’s still seeking $2.78 million from Calvary for its mask violations in a court case expected to conclude in the upcoming months.”

Let us remind our readers that these horrific UNCONSTITUTIONAL measures against that church were not taken in an authoritarian country such as Russia or China, but in California. This is shameful and appallingly disgusting indeed.

Democrats Want to Legalize Abortion Nationwide Up to Birth

LifeNews reported on March 9:

“A group of U.S. Senate Democrats reintroduced legislation Wednesday that would force every state to legalize the killing of unborn babies for basically any reason up to birth… ‘Abortion is health care. Period,’ said U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, one of the lead sponsors… Other lead sponsors include retiring U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, and Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut. Joe Biden previously has expressed support for the legislation as well.

“Democrat leaders and many mainstream news outlets have portrayed the bill as an effort to simply ‘codify the right to an abortion’ in response to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. But pro-life leaders warn it would go beyond Roe and get rid of almost all laws that protect unborn babies.

“Blumenthal [described] the life-saving Dobbs v. Jackson ruling as a ‘death sentence’ for women because, in some states, elective abortions are now banned…

“However, pro-life leaders say the bill really would force taxpayers to fund abortions, end bans on late-term abortions on viable unborn babies, eliminate parental consent for minors and informed consent requirements for every woman seeking an abortion, and force doctors and nurses to lose their jobs and Catholic hospitals potentially to lose public funds unless they perform elective abortions.

“Numerous past attempts to pass the bill have failed in Congress, and polls consistently show that a strong majority of Americans oppose such extreme pro-abortion legislation… 69 percent of Americans want abortions banned or limited. Additionally, 60 percent oppose using tax dollars to pay for abortions…  25 polls that show public support for pro-life laws.”

What is WRONG with these people who advocate the murder of innocent children???

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

The question refers to Proverbs 23:23 which reads: “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”

Before we review and answer the question, it is important to clarify our teaching and understanding about faith and works.

Over the years, the true Church of God has been falsely accused of teaching that works are necessary for salvation; not, that it is a free gift from God.   This is a case of either misunderstanding or deliberately avoiding that which we have made clear over many decades.  Let us make this again abundantly clear NOW!

The Word of God dogmatically states that salvation cannot be earned through works.    We read in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” 

We read in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The footnote of the New King James Bible states, “free gift.”

In Acts 2:38-40, we read: “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’ And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’”

In short, we believe that salvation and eternal life are NOT earned in this life – they are free gifts of God. However, our reward is dependent on our works. In the Kingdom of God, when we have eternal life, we will be rewarded according to how we lived and how well we did with what God had entrusted us.

In the Parable of the Ten Minas (or pounds) in Luke 19:11-27, we read about a man of noble birth (verse 12) who went to a distant country to become appointed king and then to return.   This was obviously a parable that Jesus gave about Himself and His followers.  They were given ten minas to put this money to work in His absence (verse 13).   The first two “traded” with the money but the third one didn’t (verses 16-24) which clearly shows that we have to be about our Father’s business and the reward will be to those who do that, and those that don’t, who should have known better, will lose out.  (See also the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25).

Faith and works are thoroughly covered in James 2:14-26 showing that both are necessary.

In our booklet “The Meaning of God’s Fall Holy Days,” we read on page 43 the following: “Verses 11 and 12 (of Revelation) describe the SECOND resurrection—the resurrection of those who will live again AFTER the thousand years are finished—the time which Paul called ‘the end’: ‘Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, STANDING before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”  

Let us all be about our Father’s business (as was Jesus at the age of 12 as we read in Luke 2:41-50), living the life to which we have been called, keeping God’s Commandments and being obedient to Him and His Way so that we will receive the GIFT of eternal life and be rewarded with these words of Jesus when the Day comes: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (compare Matthew 25:21). He tells us in Revelation 22:12: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”

Having set the record straight as above, let us now answer the question that was asked.

The phrase “to buy the truth” is an interesting one.   The Berean Bible Society has these interesting comments to make:

“Every true Christian should understand that the truth costs. If you don’t think so, make it your own, value it, defend it, stand for it, and see if it doesn’t cost. Before you are through it may cost you far more than you had thought — hours of ease and pleasure, friends and money. Yes, the truth costs. Salvation is gloriously free but the truth costs — that is, if you want it for yourself. Many who know the truth won’t buy it. They won’t pay what it costs to say: ‘This is what I believe. This is my conviction.’ The truth isn’t worth that much to them.” 

How true this is.   How many people have asked for a minister to visit them only to find that the price they would have to pay is far too much for them?   The keeping of the weekly and annual Sabbaths are very often an obstacle that many are not prepared to come to terms with.   There may be other stumbling blocks that would seem difficult to overcome.   We see such a situation in Matthew 19:16-22:

^“Now behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘“You shall not murder,” “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “Honor your father and your mother,” and, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”’

“The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

In this particular case, it wasn’t the Sabbath that was a stumbling block but his “great possessions.”  In our Q&A: “Did Christ really offer the rich ruler a ministerial position? (compare Luke 18:18-23),” we conclude by stating the following:

“Returning to Christ’s statement to the rich ruler to follow Him, it appears that He was indeed willing to call him into the ministry, but sadly, the ruler loved money more than God and he rejected this unique opportunity to follow Christ as a minister and to perhaps later become even one of His apostles. In refusing to accept his ministerial calling, Christ pointed out that it will be very difficult for a rich person to even enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18:25-26; Mark 10:23-25).”

The Sabbath, the annual Holy Days, wealth and other things have stopped many from following God.   Anything that comes before God is breaking the first Commandment which simply says: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

But in Proverbs 23:23, God’s Word urges us: “Buy the truth!” Not, “Buy it if you can get it at a bargain; if the price is not too great.” No, “Buy the truth!” Buy it at any price. It is worth far more than anything you can give in exchange for it. And when you have bought it: “sell it not.” How many, alas, have bought the truth only to sell out again! 

Isaiah 55:1 is instructive. In the New King James Bible, the headline is given: “An Invitation to Abundant Life.”  The passage reads:

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.”

“Buy” can mean “to acquire.”   One commentator stated that “In the original Hebrew, the word translated as ‘buy’ here means ‘to get something, often through one’s efforts or as compensation’ which is pretty much the same as acquire.

Also, we read in Revelation 22:17: “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Compare also John 4:10).

However, certain “things” cannot be purchased with money or otherwise. We may recall in Acts 8:18-20 that Simon the Sorcerer offered money for a gift that he coveted:

^“And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ But Peter said to him, ‘Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!’”

Some may think that if something is free that it doesn’t cost anything—or that just anybody can obtain it. Both buy and acquire indicate that a person has to make an effort, or give up something in order to get or acquire something that he considers valuable.   And when God calls us, we have to give up the world and its ways.

As we have already pointed out, the gift of Jesus Christ is not available to be purchased and cannot be bought by anyone. Jesus came to offer Himself for the sins of the world and is God’s free gift that can never be purchased. There is no way that we can “buy” or earn our way into His presence, into His Family.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Commentary says this about the Truth: “Procure it at any cost: part with it on no consideration.” 

The Pulpit Commentary has this to say about Proverbs 23:23: “Buy the truth, and sell it not (comp. Proverbs 4:5, 7; Proverbs 16:16). Consider truth as a thing of the highest value, and spare no pains, cost, or sacrifice to obtain it, and, when gotten, keep it safe; do not barter it for earthly profit or the pleasures of sense; do not be reasoned out of it, or laughed out of it; ‘sell it not,’ do not part with it for any consideration.”

Matthew Henry’s Commentary’s contribution reads as follows:

“The gracious Saviour who purchased pardon and peace for his people, with all the affection of a tender parent, counsels us to hear and be wise, and is ready to guide our hearts in his way. Here we have an earnest call to young people, to attend to the advice of their godly parents. If the heart be guided, the steps will be guided. Buy the truth, and sell it not; be willing to part with anything for it. Do not part with it for pleasures, honours, riches, or anything in this world. The heart is what the great God requires. We must not think to divide the heart between God and the world; he will have all or none.”

Biblestudytools.com gives a comprehensive and lengthy view of how important buying the truth is:

“‘buying’ it supposes a person to have some knowledge of it, of the excellency, usefulness, and importance of it; and shows that he sets a value upon it, and has a high esteem for it: it is to be understood of his using all means and taking great pains to acquire it; such as reading the word, meditating upon it, attending on the public ministry, and fervent and frequent prayer for it, and a greater degree of knowledge of it; yea, it signifies a person’s parting with everything for it that is required; as with his former errors he has been brought up in, or has imbibed; with his good name and reputation, being willing to be accounted a fool or a madman, and an enthusiast, or anything for the sake of it; and even with life itself, when called for; and such a man will strive and contend for it, stand fast in it, and hold it fast, and not let it go, which is meant by ‘selling’ it; truth is not to be sold upon any account, or for anything whatever; it is not to be slighted and neglected; it should not be parted with neither for the riches, and honours, and pleasures of this life, nor for the sake of a good name among men, nor for the sake of peace, nor for the avoiding of persecution; it should be abode by, and not departed from, though the greater number is against it, and they the riots, the wise, and learned; and though it may be traduced as novel, irrational, and licentious, and be attended with affliction, that is, buy these also, and sell them no.”

It then goes on to show that buying it does not have to be a financial transaction: “it is to be prized above everything; it is the principal thing, and should be got; all means should be used to obtain it; it may be bought without money; it should be asked of God, who gives it liberally, and, being had, should be held fast:”

We know that we cannot buy the Truth, the Holy Spirit, or salvation.   They are not for sale; they are free gifts from God.  The NET Bible translation is: “Acquire truth and do not sell it–wisdom, and discipline, and understanding.” 

The passage in Proverbs 23:23 and many other Scriptures also explain why we do not charge for our literature. Please read the following Q&A in its entirety. https://www.eternalgod.org/why-do-you-not-charge-for-your-literature-and-your-other-services/

Proverbs 23:23 is a vital piece of understanding for the true Christian: “Buy (acquire) the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”   And we can do nothing less! 

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

Our website, www.eternalgod.org, has been updated! Earlier this past week, Eric Rank, our Tech Team Leader, culminated months’-long plans to refresh many programming needs in order that our software is updated to industry standards. The results present our webpages more clearly and with better accessibility.

“Durch Leid zum Erfolg,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Dmitrij Niemann, is now posted. Title in English: “Through Suffering to Success.”

“Accomplish Small Things,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is a summary:

In the world, the goal for humans it seems, is to accomplish as much as is possible. There are some humans who seem to be able to do it all, accomplishing great milestones and leaving amazing legacies. How do we stack up as Christians? What can we accomplish in this lifetime? Does it matter what we accomplish? What does God think?

“Are You Prepared?,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Will you be ready when Christ returns?  Are you strong enough and are you prepared when the moment arises when we need to “evacuate” in the end time?  What do we need to do now to be prepared?

Spring Holy Days: Passover—April 5, 2023 (observed the evening before); Feast of Unleavened Bread—April 6-12, 2023; Pentecost—May 28, 2023.

2023 Ministerial Conference: April 27-28 and April 30, 2023

On March 11, 2023, Kalon Mitchell will present the sermonette, titled, “Accomplish Small Things,” and Michael Link will present the sermon, titled, “Are You Prepared?”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Most of us at some point in life have suffered an injury or an illness that left us feeling compromised and vulnerable. Possessing a sense of independence is important to being a productive and positive person.  It is this independence that is the essence of who we are and how we perceive ourselves. When we are dependent, we are still the same person whom God created, but we may think differently of ourselves. There is nothing inherently negative in the need to depend on others, and humility is a valuable lesson. There are however degrees of dependence and being in control of one’s mobility and decision-making which is important to our well-being.

When we have a surgical procedure, we are most often anesthetized to the point of absolute vulnerability. We are dependent on the surgeon and the team to breathe for us and monitor our heartbeat and respiration. Although we are unable to take care of our own basic needs, we are not alone. Similarly, Christians living with Alzheimer’s may not be aware of their surroundings, and they may no longer perceive God in the way they did prior to their illness. Nonetheless, God is still present with them, and is aware of the challenges that they face.

There is clarity on this point in Psalm 139:8 in which we read: “If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” God is with us and imbues His children with talents and abilities, and while our physical state can impact those skills, we may still be aware and present. People who are in a coma are treated by their caregivers with the belief that the person can still hear and will have memories if he or she eventually awaken from this state.

The ability to heal the brain and body is strongly dependent on a person’s connection with God and to those around them. In 1 Samuel 2, and in verse 6, we read: “The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up.” Even when we are seemingly so dependent on medicines and machines, we are still solely dependent on God for our life and recovery. God is aware of all that we face. Even as we lie still and perhaps unconscious, He is in control.

For the baptized member of God’s Family, we know that God’s Holy Spirit of power is with and in us as an extra measure of strength even as we undergo various trials, including illness and surgery. We pray for sick brethren for healing and God’s mighty intervention.  We are in God’s care, and we are subject to His Will.

The first use of anesthesia for surgery was back in 1846. Despite progress in the use of such medicines, much about the brain’s activity while under anesthesia is still a mystery. We know that our brain does not turn off under anesthesia, but the connectivity between parts of the brain is heavily impacted. A study with the Harvard Medical School illustrated that under anesthesia the brain quiets, and the segments no longer communicate with each other. In such a state, a person cannot be conscious or functional. Christians in that state however are still connected with God, even if they are incapable of prayer at that moment. Family, friends, and the brethren pray for the person and God is fully aware that His son or daughter is undergoing a trial. The lack of consciousness does not mean that the person is alone.

In Romans 8, and in verses 26, and 27, we learn how Jesus Christ, through His Spirit, assists us when we are vulnerable: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” In those moments when we are ill, or in an altered state of consciousness such as in a coma, or under anesthesia, when we are physically at our weakest, God is there, and Christ, through the Holy Spirit, intercedes for us. We long for the future Kingdom of God when we can be with Him and His Son. In the meantime, we are subject to the limitations of our mortal existence.

Our relationship with God however is not altered by illness or consciousness. We may feel lost and alone, but we are not. In Jeremiah 32, and verse 40, we see the explicit promise that God has made with His people: “And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me.” God will not leave us, and He intends that we never leave His care. It can be difficult to remember this when we lie in a hospital bed, or are confined to our homes or even within our minds. We may lose hope, but need to remember that we can ask for God’s intervention and pray for one another.

It may help us to remember that even Jesus Christ agonized that the Father had forsaken Him (compare Matthew 27:46). He did suffer unspeakable pain for us as He accepted the sins of mankind. God however had not abandoned Jesus, except for that brief moment on the cross, and He resides for eternity with the Father. Likewise, we are not hopeless; we have God’s promise and the Sacrifice of His Son to rely on. We may lament our physical reality in this lifetime, but we can trust that God hears our prayers, and He will do what is best for us.

by Norbert Link

We speak about the revelation by Fox News Moderator Tucker Carlson regarding events which happened on January 6, 2021, report on Chancellor Scholz’s short and secret meeting with President Biden in Washington; Germany’s unpreparedness for a war with Russia; the West’s missing or failing strategy regarding Ukraine; the rise of powerful China; the strong partnership between Russia and India; and the performance of Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov at the G20 summit with astonishing reactions from the audience.

We continue with the “evil nature” of conscription; Donald Trump’s provocative statements at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC); thoughts on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s possible Democratic primary challenge to President Biden; and an opinion piece by Newt Gingrich on the “biggest scandal in American history.”

We speak on the new Brexit deal which might have been window dressing to appease the British people; the significance of the “consecrated” anointing oil for the coronation of King Charles and his wife Camilla; Hungary’s plans to establish an embassy in Jerusalem; and Israel’s “short window” for a strike on Iran’s nuclear weapon program. In this regard, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Short Window for Israel to Strike Iran.”

We continue with depressing reports on the advancement of the “Woke” culture in the Lutheran Church; the Church of England; throughout Europe and at Disneyland; and we conclude with some good news for California’s taxpayers.

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.

Have We Been Lied To?

Breitbart wrote the following in several articles, dated March 6 and 7:

‘Democrats knew that Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick had not been murdered during the [Capitol] riot, but lied to the public about his death, according to Fox News’ Tucker Carlson, based on newly-released video.

“Carlson obtained nearly 41,000 hours of previously unreleased raw footage of the Capitol riot that had been suppressed by Democrats but were provided by Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) three weeks ago… the Democrat-run January 6 Committee had released only what it wanted the public to see — even deceptively editing some footage — to support claims of an ‘insurrection.’

“Carlson said that the full footage… proved the opposite: that while some people were violent, the vast majority of those in the Capitol were not and may have believed that they were protesting legally, given the apparent cooperation of some Capitol Police.

“In the case of Brian Sicknick [a Trump voter], whom the media falsely claimed had been killed by being struck with a fire extinguisher during the riot (a story later retracted by the New York Times), the January 6 Committee continued to claim he had been killed by rioters even after his death was determined to be from natural causes.

“Carlson showed footage in which an officer, whom he said was Sicknick, continued to perform his duties ‘vigorously’ even after being confronted by the mob outside the Capitol. Carlson added that the January 6 Committee’s investigators had reviewed that footage, since it had an electronic bookmark, but continued to mislead the public about the cause of Sicknick’s death to further their claim of a ‘deadly insurrection.’…

“In the case of Chansley, whose buffalo-horned costume became the iconic image of the Capitol riot, Carlson showed Capitol Police guiding him through hallways and even opening locked doors to the Senate chamber. Chansley, who served in the U.S. Navy, would later say in a jailhouse interview that he regretted not knowing that he was breaking the law, trusting that because police officers were helping him, his actions were condoned…. Chansley… was sentenced to 41 months in prison…

“Former President Donald Trump reacted to Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson releasing new and unseen footage from the Capitol Hill riot that unfolded on January 6, 2021… ‘The Unselect Committee was a giant SCAM, and has now unequivocally been stamped as CRIMINAL FABRICATORS OF THIS MOST IMPORTANT DAY,’ Trump posted on his Truth Social account… ‘A whole new, and completely opposite, picture has now been indelibly painted. The Unselect Committee LIED, and should be prosecuted for their actions…’”

The New York Post wrote on March 7:

“In a statement, the Capitol Police suggest that one of the officers with Chansley was trying to ‘de-escalate’ the situation because he was outnumbered. But that does not explain why Chansley, who was unarmed, was able to walk past seven more officers without being apprehended. ‘Not one of them even tried to slow him down,’ says Carlson.

“He ‘understood that the Capitol Police were his allies. … If he was in the act of committing such a grave crime, why didn’t the officers standing right next to him place him under arrest?’”

Carlson has been condemned, of course, by Democrats, members of the January 6 Committee, and even some Republicans for his airing formerly undisclosed and purposefully withheld footage.

Flimsy Concern

Newsmax wrote on March 7:

“Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., told MSNBC that Carlson is posing a ‘serious security risk’ by reporting on the tapes and said they weren’t previously released because they lay out ‘evacuation routes, it lays out where the vice president went, it lays out where the senior members of Congress were evacuated, and so on.’

“Carlson’s team, though, noted that the select committee investigating Jan. 6 has already aired the footage of the evacuation routes taken by then-Vice President Mike Pence and Rep. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.”

Tucker Carlson Responds

On March 8, Breitbart published the transcript of Tucker Carlson’s show, which was aired on March 7, responding to his critics, as follows:

“‘Chuck Schumer called for the censorship of that video — any information, and he did not dispute that it was accurate — that damages the storyline his party constructed and used must be squelched…

“Because that video contradicted lies told by the Democratic Party — Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger — Chuck Schumer demanded that our bosses pull this show off the air…  What you’re seeing is hysteria, the overstatement, the crazed hyperbole, the red-in-the-face anger. What is that? Well, it’s not outrage, of course. It’s fear. It’s panic.

“Those videos, which we did not retouch, which we brought to you after running everyone by the Capitol Police to make certain that we didn’t imperil anybody…, those videos touch a nerve because they’re a threat to the lies that Chuck Schumer has been telling for the last 26 months, and not just Chuck Schumer.

“We should also tell you that Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, was joined in this outrage by the Senate minority leader and that would be a Republican, Mitch McConnell, and they were joined by a cascade of other Republicans — Thom Tillis from North Carolina, Mitt Romney from Utah — all sharing the same outrage…’”

How Democrats Attack Reporters

 The New York Post wrote on March 9:

“‘Twitter Files’ reporters Matt Taibbi and  Michael Schellenberger held firm Thursday against an onslaught of attacks from Democrats who referred to them as ‘so-called journalists’ and demanded they give up their sources during a tense House subcommittee hearing. ‘The Republicans have brought in two of [Twitter CEO] Elon Musk’s public scribes to release cherry-picked, out-of-context emails and screenshots designed to promote his chosen narrative — Elon Musk’s chosen narrative — that is now being parroted by the Republicans,’ said Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D-USVI), the ranking member of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government.

“Plaskett — who could be described as a ‘so-called congresswoman’ since she cannot vote on the House floor — then dismissed Taibbi, 53, a veteran Rolling Stone journalist, and Shellenberger, 51, an author of award-winning books, as ‘so-called journalists’ whose reporting contained no bombshell revelations… She claimed ‘all the so-called “Twitter Files” really showed was a discussion on content moderation’ and that Taibbi and Shellenberger were only chosen by Republicans to ‘help them out politically.’

“‘Ranking member Plaskett, I’m not a so-called journalist,’ Taibbi shot back. ‘I’ve won the National Magazine Award, the I.F. Stone Award for Independent Journalism, and I’ve written 10 books, including four New York Times bestsellers.’…

“Other Democrats showed a similar disdain for Taibbi’s guarding of his sources during the Thursday hearing [such as Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas)]… ‘I can’t give it to you, unfortunately, because this is a question of sourcing, and I don’t give out — I’m a journalist; I don’t reveal my sources,’ Taibbi said. [When Garcia kept pressuring him,]  Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) jumped in. ‘What he has said is he is not going to reveal his source,’ Jordan said, ‘and the fact that the Democrats are pressuring him to do so is such a violation of the First Amendment.’

„Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) also sought to discredit Taibbi’s reporting by citing the mere fact that he agreed to testify before the GOP-controlled committee. ‘Being a Republican witness today certainly casts a cloud over your objectivity,’ she said…”

It should be noted that Taibbi is a Democrat, but he also said that “the values of the current Democratic Party increasingly feel alien to me.” Thursday’s exchange would most certainly not have reconciled his values with those of the Democrats on the House Subcommittee. Their conduct was not only shameful… it should be seen as extremely dangerous.

Olaf Scholz Goes to Washington

Bild Online reported on March 3 that Olaf Scholz traveled to Washington to meet for just two hours with President Biden, in secret, to discuss their analysis of the Ukraine situation. They refused to answer any questions from journalists. With these two leaders meeting and speaking behind closed doors, the result can only be catastrophic. Further, the praised “friendship” and “collaboration” between the USA and Germany is anything else but real.

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 3:

“Ahead of the meeting, the German chancellor called on China to ‘use your influence in Moscow to press for the withdrawal of Russian troops,’ and not to ‘supply weapons to the aggressor Russia’… Such a move could… provoke friction between Germany and the US due to their differing stances on Beijing. China is Germany’s biggest trading partner, and the possibility being floated by the US of imposing sanctions on China if it decides to send weapons may cause problems for Berlin…

“The low-key meeting between the two leaders also follows revelations from Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, that the US only agreed to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine because Germany had made it a condition for sending its own Leopard 2 tanks…  [The American narrative is that the USA “had to agree to ship US Abrams tanks in order to persuade Scholz to act, a characterization that Berlin disputes,” compare the Guardian, dated March 3. ntv claimed on March 3 that Biden only sent Abrams tanks because otherwise, Scholz would not have sent Leopard tanks ].

“Scholz also likely brought up the issue of US subsidies for green technologies — part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) — which has sparked anger among US allies in Europe who say it puts their companies at a disadvantage while they face the brunt of the effects of Russia’s invasion… ‘Washington is still looking to Berlin as the lead military power in Europe…’ said [Sudha David-Wilp, head of the Berlin bureau of the German Marshall Fund think tank].”

Right now, under Scholz, Berlin is certainly not the lead military power in Europe.

Bundeswehr in Trouble

Breitbart wrote on February 3:

“Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius admitted this week that the German military is incapable of defending the nation if needed. Pistorius, who assumed the role of the commander-in-chief of the Bundeswehr last month, said that the German armed forces as they are currently constituted would not be able to defend their homeland or protect NATO allies in Europe should they be forced into a direct war with a power such as Russia…

“Responding to the comments from Pistorius, the former chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee, Norbert Röttgen, said: “What Pistorius says is the bitter truth. It is courageous and good that the Minister of Defence does not gloss over them, but pronounces them clearly. But he also describes his task: to change that, to get the political support of his own party.”

Chancellor Scholz recently said that the Bundeswehr is strong, and that no one needs to fear. As we pointed out at that time, Scholz’s comments were illusionary and quite irresponsible.  

Germany Unprepared for War

TRT World wrote on March 2:

“In October 2022, Business Insider… reported that Germany only has ammunition for two days of the war, while such details of military readiness are mired in secrecy… The shambolic state of the Bundeswehr’s affairs has long been known in military circles… the war in Ukraine has shone a disturbing light on the German military’s critical unpreparedness…

“Scholz’s three way coalition is creaking with ever expanding fault lines. His foreign minister’s slip suggesting Germany was at war with Russia didn’t go down well with some parts of the Germany population where the anti-Ukraine war narrative is fast catching pace.

“Another problem plaguing the German military is the shortage of men of fighting age, the Bundeswehr stands at around 183,000 strong for a population of over 84 million. There are fresh calls for mandatory conscription to be brought back… Also, since mandatory conscription was cancelled in 2011, Germany’s young have preferred other professional avenues.

“That’s something the defence minister recently lamented, saying ‘back in the day, there was a conscript at every second kitchen table, which meant there was always a connection to civic society at large.’ Fear of war with Russia is a major talking point in German living rooms now…”

What Strategy to Adopt for Ukraine?

Politico wrote on March 3, prior to Scholz’s visit in Washington:

“Last week, President Joe Biden traveled to Kyiv as an act of defiance meant to mark the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. This week, back in Washington, grimmer realities are setting in.

“Biden will host German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House on Friday in what will be, on the surface, another display of Western unity with Ukraine as it repels Russia’s punishing invasion. But the show of solidarity comes against a backdrop of growing strain as the trans-Atlantic alliance works to remain in lockstep while grappling with the fact that the war has no end in sight…

“‘There’s no one strong leader that’s really holding the Europeans together…’ said Rachel Rizzo, senior fellow at Atlantic Council’s Europe Center. ‘And without the emergence of Germany as a strong leading actor, we are going to start to see more fissures within the alliance.’

“Part of Biden’s task is managing the emerging divide in Europe over how to end the war. Some voices on the continent are urging peace talks now, to limit the human and economic toll. Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have urged Zelenskyy to consider negotiations with Putin to bring the fighting to a close. And Macron last month said that it ‘has never been the position of France’ to ‘crush Russia,’ suggesting that it would be acceptable for Putin to remain in power and Russia to retain its military power if the fighting stopped.

“Others in Europe hold a decidedly different view… The Bucharest Nine, or B9, has most acutely felt Putin’s threat and has suggested that the only way to prevent an eventual Russian invasion of their own countries is to cripple Moscow for good. That has placed Biden in a delicate spot: a president who has sent an enormous military stockpile to Kyiv along with pledges to stand with Ukraine ‘for as long as it takes,’ with disagreements over what offramps to take and amid growing Republican resistance for open-ended U.S. involvement in the conflict.

“‘We still need a strategy. Where are we going to be a year from now? I don’t think that Biden or anyone on his team has articulated that,’ said Brett Bruen, a former State Department official in the Obama administration. ‘We’re past days of dancing around the sensitivities of one country or one political leader. We have got to either give Ukraine what it is going to take to win or we need to rethink the game plan.’…

“Kyiv, too, has not always been on the same page with the rest of the alliance. Zelenskyy has vowed not to negotiate until Russia has abandoned all of the Ukrainian territory it has seized — a declaration that includes Crimea, which Moscow forcibly annexed in 2014. But U.S. officials have sent signals to Kyiv that trying to retake Crimea would be difficult — and perhaps a mistake, potentially crossing a red line for Putin that would trigger an escalation…

“Most intelligence analysts on both sides of the Atlantic believe the war, as currently fought, could stretch for years… that would end up draining each nation’s military and economy…”

There seems to be no real strategy as to how to deal with this situation… at least, so it appears on the surface.

China Possesses Largest Navy Force in the World

Express wrote on March 4:

“Rebekah Koffler, a former Defense Intelligence Agency officer, [said] that China’s battleships now outnumber those of the US and it doesn’t intend to close the gap as it sets its sights on taking Taiwan. The military analyst said:

“‘The balance of power when it comes to the US versus China’s Naval forces is rapidly shifting in China’s favour, especially when it comes to China’s ability to project power in its perceived sphere of influence in the Indo-Pacific… China already possesses the largest navy force in the world, having between 340-360 battle force ships (depending on how you count). Comparatively, the US has 285 deployable battle force ships and this number is projected to grow to 297. China has been modernising its navy since the 1990s and has outbuilt everyone, including the US Navy, and UK Royal Navy.’ And Beijing does not intend to lose its lead: it’s expected to be 400 ship-strong by 2025…

“She continued: ‘China is preparing to fight and win the battle over Taiwan, including facing off with the US Navy… Koffler cited a new classified report that indicates the US Navy is projecting the need for 373 battle force ships to meet future war-fighting demands. However, it is not clear to Koffler how the US can achieve this goal, let alone match China’s target. Other military experts have sounded the alarm over the US’ increasing naval disadvantage…”

US influence in the world is shrinking on every level.

Russia and India—a Strong Partnership

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 4:

“Russia, an enemy? Not in India, where Russia has long been viewed as a valued political and economic partner. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, the relationship has even picked up additional pace. India has declined to join the West’s sanctions on Moscow, and the country is now importing more crude oil from Russia than ever before. This was one of the driving factors behind the recent official visit to India of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz [which obviously was not successful if the goal was to encourage India to distance itself from Russia] …

“Russia has become India’s fourth-largest source of imports in the past year. From April to December 2022, imports totalled $32.8 billion (€30.08 billion), up from $6.58 billion in the same period of 2021…

“‘I would like to clarify we do not ask our companies to buy Russian oil,’ Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told parliament in December. ‘We ask our companies to buy oil [that] is the best option that they can get. Now, it depends on what the market throws up.’

“As part of global sanctions on Russia, a new price cap has been put on Russian crude oil that came into force on February 5, 2023. For India, the third biggest consumer of oil in the world, this reduction… brings multiple benefits for the government. Because India imports more than 80% of its crude oil, the cap means it can lower energy costs. Furthermore, by turning to Russian oil, India can decrease its dependence on the Middle East, which used to be the source of some 60% of the country’s oil imports.

“The economic and political relationship between Russia and India, which are both nuclear powers, is not only based on their mutual interest regarding oil. It also goes back to their long-standing cooperation during the Cold War era. The Soviet Union supplied weapons to India for decades and trained Indian forces in how to use them. India obtained three fifths of its arms from the USSR between 1955 and 1991…  military cooperation between India and Russia remains significant…

“By contrast, there [is] a cooler relationship with the United States, which delivered arms to India’s enemy Pakistan…  Germany… ranked sixth [of India’s trading partners] in 2012, but slide down to 11th position in 2021.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Ridiculed and Applauded

Express wrote on March 4:

“Vladimir Putin’s closest aid in the Kremlin has provoked laughter at a meeting of world leaders in India as he claimed the war in Ukraine was ‘launched against us’. Speaking at a G20 summit, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, who has been in his post since 2004, peddled the now-parodied Russian line that the West was ‘using Ukrainian people’ to stage a war. The international meeting is one of the few that Russia has not been removed from – last year, the G8 became the G7 as Western allies conspired to degrade Putin’s influence on the global economy. But while his line on the war was received with mocking laughter, Lavrov’s comments on Western foreign policy were applauded.

“The 72-year-old said Russia ‘would not anymore rely on any partners in the West’, referring to sanctions slapped on Putin’s economy and energy supplies since their invasion of Ukraine. ‘The war, which we are trying to stop, which was launched against us using Ukrainian people, of course, influenced the policy of Russia, including energy policy,’ he said to a chorus of laughs and groans…

“Referring to the explosions that caused damage to the Nord Stream pipeline in the Baltic Sea in September 2022, he added: ‘We would not allow them to blow the pipelines again.’ But when asked about the ‘double standards’ of Western interventions in sovereign countries, the audience were welcoming, affording the minister a round of applause. [He referred specifically to US interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Libya and Syria.]

“Reaction to his comments reflected a growing cause for concern among Kyiv’s backers that countries around the world are opting out of condemning Russia’s invasion… Lavrov highlighted a divide among the G20. Western resolve to support Ukraine may appear to be unabating, at least for now, but countries such as South Africa, which holds strong ties to the US-led West, have improved relations with Russia despite the war.

“It comes as US secretary of state Antony Blinken and Lavrov talked briefly on Thursday at the meeting in the highest-level in-person talks between the two countries since Russia’s invasion. US officials said Blinken and Lavrov chatted for roughly 10 minutes on the sidelines of the G-20 conference…”

These are interesting developments. As we have said from the outset, based on biblical prophecy, Russia and Ukraine will ultimately unite and become enemies of the West.

“The Evil Nature” of Conscription

The Ron Paul Institute republished on March 2 the following article by the Future of Freedom Foundation:

“What caught my attention… was this sentence in Jenkins’ piece [in the Wall Street Journal]: ‘Mr. Putin is the one abducting their sons and sending them home three weeks later in body bags.’ Abducting? One doesn’t often see conservatives using that word to describe conscription. One usually expects to see conservatives using the word ‘draft’ or the word ‘serve’ to describe conscription. I found another article in the Journal that Jenkins wrote a few years ago in which he stated the following, ‘Even in World War II, more than 60% of American participants were drafted.’

“Yes, he used the word ‘drafted.’ No mention of the word ‘abducted.’ But then again, this is the US government, not the Russian government, to which he is referring… Actually though, Jenkins gets it right with his word ‘abduct.’ That’s what conscription is all about — in both Russia and the United States. Another word that could be used is ‘slavery.’ The best term is the one used in the Thirteenth Amendment — ‘involuntary servitude.’… So, after calling for volunteers, the government finds that it still needs soldiers to fight. When no one else will volunteer, that’s when the government commands citizens to report to military installations to ‘serve’ their country by being forced to travel to some foreign land to kill or be killed. If the person refuses, the government sends armed agents to forcibly seize him and take him away to jail. If he still refuses to ‘serve,’ he is tried, convicted, and sentenced to a long term in a federal penitentiary…

“When people said no, like Mohammad Ali, US officials went after them with a vengeance for their cowardice and lack of patriotism, just like Putin is doing to those who resist his draft in Russia…  the Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused conservatives to confront the evil nature of conscription, even if they are only referring to Russia.”

God calls “conscription” a curse.

Trump on the Warpath

Breitbart wrote on March 4:

“Former President Donald Trump boldly proclaimed that the Republican Party is ‘never going back to the party of Paul Ryan, Karl Rove, and Jeb Bush’ during his Saturday speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Trump listed numerous ‘villains and scoundrels’ from whom he hopes to liberate the United States, including globalists, communists, and the fake news media.

“Trump told the CPAC crowd:

“‘With you at my side, we will demolish the deep state. We will expel the war mongers. They are people that don’t get it, although in some cases they get it, they get it for their wallets… We will evict Joe Biden from the White House… We’re not going back to people that want to destroy our great social security system. Even some in our own party… want to raise the minimum age of social security to 70, 75, or even 80,’ Trump said, seemingly referencing former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who spoke at CPAC on Friday about the need for the next GOP president to reform entitlement programs. ‘In some cases, [they] are out to cut Medicare to a level that it will no longer be recognizable… We are never going back to a party that wants to give unlimited money to fight foreign wars. That are endless wars, that are stupid wars.’…

“Trump received 62 percent support in the poll completed by more than 2,000 CPAC attendees, bringing him 40 points higher than the second-place candidate… Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) came in second place, receiving 20 percent support in the straw poll… Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, who tried to run for governor of his state, came in third place with five percent support. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, the only two declared candidates featured in the poll, received three and one percent support, respectively. Other names in the poll included Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who all received one percent support…

“In the vice presidential candidate straw poll, former Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake received the most support at 20 percent, while DeSantis was second place at 14 percent.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for President?

Jackman Radio Podcast published the following article on or about March 4:

“Robert F. Kennedy, Jr…. gave one of the most inspiring, passionate and courageous speeches I’ve ever seen. I actually choked up a little when he spoke about the more than 2 million Americans who lined the railroad tracks to say goodbye to his father [Robert F. Kennedy] as his train made its way to Arlington National Cemetery. 1968 wasn’t so long ago.

“Kennedy spoke truthfully about America’s militarism, corporate greed, Orwell style censorship and the grip that Pharma has on ‘media’ and shaping narratives, especially over the last three years. He is seriously considering a Democratic primary challenge to President Biden… Kennedy is somewhat of a throwback to what Democrats used to be like… His track record of standing against environmental polluters and corporate malfeasance while elevating the voices of the downtrodden and marginalized truly speaks for itself.

“In 2023 it has become a matter of controversy to simply state truth, facts, logic and reason. It’s no surprise other members of his family and the… media brand him as being crazy, fringe and outside the mainstream. It’s because he’s hitting a real nerve with the power elite. They loathe him for speaking truthfully about the disgusting reality that big pharma owns the very ‘media’ that’s supposed to hold it accountable. Along with the murky defense contractors who… never saw a war they didn’t love nor couldn’t profit from.

“The American people are fed up with the lies, corruption, deceit and cowardice that is now synonymous with holding elected office. RFK Jr. is just one man, but he is a man with a powerful message, movement and pedigree behind him. 1968 wasn’t so long ago. Perhaps it is time for a Kennedy to make a heroic run for The White House to bring back the ideals, passion and dedication to justice that his father and uncle before him evoked…”

Wikipedia promotes the typical mainstream narrative in writing: “Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. is an American environmental lawyer and author known for promoting anti-vaccine propaganda and conspiracy theories. Kennedy is a son of U.S. senator Robert F. Kennedy and a nephew of President John F. Kennedy.” However, what he stands for and promotes is much more than just “propaganda” and the subject of “conspiracy theories.”

“The Biggest Scandal in American History”

Fox News published on March 5 the following opinion piece by Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995-1999 and a candidate for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination:

“We are living through the largest, deadliest scandal in American history, but the elite media refuses to connect the dots and analyze it. COVID-19, a disease no one disputes came from Wuhan, China, has killed more than 1.1 million Americans and more than 38 million people worldwide. It has left millions of others with chronic health problems… Many children are suffering from depression and other mental health challenges from the forced isolation and lack of social contact.

“Now, it is becoming more clear that much of this pain was avoidable – and the result of powerful government employees protecting themselves… President Donald Trump called it ‘the Chinese Virus’ and was intensely attacked. Somehow the word ‘Chinese’ was deemed racist…

“We now know this censorship and speech silencing was part of a systematic effort of senior scientists to mislead the American people… This scandal of many of our best professional researchers lying to the American people is compounded by the absolute failure of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

“Driven by the economic impact of the Chinese virus, the American government spent trillions of dollars propping up the economy, sparking inflation, massively increasing the national debt, and permitting hundreds of billions in theft and corruption.  Finally, there has been no serious effort to hold the Chinese Communist dictatorship accountable for the damage it has done around the world… The Chinese Communists have continuously focused on stopping us from understanding the origins of the pandemic…

“This scandal is so large, and covers so many areas, it will be a major factor in politics and government for the next decade. It will go down in history as a turning point in our lives and the life of our country. We just need to decide what direction we turn: toward clarity and accountability, or toward lies and chaos.”

God asks this great nation to “turn”—to repent of its evil ways of lies and deceit and choose the way of righteousness and truth.

New Brexit Deal Just Window-Dressing?

Breitbart wrote on March 6:

“The Brexit deal on Northern Ireland negotiated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was merely designed to placate the British public and will still leave the European Court of Justice with ultimate authority over the British province, the EU’s top negotiator on the matter revealed in a leaked recording.

“Confirming fears expressed by Brexiteers and British Unionists in Northern Ireland, European Commission Vice President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight Maroš Šefčovič was reportedly recorded stating that the deal struck by Prime Minister Sunak was intended to win favourable headlines in the British press rather than actually regain sovereignty over Northern Ireland — an integral part of the United Kingdom that has been forced to abide by EU customs diktats and onerous regulations under the Protocol agreed to by former prime minister Boris Johnson.

“The recording of the Slovakian eurocrat speaking to other politicians in Brussels, obtained by The Telegraph, documented Šefčovič saying: ‘Be under no impression that there will be a diminishing of the role of the European Court of Justice… We’ve been very clear from the beginning until the end, the role of the ECJ as the sole and final arbiter of EU law stays in place.’

“The ‘Windsor Framework’ agreed to by Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen set out a process dubbed the ‘Stormont Break’ in which legislators in the devolved (local) parliament in Northern Ireland can supposedly override EU regulations, including on rules imposed upon British trade. However, Šefčovič said that this concession was more window dressing than anything else, insisting that the final ruling on any such dispute would be in the hands of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and therefore Northern Ireland would still be under the effective rule of the EU rather than ‘taking back control’ of its own sovereignty as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggested..”

King Charles Coronation Oil Consecrated in Jerusalem

The Guardian wrote on March 3:

“Oil has been created using olives from two groves on Mount of Olives, and a formula dating back centuries.

“The fragrant chrism oil that will be used to anoint King Charles during his coronation in May was made sacred in Jerusalem on Friday. A ceremony took place in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the holy oil was consecrated by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, and the Anglican archbishop in Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum.”

The Sun added on March 3:

“Chrism oil… will be placed by the Archbishop of Canterbury on King Charles’s breast, head and hand… The ritual has been held at Westminster Abbey for 1,000 years…

“The Archbishop of Canterbury said: ‘Since beginning the planning for the coronation, my desire has been for a new coronation oil to be produced using olive oil from the Mount of Olives. This demonstrates the deep historic link between the coronation, the Bible and the Holy Land. From ancient kings through to the present day, monarchs have been anointed with oil from this sacred place…’”

Israel 365 News added on March 5:

“British Israelism, also called Anglo-Israelism, is the belief begun in the 16th century that the people of Great Britain are the ‘direct descendants” of the Ten Lost Tribes of ancient Israel. Some adherents further claim that the British royal family is of lineal descent from the house of King David via a daughter of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah.

“According to this legend, the prophet Jeremiah, and his scribe, Baruch, escaped with ‘the king’s daughters’ (Jer. 41:10; 43:6) to Egypt. They later traveled to Ireland, where one of the surviving Judahite princesses, Tea Tephi, married a local High King of Ireland.

“From this fabled union the Davidic throne was supposedly preserved, having been transferred to Ireland, then Scotland, and later England, whence the British monarchs are alleged to have descended.

“The Stone of Scone, which has been used in the coronations of Scottish, English and British monarchs for centuries, is traditionally claimed to be the pillow stone on which the biblical patriarch, Jacob, slept, and the stone used in David’s coronation. The central tenets of British Israelism have been refuted by archaeological, ethnological, genetic, and linguistic research.”

The article falsely alleges that these claims have been “refuted.” This is absolutely incorrect and quite deceitful. Nothing was “refuted,” but the facts remain, as we have explained in our literature, that King Charles IS Jewish and a descendant of King David; that Jeremiah DID arrive in Ireland with the two king’s daughters; that the throne WAS transferred three times, as prophesied in the Bible, and is now in Britain; and that monarchs WERE crowned on the Stone of Scone which might very well be the stone on which Jacob slept.

Note our two-part series on the “Stone of Destiny.” https://www.eternalgod.org/what-do-we-know-of-the-stone-of-destiny-part-1/ and https://www.eternalgod.org/what-do-we-know-of-the-stone-of-destiny-part-2/

Therefore, the use of “holy oil” consecrated in Jerusalem for King Charles’ coronation is quite telling.

Hungary Plans to Establish Embassy in Jerusalem

The Algemeiner wrote on March 3:

“Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban would back his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu by moving its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem next month, Israeli media reported Friday. If the plan goes through, Hungary would be the first European Union member state to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, which Israel claims as its capital but is not acknowledged by most nations and whose legal status is in question…

“Only a small number of other nations have followed the United States in moving its embassies in Israel to Jerusalem under the administration of former president Donald Trump in 2018.

“Jerusalem was proclaimed to be Israel’s capital city by a law passed by the Israeli parliament in 1980. Unless discussions between Israel and the Palestinians, who want east Jerusalem to serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state, are concluded, the United Nations will consider east Jerusalem occupied and its status disputed.”

The attitude of most European countries and the UN towards Israel is, in reality, deeply antagonistic.

Short Window for Israel to Strike Iran

Stars and Stripes wrote on March 3:

“Iran is seeking sophisticated new air-defense systems from Russia [called S-400s] that Israeli officials believe will narrow the window for a potential strike on Tehran’s nuclear program… Russia hasn’t said publicly if it will supply the weapons, but Moscow and Tehran have drawn closer since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. It would take less than two years for the S-400s to be operational.

“‘The longer you wait, the harder that becomes,’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said of a strike on Iran at a security conference in Tel Aviv last week. ‘We’ve waited very long. I can tell you that I will do everything in my power to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.’…

“Israel bombed nuclear sites in Iraq in 1981 and Syria in 2007. An open military conflict with Iran could trigger an unparalleled regional conflagration affecting global oil supplies. Russia has offered Iran ‘unprecedented defense cooperation, including on missiles, electronics and air defense’ and may provide Tehran with fighter jets, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Feb. 24…

“Concern has grown over Iran’s nuclear work since international monitors detected uranium enriched to 84% purity — just below the 90% needed for weapons. By the end of 2023, Iran will have enough uranium enriched to 60% to produce 10 bombs, according to a senior Israeli official and a former senior U.S. official.

“Israel continues to hope the U.S. will take the lead on any possible strike and while the Biden administration hasn’t ruled out military action, it prefers diplomacy. Iran accuses Israel of assassinating its nuclear scientists, most recently as in late 2020, as well as hacking and other nuclear sabotage. Israel doesn’t publicly own up to them but they are widely acknowledged by officials both in the U.S. and in Israel…

“In December, the U.S. said Russia was deepening military backing for Iran in return for Iranian supplies of drones for Moscow’s war on Ukraine. The next month, an Iranian lawmaker said Tehran expects a delivery of Su-35 fighter jets from Russia by mid-March…

“The S-400s, which can hit aerial targets at a range of up to 150 miles, would create a ‘red zone for high-altitude aircraft,’ said Jeremy Binnie, Middle East defense expert at Janes, the UK-based defense intelligence firm…”

It appears that Israel WILL strike Iran, with or without American help and support. But this time, not everything may go as well as hoped for by Israel.

Outside the Law?

Thomson/Reuters wrote on March 5:

“Israel rebuffed as ‘unworthy’ on Sunday comments by the U.N. nuclear watchdog chief that any Israeli or U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would be illegal…

“‘Rafael Grossi is a worthy person who made an unworthy remark,’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet in televised remarks on Sunday. ‘Outside what law? Is it permissible for Iran, which openly calls for our destruction, to organize the tools of slaughter for our destruction? Are we forbidden from defending ourselves? We are obviously permitted to do this.’”

Trans Bishop Sues Lutheran Church for Harassment and Discrimination

Breitbart wrote on March 3:

“The far-left Associated Press reports that… Megan Rohrer, who was ‘elected as the first openly transgender bishop of one of the largest Christian denominations in the country in May 2021,’ is suing the [church] and claiming ‘he’ was forced out ‘after enduring several months of discrimination and harassment.’

“I’m confused… ‘Megan’ is a ‘he?’ From what I’ve been able to piece together, ‘Megan’ is a biological woman who identifies as a man. So why hold on to the name ‘Megan?’…

“So in May of 2021 [he or she] was then using those ludicrous ‘they’ and ‘them’ pronouns… [and was] first transgender person to be ordained in the ELCA in 2006 and the first to serve as a pastor when called to Grace Lutheran in 2014… So this [church] accepted and promoted her knowing what she was. So, it’s not like she won a promotion to bishop and said, ‘Hey, I’m a guy now, and I dare you to fire me’…

“She is seeking money, naturally… However, [he or she] has been accused of racism after she ‘fired the pastor of a predominantly Latino, immigrant congregation in Stanton, California, on the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, for which the community had planned elaborate festivities.’ However, her lawsuit says she was a scapegoat for the firing, and the [church] then ‘publicly shamed [her] as a racist.’

“The firing of this pastor at that Latino congregation caused some serious fallout. The church made a public apology to the congregation, but ‘the congregation lost the denomination’s financial backing and was forced to vacate their building and worship in the parking lot.’

“… I have no tolerance for people who damn souls by tricking those souls into believing they are right with God when they are decidedly not. And that’s exactly what this [church] and this Megan lady are doing. Accepting sinners in the church is Christianity. Accepting sin is demonic. My heart breaks for those who don’t know any better, for those who this [church] has fooled — at the cost of their own souls — into believing they are saved. This is naked evil, the worst kind.

“The rules to avoid [the lake of fire] are not negotiable and come from above, not from man or woman or [the LGBTQ+ community].”

To deceive others by leading them into sin or by advocating or even tolerating sin is a grievous violation of Christ’s words who said it would be better for such a person to be thrown into the ocean where it is the deepest.

Drag Night at Historic London Church

Breitbart wrote on March 5:

“The 17th-century St James’s Church, Piccadilly in London, which claims to have demonstrated a ‘pioneering welcome of LGBTQAI+ communities and other marginalised people and groups’, will for the first time in its 340-year history put on a ‘drag night’ dubbed PREACH! within the church.

The Church of England parish church said that it would be hosting at least two performances of PREACH! — with one on Saturday, March 4th, and the second on June 3^rd… ‘St James’s will welcome drag icons from around the world to perform beneath its ornate gold ceiling, showcasing some of the biggest names in the art of drag, as well as fresh talent,’ the church said. Despite claiming that it is ‘committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults’ St James’s did not say the drag show [was] age-restricted, indicating that children would be allowed into the show…

“What exactly drag has to do with Christianity or indeed why the church would host such an event was not explained…

“The performance is just the latest instance of the leftward lurch of the Church of England, the established church of its homeland. Under the de facto leadership of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the CoE has frequently inserted itself in political issues of the day, often advocating a leftist agenda…

“Welby has also weighed into modern woke gender theory, previously declaring that God is ‘gender neutral’ despite the Bible very clearly describing God in general and Jesus Christ in particular in unequivocally masculine terms. To back up Welby’s assertion, however, the Church announced last month that it would be embarking upon a project ‘to develop more inclusive language’… with phrases like ‘Our Father’ potentially being on the chopping block to conform with modern politically correct sensibilities. Just days later, the Church voted in favour of offering ‘God’s blessings’ to same-sex marriages….”

Shame on Welby and the Church of England.

Europe to Approve LGBT Doctrine?

IFN (International Family News) wrote on March 4:

“On January 23, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued a landmark ruling on LGBTQI propaganda aimed at minors: Lithuania was condemned for restricting the distribution of an LGBTQI children’s book…

“The Lithuanian state concluded that the stories in question ‘encourage a conception of marriage and family foundation different from that enshrined in the Constitution and Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania.’ As a result, the country has recommended that copies be marked with a warning advising against reading to children under 14…

“The Court decided that this law does not pursue a legitimate purpose… the judges argued that the effects of restricting the publication of this LGBT book for minors would be incompatible ‘with the notion of equality, pluralism and tolerance that are inseparable from a democratic society.’

“This is yet another ruling that substantiates the ‘conflicts of interest’ of abortion and LGBTI lobbies and large foundations linked mainly to Geroge Soros and the Court’s judges, fears repeatedly denounced and revealed by several research studies… over 70 percent [of Lithuanians] are absolutely opposed to any form of recognition of LGBTI unions and ‘gender’ ideology.”

More Woke Insanity at Disneyland

Fox Business wrote on March 4:

“Disneyland has removed the phrase ‘zip-a-dee-doo-dah’ from the music of its in-park parades due to racial sensitivity concerns… Disney made the change due to the phrase’s origin in the 1946 film ‘Song of the South’…

“Multiple park attractions and events referencing ‘Song of the South’ have been closed or altered by Disney in recent years as the company continues to distance itself from the film… Walt Disney World permanently shut down Splash Mountain in January because it features characters and music from the movie…”

Crazy! If Walt Disney knew, he would turn in his grave in disgust with those now running his enterprise into the ground.

No Tax Returns to Be Filed by Most Californians Until October 16

The LA Times wrote on March 4:

“Good news for most Californians who owe taxes to the federal or state government: The deadline for filing your return and paying what you owe has been pushed back to October.

“The relief is available to anyone living or working in the 44 counties covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s emergency declaration. That includes Los Angeles, Ventura and San Diego counties. FEMA’s action came in response to the severe winter storms that caused floods, landslides and mudslides between Dec. 27 and Jan. 31.

“State and federal authorities had previously delayed the deadline to May 15. Last week, though, the Internal Revenue Service pushed it back  again, to Oct. 16. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that the state is doing the same.

“The relief will be offered automatically to anyone whose address on file at the IRS is in a disaster area — no need to ask for help or alert the agency that you’ll be filing late. If the IRS sends you a penalty notice anyway because you missed a deadline that should have been waived, the agency advises you to call the number on the notice to have the penalty erased…

“Granted, if you are due a refund, you want to file as soon as you can. Otherwise, you’re giving the government an interest-free loan…

“As with the IRS, if you receive a late filing notice after taking advantage of the new deadline, the governor’s office said, you should call the phone number on the notice and ask that the penalty be waived.”

Ultimately, though, the government will get our tax money to be used for many ungodly purposes.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

Where did this phrase come from as it cannot be found in the Bible in those words? The catholic.com website gives this answer: “It’s from St. Augustine. His Letter 211 (c. 424) contains the phrase Cum dilectione hominum et odio vitiorum, which translates roughly to ‘With love for mankind and hatred of sins.’ The phrase has become more famous as ‘love the sinner but hate the sin’ or ‘hate the sin and not the sinner’ (the latter form appearing in Mohandas Gandhi’s 1929 autobiography).”

There are those who see themselves as Christians but can’t accept the phrase, “Love the sinner but hate the sin.”   One such newspaper writer wrote: “There is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus.  To look at my gay Christian brother and say ‘God loves the sinner’ is to set myself against Jesus and bring condemnation again to those he’s already redeemed.  So I’m done.  I’m done with ‘Love the sinner but hate the sin.’ I’m done with speaking as if I’m different, better than you.  We are children of the Creator, redeemed by Jesus.  We are brothers and sisters.   And today, that’s enough.”

This is a complete misunderstanding of the phrase.   True Christians are not to take a superior attitude to anyone else but they do have to accept that sin is that which we must avoid and overcome.   After all, in Matthew 6:12 which is part of the model prayer, we read that we are to pray to “forgive us our debts (sins) as we forgive our debtors (sins).”  The antipathy displayed in the previous paragraph may be because it is erroneously believed that all you have to do is give your heart to the Lord and that you can still live and practice that which you did previously without having to change anything.

It seems that acceptance of any lifestyle is a must in today’s perverse and perverted society and it appears that many of those who espouse Christianity can fall into that trap.   We can’t say anything about how wrong many sexual sins are because, in so many minds, any lifestyle is acceptable and all you have to do is “believe in the Lord,” but the Bible makes it very plain that that is simply just not so!

One minister, a homosexual, wrote the following:

“As an openly-gay Christian theologian and minister, I believe that the slogan of ‘Love the sinner, hate the sin,’ no matter how well-intentioned, is theologically unsound. Not only is this an unbiblical concept, but it is also not workable in practice. In fact, when it comes to LGBT sexualities and gender identities, I contend that this slogan is actually a modern-day version of gnosticism, which was condemned as heretical by early Church theologians such as Irenaeus in the second century.”   It would seem that we are becoming more and more interested in the idea of acceptance of any lifestyles, and without any boundaries.

We address these gender designations referred to in the paragraph above, in our booklet “God’s Teachings on Sexual Relationships,” showing how ungodly they are. The Bible is very clear on these matters and the true Church of God today is not afraid to relate the full Truth from Scripture.   It appears that many today are becoming more and more interested in the idea of acceptance by others irrespective of their lifestyle and different sexual proclivities.   Nevertheless, Christians are to still love the person (we were all sinners before we became converted, and even now, we still sin from time to time), but they must hate the sin as God hates sin which separates us from God (compare Isaiah 59:2).

We can see from what has already been quoted above that on the one hand, there are those who feel that such a phrase deflects the individual’s responsibility and accountability for their sins, and on the other hand, there are those who accept the individual irrespective of their sins complete with wrong lifestyles if that should be necessary.

This phrase is also used when explaining that a person’s lifestyle is not compatible with the standards that God sets out in His Word.   For example, in society today, the word “homophobic” is used for anyone who doesn’t agree with such behaviour.  The Bible confirms that such behaviour is not in accordance with God’s required standard for people.  In our booklet “God’s Teachings on Sexual Relationships,”  we state the following on page 95:

“Before covering the controversial issue of homosexuality, we feel it is necessary to state our position, as anyone who opposes this behavior is commonly thought to be a homophobe or homophobic. This term is casually used against anyone who has the audacity to question the morality of such behavior, especially when asserting it to be sin, which homosexual lobbyists often refer to as hate speech.

“This argument is invalid, as people on both sides of the argument must be allowed to agree or disagree about homosexuality in a free and fair society. To assert that homosexual behavior is a sin is simply stating a biblical fact, and Christians who live by the Word of God are simply stating what God’s Word clearly reveals. There should be no hate for the individual concerned, just sadness at their way of life.”

One of the problems associated with the phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” is that it may be felt that hating the sin can spill over into also meaning hate towards the individual.   In some cases that may be true but it must not reflect the behaviour of a true Christian.   We see, in the UK, that saying that homosexuality is wrong can be taken as a hate crime which it is not, but a fact taken from the Word of God.   God’s teaching on the matter is subordinated to UK law which means that God’s Word must take second place.   That is a very dangerous approach that society takes and does so at its own very great risk.  We should love the sinner because we all sin, but hate the sin(s), and God’s Way must be paramount in a Christian’s life irrespective of any human-made laws which may conflict with God’s Word.

If we don’t hate the sin (whatever it is) and we take a more “accepting” attitude towards it, such as “live and let live,” then we are in grave danger of becoming indifferent to that which could well keep us out of the Kingdom of God.   God hates sin and we must also do likewise.

The Bible can so often be misrepresented so as to reflect what someone would like it to say, rather than what it actually says.

So, what is the biblical truth of the matter?   It is, quite simply, to look at how sin and love are defined in the pages of the Bible.

1 John 3:4 states about sin in the Authorized Version: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” The New King James Bible says: “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.”

In Scripture, we read about how sin separates us from God (please see our new free booklet, “God the Father Is the Highest”), and here are just a few of those many verses:

In Isaiah 59:2, we read: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.”

Romans 6:16 states: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?”

Romans 6:23 reads:  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

As one writer observed: “God is the source of all life, and He will extend that life eternally to all who believe.  Sin is a barrier to our reception of life, and that is one reason why God hates it.” Of course, we hasten to add that the concept of “believe” or “faith” must be understood correctly. The Bible requires “obedient” faith—faith which is obedient to God and His Law (see Romans 1:5; 16:26).

In Matthew 5:43-48, the sub-heading in the New King James Bible is “Love Your Enemies.” We read:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?   And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?  Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

We should realise that we, too, were sinners before our conversion, and we still sin from time to time, but we have been called out of this world by God and are, therefore, set apart by our calling.   We must hate it when we ourselves sin, and we must ask God for forgiveness.   Those who sin willfully—knowing better but refusing to repent and change—do so to their own hurt by not making it into the Kingdom of God.

There are so many verses about love that could be quoted, but the following gives a flavour of what love is.

Leviticus 19:18 says: “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”

Leviticus 19:33-34 reads: “And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him.  The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

Matthew 19:19 says this in respect of commandments to keep: “‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 22:36-40 relates the conversation between a Pharisee and Jesus, when the Pharisee came to ask Jesus the following: “‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.’”

John 13:34-35 states: “ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Please note in this context that the semicolon added in the first part of the above-quoted phrase is terribly wrong. Instead, the phrase should read: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

While the above is about, primarily, love for brethren in the Church, we should certainly have love for those outside the Church.   Mr. Herbert W Armstrong, the late Pastor-General of the now defunct Worldwide Church of God, used to define love as “an outgoing concern for the good and welfare of others.”   That love does not end if the other person has a lifestyle and way of life that is incompatible with the true Christian Way of Life.   We should want the very best for them and hope and pray that they will turn, one day, from their chosen lifestyle to God’s Way of Life.

James 2:8 says: “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well…”

Also, the “love chapter” of 1 Corinthians 13 is one that makes great reading.

In God’s second appearance to Solomon, He said: “…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). While that applied to ancient Israel thousands of years ago, the same principle holds good today.

At the same time, note that God requires repentance. He does not forgive a sinner if he or she refuses to repent. But this does not negate His love for him or her, as we will continue to explain below.

Two references in the book of Romans show that loving the sinner and hating the sin is what we are to do, naysayers notwithstanding.   Regarding naysayers, one writer put it this way: “The counter-narrative that they come up with – in the face of the best air-tight case – can boggle the brightest of minds!”  These two references from the Word of God are an air-tight case, and are as follows:

Romans 13:9 says: “For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Romans 12:9, with a sub-heading in the New King James Bible, “Behave Like a Christian,” reads as follows: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”  The problem in society today is that evil has, in many cases, become normal.

Loving the sinner does not mean, however, that we love or approve of his lifestyle. This includes, not even giving the appearance of accepting or not rejecting his lifestyle. It also does not mean that we “forgive” an unrepentant sinner for his sinful conduct towards us. For a detailed explanation, please see our Q&A, titled, “You teach that God does not forgive us our sins if we refuse to repent. Does this mean that God does not require us to forgive those that sin against us if they refuse to repent?” https://www.eternalgod.org/question-and-answer-221/

In that Q&A, we stated:

“We should always have a forgiving attitude and a willingness to immediately forgive upon repentance, as this can be the start of any reconciliation process. We must never develop and harbor grudges against another person (Leviticus 19:18). We must hate the sin, but we must never hate the sinner. If we begin to hate the sinner, and develop resentment against the sinner, then we may find ourselves in a position where we might not be able to forgive the sinner, when he or she does repent and/or when his or her repentance comes to our attention.

“Further, harboring grudges against someone is not spiritually or physically healthy for ourselves. It can deprive us of the inner peace and joy of God which we are supposed to have (compare John 14:27; 15:11; 16:24; Colossians 3:15). God is always willing and ready to forgive, and so must we. It has been correctly said that we must do everything we can to establish peace (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:11); and to help a person to repent, realizing at the same time that repentance is a gift from God (Romans 2:4).”

Later in the Q&A, we wrote:

“Although God does not forgive a sinner without his repentance, He still loves him. In fact, we read that God loved the WORLD (when they were all unrepentant sinners) so much that He gave His only-begotten Son so that everyone who BELIEVES in Him (having come to repentance and having accepted the Sacrifice of Christ for payment of his or her sins) does not have to perish, but can have everlasting life (John 3:16). Although God does not forgive SIN without repentance, He still LOVES the sinner.”

We strongly recommend that you read that Q&A in its entirety, as it discusses many more aspects regarding love, repentance and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the answer to our question in this Q&A is simple.   We are to love our fellow man as the second great commandment is to love our neighbour as ourselves (compare Matthew 22:39), but we are to hate sin committed by others (and ourselves).   God hates sin, as we read in Psalm 5:4: “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You,” and we are to become perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.

It may not be easy at times but it is something that we must do – that is to love the sinner but hate the sin!

Lead Writers: Brian Gale (United Kingdom) and Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“Short Window for Israel to Strike Iran,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary: 

Many in Israel feel that it is “now or never” to strike Tehran’s nuclear program, with or without American support. At the same time, concerns grow especially in Britain that Iran might soon attack the UK and Western allies. But the UK is actually facing a much bigger threat from another power.

“Wurden wir belogen?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Have We’ve Been Lied to?” (It deals with Tucker Carlson’s programs about January 6, 2021) 

A new Member Letter (March 2023) has been written by Elder Paul Niehoff. In his letter, Mr. Niehoff writes about how important it is to love the Truth in order to avoid deception. This letter will be posted to our webpage, and copies will be sent to our subscribers.

Our new booklet, “God the Father Is the Highest,” has been received from our printer. This booklet is posted, and copies have now been sent to our subscribers.

A Tech Team Meeting was conducted via Google Meets on Sunday, March  5, 2023. Hosted by Eric Rank, responses and effectiveness for our booklets ad campaign were reviewed along with Feast plans and other details.

“Ist Matthäus 28,19 eine Fälschung?” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Is Matthew 28:19 a Forgery?”

“Lasst euch mit Gott versöhnen,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Marc Voeller, is now posted. Title in English: “Be Reconciled to God.”

“Our Daily Unleavened Bread,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath by Brian Gale, is now posted. Here is a summary:

It is obvious that we eat unleavened bread during the Days of Unleavened Bread festival each year. But do we eat unleavened bread each day of the seven days? Unless there is a very compelling reason or an emergency, we should eat this on a daily basis, as this message shows.

“How Can You Be More Successful?” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is a summary:

Are you successful in life—or are you failing? Are you on your way to true success—or, are you about to give up? We were not created to be a failure. We were meant to be truly successful. But true success does not happen by accident, circumstance or coincidence. True success must be achieved. There are certain principles—one might say, laws—which we must apply and follow in order to become truly successful. What are seven physical and spiritual laws of success?

Spring Holy Days: Passover—April 5, 2023 (observed the evening before); Feast of Unleavened Bread—April 6-12, 2023; Pentecost—May 28, 2023.

2023 Ministerial Conference: April 21-24

On March 4, 2023, Brain Gale will present the sermonette, titled, “Our Daily Unleavened Bread,” and Norbert Link will present the sermon, titled, “How Can You Be More Successful?”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Recently, one of the email chains I get was talking about change. The email was about how to make change last. In the email, the writer was quoting a friend of his who is a very successful New York Times Best-Selling self-help author. The quote from this author went like this: “I don’t believe most people actually ever change all that much. That may be strange to hear coming from someone who has dedicated their life to helping people change, but I don’t think most people actually change.”

How true this is. So many people in this world want change. And yet, they can often attempt to make a change and then end up reverting back to where they were before.

The author of this email goes on to state the following:

“It’s not because they can’t. It’s because they don’t know what they don’t know. This ‘knowing’ deficit falls into 2 categories…

“1. Most people don’t know what’s actually possible for them.

“Most people have a hard time being able to imagine what’s actually possible for their life experience. They feel ‘good enough,’ and can’t imagine what feeling ‘great’ even is – or that it’s possible for them. They come to accept the malaise. The potential for life remains perpetually on hold as they fall into the norm that Thoreau once accurately described… ‘The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation.’

“2. Most people don’t understand how change actually works

“We think that the way we find greater peace, meaning, freedom, joy and purpose is by focusing on making external changes and quick fixes. The real transformation comes from fixing the foundation. You won’t live differently until you see the world and yourself differently. Sure you can muscle through a diet for a couple of months, but unless your internal operating system changes (your beliefs and sources of meaning) at some point you’re going to find yourself right back at the starting line. This is how it is for everything. External transformation starts with internal transformation.

“Lasting change is an inside-out job.”

As we view this from a Christian perspective, how true this really becomes. When we are called by God and we start to understand the Truth, we are expected to change. Yet, how deeply do we integrate Christian changes into our lives? When we start to make great changes in our lives, we feel invigorated and have a sense of relief. We are zealous and on fire. But as time starts to take its toll in a Christians life, and things start to creep back in or trials and tests happen, that “malaise” can start to set in. The future that we once looked forward to can grow dim and seem increasingly out of reach. The hope for the future, for the Kingdom of God—that which helps to propel us forward—can become dull.

In order to do these things properly, we must allow Christ to be our rock—our true foundation. How do we do this? How do we make sure that we are changing as Christians? We need to be overwriting our carnal operating system. The old person needs to go and needs to be replaced—but with what?

Christ plainly tells us that we must build our foundation—who we are inside (and this takes continual effort, dedication, perseverance, care, watchfulness, searching and changing throughout our lifetime) in order to make it through this life.

In Matthew 7:24-29, we read: “‘Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.’ And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

What actions is Christ talking about? What changes are God and Christ looking for within us? Will those things–if we put them into practice in our lives, (because it takes action)–allow us to be able to stand on the rock as we go through life’s trials (rain, floods, winds)?  The answers are in the previous verses, in chapters 5-7. Notice the headings in the New King James Bible:

• The Beatitudes
• Believers Are Salt and Light
• Christ Fulfills the Law
• Murder Begins in the Heart
• Adultery in the Heart
• Marriage Is Sacred and Binding
• Jesus Forbids Oaths
• Go the Second Mile
• Love Your Enemies
• Do Good to Please God
• The Model Prayer
• Fasting to Be Seen Only by God
• Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
• The Lamp of the Body
• You Cannot Serve God and Riches
• Do Not Worry
• Do Not Judge
• Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
• The Narrow Way
• You Will Know Them by Their Fruits
• I Never Knew You
• Build on the Rock

There is a TON of content in these three chapters, things that we can all take action on. If we want to change as Christians, we have to be willing to do the internal work that it takes. Oftentimes, we can get stuck in the knowing—and yet not actually digging in and dealing with the things that matter in this life.

In preparation for the Passover, Paul warns us all to really think about who we are on the inside—the person who cannot be hidden from God. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, he gives us good insight: “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.  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.”

To examine ourselves and to take action on those things that are wrong is the ticket. We all fall short in some areas. That is why we are admonished to examine—to seek them out. God is willing and fast to forgive our sins when we see a sin and repent of it. When we are in this mindset of seeking out how to build better on the rock—how to fortify and make ourselves stronger—we will be making good changes in our lives.

by Norbert Link

We report on the war in Ukraine; Germany’s attempts to create better relationships with India; the fear of a Russian attack on Poland; the “end of the American Empire”; America’s “endless wars”; corruption in Ukraine; the “most dangerous time in history”; the ongoing battle between Fox and Donald Trump; and the ill-preparedness of the German Army.

Please view in this regard our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Prophecies for Russia, Ukraine, Germany, the USA and NATO!”

We continue with the erroneous concept that peace can be achieved through war; and the suggestion that NATO should and will be disbanded.

We speak on new controversies between Israel and the EU; continuing earthquakes in the Middle East; fake news regarding the Ohio  train derailment and serious health issues by locals; as well as the devastating pollution of fish in Michigan and throughout the USA.

We speak on a new “Brexit Deal”; address the Woke nonsense; the future of “Queen Consort” Camilla; the “uselessness” of masks in the fight against Covid; the still-disputed origin of Covid and the censorship of the mass media in this regard; the requirement of testing; and some funny and not so funny remarks of Actor Woody Harrelson regarding vaccine mandates and Big Pharma.

We report on changes in Medicaid; the double tax for Social Security recipients; the pope’s correct assessment that the Devil divides; and new “discoveries” about the creation of the universe; and we conclude with giant hornets in Germany.

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.

Six Countries in Support of Russia

Fox News reported on February 23:

“Six countries sided with Russia during a United Nations General Assembly resolution on Thursday, in which 141 countries voted to end hostilities in Ukraine and for Russia to withdraw its forces. Belarus, North Korea, Syria, Eritrea, Mali and Nicaragua all joined Russia in opposing the declaration…

“The six countries opposing the resolution have developed close military ties with Russia… Countries who abstained during Thursday’s vote included South Africa, China and India.”

Chancellor Scholz is visiting India to win the country over to the Western position. See next article.

Scholz’ Prophecy about India

Bild Online wrote on February 25:

“Germany has little time left, the chancellor thinks. In a few years India will have overtaken us in terms of economic performance. And then, according to the Chancellor’s prophecy, the Indian nation will remember exactly how the Germans behaved when they were even stronger.

“That’s why Olaf Scholz [who is visiting India] wants to use the remaining time to show what will soon be the largest country in the world: We have learned, we take you seriously, no colonial arrogance, but a relationship on an equal footing…

“Despite the brutal attack on Ukraine, India maintains good relations with Russia. In the votes in the United Nations, the Modi government did not condemn the war of aggression, but abstained. Delhi thinks the West’s sanctions against Moscow are wrong.

“India is currently negotiating the purchase of six submarines for almost five billion euros. A business that the German company ThyssenKrupp would like to land. That’s why the Thyssen-Krupp boss Martina Merz (59) was part of the business delegation. The deal should be pushed forward behind closed doors. However, a deal will still take some time, especially since India insists that the submarines should be built in their own country…”

It is very likely that India will be part of the “kings of the East” who will ultimately engage in war with Europe.

The End of the American Empire

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on February 23:

“… if the Polish, Lithuanian, Estonian, Latvian, Dutch, German and Spanish leaders, for example, thought Russia would really be rolling in the tanks after finishing off Ukraine, they would be spending… a lot more than 2.42%, 2.36%, 2.34%, 2.10%, 1.65%, 1.44% and 1.01% of GDP on defense, respectively.

“The fact is, the combined defense budgets of the above seven European nations amount to just $115 billion or 1.60% of their collective GDP. That’s a lot more than Russia spends, of course, but barely 50 days worth of Pentagon extravagance…

“Well, no, fortunately there will be no world war, but only because the impending Russian offensive is set to finish off the Ukrainian army before Washington can effectively respond… In turn, that will mean the end of the American Empire because after Washington’s ignominious retreats from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, the world, like the children in the fable, will be jeering the Naked Empire and its utterly senile leader….”

Are we seeing soon the end of the American Empire? The Bible does prophesy the inevitable fall of the USA prior to Christ’s return.

Attack on Poland’s Border?

Daily Beast wrote on February 24:

“… former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev… on Friday insisted that ‘victory will be achieved’ for Russia. ‘We all want it to happen as soon as possible. And that day will come,’ Medvedev, who is now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, wrote on his Telegram account.

“Alarmingly, Medvedev argued that a deal will eventually have to be negotiated to end the bloodshed, but that such an agreement won’t have ‘fundamental agreements on real borders… To push back the borders that threaten our country as far as possible, even if they are the borders of Poland.’

“Any attack on Poland’s borders would put Russia into direct conflict with NATO. In Poland this week, Joe Biden vowed to ‘defend literally every inch of NATO.’”

IF Poland were to be attacked in any way, it is still doubtful that NATO would respond militarily, with “boots on the ground.” Poland is very well aware of this. It has been the victim of Russian and German aggression several times in the past.

America’s Endless Wars…

 The Rutherford Institute wrote on February 22:

“To hear President Biden talk about the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, you might imagine that Putin is the only dictator bent on expanding his military empire through the use of occupation, aggression and oppression. Yet the United States is no better, having spent much of the past half-century policing the globe, occupying other countries, and waging endless wars.

“What most Americans fail to recognize is that these ongoing wars have little to do with keeping the country safe and everything to do with propping up a military industrial complex that has its sights set on world domination. War has become a huge money-making venture, and the U.S. government, with its vast military empire, is one of its best buyers and sellers…

“Incredibly, America’s military forces aren’t being deployed abroad to protect our freedoms here at home. Rather, they’re being used to guard oil fields, build foreign infrastructure and protect the financial interests of the corporate elite… This is how the military industrial complex, aided and abetted by the likes of Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and others, continues to get rich at taxpayer expense… War spending is bankrupting America…”

Indeed, it may very well bankrupt America.

Corruption in Ukraine

Breitbart wrote on February 24:

“Led by chairman James Comer (R-KY), oversight Republicans sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Administrator Samantha Power voicing concern about granting over $113 billion in aid to Ukraine as issues remain surrounding Ukrainian corruption. These claims came one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired several top Ukrainian officials amid a corruption scandal.

“Ukrainian government officials allegedly engaged in bribery, used government vehicles for personal use, and purchased inflated food supplies for Ukrainian forces. In response, President Zelensky named a new Minister of Defense…

“A recent report from Transparency International found that Ukraine ranked as the second most corrupt country in Europe, losing only to Russia, which ranked first.”

In a related article, Breitbart wrote on February 24:

“Ukraine is not misusing the tens of billions of dollars in direct financial assistance it is receiving courtesy of U.S. taxpayers according to a top Biden administration official. Samantha Power, the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), gave the public affirmation during a CNN live town hall on Thursday evening. Her assurances came just hours ahead of the White House revealing it would give another $2 billion in military aid to Ukraine as its war with Russia officially hits the one-year mark, bringing the total amount of American military assistance to over $30 billion in one year.

“The former Obama administration official further claimed Ukraine has made progress in working to root out corruption while officials are continually checking to ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars are used properly… The U.S. has given more than $100 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the start of the war one year ago even as doubts have been expressed over the potential for corruption.”

Time will tell, and might have an influence on further American and European help.

The Most Dangerous Time in History

Newsmax wrote on February 25:

“As Russia’s so-called ‘special military operation’ enters its second year of full-blown war in Ukraine, former President Donald Trump takes President Joe Biden to task for leading the U.S. ‘into oblivion’ and potentially World War III. ‘This is the most dangerous time in the history of our country,’ Trump wrote Saturday morning…

“‘World War III is looming, like never before, in the very dark and murky background. ‘Leadership’ is solely responsible for this unprecedented danger to the USA, and likewise, the world…’

“Trump’s remarks come as China has become more publicly present on the Russia-Ukraine War, including Xi Jinping potentially meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and back-and-forth with the Biden administration and China on supplying weapons to the front lines…

“When pressed on whether China would be ‘crossing a line’ if Beijing were to provide weapons to Russia, Biden said the United States ‘would respond.’”

Certainly, he would not respond by sending American troops to Ukraine.

Trump vs. Fox

Mediaite wrote on March 1:

“Trump posted on social media Wednesday morning that there is ‘MASSIVE amounts of proof’ that the election was ‘Rigged & Stolen’ before taunting [Fox News and Fox Corporation chairman Rupert] Murdoch and Fox News as ‘MAGA Hating Globalist RINOS’ and telling them that they ‘should get out of the News Business as soon as possible.’

“‘They are aiding & abetting the DESTRUCTION OF AMERICA with FAKE NEWS,’ he added… Trump wrote: ‘Certain BRAVE & PATRIOTIC FoxNews Hosts, who he scorns and ridicules, got it right. He got it wrong. THEY SHOULD BE ADMIRED & PRAISED, NOT REBUKED & FORSAKEN!!!’”

This battle won’t end any time soon.

Scholz: We Have a Strong Army

Bild Online published on February 23 an interview with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, where he said the following:

“No one need to fear. We are protected by a strong Bundeswehr and strong allies… Defense Minister Guttenberg suspended conscription twelve years ago. The Bundeswehr was converted into a professional army. Therefore, the return to conscription makes no sense. Linked to this is the question of compulsory service…

“As a member of the Bundestag, I have sent the Bundeswehr on many missions – it would be illogical if I were still critical of military service today…

“At the end of the war there will be peace negotiations, as President Selensky always says… For me, the [Russian] tanks are part of a memorial [in Berlin] that rightly honors the use of Soviet troops in the fight against the Nazis.”

The Bundeswehr is in terrible shape, as we have been reporting in our Current Events. To say that it is strong is illusional. Note the next article.

German Army Ill-Prepared

Deutsche Welle wrote on February 26:

“Germany would have to spend more money on its armed forces if it wants it fully equipped, army chief Lieutenant General Alfons Mais said on Sunday… Mais, caused a stir last year when he criticized what he described as years of neglect in the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr…

“His sentiments were echoed in a separate interview the head of the independent Armed Forces Association… Colonel Andre Wüstner, did with Bild am Sonntag. He told the mass-market weekly paper there has been ‘no noticeable improvement’ for soldiers…

“He warned that none of the military hardware supplied to Ukraine had been replaced and that means the operational readiness of parts of the military, such as [its] artillery, ‘continues to decline.’

“Opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union… said it was unacceptable that ‘practically no orders’ had yet been placed, particularly for ammunition.”

Under a new German leadership, all of this will change.

Peace Through War?

Bild Online published the following editorial on February 25:

“Between February 23rd and 24th there is a rift in history. The night Russia launched a murderous war of aggression. Brute force against civilization…

“Then the West flexed its muscles! The US and Britain stood by, first and boldly. France, Germany and others came (too) late. But now everyone is delivering arms, helping Ukraine… Can arms really bring peace? Yes, in this case it is like that….”

But Jesus said: Whoever takes the sword will perish by the sword…

The German Left Against NATO

dpa wrote on February 25:

“Even in view of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Left Party leader Janine Wissler is maintaining her party’s call for the dissolution of NATO.

“‘Our criticism of NATO is not obsolete because Russia is waging a war that violates international law,’ Wissler told the newspapers of the Funke media group. ‘We want to replace NATO with a collective security system. That applies unchanged. Stable international security can only be guaranteed when all important states are integrated into a common security system.’

“‘NATO is anything but a guarantor of security and stability in this world,’ Wissler criticized. She accused the alliance itself of having waged wars in violation of international law – ‘in Afghanistan or in the Balkans’. And the eastward expansion of NATO is part of ‘the prehistory of the Ukraine war’. When asked whether she blamed NATO for the Ukraine war, the Left Chairwoman denied. ‘I think the eastward expansion of NATO was a mistake. But it is no justification for invading Ukraine and bombing cities.’

‘Wissler called for a special program to take in Russian deserters in Germany. ‘I call on Russian soldiers to refuse armed service,’ she said. ‘We are committed to having Russian deserters accepted in Germany – in a special program that goes beyond the asylum procedure.’’

NATO might very well fall apart. Note the next article.

NATO Will Fall Apart

Uncut News wrote on February 24:

“If Ukraine joins NATO, Russia could be attacked directly. Russia will not allow that, said retired [American] Colonel Douglas Macgregor… The Russians had no choice but to fight to the end, he added.

“Macgregor believes that there are few Europeans who want to fight in this war or who are waiting for conscription to be introduced. ‘Russia will fight to the bitter end, to the Polish border,’ predicts the colonel. ‘And if we keep fighting from Poland, Poland will become part of the war.’ ‘It’s a catastrophe for NATO,’ he stressed. ‘NATO will not survive this and will fall apart. This is already happening behind the scenes. And Germany is right in the middle. The Germans, like most other Europeans, are absolutely not waiting for a war with Russia.’

“Previously, Macgregor said that sending tanks to Ukraine makes absolutely no sense. ‘First you have to transport them over a distance of many hundreds of kilometers. Then, when they arrive at the front, they have to be serviced, you need spare parts and the parts have to be repaired in Poland or Germany…’”

NATO is already falling apart behind the scenes?

Israel Bars EU Parliament Member From Entering the Country

JTA wrote on February 22:

“A member of the European Parliament was turned around at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and sent back to her native Spain after attempting to enter Israel on a diplomatic mission to the Palestinian Authority.

“Israeli officials cited the fact that the politician Ana Miranda, who represents the Galicia region, participated in a 2015 flotilla that attempted to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. Israeli law prohibits supporters of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement from entering the country, and U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar were barred from visiting in 2019…

“Miranda, a member of the Greens/European Free Alliance group, was part of a delegation of eight EU lawmakers. Some had planned to visit Israel, while others planned to visit the West Bank… ‘Respect for all elected MEPs and the European Parliament is essential for good EU-Israel relations,’ Nabila Massrali, the European Commission’s spokesperson for foreign affairs, told Politico. ‘This decision is deeply disappointing.’”

The Algemeiner added on February 24:

“Ana Miranda… was detained for six hours at Ben-Gurion International Airport and then returned on the first flight back to Madrid.

“… emails obtained from Miranda dated Feb. 2 and Feb. 14. between the European External Action Service (the E.U.’s diplomatic service) in Israel and the Foreign Ministry show that Miranda was initially given permission to enter the country. The emails show that the Foreign Ministry did deny a different proposed member of the delegation, MEP Manu Pineda, the president of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Palestine, entry to Israel. However, they did not mention Miranda…

“The refusal of entry to Miranda has brought a wave of condemnation from representatives of the European Union and Spain. Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, wrote on Twitter that she was ‘deeply disappointed’ by the incident and ‘will be contacting Israel’s authorities to clarify what happened.’ Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares condemned Miranda’s deportation and said that Madrid would ‘request explanations from the Israeli authorities.’”

It looks like, Israel botched up this one.

Earthquakes Continue to Strike the Middle East

Israel 365 News wrote on February 24:

“Last month an earthquake on the border of Syria and Turkey killed over [50,000 people, according to Deutsche Welle of February 25]. Since that catastrophic event, almost 8,000 aftershocks have shaken the region, many felt in Israel…

“A 4.5 magnitude earthquake centered off the coast of Lebanon was felt in Israel on Wednesday morning marking the second time this week that Israel was shaken… This follows a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that hit the Turkey-Syrian border region on Monday. That earthquake was also felt in Israel…

“7,930 aftershocks have shaken the region since the first devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake on February 6. More than 600,000 apartments and 150,000 commercial premises had suffered at least moderate damage… Many of the aftershocks were felt in Israel.”

Deutsche Welle reported on February 25:

“A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Central Turkey [in the province of Nidge] on Saturday… Nidge is some 350 kilometers (217 miles) west of the Turkish-Syrian border region that was struck by two major earthquakes on February 6… Meanwhile, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said his city, which sits close to a major fault line, needs an urgent urbanization program worth ‘around $30 billion to $40 billion’ to prepare for an anticipated major quake.”

Deutsche Welle reported on February 27:

“Southeastern Turkey was hit by yet another deadly earthquake on Monday… It’s the fourth major earthquake to hit the region in three weeks…”

Israel Today wrote on February 23:

“… experts agree that it is only a matter of time before a strong earthquake shakes the area [of Israel]. They also agree that we are not prepared well enough… Today there are about 800,000 housing units that are in danger [of collapsing]… in case of earthquakes or missile attacks…”

Earthquakes will continue to strike the Middle East.

Fake Claim of Trump’s Responsibility in Ohio Train Derailment

The Washington Free Beacon wrote on February 23:

“The Biden administration claims the derailment would have never occurred had the Trump administration not scrapped rules that would have required new electric braking technology on trains carrying large quantities of hazardous materials. But the Biden administration has thus far failed to reinstate those rules, which would not have applied to the derailed train, anyway…

“National Transportation Safety Board chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, who was appointed by Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate, said the rule wouldn’t have applied to the Norfolk Southern train that derailed in East Palestine on Feb. 3.

“‘PLEASE STOP SPREADING MISINFORMATION,’ Homendy pleaded in a Feb. 16 tweet thread. ‘Some are saying the ECP (electronically controlled pneumatic) brake rule, if implemented, would’ve prevented this derailment. FALSE—here’s why,’ Homendy wrote. ‘The ECP braking rule would’ve applied ONLY to HIGH HAZARD FLAMMABLE TRAINS. The train that derailed in East Palestine was a MIXED FREIGHT TRAIN containing only 3 placarded Class 3 flammable liquids cars.’ ‘This means even if the rule had gone into effect, this train wouldn’t have had ECP brakes,’ she concluded….”

The Washington Free Beacon gave the Biden Administration “four Clintons” for their claim. The New York Times recently reported as well that the derailment had nothing to do with Trump’s scrapping electronic braking regulations.

Locals Face Serious Health Issues

The New York Post wrote on February 25:

“Locals are frustrated and furious over what they say has been a lack of real information and help from both local officials and the Biden Administration… Many of them are facing health issues from the chemical fire as well as the psychic toll of their town becoming, in the words of a scientist visiting the area Thursday, the new ‘Love Canal’—a reference to the Niagara Falls, NY, neighborhood that became a hotbed issue in 1978 because people were getting sick from living above a contaminated waste dump…

“Evacuation orders were lifted on February 8, but many locals say they got unexplained rashes and sore throats when they returned home… An independent analysis by Texas A&M University of Environmental Protection Agency data, released Friday, found nine air pollutants at levels that could raise long-term health concerns in and around East Palestine, apparently contradicting statements by state and federal regulators that the air there is safe…

“A class action suit… alleges that Norfolk Southern went rogue when it decided to blow up five train cars containing deadly vinyl chloride three days after the derailment, effectively poisoning the town and nearby region. About 1.1 million pounds of toxic vinyl chloride were spilled and later burned, sending thick, black plumes of smoke into the air and contaminating soil and water sources, the suit claims…. ‘Norfolk Southern discharged more vinyl chloride into a small area in eastern Ohio in a day than the entire industries combined of America discharge in a year.’”

This conduct was truly irresponsible and totally incompetent.

All Michigan Fish Polluted

The Guardian wrote on February 24:

“All fish caught in Michigan rivers and tested for toxic PFAS contained the chemicals – and at levels that present a health risk for anyone eating them… PFAS are a class of about 12,000 compounds used to make products resistant to water, stains and heat. They are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not naturally break down, and they have been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, liver and kidney disease, fetal complications and other serious health problems in humans.

“The chemicals are thought to be polluting drinking water for more than 200 million people, and the study is the second this year to suggest widespread contamination of freshwater US fish…”

Frightening!

A New Brexit Deal Reached?

BBC News reported on February 27:

“A new Brexit deal… was reached and announced by the UK and EU, concerning trade arrangements in Northern Ireland. The Windsor Framework will effectively replace the Northern Ireland Protocol which led to major disagreements between the UK and EU.

“PM Rishi Sunak says the deal ‘permanently removes any sense of a border in the Irish Sea.’ Sir Keir Starmer says Labour will back the deal, which he says will improve the UK’s international standing. [Belfast’s] Democratic Unionist Party [DUP] leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says the deal secures ‘significant progress’ but concerns remain. Earlier, Sunak and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen hailed a ‘decisive breakthrough’ at a joint news conference. Sunak said the NI Assembly would be able to stop some EU laws on goods applying by using what he called a ‘Stormont Brake.’ But Von der Leyen stressed this was an ‘emergency mechanism’ and the European Court of Justice would have the final say on single market issues.”

Deutsche Welle added on February 27:

“Both sides insist the agreement marks a ‘new chapter’ in EU-UK relations — but in Belfast, the jury’s still out… Great Britain encompasses England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom comprises Great Britain and Northern Ireland…

“Brussels’ red line remains intact: Von der Leyen said the EU’s top court would have the ‘final say’ on EU laws applying in Northern Ireland. Observers believe that this will prove unpopular with some in Belfast who want an end to EU jurisdiction…  the story doesn’t end here with a neat happy ending…

“All eyes are now on Belfast to see what the… DUP makes of the deal… If the deadlock doesn’t end, critics will likely cast the new deal as a failure.

“Sunak said the UK parliament would vote on the proposals but gave no date, stressing that ‘time and care’ would be needed as parties digest the deal. EU ratification will also be needed…”

We will have to wait and see.

Dahl’s Original Books to Be Released After Backlash

Newsmax wrote on February 24:

“Publisher Puffin UK announced Friday it would release the original versions of Roald Dahl’s children’s books to keep the ‘classic texts in print’ following a wave of criticism over their re-editing for a modern audience…

“The criticism came amid a growing trend for publishers to employ so-called ‘sensitivity readers’ who work alongside editors to identify references to gender, race, weight, violence or mental health that might offend readers…

“Queen Consort Camilla even appeared to weigh in, telling members of her online book club to ‘please remain true to your calling, unimpeded by those who may wish to curb the freedom of your expression or impose limits on your imagination.’…

“Laura Hackett, deputy literary editor of The Sunday Times newspaper, called the changes ‘botched surgery’…”

But this Woke nonsense will not stop…

Camilla—Queen Consort or Queen?

The New York Post wrote on February 25:

“Queen Consort Camilla is reportedly getting a title change that appears to go against the wishes of her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II. The change in title will likely come after the May coronation of King Charles III, the Daily Mail reported Saturday, citing unnamed sources… ‘And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service,’ the queen wrote…

“‘There’s a view in the Palace that Queen Consort is cumbersome and it might be simpler for Camilla to be known just as the Queen when the time is right,’ a source told the Daily Mail. Charles and Camilla will be crowned together on May 6 at Westminster Abbey…”

Masks Totally Useless at Stopping Covid

Life Site News wrote on February 23:

“An opinion piece was published in The New York Times on Tuesday called ‘The Mask Mandates Did Nothing. Will Any Lessons Be Learned?’ giving yet another example of how even the Left is waking up to the nonsense of the COVID restrictions…

“It only took three years for the mainstream media to admit what was known by ‘conspiracy theorists’ in March 2020. This sort of statement would have gotten you banned from YouTube until about 15 minutes ago, but apparently, it is now permitted at the Times.”

The censorship by the mass media has been appalling.

Origin of Covid—Still Disputed

Breitbart wrote on February 26:

“The coronavirus pandemic most likely began with a laboratory leak,  a U.S. Energy Department classified intelligence report now before the White House and key Congress members sets out. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday the Energy Department’s revised assessment of the pandemic’s origins is based on fresh intelligence noted in an update to a 2021 document by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines’s office.

“The WSJ further states while the investigation is ongoing, more authorities are coming to the lab leak hypothesis however there is as yet no unanimous decision: ‘The new report highlights how different parts of the intelligence community have arrived at disparate judgments about the pandemic’s origin. The Energy Department now joins the Federal Bureau of Investigation in saying the virus likely spread via a mishap at a Chinese laboratory.

“‘Four other agencies, along with a national intelligence panel, still judge that it was likely the result of a natural transmission [via a bat], and two are undecided.’

“The report goes on to say the Energy Department made its judgment with ‘low confidence,’ according to people who have read the classified report, however it does align with previous speculation about the exact origin of the virus…”

Of course, China is in no way helping with the investigation.

Origin of Covid and Appalling Media Censorship

Breitbart wrote on March 1:

“During an interview with the Fox News Channel released on Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray [stated] that the agency has, ‘for quite some time now, assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan.’”

Whether the lab theory will be proven to be right or not, the following article shows the real problem with how this entire matter was mishandled by the mass media, “academics” and the Biden Administration.

Law Professor Jonathan Turley wrote on February 28:

“… the most alarming aspect was the censorship, not the science… For years, the media and government allied to treat anyone raising a lab theory as one of three possibilities: conspiracy theorist or racists or racist conspiracy theorists. Academics joined this chorus in marginalizing anyone raising the theory…  As late as May 2021,  the New York Times’ Science and Health reporter Apoorva Mandavilli was calling any mention of the lab theory as ‘racist.’…

“We were also supposed to forget about massive payments from the Chinese government to American universities and grants of some of these writers to both Chinese interests or even the specific Wuhan lab. No reference to the lab theory was to be tolerated...  President Joe Biden accused Trump of fanning racism in his criticism of the Chinese government over the pandemic and his Administration reportedly shutdown the State Department investigation into the possible lab origins of the virus…

“None of this has diminished demands for more censorship. Even after Twitter admitted that it wrongly blocked The New York Post story before the 2020 election, Democratic senators responded by warning the company not to cut back on censorship and even demanded more censorship…

“By suppressing alternative scientific and policy views, the public was denied a full debate over mask efficacy, vaccine side effects, COVID origins and other important issues… Censorship does not, as President Biden claims, save lives. It is more likely to cost lives… It does not foster the truth any more than it fosters free speech. Whatever the origin of COVID-19 may be in China, the origins of our censorship scandal is closer to home.”

Censorship in the USA by the media and the government has reached appalling dimensions. It reminds us of the praxis of totalitarian and autocratic countries. People who questioned the official “narrative” by the mass media, the government and certain “academics” became the victims of bitter and accusatory enemies. No wonder God is terribly upset with America.

Testing for Covid?

The New York Post wrote on March 1:

“Megyn Kelly had little sympathy for her onetime colleague Savannah Guthrie, who had to leave her co-hosting duties on NBC’s ‘Today’ show on Tuesday after testing positive for COVID-19 during the morning broadcast. ‘This is reportedly Savannah’s third bout of COVID and I guarantee you she’s had all the vaccines and the boosters because you won’t be able to go into 30 Rock without them,’ Kelly… said… ‘All of it is such a perfect indication of how the left — and especially the left in New York — continues to live.’

“Kelly seemed bewildered at the fact that there are still people who test for COVID-19. ‘I mean, at this point, seriously? … ‘Is anyone still even testing for COVID?’ she said. ‘It’s amazing to me. These guys are leftists and it’s amazing to me to see how the leftists still live under the grip of COVID …’ She added: ‘I don’t test for COVID anymore. Who’s testing for COVID still?’”

Disneyland still “recommends” to be tested before entering the park, and the audience of “America’s Got Talent” is still “required” to be tested. Foreign tourists wanting to visit the USA still have to be vaccinated, let alone tested. Even assuming, without in any way agreeing or admitting that this requirement was meaningful at one time, it is most certainly not today, but it seems like the Biden Administration and many of their supporters are frozen in time and living in the past.  

Actor Woody Harrelson, Vaccine Mandates and Big Pharma

Breitbart wrote on February 26:

“Actor Woody Harrelson has come under fire for making a joke about coronavirus vaccine mandates during his monologue as host of Saturday Night Live, in which he compared pharmaceutical companies to drug cartels. Harrelson, taking on SNL duties this week for the fifth time in his career, told a parable about the ‘craziest script’ he has ever read.

“‘So the movie goes like this,’ Harrelson said. ‘The biggest drug cartels in the world get together and buy up all the media and all the politicians and force all the people in the world to stay locked in their homes. And people can only come out if they take the cartel’s drugs and keep taking them over and over,’ [he] added. ‘I threw the script away. I mean, who was going to believe that crazy idea?…’

“Harrelson was quickly attacked on social media and by various entertainment news outlets… Others, however, applauded Harrelson for publicly accusing the media of ‘being owned by the Big Pharma Drug Cartel.’…

“This is not the first time the… star has shared his distrust in big pharma. ‘Think of the billions of dollars that have gone to big pharma,’ Harrelson said in a previous interview with Bill Maher. ‘The last people I would trust with my health is big pharma and big government, because neither one of those strike me as caring entities… They’re all about profit,’ he added.”

Funny… or is it?

Changes in Medicaid

The Associated Press wrote on February 26:

“If you get health care coverage through Medicaid, you might be at risk of losing that coverage over the next year. Roughly 84 million people are covered by the government-sponsored program, which has grown by 20 million people since January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But as states begin checking everyone’s eligibility for Medicaid for the first time in three years, as many as 14 million people could lose access to that health care coverage…

“At the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government prohibited states from kicking people off Medicaid, even if they were no longer eligible. Before the pandemic, people would regularly lose their Medicaid coverage if they started making too much money to qualify for the program, gained health care coverage through their employer or moved into a new state.…

“Over the next year, states will be required to start checking the eligibility again of every person who is on Medicaid. People will have to fill out forms to verify their personal information, including address, income and household size… some states are moving faster than others to check eligibility. Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma and West Virginia are among the states that will begin removing ineligible Medicaid recipients as early as April. Other states will start taking that step in May, June or July…

“States will mail a renewal form to your home. The federal government also requires states to contact you in another way -– by phone, text message or email –- to remind you to fill out the form… You will have at least 30 days to fill out the form. If you do not fill out the form, states will be able to remove you from Medicaid…

“Many people who will no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage can turn to the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace for coverage, where they’ll find health care coverage options that may cost less than $10 a month. But the coverage available on the marketplace will still be vastly different from what’s offered through Medicaid. Out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays are often higher. Also, people will need to check if the insurance plans offered through the marketplace will still cover their doctors.

“A special enrollment period will open for people who are unenrolled from Medicaid that will start on March 31 and last through July 31, 2024. People who lose Medicaid coverage will have up to 60 days to enroll after losing coverage…

“More than half of U.S. children receive health care coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Even if you receive a notice that you’re no longer eligible for Medicaid, it’s likely that your child still qualifies for the program or for health care coverage through CHIP, which covers children whose families make too much money qualify for Medicaid but don’t earn enough to afford private health insurance. Between 80% and 90% percent of children will still be eligible for those programs… ‘When a parent receives a message that they aren’t eligible anymore, they often assume their child is no longer eligible either,’ said Joan Alker, the center’s executive director. ‘It’s more common to find that the parent is no longer eligible for Medicaid, but the child still is.’”

These figures are astounding. More than half of U.S. children are covered through Medicaid or the CHIP?

Paying Double Tax on Social Security

Newsmax wrote on February 27, 2023:

“More than half of Social Security recipients pay, or soon will, taxes on their benefits, and that number will only increase… ‘Every year, millions of seniors become eligible for either Social Security or tier I railroad retirement benefits,’ Bob Carlstrom, Association of Mature American Citizens founder and president, said. ‘After working for decades, paying taxes on their hard-earned income to fund these federal programs, some seniors are forced to pay income tax on the benefits they receive from the federal government,’ he added.

“Before 1984, seniors’ Social Security was exempt from federal taxation, but a law that year changed the rules, making any individual who has an income of up to $34,000 eligible to pay taxes on up to 50% of their benefits. And those making over $34,000 have to pay taxes of up to 85% of their benefits. For married couples, a Social Security benefits tax of up to 85% hits automatically when a joint return shows $44,000 or more in income… most beneficiaries are now paying a significant amount of retirement income in the form of taxes.

“Critics of the law say retirees are paying a double tax, and thresholds for income were established in 1984, updated in 1993, but never indexed for inflation. ‘Taxing benefits which were created from already taxed funds is nonsensical and curtails retirement benefits seniors have been promised. Seniors deserve to reap the full benefits of their hard work from career-long contributions to Social Security and the Railroad Retirement Plan,’ Carlstrom said…

“In 2022, Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., introduced the ‘You Earned It, You Keep It Act,’ which would eliminate federal taxes on Social Security. And Republicans led by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have introduced a similar bill… the ‘Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act,’ which assists middle-class seniors by eliminating the unjust double-tax on Social Security benefits.

“With Republicans now holding the House majority, Massie ‘is likely to reintroduce the legislation in the 118th Congress,’ spokesman John Kennedy told Newsmax. The bill, originally introduced in 2003 by Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, has been reintroduced by Massie in each Congress since he took office in 2012. ‘Although seniors have already paid tax on their Social Security contributions via the payroll tax, they are still required to list these benefits as taxable income on their tax returns,’ Rep. Massie said…  The Republican bill — which died in the last Congress — had 28 co-sponsors, all Republican…

“At least a dozen states also tax Social Security income, but four states are considering eliminating such levies: Kansas, Minnesota, Kansas, and Utah.”

The Bible says that a government imposing heavy taxes on the people ruins and destroys a country.

The Devil Divides

Breitbart wrote on February 26:

“Pope Francis… reminded pilgrims that ‘devil’ means ‘one who divides,’ and that Satan always seeks to separate people from God. Recalling Jesus’ temptations in the desert, the pope noted that the devil tries ‘to divide Jesus from the Father… ‘attachment to material things, distrust and the thirst for power are three widespread and dangerous temptations, which the devil uses to divide us from the Father…’

“The pope went on to stress that Jesus defeats these temptations by ‘avoiding discussion with the devil and answering with the Word of God.’… Jesus ‘never enters into dialogue with the devil, he does not negotiate with him, but he repels his insinuations with the beneficent Words of the Scripture,’ he stated… ‘We defeat the devil by countering him in faith with the divine Word.’”

These statements are correct. We must resist the devil—not trying to talk to him or to demons – and Satan will flee from us, when we submit to God.

Another Nail Into the Coffin of the Evolution Fairy Tale

 The Associated Press wrote on February 22:

“Astronomers have discovered what appear to be massive galaxies dating back to within 600 million years of the Big Bang, suggesting the early universe may have had a stellar fast-track that produced these ‘monsters.’ While the new James Webb Space Telescope has spotted even older galaxies, dating to within a mere 300 million years of the beginning of the universe, it’s the size and maturity of these six apparent mega-galaxies that stun scientists…

“Lead researcher Ivo Labbe of Australia’s Swinburne University of Technology and his team expected to find little baby galaxies this close to the dawn of the universe — not these whoppers. ‘While most galaxies in this era are still small and only gradually growing larger over time,’ he said in an email, ‘there are a few monsters that fast-track to maturity. Why this is the case or how this would work is unknown.’ Each of the six objects looks to weigh billions of times more than our sun. In one of them, the total weight of all its stars may be as much as 100 billion times greater than our sun… Yet these galaxies are believed to be extremely compact, squeezing in as many stars as our own Milky Way, but in a relatively tiny slice of space…

“The Pennsylvania State University’s Joel Leja, who took part in the study, calls them ‘universe breakers.’ ‘The revelation that massive galaxy formation began extremely early in the history of the universe upends what many of us had thought was settled science,’ Leja said in a statement. “It turns out we found something so unexpected it actually creates problems for science. It calls the whole picture of early galaxy formation into question.’…

“Scientists hope to eventually observe the first stars and galaxies formed following the creation of the universe 13.8 billion years ago…”

Even though much of what is presented in the article is nonsense, it is interesting that they talk about the “creation of the universe.” A creation presupposes and necessitates a Creator!

Giant Hornets in Germany

MSN wrote on February 24:

“Currently, beekeepers in Germany are complaining about large losses of entire bee colonies. This is said to be due to a special species of hornet that has spread rapidly across Germany in recent years. It is the Asian giant hornet that honey bee colonies are now suffering from. Along with pears, apples and grapes, wasps, bumblebees, wild bees and honey bees are part of the diet of the invasive species. The ‘Vespa velutina’, which is actually based in China, probably came to Europe via transport routes…

“Each spring, the hornets build a primary nest on trees at about eye level. But that’s not all: They set up a second nest a little higher on the same tree, which is about the size of a football. Such a nest can accommodate up to 5000 Vespa velutina, with several hundred queens.

“According to the chairman of the Rhineland-Palatinate Beekeepers’ Association, Thomas Hock, the insect is able to fly like a dragonfly and thus besiege the entrance holes of beehives. He adds: ‘It can be so massive that bees can no longer leave the hive.’…

“The sting of a single hornet is painful, but still harmless… But a hornet rarely comes alone: ​​If several animals sting a person at the same time, it can be fatal…”

Even one sting can be fatal for those who are allergic to stings from bees, wasps and hornets. God said He would use hornets to defeat His enemies…

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

In our Update #756, dated October 7, 2016, the Q&A was entitled, “What Does the Bible Say About the Transgender Debate?” In over 6 years since that Q&A was first published, there has been, inevitably, more “progress” on this distressing situation.

We have recently published a 3-part series, entitled “Discrimination is a big issue today. How do you view this?” https://www.eternalgod.org/discrimination-is-a-big-issue-today-how-do-you-view-this-part-1/; https://www.eternalgod.org/discrimination-is-a-big-issue-today-how-do-you-view-this-part-2/ ; and https://www.eternalgod.org/discrimination-is-a-big-issue-today-how-do-you-view-this-part-3/ .

We will now review this situation on transgenderism,  as it is a constituent part of the overall racial discrimination discussion and package.

The Daily Mail published on 23^rd January 2023 an article by psychologist Dr Max Blumberg, entitled, “13 reasons why people DON’T want to get married anymore – and why staying single makes you happier.” In this long article, he stated that “2021 was the first year that more children were born out of wedlock than in it: that marriage rates have also been steadily declining since the 1970s and claimed that marriage has little value anymore and often comes with costs.” It is against this relentless backdrop of negativity about that which God ordained (marriage between a man and a woman only) that other forms of relationship seem to blossom.

Today, in 2023, it seems that any relationship is acceptable as long as it appears to make people happy.  But quite frequently, the very opposite is the case with distress, unhappiness and mental problems, often being the result of ungodly relationships.  Transgenderism is but one of them which has caused much anxiety and anger.  This is hardly surprising as it promotes a lifestyle which God has prohibited.

Scotland’s former first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who recently resigned her position, had been at loggerheads with the government in Westminster over her proposal to allow lowering the age at which people can change their legal gender from 18 to 16.

The website cityam.com reported the following on 23^rd January 2023:

“The Scottish government’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which the Holyrood parliament passed just before Christmas, had always promised to be controversial. Essentially, the bill would make it easier to obtain a gender recognition certificate in Scotland, lowering the age at which people can change their legal gender from 18 to 16, removing the requirement of a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria and reducing the waiting time from two years to six months of living in an acquired gender.

“Last week, the Secretary for Scotland, Alister Jack, announced that he would invoke section 35 of the Scotland Act to deny the bill Royal Assent. This provision can block the passage of a legally competent bill if the UK government believes it would affect matters of reserved competence, in this case the Equality Act 2010. This is the first time that section 35 has been used, though it has been a provision of the devolution settlement for a quarter of a century.”

Why a mature woman and the rest of her party (the Scottish National Party) would want to become embroiled in such an argument is a moot point, but the outrage at it has been reported widely, and this may have been the final straw in her resignation. 

Again in January 2023, a report said that Police were investigating after a sign threatening to “decapitate TERFs” [which stands for “trans-exclusionary radical feminist”] was displayed at a demonstration in Glasgow as author JK Rowling mocked the “temporary blindness” of SNP (Scottish National Politicians) who posed near the banner. The author has previously described Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as a “destroyer of women’s rights.”

The vast majority of protesters held signs with peaceful phrases such as “respect democracy” and “Trans rights are human rights.”  One protester tweeted: “That’s a horrific sign, and it wasn’t there when I joined the demo.” “Violent hateful language, of any kind, is unacceptable and has no place in the peaceful movement for LGBT equality and democracy.”  This shows, quite clearly, how this issue has become part of the overall discrimination package which we have looked at closely in previous Q&As.

One protester at the rally held a sign comparing the Section 35 legislation to the Section 28 legislation, which banned the “promotion” of homosexuality. Section 28 in the UK was implemented by Margaret Thatcher when she was Prime Minister (1979-91) which banned the promotion of homosexuality in schools.  Of course, in our permissive society, this was overturned and the homosexual lobby and lifestyle have gone from strength to strength since then. Such measures to prevent the young from the indoctrination of the homosexual lobby were overturned, and not for the better of society.

And this ongoing saga with the transgendered is not limited to the UK. The American Washington Examiner published an article in April of 2022 with the headline, “Even the Left is beginning to admit it has pushed transgenderism too far.” Of course, pushing it at all is simply wrong in the eyes of God. We quote from the article as follows:

“Transgender orthodoxy has moved so far past the bounds of sanity that any attempt to question its effects is quickly discouraged and punished. We are expected to shut up and accept that public schools are passing policies to keep students’ gender identity transitions from parents, that medical professionals can file to remove children from their parents’ custody if parents oppose physical and chemical transition efforts, that a young man competed on a women’s swimming team and took home a women’s championship title, and that a man who claimed to identify as a woman was allowed into a women’s prison where he impregnated two of his fellow prisoners.

“None of this is normal or even remotely defensible, and everyone, including many on the Left, know it.

“Few on the Left, however, are willing to say so out loud, in large part because their peers have made it impossible. Break from the transgender narrative in any way, and accusations of bigotry and violence will be thrown at you relentlessly. Just look at the abundant invectives hurled at Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, for example.

“Still, there are some, such as Rowling, who are beginning to admit that transgenderism has gone too far. Rowling and other liberal feminists recognize that the concept of ‘gender identity’ is a serious threat to women’s rights, especially the right to privacy and equal opportunity. Gay and lesbian activists realise that pushing effeminate boys or tomboyish girls toward transgenderism could create even more confusion and anxiety in youths who are struggling not with their actual gender but with their sexuality — two very different things.

“And healthcare professionals who are now being encouraged by the Biden administration to alter the bodies physically and chemically of gender-confused minors are starting to raise concerns about the permanence of such drastic interventions and ask whether there is any data to back them up at all.

“It is not a coincidence that the number of young adults who identify as transgender has increased more than twentyfold over the past several years as transgenderism has become more mainstream. What was once a rare mental affliction — gender dysphoria — is now being sold as a solution to any number of common emotional and social anxieties. The result has been a massive surge in transgender-identifying youths, the vast majority of whom, if given enough time, would snap out of it on their own.”

A further article appeared on the website askdrbrown.org: “The transgender revolution is oppressive, irrational, unhealthy, extreme, dangerous, unnatural and an attack on children. As the Daily Mail asked ‘Are children as young as 11 really capable of making life-changing decisions about their gender? We are playing with fire here, and there will likely be many, many casualties before we wake up.’”

The website thegospelcoalition.com contains further insights: “As much as contemporary academia says otherwise, the Bible believes in the organic unity of biological sex and gender identity. This is why male and female are (uniquely) the type of pair that can reproduce (Gen. 1:28; 2:20). It’s why homosexuality—a man lying with a man as with a woman (Lev. 18:22)—is wrong. It’s why the apostle Paul can speak of homosexual partnerships as deviating from the natural relations or natural function of male-female sexual intercourse (Rom. 1:26-27). In each instance, the argument only works if there is an assumed equivalence between the biology of sexual difference and the corresponding identities of male and female.

“If the binary of male and female is God’s idea, and if we are meant to embrace, by divine design, our biological and creational difference as men and women, then it stands to reason that the confusion of these realities would be displeasing to God. And so we see clearly in the Bible that men should not act sexually as women (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-10), that men should not dress like women (Deut. 22:5), and that when men and women embrace obviously other-gendered expressions of identity it is a disgrace (1 Cor. 11:14-15). We do not have an inalienable right to do whatever we want with our physical selves. We belong to God and should glorify him with our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20).”

Another commentator writes as follows: “However, just because something might have a biological cause does not mean embracing the effects is the right thing to do. Some people are wired with a sexuality on hyper-drive. That does not make it right for them to engage in sexual immorality. It is scientifically proven that some psychopaths/sociopaths have brains with severely weakened impulse-control mechanisms. That does not make it right for them to engage in every deviant behaviour that crosses their minds. No matter if the gender distortion has a genetic, hormonal, physiological, psychological, or spiritual cause, it can be overcome and healed through faith in Christ and continued reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. There is hope for everyone, transsexuals, transgenders, those with gender identity disorder, and transvestites included, because of God’s forgiveness available in Jesus Christ.”

We would question that the “gender distortion” has a “genetic, hormonal or psychological cause,” as the author erroneously assumes, rather than a choice, but whatever the cause, the point is that transgenderism can be overcome.

This fits right in with 2 Peter 3:9 which reads: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

As a final comment in this Q&A, we quote the numbers of the LGBT+ movement as Gallup reported in 2022: “The percentage of U.S. adults who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or something other than heterosexual has increased to a new high of 7.1%, which is double the percentage from 2012, when Gallup first measured it.

“Gallup asks Americans whether they personally identify as straight or heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender as part of the demographic information it collects on all U.S. telephone surveys. Respondents can also volunteer any other sexual orientation or gender identity they prefer. In addition to the 7.1% of U.S. adults who consider themselves to be an LGBT identity, 86.3% say they are straight or heterosexual, and 6.6% do not offer an opinion.”

It is interesting to see how the 7.1% have a demonstrably higher visibility in society than the percentage would normally show. Quotas in television, film, the news media and high-profile jobs given to LGBT+ people show how skewed the system is today. The original argument was that they should be shown to reflect their position in society but it has gone way beyond that. Anyone could be forgiven for thinking that the figure was very much higher than 7.1% by the very presence of so many displaying, and even promoting, any deviance from God’s ordained way for men and women to behave.

Many now mock the Bible.  Some don’t believe what it says and others may think that it is outdated. The inhabitants of ancient Sodom and Gomorrah were evil and their end was most unpleasant as the Bible records their depravity and its results (see Genesis 19:12-29). It would surely benefit those who are currently involved in the behaviour discussed herein to review and change their lifestyle.

There is still time but it appears that they are set on doing their own thing and it will not end well for them, or for anyone who lives a lifestyle which is not compatible with Biblical instruction. We conclude today as we did in our original Q&A on transgenderism, mentioned above, by repeating the following paragraph:

“It is a sad fact that today the biblical approach is one that is scorned and disregarded which is very dangerous to do. We should have love and concern for those who are engaged in these practices, loving the sinner but hating the sin. God instructs us in His way which is always for our own good and we ignore it at our peril. Transgender practices, along with many other sexual sins, are not to be part of any true Christian’s life. Such practices will not be allowed in the Kingdom of God and that should be enough proof for anyone with an open mind and a willing heart.”

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

compiled by Dave Harris

“Prophecies for Russia, Ukraine, Germany, the USA and NATO!” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is a summary:

The Bible speaks about an emerging power bloc in the Far East and another power bloc in Europe, all opposed to NATO and the USA. These developments are already happening now, behind the scenes. Some speak about the end of the “American Empire,” as well as the end of NATO. What does this all mean, and WHY is it happening?

“The Rise and Fall of Germany and Europe,” is the working title of a new booklet written by Evangelist Norbert Link. This booklet has entered the first review cycle.

“Taufe im Namen der Dreieinigkeit?” is the title of this Sabbath’s German sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Baptism in the Name of the Trinity?”

“Das Geheimniss der zwei Bäume,” the sermonette presented last Sabbath in Germany by Andreas Raetz, is now posted. Title in English: “The Secrets of the Two Trees.”

“The World Needs Godly Love,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Paul Niehoff, is now posted. Here is a summary:

There is a lack of true godly love in the world. The Bible explains what this love really is and how to express it.

“Prayer,” the sermon presented last Sabbath by Rene Messier, is now posted. Here is a summary:

This sermon addresses the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God through prayer. It also emphasizes the need to follow the biblical admonitions given to us in regard to prayer.

Spring Holy Days: Passover—April 5, 2023 (observed the evening before); Feast of Unleavened Bread—April 6-12, 2023; Pentecost—May 28, 2023.